So mom and I set off on adventure today to look a the two LTAC facilities approved by Kaiser. It didn't start off well. We pulled up to the first facility (which was massive) and into the parking garage (equally massive) and instantly got lost. after about 10 minutes of looking for a space while maintaining our sense of direction we found an exit and promptly took it. It dumped us out right in front of a valet parking kiosk. We jumped at the opportunity, handed over the keys and headed inside.
Then things got worse. This particular LTAC is on the 5th floor of a larger hospital and as soon as mom and I got off the elevator we both new this wasn't the place. It looked like something from a movie about bad hospitals. It was loud, narrow hallways, small rooms and just all around yucky. The coordinator we met with was great, but not great enough to overcome the rest of the situation. We stayed about half an hour and then beat a retreat. I think at that moment both of us began to pray, "Lord, please let the next one be better!"
And it was! The second facility was a stand alone, with it's own parking lot (off to a good start) and things continued on well from there. The coordinator was great, the facility was spotless and they had the right answers to the 20 questions we put together last night. What a relief! They had already called Kaiser and had received approval for Joanne to come there which was great.
So the long and the short of it is that Joanne is headed to her new home tomorrow morning! She will be transported by ambulance and mom and I will follow along behind. The cool things:
Family has 24 hour visitation
The facility is secure, meaning you can't just wander in--you have to be check in by the front desk lady before you head upstairs, and if you aren't on the list, you aren't getting in! Love this since the floor at Littleton was not secure.
I will get my own wi-fi account on their network so I can keep doing blogs and twitter updates.
There are huge windows in every room looking out on huge trees. There is so much light in every room.
Clean, clean, clean!
Friendly staff
Free soft drinks, coffee and iced tea
We can decorate Joanne's room however we want
There is a ton more good stuff, but this gives you a flavor. The only real drawback is that it is half an hour away from our house. But a little extra commute time is no big deal to get Joanne in the right place. Love what our coordinator said, "This isn't a day spa, this is a place where patients come to do the hard work of getting better." Love that!
I will write a post tomorrow on Joanne's progress over the last 24 hours. It's pretty cool!
Toben
So glad to hear you found the right place!!!
Posted by: Liz | January 27, 2011 at 08:16 PM
What wonderful news! : )
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | January 27, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Praise God for an answered prayer! Sounds like He certainly gave you that clear sense of which was the right place for Joanne!
Posted by: Carrie | January 27, 2011 at 08:18 PM
I love to see again and again how God is just ALL OVER this entire journey. His hand is in each and every movement, and today: making a decision that you may otherwise have agonized over clear and simple. Praise Him!
Continuing to pray for your lovely bride's restoration... and for you, Audrey and Emma... and for the rest of your family and friends who are walking alongside you.
Posted by: Nikki | January 27, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I've been praying you would just "know" the right place and all be in agreement. So cool.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 27, 2011 at 08:28 PM
Oh wonderful news!! I am so thankful you found the right place for Joanne. I continue to pray for her and your sweet family. Looking forward to your post tomorrow about Joanne's continued progress. Praise God!!
Blessings
Jennifer (from CA)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 27, 2011 at 08:29 PM
I just knew y'all would know when you were there!!! Thankfully it was soooo clear! So stinkin happy and celebrating it all with you! I will be praying for her tomorrow as the move is made. Oh, please tell her how much she is loved!!!!
((hugs))
Posted by: Fran | January 27, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Praise God for answered prayer....still praying.
Posted by: Mary Lou | January 27, 2011 at 08:39 PM
I'm very excited for all God is doing with Joanne. It continues to be such a blessing to pray for you and your family.
Posted by: Rachel | January 27, 2011 at 08:42 PM
So excited to hear how she's doing! Praise the Lord for leading you to the perfect home-away-from-home for Joanne! We love you, girl!! Your determination and spunk are going to TAKE YOU PLACES!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 27, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Praise Him! It so wonderful you found a great place!
Posted by: Laurie | January 27, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Praise God for option #2!! Praying for more good news about her progress.
Posted by: Julia | January 27, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Oh this is just fantastic news! Having a personalized room will be so good for her. She'll be able to see all the special touches that you all will provide and I pray she'll make great strides every day.
