Just finished our family meeting with the therapists and the Kaiser representative to talk about Joanne's progress and her release date. The long and the short of it is that she is making amazing progress and will benefit from a few more weeks in the hospital. She desperately wants to come home, but also wants to get as much accomplished as she can before going home. So she very bravely said that she would stick it out for a few more weeks, work hard, and go home knowing that she put in her best effort. I love that! What a commitment for her to make and what a work ethic! not too many weeks ago she was ready to just give up, but she has battled back. I know there are going to be a few tough days between now and her discharge date, but at least the end is in site. After being in the hospital almost four months a couple more weeks in manageable.
I was really anxious going into the meeting. I want what's best for Joanne and my intuition was that it would be best if she could stay a little longer, but I really wasn't sure which way the staff would go. But they were all in agreement that a little more time is a good thing. Thank the Lord that we were all on the same page!
So we have some time to get everything ready for Joanne's return. For a few hours today I think Gran and I had the thought that we needed to get everything ready for her to come home Saturday! Not sure how in the world we would have been able to do that.
Joanne has asked for a few things: her Bible, her prayer book, her skinny jeans (which will probably not be all that skinny seeing as she has lost so much weight) and her Frye boots.
Funny thing: Barry is the OT. Barry is a man. But as the OT Barry is responsible for helping Joanne do the daily stuff of life...like putting on makeup. So Barry actually helped Joanne get her makeup done today. It was hilarious. Of course he is really there to help her figure out how to lay things out, get them open, etc. But it was fun to hassle him about doing Joanne's makeup. He is hilarious and a good sport and a great therapist!
Prayer request:
1. Perseverance and lifted spirits for Joanne to make it through the next few weeks.
2. Real improvement over the next few weeks including use of her left arm.
3. Please pray for a smooth transition back to our home. We have a lot to do before the house will be ready for all of us to return to living there and it is going to be weird to be back there after being with Gran and Papa for so long. Plus it is a little hard to imagine what our life will be like when we are all back together. I hope it's amazing but I know it will come with a fair share of challenges.
Toben
What a wonderful DAY!!!! Praying for all these things....for each day, each step, each moment, each night, too.
Love,
holly
Posted by: holly smith | April 26, 2011 at 05:22 PM
SO excited to read that the "end is in sight"!!! Praise the Lord for His healing power!!
Posted by: Laura M | April 26, 2011 at 05:32 PM
Thanks for the uplifting update ! It is exciting to see God's hand over Joanne every step of the way ! We will all be praying her HOME....in His PERFECT timing!!
GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS !
Posted by: Diane Seltzer | April 26, 2011 at 05:34 PM
You see, Toben. Miracles do happen!
God bless you all!
Posted by: Maribeth | April 26, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Praying!
Posted by: Pam | April 26, 2011 at 06:38 PM
You have shown amazing strength and belief through all of this Toben. I am praying that in your family's transition back to your "new normal" you will feel God's leading and presence. Your family is a "real time" example of a miracle.
I have said it before and say it again tonight....Thank you!
Posted by: Carrie Hester | April 26, 2011 at 06:42 PM
God's timing for Joanne to come home is perfect. Praying that Joanne will have peace, rest and perseverance while she continues to recover. And definately will be praying about the transition back home.
Posted by: Barbie | April 26, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Praying as you prepare for this next step! Praying for strength and patience for you Joanne as you work hard in preparation for coming home! What wonderful news! One step at a time!
God bless,
Amelia
Posted by: Amelia | April 26, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Joanne, Im so proud of you for sticking to a few more weeks of rehab. You trully are amazing, and we all know without a doubt, you will look back one day and have no regret for that!!! I remember when my nephew was down in Shepherd rehab in Atlanta as he was paralyzed neck down from motorcycle accident. He was there for a couple months and then when it was time for a discharge meeting, they decided he didnt benefit from a few more weeks of rehab as he wasnt making anymore progress. So when I read the doctors think you could stay a few more weeks... that is GREAT news, it means they know they can help you even more! Praise God you thought selfless and chose the harder part, but... oh... you have a wonderful team of supporters and... that OT is so funny. I love how you put a mask on (Kristen's blog) and teased him back. You are such a hoot!!!
Id love to have been watchign the make up incident. I bet you will have crazy, funny stories from those rehab days to share with your girls this summer.:)
Just wanted to give you a high five for pressing on....keep up the good work!!! We are trully rooting for you and know you will be home before long... in God's perfect timing.:)
keep pressing on.....
love from IN.
Heidi Carrico
Posted by: heidi carrico | April 26, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Toben,
This one is for you... dont be afraid to blame Barry if you walk into the room one day and Joanne peeks out of the covers with the thickest redest blushy cheeks... Men arent really born to put on makeup. haaaaaa!!!
haaaaaaa!!! Like I said to Joanne, Id love to have witnessed that. I love to laugh and make the best out of life. Laughter trully is one of the best ways make life more joyable and normal. I know everything will be just great when she returns home. Dont fear... our prayers are being answered and we will let God show us the rest of the miracle in Joanne's life!:) You better not ever, never, ever, I mean ever... stop blogging or our hearts will be crushed. Yes... you all have a very special spot in our hearts, especially Joanne... after all... she is the one huffing and puffing through the difficult 'boot camp' with a determined spirit!!:)
Hang in there, Toben... we will keep praying you all through!!
Heidi C.
ps I forgot the other day, I called a boy(Topel)the wrong name by accident... I called him Toben. Does that tell you something... You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers as you jungle all your responsiblities and keep your precious ladies happy.:)
Posted by: heidi carrico | April 26, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Have been praying since January - I am still amazed how great our God is, bringing the Heim family back from Arizona and Kristen's family back to the same area so you could be together for this. Praying for you as you enter your new normal as family at home! Praises for what He's done so far!
