Joanne got to come home for a few hours yesterday for our home study. The PT and OT come over and sort of walk through the house and work with Joanne and I on different scenarios that it'll take for her to move back in. It went amazingly well.
First off, Joanne didn't get car sick. Almost every car/van/ambulance ride that she has taken has made her car sick, but this time she was ok. What a relief! So we got to the house and it turns out that our house is actually set up pretty well for Joanne. We don't have to move a lot of furniture or do anything major in order for her to get around.
Well, let me back up and say that Papa has done a lot of work to get the house ready for Joanne. He has installed banisters in all the stairways. We had banister on one side only but now we have banisters on both sides. It is only because of this that Joanne is able to get up and down the stairs. This is a huge help and blessing! In fact, Papa and Emma are over at the house right now staining the banisters to match the ones that were already in. They look so good!
On top of that, he is installing the shower bars in the bathroom. Joanne is really excited to take a nice, long, hot shower in her own bathroom.
But back to the visit: so we did all the transfers and got Joanne moved around the house into all the different scenarios that we might encounter. We wrapped up about 11:15 and Joanne was up for it so we went and picked up the girls at school. They weren't expecting to see her there so it was quite a hit. On top of that the staff that saw her all ran out to the car to give her hugs. It was pretty cool. Can't wait to she can go with me to get the girls every day.
After that, Joanne was still ready for more activity so we went to Gran's house and had lunch. It was so good to see Joanne at the table. Felt very good and right for her to be there. Again, can't wait for the day that this is a regular occurrence!
By this point Joanne was wiped out so we headed back to the hospital and got her tucked in and she took a long nap. The girls and I took off about 4 when Gran and Papa got there. We headed out and picked up a few little things at the mall for the girls (thanks to a kind gift from my folks) and met up with Christine and Shanna. Christine came with us and we hit a local pizza place for dinner. Then it was home to Gran and Papa's for a quiet evening.
Other news of note:
Joanne got cortisone and botox injections in her shoulder and arm this week to relieve some pain and loosen things up. Waiting to see if it works.
We will attending Easter services at the hospital. They have a chaplain there who will do the service tomorrow. Wish we could go to our church but I just don't think Joanne could handle the drive and the stimulation.
Feels like we are in a couple of countdowns--to the end of school and to Joanne coming home. Those two events will likely happen with a just a couple of weeks in between. Joanne will be home sometime around the middle of May and the girls will be out of school a couple of weeks after that. I am really looking forward to this summer. Last summer we moved home from Phoenix so it didn't really feel like we had a great summer because of packing and unpacking. This summer will be way more relaxing. Plus the girls will be around the house to help with anything Joanne needs.
Prayer requests:
1. Pray that Joanne finishes strong at rehab. She is working so hard and we would love to see her power through to the end. She will have out-patient therapy after she is discharged but we would love to get the most out of every remaining day of in-patient.
2. As always, please pray for her spirits. She is so tired of being in the hospital and of not being able to do so many of the things that she used to enjoy. Please pray that she will find new sources of joy!
3. Please pray for the pain in Joanne's shoulder and arm to go away and for her car sickness to resolve. Both of these things make life very difficult for her especially as she is looking toward discharge.
Toben
As always, Joanne has all of my prayers! I was thinking of what a blessing it is that in this time when Christ sacrificed so much for our sins, that he in turn has given your wonderful Joanne another chance at life!
I always thought that my prayers were heard but not significant. Now I have been blessed to see that God answers our prayers,as we have witnessed a true miracle!
Posted by: Maribeth | April 23, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Continuing to pray here in So. Cal. Your family has become so dear to me, although we don't know each other. Thank you for the updates so we know how to pray. Joanne's progress is amazing!
Posted by: Karene | April 23, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Hi Joanne - I understand how frustrating it is to not to be able to do stuff you enjoyed before. I have had to re-learn reading, writing, knitting, etc. But I have also learnt new interests, extended old hobbies, and tried new skills; falconry, archery, photography, painting, gardening.