Posted by: Becky | January 27, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Toben,
I do not know you nor your family. I happened upon Joanne's blog linked by another blog. I have checked in periodically to see how she is doing. Please know that even strangers are rooting for Joanne and her recovery and for you and the rest of your family. May God continue to bless you and give you and Joanne strength. Her recovery thus far is just amazing, and your strength for your wife is so impressive, Toben. You and your girls keep up the great work. Joanne obviously can feel how she loved she is and it is working!
Posted by: Lynne | January 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
I read this and thought, "He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it." I know, my own slant on Philippians 1:6 . . . but God created Joanne and your family, He knew this would happen, and He's providing each step of the way to complete her renewal for His glory. Each step of this process is such a beautiful testimony. Thank you for your faithfulness to share.
Posted by: Amy | January 27, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Thank You Lord...You answered with an explaination point!!!!! Praying on in Michigan.
Posted by: Lynn Hall | January 27, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Miracles come in so many shapes, forms, and spaces. You can have more than one. They can be big or small. They can be an answer to a deeply longed for prayer or as simple as a shampoo and lovely face free of tubes. Here is to just one more of the many miracles for your Joanne and her wonderful family. You are prayed for.
Posted by: Auntie Mip | January 27, 2011 at 09:15 PM
He looks out for His children! Praise God! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to hear more updates to adjust prayers for you all! Sara from Oklahoma
Posted by: Sara G | January 27, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Thanks for the regular updates, Toben. All will be well! Definitely!
Posted by: Puva | January 27, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Love watching God work like He owns the place! Praying for a smooth transition tomorrow in every single way. Sleep in peace tonight Toben.
Posted by: Brad & Kim Oaster | January 27, 2011 at 09:26 PM
I am another person who has not had the privledge of having met your lovely family. I have stumble across this blog from a facebook friend. Know that God has all of Your "names written on the palm of his hand." Your blogs have been an encouragement for many. Praying for your family, Pat
Posted by: Pat | January 27, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Continuing to lift you in prayer. So glad you found a facility that meets all your criteria. What a beautiful example you all are to so many.
Posted by: heidi | January 27, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Toben, Your love for Joanne is so evident! Definitely praying for you all, that you keep your courage up...I know God's going to carry you all the way through this!
Posted by: Linda | January 27, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Thank you God! I have been praying for your wife and family, and I am so thankful for how faithful our God is. I'll keep praying :) Love ya'll!
Posted by: Bee | January 27, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Great that you have found a new 'home away from home' for the next few weeks/months and that it meets your specifications. Anxious to hear about J's progress tomorrow.
I'm in Houston and hearing about Rep. Gabby in rehab several times a day .... it's hard not to compare with J but know every injury is different and every body heals in it's own way.
God Bless you and the girls as you continue this unchosen detour in life.
Posted by: Lynn | January 27, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Oh, I'm so glad you found a nice place for Joanne. What a blessing! We will continue to pray for Joanne's therapy at the LTAC that you guys chose. And we'll pray for the transport tomorrow morning as well. Love you guys and am praising the Big Guy tonight for providing for you.
Posted by: Jessica VM | January 27, 2011 at 10:11 PM
So glad you found the right place! God is so good and clearly is leading you every step of the way! Can't wait to hear about Joanne's progress!
Praying for all these new situations to go smoothly and trusting God is meeting each of you as only HE can!
Bless you Toben!
Posted by: Loren | January 27, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Wonderful news! I love how God provides.
I am following you with prayer every step of the way.
Blessings,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | January 27, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Sounds like a great place for recovery - love the 'this is not a day spa' line! Though you all deserve a Month at a 'day' spa after this. :) Praying for continued healing and safe travels tomorrow.
Posted by: Teri | January 27, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Oh God is so good! I am rejoicing that you have found such a wonderful LTAC for Joanne! What a blessing! I am sure she will recover more quickly in a place like that!
Posted by: Barbie | January 27, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Dear Mr. Heim, we are so happy God provided the right place for Joanne's complete recovery and for you guys' peace of mind! God is good, yes he is.
Scrolling down on this blog to be able to blog, a word caught my attention; (stranger) an stranger's post, blessing you guys and saying he is being following you for a while! I know to us in this realm He might be an stranger since none of you know him, but as soon as I was finished reading his post God said, he is not an stranger to me, my children hear my voice and they obey! Thank God for those strangers, that had been praying for Joanne, Thank you Jesus!....The children of God hear His voice and they come! Love you Guys!
