By YM/Cpl Michael Manley Atlantic Coast (FL) Editor’s Note: A story about Pastor Harold Lawrence and his son, Josh Brantner, appeared in a previous issue of Esprit. This account is written by a Young Marine and shows that the story of Josh Brantner made quite an impression on him. The Atlantic Coast Young Marines recently had the best drug lesson of a lifetime.We got to meet a father and son who were affected by drugs and alcohol. We heard how it changed their lives forever. Our Unit Commander, Ms. Gibbons and XO, GySgt Michael Vi- cente arranged a very special night for us.They had asked Pas- tor Harold Lawrence and his stepson, Josh Brantner, to come and speak to us. Harold married Josh’s mother and adopted Josh when he was a little boy. He told us that as Josh got to be a teenager all the girls loved him because he was so handsome and he was a good athlete. He did well in school and began attending Florida State Col- lege in Jacksonville, FL. Whatever Josh did seemed to do very well. But everything changed because of a bad decision. While at college,Josh began abus- ing drugs and alcohol. In 2001 Josh went to a party that lasted all night long. During that party Josh used alcohol, marijuana and ecstasy, a recreational drug. In the Young Marines, we are taught that drugs and alcohol can make you do crazy things. For some reason, Josh had climbed up into a tree. Josh wasn’t thinking of the danger, because the alcohol and drugs affected his mind. While he was up in the tree he slipped and fell thirty feet and landed on concrete. Early in the morning, Pastor Harold and his family were at church when some of Josh’s friends came to tell them what happened to Josh. Harold said that it was the worst moment of his life. At the hospital, the medical personnel weren’t even going to let Pastor Harold see Josh because they thought it wasn’t his son (Josh was underage and he was carrying a fake ID). The hospital was preparing to call another family and tell them their son was in an accident and probably would not survive. Somehow, hospital staff allowed them to see Josh. Harold said that Josh was so badly hurt that he almost didn’t believe that it was him. He said he had to lift his eyelids to look at his eyes. Once Harold saw his son’s eyes, he knew it was Josh and said that he was never so afraid, because he thought Josh was going to die. Pastor Harold said that machines were keeping Josh alive and that Josh was then in a coma for months. Doctors told Josh’s parents to prepare themselves because they expected him to die soon. They said that even if he lived he would be in a vegetative state because he had such exten- sive brain injuries. One day,Josh squeezed his mother’s arm.Harold said he knew it wasn’t a reflex, and he was right. Josh started to come back to them. Harold said Josh has spent a great amount of time in hos- pitals and in rehabilitation facilities. He is unable to walk or talk, but he has come further than the doctors thought would be possible. Josh can understand everything and even communicate in his own ways. When Harold or any of us asked a ques- tion, sometimes Josh would answer. He would put one finger up for “yes”, and two fingers up for “no”. He also communicates using sign lan- guage. Doctors said that Josh would never use his legs, but Harold stands him up and helps him stand and take steps. In the Young Marines, I have been given education about drugs. We hand out anti-drug information at events, we have classes and do DDR hours. I have given presentation classes about drug abuse in order to earn my DEA device. Despite everything that I have ever done or learned, noth- ing made me understand how dangerous drugs are more than meeting Josh and Harold. Harold said something that I will never forget: One night and just one bad choice changed Josh’s life forever. That is all it took. One time. I know after meeting Josh that I will never make that mistake. Harold showed us a movie with pictures of Josh, from when he a child to when he started college. Then, we saw photos taken after the accident. Josh didn’t look like the same per- son. He was in the pictures laughing with friends and family, playing all sports, surfing, going to his prom, and then in his wheelchair. Harold and Josh travel the country to talk to kids and teens. They want us all to see what can happen to help save lives. They showed me and I will always remember. I wish everyone could have a chance to meet them. “Nothing made me understand how dangerous drugs are...” Atlantic Coast Young Marines and Josh Brantner, center. One night and just one bad choice changed Josh’s life forever. That is all it took. One time. I know after meeting Josh that I will never make that mistake. YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE EDITION • Vol.2 • 2017 • 31