Keep going. If the US has a Stroke Association it is well worth investigating - they have challenged me to keep on keeping on :)
Much love,
Lynn.x.
Posted by: Lynn | April 23, 2011 at 09:21 AM
This is exciting news. Joanne will be home soon I just know it!
Posted by: Barbie | April 23, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Hi Joanne!
Wow! I've been checking for updates and what fun to read to that you've been out and about again - and with such great success. I think of you often and pray for you each time. I am so thankful for Toben's updates here as they help me to know how to pray for you more specifically. BUT! I anticipate the day that YOU are updating your blog. I've missed you!
Love and blessings!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn W | April 23, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Toben,
Your post brought tears to my eyes, just seeing you all in your home, having lunch at Grans, picking the girls up at school so good to all be together. Soon...for good.
"Jesus, I ask that the Holy Spirit power that raised you from the dead would come and touch Joanne's shoulder pain and car sickness. Would you bring complete healing from those things so she's able to live her life at home with more ease? Thank you for all the healing you've done so far and for giving her the strength she needs. Please continue this strength so she can finish well in rehab. When we are weak, then you are strong, shine strong in Joanne today Jesus! In Your name, Amen".
Posted by: Sandi in MN | April 23, 2011 at 09:39 AM
This is such a modern day miracle!!! Even though I have never met Joanne, I have watched the miracle unfold and am thanking our Lord this Easter for the blessing He has given you all. Tons of hugs, Ginny
Posted by: Ginny | April 23, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Prayers said. God bless!
Posted by: Melissa | April 23, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Another outing!! Wonderful! I am so pleased to hear Joanne, you didn't get car sick!
Joanne you are making leaps and bounds, keep going girl, you've got this thing!
Continuing to pray for your sweet girl, stay strong and trust in Jesus.
Blessings,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | April 23, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Yay for a great outing and you didn't get sick!!! And things will just continue to get better! What a blessing! I hope your family has a wonderful Easter. Always praying for you.
♥ Jodi
Posted by: Jodi | April 23, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Wow! Brings tears (of joy) to my eyes, what a huge day for Joanne! God is good!
Posted by: Linda Hughes | April 23, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Horray for you, Joanne... so thankful you were able to go home for a few hours and get lots of hugs from staff while picking up the girls. Such an exciting journey, and Im so thankful I have found you through your stroke and been following you ever since. You have a husband and family who love the Lord and through the blog, I have been touched by the kindness and positive writings they have posted throughout your journey. I love how they never curse or look at anything or anyone in a bad way... because of that, Im addicted to your blog and life.:)
I love how God worked it all out, as around the time you will be discharged, you will have the girls home to help with whatever. Through that, I know your girls will learn so much and have a more compassionate and patient heart towards those with situations such as yours. That is an awesome life lesson for them. The world needs more compassionate, loving and patient young girls...and while yours already are... this will trully make them EXTRA special girlies!!:)
One more thing, Toben commented on our prayers to go out for you finding new joy in your 'recovery' as you arent able to do some of the things you used to do. May I share something with you? I lost my hearing due to a fall off a dug out at the age of 5, and 21 years later, I still find it amazing how God blessed me with awesome friends, neighbors, strangers, and family who are continually by my side. Because of God placing them in my life and at my side at the right time... Ive learned my joy trully comes from the Lord and for all He has blessed me with through those many unselfish people. I know you will experience the very same thing, the overwhelming support will allow you to forget your lack of ability to do some things. I encourage you to continue being patient and allowing God to meet your needs in a very unique and special way. Jo0anne, would you believe, with my complete hearing loss, Im still touched in a way how beautiful music and piano playing is. Only God can allow me to sense that in a unique way. ONLY GOD!!! So please dont ever forget along the way, your strength, faith and positive attitude will blow the socks off those who come in your path. You are a blessing/miracle!!! Lucky those who are your neighbors and friends and get to see you occasionally. Too bad I live way out in Indiana, but praise God, you have a husband and family who are so willing to share you with US. You are a true inspiration!!
Blessings and a very Happy Easter!!!
Heidi C.
