Today we practiced getting in and out of the Expedition and going up and down curbs, both by walking and in the wheelchair. We are doing this because Joanne is getting a pass this weekend! That's right. We are breaking her out of this place for a few hours on Saturday. Her two requests: P.F. Changs for lettuce wraps and sitting on the couch in her living room petting her cat Joey. Fortunately both of these are easily done. It's not like she's asking to go roller skating. So we practiced sliding her in and out of the car--who knew leather seats would have a therapeutic value.
However, this does present one problem: our house hasn't been cleaned in three months...and we have two cats...who shed...a lot! Fortunately Gran and I have a strategy about how and when to get this done, but I think we are going to need some extra vacuum bags. The good thing is that Joanne can't really go up or down stairs so we will only really have to clean on floor. All in all it will be pretty manageable and we will have the place ship shape for when Joanne walks through the front door of her own home for the first time in three months!
Two ways I am going to leverage Joanne's stroke:
1. We can get a handicap tag for Joanne's car that will allow us to park in handicapped spots. Now I would never do this if Joanne didn't really need it (which she does) but it will be pretty sweet to be able to park her so close to wherever it is she wants to go.
2. I will be telling our server at P.F. Changes that Joanne suffered a massive stroke and that on her first trip away from the hospital all she wanted were lettuce wraps and some won ton soup. If that doesn't get us a free dessert, well then I just won't know what to do!
Another cool thing is that Joanne is getting her hair cut tomorrow. Gran's stylist is coming to the hospital with all her gear in tow to give Joanne a cut that'll be easy do and that will cover her scar. She is thinking of going pretty short and sassy. We'll have to get Kristen to take and post some pictures of Joanne's new look. Joanne still has three staples in her noggin so we are going to try and get them popped out before her haircut.
The girls didn't have much homework tonight so they were able to come to the hospital with me after I picked them up from school. We are all just hanging out in her room and will be headed to dinner in about 15 minutes. Rosie is the chef and she is amazing. She feeds us very, very well which is a blessing because I eat here a lot. The cool thing is that Rosie loves her job! She has such a great attitude and always wants everyone to enjoy what she has prepared. And she makes a lot of what she serves from scratch. She talked to Emma about becoming a chef. Her advice: be the best chef so that you can tell everyone else in the kitchen what to do. Makes sense to me!
Looks like they are going to take some more aggressive measures to relieve the pain in Joanne's shoulder. The stuff that they have tried (and it has been a lot of stuff) doesn't seem to be working. So they are thinking about trying Botox injections. I don't know a lot about Botox but apparently is good for relaxing muscle tissue. We should know about that sometime on Thursday.
Prayer requests:
1. This may seem like a minor thing, but it would do Joanne's spirits a world of good to get a great haircut, especially since she will be out in public this weekend for the first time in three months.
2. Pray for a great weekend pass for Joanne. She is so excited to get to do this. Also, she has been extremely motion sick every time she has been transported so it would be great if she doesn't get sick while driving home.
3. Joanne is requesting prayer for wisdom for the doctors and therapists as they decide what to do about her shoulder. They are meeting on Thursday as a group to come up with a new strategy.
A note from Joanne:
"I miss you and I can't wait to get back to blogging!"
Toben
YEA!!!! It all sounds great. i wish i could come there and clean clean clean I would do it!! Best of luck on it all, happy haircut, bring the girl a cute and sassy outfit and her girly stuff to make her feel fantastic. Love to you all!!
lisa
Posted by: Lisa Schubert | April 12, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Hopefully, Joey will be a good cat and purr his whiskers off ;-)
Posted by: Sylvia | April 12, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Joanne, we LOVE Toben and all his amazing posts but we very much miss you!
I am so happy that you will get to be surrounded by so much of what makes your heart sing and soar this weekend! I know the pass will do wonders for your spirits, your resolve and to finish the work in rehab and be home to stay put!
Praying for all things that concern you!
Much love from Oregon
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | April 12, 2011 at 06:03 PM
I would be happy to help clean the house. Continued prayers.
Posted by: Sandy Chapin | April 12, 2011 at 06:08 PM
AWESOME NEWS!!!
