Joshua Harvey wants to start a trend. This year he decorated his electric wheelchair with Christmas lights, and he wants other folks in wheelchairs to do the same.
Harvey, a paraplegic, will celebrate his 30th Christmas this year. He said that since he was not expected to live to be 14 years old, each year is a blessing.
“And each Christmas I am blessed that God has shined his amazing grace upon me. And I hope that other miracles happen to other paraplegics such as myself and maybe they will see what a true blessing Christmas really is. ... It isn’t about getting gifts. It’s about love, happiness and being with loved ones. And knowing that God above is with us throughout the year,” he said.
Harvey enjoys giving back to the community through volunteer work. He said he volunteers at Indian Path Medical Center three days a week.
“I have always enjoyed being a volunteer for the community. At Indian Path I feel welcome and appreciated,” Harvey said.
Harvey is also a Mason and plans to become a Shriner.
“I am becoming a Shriner because I myself was a patient of Shriners hospital in Greenville, S.C., and I love helping people. And the reason I wanted to become a Mason was to give back the kindness and care they have given me and also help spread the word about never giving up. Never letting anyone tell you that you can’t,” Harvey said. “Life has many, many obstacles that we face each day and we manage to be guided through by God’s amazing glory.”