Lauri and Josh: Part I

January 22, 2008

Bravotv.com was fortunate enough to speak to Lauri and her son, Josh, in a very candid conversation. We tried to ask the questions we know our readers would want asked, and we thank Lauri and Josh for being so open. Come back for Part II after next week's reunion.

Bravotv.com: Josh, I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention to the blogs on our site ….

Josh: I always wondered why they were so interested ….

Lauri: I have my opinion, Josh. You know what? Josh was really open and honest with his problems and I think that people can totally relate. Nobody’s perfect – everybody’s got problems. And I think that when you open up and expose those types of things, I think you draw people in because they’ve got those problems too and they want to know how is he handling it, how is he facing it. And I think everyone, even from my blog comments, what I’ve gotten is that everyone is concerned about Josh. Everyone wants to see him succeed. Everyone wants the best for him, and he’s cute! Add your comments, [Josh], I’m sure you have more, but that’s just how I see it.

Josh: Like you said, I try to be a nice person. I try to treat people, definitely not in my past, but …. I think people see that I’m not happy being a screw-up. I’m not accepting of it like most people are. I’m not a scumbag. I see the mistakes that I’m making and even though I make them over and over, I go, “Why, why am I doing this?” So, I think people know that there’s hope and people, they all have the optimism that I do, and that they feel in me, and they just keep checking in.

There are one hundred and forty comments so far. Add yours! Permalink

Comments

michelle wrote:

Josh,
I think you are very brave to be so open. There is hope for you, you can overcome the things in your past. Don't let anyone make you think you will always be one way. We are pulling for you, please don't give up! I will be praying for you.

Michelle

posted on January 22, 2008 at 11:17 PM

Pam Phillips wrote:

Dear Josh, It was so great to see you. At the end of last week's show, when you entered the house with your mom, I just had big tears coming down my cheeks. You can do this. I have 2 nephews, who have had many problems. My nephew, by blood, is Bipolar, and has addictive diseases. It is an ongoing battle, and will be for the rest of his life. Since he was 18 yrs. of age, he has been in juvenile, jail 3 times, and it is so heartbreaking. Because deep inside, he is a good, kind, loving person. Addiction is a disease, and I feel you are doing great. Josh, you may find this hard to believe, but, I have prayed for you many, many, times and will continue to do so. I think you are definetly on the right track. You have a family that loves you dearly, and wants the best for you. Take care, and again, I am so happy you are doing much better. Pam Phillips

posted on January 23, 2008 at 7:31 AM

Geri wrote:

Josh,
I 'm glad you were there for your mom's wedding. I was moved by your reaching out and your honesty. I hope with George as your new step-dad, more positive opportunities will come your way and you'll be surrounded by more positive friends. Your family esp. your mom sure love you alot. You are blessed. --Praying for you. -- Geri

posted on January 23, 2008 at 7:49 AM

helen wrote:

Josh,
The therapist said one thing really worth remembering - happiness and escape are two different things. Don't settle for escape - happiness is what you're really searching for and it's what you deserve.
And you're stronger than you know - we all are.

posted on January 23, 2008 at 8:22 AM

deb wrote:

josh
you are awesome! you can do this-ive seen someone right in my own family beat drugs- the only thing that is in your "genetic make-up" is that- youre an overcomer- just like God made you!-stick with it brother- we love you and are praying for you over here in connecticut!

lauri-
you have an incredible son!-we love how much love you have for him and will never give up on him!

fan in connecticut
:)

posted on January 23, 2008 at 8:32 AM

Asian Jen wrote:

Joshy poo,
I miss you and I do know you're a wonderful person. Everything will work itself out in the end. and i have faith in you. you better come back here so we can all go boardin and go hang out and stuff. well congratulations to you're mother. i'm happy for her. i wish i could've met her! but anyhow. much loves and best wishes

posted on January 23, 2008 at 8:46 AM

Nads wrote:

Just my opinion for what it is worth: Josh, you are extremely intelligent. In fact, watching last night's episode, you had more insight than the therapist. You were very honest and that is very noble of you. You have a mother whose love for you is unconditional. Even in her happy moments, she is still thinking about you. You are lucky that she is there for you so much. Please take good care of her! Laurie, you are an awesome mom. Your kids have nothing but the best to say about you. I am so happy that you finally found peace in your life , but then again, you are a good person and that was to be expected. Please keep us updated about Josh and remember, it will pass.
Nads

posted on January 23, 2008 at 8:56 AM

ruby wrote:

I think everyone is blaming Josh alone. It seems as though the parent has no fault in how this came all about. I think you guys should look for a new psychotherapist, maybe one that can view both sides and place blame on maybe both ends, not just on one.

BTW-the wedding was beautiful. I am sure that there are more wonderful moments that we were unable to see. :(

Thanks.

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:11 AM

Kelly wrote:

I love the fact that Lauri opens up with Josh and touches subjects that everyone has.I admire her for that and I think she is a wonderful mother. I hope that Josh keeps up the good work. Congrats on the wedding it was beautiful and I hope Lauri has the best life ever, she deserves it!

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:17 AM

Francy wrote:

Lauri,
I think you are a great mom. I hope you and George have a happy life together. I hope ya'll come back for another season.