Posted by: Julie Price | April 12, 2011 at 06:09 PM
I miss you too Joanne - although we have never met- this time period that you have been in the hospital has allowed me to read everyone of your archived posts. I can say that when I read the words, "we are breaking out of here for a few hours this weekend" that my eyes welled up with tears of VICTORY!! You are God's miracle! How blessed you are to be chosen by HIM!
Posted by: Carrie Hester | April 12, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Way to go toben! Say hi to Joanne and the girls for Sue & Dave Wahlers in Gilbert.
Posted by: Dave & Sue Wahlers | April 12, 2011 at 06:17 PM
What incredible news! How nice it will be to go home, if only for a short time!
Posted by: MIchelle | April 12, 2011 at 06:23 PM
Woo hoo for taking a trip home and PF Chang's! This Saturday for your family will be amazing, I just know it! I'm so happy for Joanne and your family.
You've come so so far, Joanne. Keep it up, because I miss reading your own entries on here, too.
Posted by: Meryl | April 12, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Wish I didn't live in Il. I would clean your house from top to bottom, just to see her happy to be home for a few hours. Way to go girl. Be proud of yourself!!!
Posted by: Annie | April 12, 2011 at 06:40 PM
I am so happy for ALL of you. A visit home! What a wonderful gift! I wish I was close enough to come help you all clean house! I would do it. Joanne, have a wonderful visit at home with your beautiful family.
Posted by: Beth | April 12, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Oh sweet Joanne, Toben & girls,
I am so excited for you! What a blessing it will be to sit and just "be" at home. I am so excited for your progress. I can't wait for you to be back blogging either!
Loving on you,
Andrea S.
Minnesota
Dear Lord,
Please be with the team of doctors and therapists who are working with Joanne. Bless them with not only your wisdom, but your healing touch to remove the pain from Joanne's shoulder. Lord we praise you for all of the miracles you have given this family and we trust you to restore this beautiful daughter, wife, and mother to full health.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Posted by: Andrea S. | April 12, 2011 at 07:02 PM
I love reading the sentence she wrote...that one sentence is so powerful!
I am so pleased with what God is doing, Joanne!
Blessings & Prayers from one homeschool blogging mommy to another!
Posted by: Shandee Childress | April 12, 2011 at 07:23 PM
tears of joy!
Posted by: Soni Henry | April 12, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Praise God! I haven't posted in a while but check here daily to see the updates. Cont. to pray in NC and so excited for her trip out to eat and home this weekend!
Posted by: sue | April 12, 2011 at 07:35 PM
So excited to read that Joanne gets a trip home!! Such great news. Toben and Joanne, I check your blog posts every morning and night...your progress and your positive attitude are both so amazing. ENJOY being home.
Posted by: Melinda W | April 12, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Oh a trip home will be wonderful. Its not just the physical surrounds but that smell of home that makes it so wonderful. That feeling of returning from holidays to your own space. Praying for the physical and emotional needs for all of you this weekend.
Julie in Australia
Posted by: Julie in Australia | April 12, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Yea Joanne! I hope your time at home is all you dreamed! Praying for a most excellent day for you! I also wanted to let you know that I work for a rehab doc at swedish hospital. She specializes in neuro and does a lot of botox injections, and a lot of our patients find great relief from them. Hopefully that will be a benefit for you if that is the route you go! Praying for you continually!
Posted by: Staci Thompson | April 12, 2011 at 08:05 PM
so happy, happy, happy for you!!
wow....god is so good... 3 months ago, i wept toben talked about how scary it was to see his beloved wife go through this and not knowing the outcome. praise God... joanne... you ARE a walking miracle!!!
if i lived nearby, id be standing in your driveway ready to welcome you home and give you a big hug, of course.
boy, you are an easy friend to love.:) i dont even know you, but i hope you know how inspiring you are to me! Im totally deaf, but lipread...and the way you inspire me... gets me going another thousand miles each day. god is my best friend and i love seeing how HE works. bless toben for caring to share you with us.:)
gonna go to bed with a big smile...
blessings,
heidi c.
Posted by: heidi carrico | April 12, 2011 at 08:10 PM
This is so cool!! How quickly Joanne is healing!
Continuing to pray for you all and for a mighty hand to help with that cleaning!
Praying and praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | April 12, 2011 at 08:17 PM
I'm just so stinkin' excited over this!!! Praying over all these requests and believing God for great big beautiful things this weekend.