Posted by: Kirsten in NW suburbs of Chicago | April 26, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Thinking back to January while reading this and being SO stinkin' THANKFUL for all He has done! Yay, Joanne! Yay, Team Joanne! But none of it could have happened without Him who has done it all!
Posted by: Beth Petty | April 26, 2011 at 07:44 PM
So wonderful that she is doing so amazing!!
I know I mentioned it once before, but I *highly* recommend looking into Orthobionomy. The amazing difference I saw after my daughter was hit by a snowboarder and broke her femur were nothing short of miraculous. I wouldn't be surprised if it helped tremendously with her recovery! (Chiropractic would also be a HUGE suggestion - there is someone fabulous in Boulder - and I wouldn't be surprised if he made a special trip if she was unable to get all the way there.)
Many prayers for her continued recover and for strength for all.
Posted by: andi | April 26, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Take on no more just look into the Sun daily and shine your wonderful.
Posted by: Rena | April 27, 2011 at 01:52 AM
Said a prayer for you all this morning.
Blessings,
Kendra
www.abusywomanslife.com
Posted by: Kendra @ www.abusywomanslife.com | April 27, 2011 at 02:59 AM
I have been praying for you Joanne and your precious family. Your progress has been nothing short of a miracle. My prayer for you is a very smooth transition back home and continued recovery. Praise be to God, for answered prayer, strength, courage and endurance, all of which you and your family have in abundance. I have been forever inspired by your love of the Lord and faithfulness in Him. I have grown in my faith as a result and I thankyou with all of my heart.
~Blessings to you all~
Sally
Posted by: Sally-Anne Russell | April 27, 2011 at 03:43 AM
Wonderful news. Can't wait til we're reading posts about her homecoming! And looking forwward to Joanne blogging again! I've only discovered her site since the stroke, so I look forward to seeing entries posted by her. (But you're doing a GREAT job filling in for her in the meantime!)
Posted by: Dianna | April 27, 2011 at 06:12 AM
Congrats on having the end in sight! You have all worked so hard for it!
Posted by: Laurie | April 27, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Pray daily for you and your family, JoAnne. You have become a part of my walk with the Lord. This report does my heart good! Sending much love in Christ, Linda
Posted by: Linda | April 27, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Will definitely be praying for those things! And happy that you're re-training your muscles in makeup application - it sure makes a difference when you've 'got your face on', doesn't it?! =) Hang in there, Joanne - you're doing SO great!
Posted by: anna | April 27, 2011 at 08:54 AM
What a FANTASTIC read.. God is SO GOOD..
Lots o Love n Hugs n Prayers
Posted by: Ruthy ;o) | April 27, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Joanne will soon be there, how wonderful. It is so uplifting to know that make-up and jeans are priorities, that's a sure sign things are getting much better.
Continued prayers and good wishes for recovery.
Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | April 27, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Praise God! I was listening to yesterday's Grounded podcast and heard you mention the meeting, so I had to come see if you had posted the outcome. I'm proud of Joanne for being willing to wait. I know that's not an easy thing, but should be worth it in the end. Praying for lots of work being accomplished in the next few weeks and for them to pass quickly!
Posted by: Amy T | April 27, 2011 at 10:28 AM
What wonderful news... still praying for all of you and your intentions!
Posted by: julie | April 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Congratulations to all! And what courage for Joanne to know she has her work cut out for her the next couple of weeks, but is willing to go the extra mile and work hard to make it home in a couple of weeks! :)
Praise God for this recovery of His girl
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | April 27, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I've never commented on here, but I found your blog the day after Joanne's life changed. I am a FB friend of Pam Case, and that is how I found your blog - she was calling all prayer warriors on her behalf. I have been in tears, been inspired, been on my knees in prayer, and have been drawn to your family's situation since January. I am thrilled that she will be coming home in a few weeks to a "new normal". I will pray for the next few weeks of therapy to be ones in which she will blow her therapists away. I will pray for the transition to be a smooth one. Most of all, I just wanted to thank you for your testimony of faith that you have shared with all of us. God bless you all.
Posted by: lori graham | April 27, 2011 at 06:25 PM
I have been following your blog for months now, but rarely leave a comment. I rejoice in the tremendous progress that Joanne has made! I do remember her from the Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio. I am commenting this time because this post hits so close to home.
My parents were in a terrible car accident a few years back. A driver who was under the influence of several drugs crossed over the center line and hit them head-on. Anyway, my dad was severely injured in the accident with many broken bones, including a femur and a crushed elbow. The doctors told them that he would only ever be back to maybe 80% usage...BUT 80% wasn't good enough for my dad. With much hard work and determination, he reached over 97% usage in his arm and both legs!! Talk about work ethic...wow!! I have always known that nothing could keep my dad down, and he proved it. :)
I say all of this to encourage Joanne to keep it up! From all that I have read, she has some major spunk and determination in her and with God's help, she too will overcome so many more odds than what she already has. Her story has been such a blessing to me. I will continue to pray for you all.
Posted by: Darlene | April 28, 2011 at 08:16 AM
When I saw the title of the new message,
"Release Date", along with having a wonderful Praise for God's hand in this, it made me think, Joanne is going to get to go back with her family, and her house, but God will never "release" His love and tender care for her, He will watch over her, and keep her safe. Just know that the little "steps", turn into the "Big Ones".
Sending you prayers from California and a hug.
Blessings for the day,
Jan
Posted by: Jan | April 28, 2011 at 09:08 AM
To Joanne, stay strong..u can do it..will be praying for u..!
To the rest in the family, u all are the best..! Hang in there..Joanne will be home soon..
Posted by: Graywolfie | April 30, 2011 at 01:20 AM