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:20 AM

Maureen wrote:

Lauri,
Best of Luck with your son. Your wedding was beautiful, but I must say, since meeting George, you have become too materialistic. It seems all you talk about is what new item you've gotten, etc. You make it seem like an accomplishment, it is really just marrying rich. However, I do not doubt your love for George. Finally, you are a beautiful girl, go easy on the plastic surgery. You don't need anymore. Last night's episode made you look a little scary.
Maureen

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:32 AM

Sarah wrote:

Hey, Lauri and Josh,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your family with Real Housewives viewers. Josh, I actually was a "perfect child" until I was in my early twenties and I made a series of mistakes, the consequences of which I am still dealing with in my late twenties, and will be for the rest of my life. At least as a teenager you have made the realization that your future is so important, and you still have time to make things right before the world is really down your throat. You are very intelligent and articulate, and you seem to have the right idea. Always remember how important your family is no matter what your life is like. With family by your side, you can accomplish anything with the utmost confidence. Good luck to you in forging your bright future! And Lauri, you set a great example for me as a mother, and I am very happy for you and George. Best of luck for your new life together. Cheers!

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:38 AM

Ella wrote:

Josh & Lauri,
My brother went through the same thing, and he is ten years older than me. He went through a very similar struggle, we lived in a very toxic household with my dad. My father was very demanding, an overachiever who expected us to be as wealthy and "perfect" as he is. When my mom divorced him, it was better and worse because she was focusing on reconstructing her life and working very hard to provide for us that I watched him stumble. It was tough because I did not have contact with my biological father anymore and the only person other than my mother that I had to lean upon was on a downward spiral. My mom too finally found love, and was getting remarried to an amazing man who made all our mother's dreams come true (happiness, love, finacial security) and I had the father figure I always needed. My brother could not except this new change, because he always found change to be a further destruction. He was older so he knew alot more than I did in what was happening growing up with my dad. My mom didn't kick him out, but he had to choose between drugs/alcohol or our family. He chose drugs. I didn't see my brother for a least a year and it was tough. I cried for weeks. One day, the doorbell rang and there was my brother, looking a ghost of the guy I knew. He knew he needed help but it was a little time before he himself could admit it without making excuses. All he knew was pain, and he finally realized my mother and I (and my step-father and his kids) were there for him and loved him unconditionally. It's been fifteen years since then. Today, my brother is very successful in real estate, he's married with children, happy, healthy, and devotes his time helping other young people who were in the same situation that he was in. I look up to my brother and I talk to him everyday, and knowing that he's here with us (mentally and physically) is one of the biggest joys in my life.
When I first saw your story, and watched it develop throughout the seasons, I could relate in so many ways. I wish that you can both find the love and happiness that our family has found through all our troubles.

Love,
Ella
Palm Beach, FL

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:38 AM

Kelly wrote:

Josh,
To you I say best of luck! You've taken the first step to change your life and that is a huge move. You have a loving mother and terrific family. The support of a loving mother and a gift of great family and friends is important. You have all of these. Embrace it and build a bright future for yourself.
Lauri,
What a fabulous friend, mother and wife you are. I see but only love in your heart for everything. You are a beautiful person inside and out! Congradulations to you and George! Best wishes! Your wedding was absolutely goregous and as a bride-to-be, have inspired me with beautiful ideas for my own outside wedding. Thank you!!
Kelly

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:42 AM

susan wrote:

Josh,
It takes alot of strength to go on national television and talk openly about your problems. This is the first step of many and things will get better if you keep going forward. Family is so important and they will be there to help. Good luck Josh.
Susan

posted on January 23, 2008 at 9:55 AM

Jermaine wrote:

I am sooooo happy for you lauri. I believe you have been through alot and you deserve what ever happiness comes your way. may god bless you and george.

posted on January 23, 2008 at 10:01 AM

Phil Anderson wrote:

Lauri,

Were you ever a man? Each episode you look more and more like a transvestite. And you talking about how you're going to "do" Bali and maybe Dubai, shows how pompous you really are. You were probably two weeks away from hustling BJ's on the corner to pay the rent and now you act like you're on of the Rockefellers. Anyway, you'll be divorced in 3 years and how about some botox for those 80 year old looking hands of yours? Best of luck to you.

Phil

posted on January 23, 2008 at 10:16 AM

alisha wrote:

wea

posted on January 23, 2008 at 10:19 AM

Mindy wrote:

Lauri, your wedding was so beautiful. When you first started dating George on the show, I wasn't sure he was right for you. But as your relationship developed from what we saw on the show, I think you guys are perfect. He seems every bit as sweet as you are. Your devotion to Josh is incredible and I wish you and your family all the happiness you deserve. Loved the idea of throwing rose petals as you walked back down the aisle w/George. And yes, the dress you wore to the bridal shower was fabulous. Thank you for being such an inspiration and role model to women and mothers everywhere.

posted on January 23, 2008 at 11:01 AM

soneta wrote:

congrats Lauri to you and George... he's such an amazing person... and i am so happy forthe both of you... congrats once again... your wedding was so beautiful and charming.. i got teary wen it got to your daughter saying her speech...

posted on January 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Linda wrote: