A Mothers Love

Growing up in Toronto, Joshua Stern did not have the easiest life. Being the baby of the family, very hyper and quite a contrast to the rest of them, Joshua struggled greatly to find his place. Making matters more complicated Joshua used to speak about dreams he would have that would come true, or were too real to be ignored. The dreams and premonitions that came true were very difficult and confusing for Joshua so naturally he turned to his family for support but they, with the exception of his mother, mocked and ridiculed his cry for help and understanding. Joshua, and specifically his father, became increasingly distant after he confided in him about an intense dream he had and he was worried it would come true. The result of which took a major toll and tensions were mounting.

Life outside of home was just as difficult. He struggled to find his place, and when the switch to Grade 7 meant a new school 5 times the size of his old one, things declined rapidly. By the age of 14 he became a victim of sexual assault and constant bullying. The one positive outlet he found was his immense talent and love for sports, but the temporary peace declined quickly as he leaned on drugs and alcohol as well. Unfortunately by his early teens, his struggles and demons began to dominate him. Joshua was mixing with the wrong crowd; he had been kicked out of school, he turned to crime, and the drugs and alcohol abuse was rapidly increasing.

After several years on the wrong side of the tracks, pushing away almost any and everyone that actually cared, losing everything, cheating death more than a few times, and even contemplating suicide, Joshua had a life altering experience. When his mother visited with him one faithful night, she was instrumental in helping Joshua break free from his demons and she helped him begin a path of redemption and fulfillment. The craziest part was she had been dead for 3 years. Share in Joshua’s incredible journey and see how he has turned it around and rededicated himself to helping others. It’s a wonderful story of tragedy, pain, unbelievable horrors, great joy and finally redemption.