Posted by: heidi carrico | April 23, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Every time I read your blog I want to cry BECAUSE FATHER GOD is SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD
LOTS o LOVE n BIG HUGS to u ALL
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | April 23, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Prayers for endurance, strength and continued recovery. God's blessings on you all this Easter.
Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | April 23, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Shoot--I must have missed her in carline! It's so glarey, and I'm so busy trying to read the names on the signs, I rarely see the people inside the cars!
Toben--Next time you have Joanne with you in carline, yell at me, so I can say "hi"!
Posted by: Julie Porter | April 23, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Prayers coming your way! I pray that your Easter will be FULL of blessings! I am sooo proud of you, Joanne!
HUGS from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | April 23, 2011 at 02:28 PM
So wonderful to hear of her progress. I am continuing to pray.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Dean | April 23, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Praying. I hope you and your family have a blessed Easter.
Posted by: Erin | April 23, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Happy Easter!
I'm so happy/excited/relieved that things are progressing so well. Joanne, I'm still praying for a full recovery for your shoulder and arm, and for peace in all circumstances.
Question... Do you crochet by any chance?
Sheree x
Posted by: seaweedandraine | April 23, 2011 at 09:36 PM
I am still praying for you, Joanne! I am thanking God for all His Miracles!!
Continuing to believe that God will complete His healing in you!! Thank You Jesus!
Posted by: Colette | April 23, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Your family remains on my heart and in my prayers. Just reading this you can feel the progress that is being made. Going home and then feeling up to two more stops....that is so good!! The hard work is definitely paying off. So happy for you....
Praying for the remaining concerns. I know they are huge, but what you have already seen God do was miraculous, so have no fear.
I believe that the ministry Joanne had before was great. It would seem that the audience has gotten a lot bigger and what God wants to do through you now, Joanne, is going to be better than you could even imagine. Just keep getting strong. You are doing so well! I love getting snippets of your words every now and then. Your sense of humor and personality come through loud and strong. Fun!
Blessings on this Easter Morning!
Becky K. in Lancaster County, PA
Posted by: Becky K. | April 24, 2011 at 03:54 AM
So glad things are moving toward normal for your family. Just spending time together around the table and being able to pick her girls up from school. We take so much for granted, but what an amazing blessing! We are heading out to Easter mass soon and your family will certainly be in my prayers as I praise God for all the amazing things He has done, but also to continue to provide healing to Joanne as she moves into the next phase of being home. Lots of prayers and love to your wonderful family!
Posted by: michelek | April 24, 2011 at 07:14 AM
I haven't posted comments here lately, but I am still praying for all of you. Joanne's story is an amazing display of God's power and presence!
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
Posted by: fuzzytop | April 24, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Toben-Still praying for you all. Joanne has made amazing progress! Praising God for that-He is so faithful-Joanne is truly a miracle! Praying that you all have the most amazing summer of your lives. May God bless you all.
Posted by: Esther in Queen Creek, Az | April 24, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Praise the Lord. He is risen and He has been with you all every step of the journey.
I'd never heard of Joanne's blog before I saw another blogger mention the stroke in January and link to the site. Since then, I've checked back every day or so. I'm always so excited to see Joanne's progress. I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed day.
Posted by: Beth | April 24, 2011 at 08:07 AM
Praise God!!! He is soooo good!!! What great news about her not getting car sick this time! All of you continue to be in my prayers! Will definitely pray for the specific things you requested! I know all of you, esp. Joanne, will be ecstatic when she's home!! It's been a long, tough journey, but Joanne has fought so hard!! God bless all of you!
Happy Easter to all of you!!
Posted by: Lynn | April 24, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Wonderfull my heart is whit your family.