Posted by: The Coffins | January 28, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Continuing my praise to God for all the good that happened today!!
Psalm 21:1-2
"How great is his joy in the victories you give!
You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips."
Thank you Jesus!!
I will not stop praying until Joanne's miracle is complete!!
Posted by: Colette | January 28, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Amen! What's an hour drive when the 2nd one had all the right answers to your 20 questions...So glad God answered your prayers..Praying that Joanne gets everything she will need (support, comfort, exercise, and recovery). Love to hear the updates. I came from Beth Moore's blog when she asked for prayers for Joanne and family...Praying all goes well.
Posted by: Patty | January 28, 2011 at 01:12 AM
Praise God! So glad He showed you which place to go! Continuing to pray in NC!
And the God of peace shall guard your hearts and mind.
Posted by: sue | January 28, 2011 at 03:05 AM
You are so right...the best place is worth a drive. When we were in this position with my husband's father we ended up moving his Mom an hour to be with us so that he could be in the best facility we knew.
It really makes a difference! So happy that you are pleased with your choice. It sounds amazing! Also such a blessing that the decision was obvious.
Now, the prayers continue for Joanne's recovery.
Posted by: Becky K. | January 28, 2011 at 04:36 AM
What a difference a week makes. So encouraged by all the good news as of late. I will continue to pray for all of you during this next phase of your journey. May we always remember God's faithfulness. So glad to hear that Joanne is on the path to healing. Be blessed Heims.
Posted by: Christine H. | January 28, 2011 at 04:43 AM
So very thankful to hear once again how God has His hand guiding each step. What a day today will be. The first step of many more big steps and accomplishments for Joanne. May you continue to feel the peace that you feel right now. This is where you get a little more room to breathe. To take it all in, and to begin to make sense of it. Tobin, be sure to take care of yourself. Having been in your shoes 12 years ago, I remember the day that rehab started for my husband. There is a team....you are part of that, the decisions have been made, the caregivers can care, and you can start to relax a little bit. Give yourself permission to do this. I pray that you will continue to feel the love of family, friends and our gracious God. Continued blessings!!
Posted by: Heather | January 28, 2011 at 05:08 AM
so happy you found the right place! It sounds great!
Posted by: Tara | January 28, 2011 at 05:25 AM
Praise God for the "right place", more prayers answered! Can't wait to hear how the first day goes in Joanne's new "get better place"! Hope you have a really blessed day, HUGS and continued prayers from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | January 28, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Happy tears, once again! Can't wait to hear about Joanne's continued progress... still praying for all of you!
Posted by: julie | January 28, 2011 at 06:00 AM
Wonderful. Simply Wonderful.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 28, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Love how God made it crystal clear which facility was to be for Joanne! Every step of this journey God has obviously carried you!
Posted by: Lee Ann Lee | January 28, 2011 at 06:20 AM
Today I clicked on a link from a blog that I had never been on before and here I am. I am sending you all my best wishes and think of you and your family and I will be looking further back at Joanne's previous posts - I love them already.
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | January 28, 2011 at 06:26 AM
So happy to hear that you are at peace with her new rehab facility. I hope that the move will be easy on Joanne and that eveyone settles in gently. Still praying!!
Posted by: kana | January 28, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Dear Toben,
It's as if the Lord took you to the first place, so that he could get your attention to all the details.
I live in a very rural area, so a half an hour is nothing for me to drive just to get groceries. ;o)
I'm excited for Joanne, for you and for the girls!
Blessings!!!
Posted by: Maribeth | January 28, 2011 at 06:47 AM
I clicked on this blog a week and 1/2 ago after getting an message from Family Talk to pray for Joanne and your family. I've been faithful reading this each day and you've been our prayers daily. Every morning my kids and I do devotions right before they head out to school and this morning we read from Proverbs 3. The Hymn "God will take care of you" popped in my head and after reading your entry today the Lord just told me to share this with you. It was such a blessing to see Him lead you to the right place for Joanne to spend the next few months. It's just so awesome to see how God does take care of us. Were praying for you!!
Posted by: Kris | January 28, 2011 at 06:56 AM
it sounds awesome!! so grateful for the huge answer to prayer. i'm sure we would all love it if you could post pictures of her room after she is settled in (i know i would love to see it!).
