WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Coffee Bar Manager Serves Up Inspiration
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Josh Pelfry lost his legs in a motorcycle accident.
STATESBORO, GA --If the smell of coffee doesn't draw people in, Josh Pelfry's enthusiasm just might. He's getting to know his customers at Zach's Brews, the new coffee bar in the Georgia Southern Henderson Library.
"They all have their favorites and you know how to make it for them, just what they want," he explained.
Over mochas and lattes, the former GSU student hears their troubles of shakeups, breakups and make up exams. In this coffee-crazed culture, baristas have become the professional listeners that bartenders and psychologists used to be.
But with one glimpse behind the counter, even the most troubled customer realizes Josh has seen more than his share. The motorcycle accident in Savannah two years ago that claimed his girlfriend and his legs happened in a instant.
"The next thing I remember was someone asking me if there was anybody I wanted them to call. I remember saying no. Then I woke up two and a half months later in the Savannah hospital from a drug induced coma," he recalled.
With only a two percent chance to live after that, he recovered slowly over the next few months in the hospital. He made the difficult choice to amputate his right leg over keeping it with a barely mobile metal rod to hold it together
He credits part of his attitude now to teenage years living with a grandfather who lost his legs to diabetes. His determination inspires those who may have expected just a cup of coffee.
"I would be mad at the world some days myself but he's always smiling. Never seen him have a bad day yet," confided librarian Barbara Gillard, who works the desk near Zach's.
"You think about problems you might have and its nothing compared to what he's overcome," added Josh's boss Tom Palfy.
When he returns to classes, the former computer science major wants to study psychology.
"I've gotten through so much drama, downfall and loss and still work myself back up to a point I'm happy. Hopefully I can do that with other people," Josh related.
Those around him say he already has in his caffeinated clinic. Josh plans to take classes again beginning this summer.
Reported by Dal Cannady, dcannady@wtoc.com