Happy Easter and lots of love
Posted by: Eveline from the Netherlands! | April 25, 2011 at 01:49 AM
Thank you once again for taking the time and all the emotional and spiritual effort it takes to share these things on Joanne's Simple Wife blog. Very, very few men would devote so time to communicating like this, and I want you to know I appreciate it, and I know others do too! You both have been awesome examples to all of us as we stand on the sidelines and cheer you (with prayers and joy) on to victory. God bless Joanne's dear Dad for making the needed additions to your home to help Joanne with her transition to homelife. Yesterday morning we celebrated Easter Sunrise Service at Knotts Berry Farm and as we sang Hallelujahs I couldn't help but think of you all and Joanne's miracle...and sang God high praises for the life and oh so great a salvation we have because our LORD is risen!
Posted by: Pam Houston | April 25, 2011 at 03:14 PM
It's so good to hear that Joanne's visit home went well! I'm sure you all are very anxious to have her back home:) Continued prayers & well-wishes...
Posted by: Leah C | April 25, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Wow, Joanne is going to be going home soon! Now that is an achievement right there. I have never met you personally, Joanne, but I am so proud of how far you've come. You can walk up and down stairs for crying out loud. That is truly amazing.
You and your whole family are in my thoughts often. When any news comes, I always mention it to my husband and we talk about your family as if we've met you, because you all have shared so much with us through this blog. We are so happy for you.
Posted by: Meryl | April 26, 2011 at 09:44 AM
My favorite part of this post was how you kept saying Joanne was ready for more excitement, so you kept doing more fun things. Joanne, it sounds like you had a fabulous day. Happy Easter, no matter where you worshipped! He is risen, indeed!
Posted by: blessed | April 26, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Peeking in to check on how all of you are doing and I am just so thankful that things are going so well. I LOVE Barry! I'm sure he's fun to watch. I always open my mouth when I'm putting on mascara!
Joanne, it won't be long til you can sleep in your own bed and sip coffee in your favorite quiet place! I am just so thankful that you are making so much progress. Make a point in these last weeks to prayer walk around the halls. Pray for the patients but also pray for the staff and the families of the patients. I know what a prayer warrior you are and it will give you a ministry there in your last few weeks.
I love you, Joanne. My heart hurts for all the things you and your family have been through. And it is sure good news to hear that you will soon be on the way home! I will be praying for all of you.
Toben, God has been glorified through your words here. Thank you for sharing so many touching thoughts here and taking such good care of Joanne.
God bless you all.
Posted by: twinkle | April 26, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Home soon! That is a sound of joy, praise God!
Joanne you have come so far in such a short time. You are one strong girl and I am sure you will be running in no time at all.
Continuing to pray for you and your left side of your body. Have faith!
Blessings,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | April 27, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the updates, Toben, and please keep them coming as you are able. Joanne, I pray for continued healing and strength as you finish your in-patient therapy and prepare to come home.
Posted by: Cori | April 27, 2011 at 12:15 PM
I have been following & praying for your family since January. I experienced my own health crisis about the same time as your dear Joanne. I read about her stroke and then within days I was in the emergency room myself. I suffered a severe infection in my skull and ear and while I am still in recovery, my wounds are not visible or noticeable to anyone but me.
I was particularly sensitive about what you said about going to the hospital Easter services rather than your church due to the stimulation. My first week back to church I cried the entire time out of anxiety from the noise of the organ, my inability to hear the speakers well (I had suffered short term severe hearing loss), the energy of such a big crowd and so many people coming up to me to see how I was -- who again I could not hear very well.
On top of all that I was having an emotional crisis to be sitting in the Lord's house, realizing I could've died, that I'd been preserved, how scared I now felt about what had happened to me -- I was too sick at the time to have any fear so it all came out after the fact -- and that it had been unbelievably difficult. I was terrified that I might not ever totally heal, and was trying to hold back from overwhelming myself with thoughts of "why did this happen to me & what am I to learn." I was in no condition to be trying to figure that out while still so ill.
I was very overcome by the entire experience and for some weeks afterwards the idea of church caused me a good bit of anxiety. While it is the greatest blessing in my life, it became a scary experience for me and I wanted to run and hide. Please watch out for dear Joanne as she returns over the coming weeks and let her know that others have been in her shoes in some small ways.
God bless!
K
Posted by: kalanicut | May 04, 2011 at 01:12 AM