Posted by: katie | January 28, 2011 at 07:11 AM
So glad you found a good place for Joanne to recover. My prayer is that God gives Joanne the determination to fight her way back to you and the girls in a way that will leave us speechless, and give us more reason to praise him and thank him for what he has done. It is so awesome to experience the desire to love and pray for someone you never met. What an awesome God we serve!! Continuing to pray for you and your family here in Alabama
Posted by: Gina Roberts | January 28, 2011 at 07:15 AM
So pleased you found the right place for Joanne! (Also, so pleased you can keep us updated!) Praying she has a safe and uneventful trip to her new place!
Barb from CNY
Posted by: Barb Motyka | January 28, 2011 at 07:16 AM
I also am happy to hear of you finding a wonderful place for Joanne to recover that you feel peace with. Although we have never met, I feel a connection with your family through this blog that God led me too. We will continue to pray for the entire family. Joanne's blog has brought inspiration to me and I can see how much she loves her family and how much she herself is loved! Psalm 18 " The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer: my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower."
Posted by: Joyce Denen | January 28, 2011 at 07:29 AM
I found The Simple Wife through another blogger's site... and I have followed and prayed for Joanne and the rest of the family since hearing about Joanne's stroke.. And PRAISED Him for everything, including the disappointments.. As I was reading your last post, I was completely consumed by the Holy Spirit and I just love that confirmation! I can't wait to here Joanne's story once she has fully recovered!
Posted by: NW Ohio | January 28, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Toben,
I hope you know that that was all totally an answer to my prayers for you. God did indeed make it very clear! I love the fact that you have 24 hour visitation with her...how awesome is that! I am hoping this will be the place where God's glory is shown to new heights....where our sweet Joanne is completly RESTORED and completely HEALED! Amen! :)
Loving you guys and thinking of you so so so very often!
In Him,
Andrea S.
Minnesota
"Heal me Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I PRAISE!" Jeremiah 17:14
Posted by: Andrea S. | January 28, 2011 at 07:40 AM
Glad you found the right place. Continue to pray for you all.
Posted by: Stacy | January 28, 2011 at 08:06 AM
Praying this morning's transition will go smoothly and that God's peace will rest on your shoulders. I will still pray for Joanne as I pass by Littleton Hospital, though -- as I drive by each day, I think of and pray for her. Admire your strength so much, Toben -- this is going to be a story for the ages.
Posted by: Karen Booker Schelhaas | January 28, 2011 at 08:06 AM
Good morning!
What wonderful news, Toben!! So happy to hear (read) that you and your mom found a wonderful place for Joanne to rehab! I like the comment about it not being a "day spa"! Prayers just continue being answered!! God is good - ALL THE TIME!! Thank you, again, for your daily updates! I look for them every morning and say a prayer of thanksgiving for blessings you are receiving, and Joanne, for all the help she's receiving and will receive in the coming months! All of you are in my thoughts & prayers daily. Thank God for family, right??? AMEN!
God bless!!!
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | January 28, 2011 at 08:38 AM
So glad to hear that you've found a great place for Joanne. Awesome news! Still praying for you guys everyday!!
Posted by: Lindsey | January 28, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Hi - this is my first time commenting. I have been following Joanne's story since the day or two after her stroke. I am an RN (one of those "night shift heroes" as you referred to us) and I'm a Christian. I live in Central Florida. I have been praying your Joanne and your whole family every day and checking the blog for updates. Sounds like you found a wonderful place for Joanne to continue her recovery. May God continue to provide for you, bless you, and carry you. Love in Christ -
Janet
Posted by: Janet K | January 28, 2011 at 09:01 AM
Praise God for the blessings! I have never commented until today. I was introduced to The Simple Wife a day after the stroke and have been following the updates daily. It is amazing to see others sisters in christ come together to left up Joanne in prayer. Even complete strangers like me are moved by the Holy Spirit to pray for her and the family. Nehemiah 9:5 "Stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." Amen
Kim
Posted by: Kimberly Thom | January 28, 2011 at 09:27 AM
So glad you found a place that will take good care of Joanne...and help her reach the goal we all want...Joanne getting better and getting back home:)
Posted by: Leah C | January 28, 2011 at 09:55 AM
So excited to hear about all the wonderful things God has planned for this new chapter in your lives. Knowing that He will be with each of you every step of the way. Hold fast to His promises, He loves you so very much.
Psalm 40:5 "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Many prayers being said from this momma's heart.
Posted by: Kerry | January 28, 2011 at 10:10 AM
We are continuing to pray for her and your family. God bless!
Posted by: mindy teszlewicz | January 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Checking daily...actually, more than once a day for your updates, Toben. Thank you for your faithfulness in keeping us posted on not only the encouraging days, but also for being so 'real' in the discouraging ones, as that speaks to the weakness in us all; God's promise to carry us through these times! You are all in my prayers throughout each day and what a blessing to see 'the prayers of many' answered...for Joanne's healing, for your strength and for the girls experiencing such love from so many!
As a parent, my heart aches for Kay and Charlie as they walk through this valley with their children, but I know their faith is unwavering...to God will be the Glory!
I am also excited to find Joanne's blog through all of this! What a blessing to 'see' her love of Christ and passion for sharing His teachings daily. What a wonderful gift she has for putting it all on 'paper'! And even now she, and all of you, are reaching so many with the 'Good News'!
-----with love and constant prayers as you make the transition to LTAC and the road ahead.
Posted by: Susan Moher | January 28, 2011 at 10:32 AM
YAY!!
So excited for all of you
Praise GOD!!
We look forward to hearing about Jo's
progress!! :)
Posted by: Kim - connorcolesmom | January 28, 2011 at 10:34 AM
oh, that sounds GREAT. I hope the move today goes well. We are praying!
Posted by: blessed | January 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Toben, bless you all on this journey. I am so glad that God is moving in a way you seem to be able to see and feel. Praying for all of you and, of course, for Joanne. Hang tight. Feel His arms supporting you. Rest in Him.
Posted by: Debbie | January 28, 2011 at 01:08 PM
It will be ok. God is with you and your family.
Lots of love.
Posted by: Amy Morgan | January 28, 2011 at 01:37 PM
I learned about your challenges from Angie Smith's blog, Bring the Rain. http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
I check on you all the time and pray. I've heard that our cars are the "modern chapel." Your travels to see your lovely wife will no doubt be times of refreshment in the Lord.
More love and blessings as I rejoice with you in this good report!
Posted by: Michal Ann | January 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM
Praise God! I look forward to hearing about her progress. Please know that you and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Posted by: Joni | January 28, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Toben,
We are so glad that you have found a good place. We are in continuous prayer for you and Joanne and your family. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers and giving us a mircle!
Posted by: Sung Wook Chung | January 28, 2011 at 02:45 PM
Praying that Joanne is all settled today and that things go smoothly. I am thankful she has such a wonderful and supportive family to stand by her during this time.
Blessings to you all Heim family,
Sue and family in Oregon
Posted by: sue | January 28, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Hi Toben - I was Googling something else when a series of clicks - and God, clearly - brought me to this blog. You see, twenty-one years ago today, my mother passed away less than twenty-four hours after suffering a massive stroke. My heart goes out to you, your extended family, and especially your daughters. I will be lifting all of you up in prayer, and my heart is already singing praises to the Lord for your wife's healing!
Posted by: Kristi | January 28, 2011 at 03:56 PM
I haven't written before but I come home from work daily and check in to the blog for updates. I was glad to hear Joanne is ready for rehab.
I pray and hope that you are all blessed with a daily dose of Godly inspiration and strength. Rehabilitation is alot of hard work; many many baby steps towards regaining independence again.
Toben take it one step at a time and a day at a time.
God bless
PS I'm an OT north of the US border
Posted by: northern girl | January 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
So thankful you have found "the place" for Joanne's continued miracle to unfold.
Prayers and blessings continue from So. Cal.and all around the world!
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. It means so much...
Posted by: Pam Houston | January 28, 2011 at 09:49 PM
I'm wondering if Joanne's new facility is Craig. I grew up a few blocks from there, and it is a fantastic place, gives first class treatment. Many miracles have taken place there. And if it's not Craig, I still know miracles are about to happen for Joanne in her new LTAC! It's so great to hear that she has come this far in her journey back to full health!
Pam
Hastings, Nebraska
Posted by: Pam K. | January 29, 2011 at 12:23 PM