Lots of love,
Fran
Posted by: Fran | April 12, 2011 at 08:28 PM
I've been so blessed as I have read your journey! Thanks for sharing! I'll be praying for a great haircut, a great trip home, a cat hair free downstairs, free dessert, and no motion sickness! A sassy pair of shoes might be in order too!
Posted by: Kristy Hunt | April 12, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Such good news!!!
Posted by: Patti | April 12, 2011 at 08:44 PM
That is such great news! Will be praying for smooth sailing this weekend! Wish I lived closer to help you get the house ready.
Posted by: Susan | April 12, 2011 at 08:51 PM
This is just so amazing! I wish I lived close to you and I would clean your house. Praying that each minute of Joanne's weekend will be blessed. And praying for her sassy new haircut.
Blessings,
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Thomas | April 12, 2011 at 08:57 PM
She has to think positive about this new shot idea....no wrinkles in her shoulder!
Toben let someone that loves you have the blessing od dusting and vacuuming your house for you and Joanne. No one is judging and we all need to do service!
I personally look forward to your return to blogging so out here in California I can not know what she is doing and how you and the kids are holding up. Doesn't always need to be good news.
I pray for your family to have tons of joy this weekend!
Posted by: Janice | April 12, 2011 at 09:45 PM
I've been reading your blog since Angie linked your journey on her blog. I live nearby, in Lone Tree, and would be honored to come and clean a bit so Joanne could have a fabulous visit at home for a while. Just let me know if you guys are willing to let someone serve you! :)
Posted by: Deanna Boe' | April 12, 2011 at 10:14 PM
This is the best news I have heard all day...and I was offered and accepted my dream job today. So many prayers of gratitude today!!!
Posted by: AuntieMip | April 12, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Praise Jesus! A whole weekend pass.Just to be back in her home again is going to be very therapeutic for Joanne.Heavenly Father we ask that the hairstylist is magical with those scissors & gives Joanne the best style she has ever had, thank you for allowing Joanne to rest quietly on her ride home & also for giving your wisdom to the Dr's that are working on her pain meds for her shoulder.Thank you in advance for going out ahead of all these things.In your precious son Jesus name AMEN.
West Covina, California
Posted by: Rayleine Chagoya | April 12, 2011 at 11:12 PM
YAY!
Posted by: Kathleen Jaeger | April 12, 2011 at 11:32 PM
What exciting days ahead of you!
Joanne... we miss you, too, and are looking forward to your regular blog posts again.
Love and blessings!
Posted by: Dawn W | April 13, 2011 at 12:15 AM
WOW, I so excited about this!
Posted by: Barbie | April 13, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Have just such a wonderful weekend, I am sure the haircut will be fabulous and make Joanne feel so much better.
Posted by: Penbleth | April 13, 2011 at 04:18 AM
That does my heart good to read this!!! Congrats to Jo!
Posted by: Sheila | April 13, 2011 at 05:37 AM
Joanne, we have been so grateful for Toben's posts but your readers can't wait for you to get back to blogging either!! Holding you in prayer for a wonderful day out!
Posted by: Real Housewife of Naperville | April 13, 2011 at 05:42 AM
What an exciting time you'll have this weekend! Praying you up!
Posted by: Cindy Beall | April 13, 2011 at 06:36 AM
Such awesome news! My family calls my handicap parking permit my "princess parking"! Enjoy your princess parking too :o)
Posted by: Kelly Campbell | April 13, 2011 at 09:01 AM
I hope you can post some pics. We miss her so!!!
Posted by: Kristin | April 13, 2011 at 09:24 AM
Great news!
As a brain injury survivor, two thoughts:
1) Be aware that restaurants are really, REALLY overwhelming for people with brain injuries. In her enthusiasm to get out and try to reclaim some normalcy, she may be underestimating how difficult that setting will be for her. The way I describe it to others, is that our brains don't filter out information well, so we hear the sounds of the overhead radio, noise from the kitchen, servers taking orders, conversations at the various tables, chairs scraping, doors opening, etc...all at the same general volume. Plus, add all the "visual" noise, and it might be too much to take. I would suggest calling ahead with your order to limit your wait time, and request the quietest table (maybe in a closed or private section), and go at an off-peak time. I can't tell you how many times I've had to cut a meal short because there was too much going on.
2) She might not be able or willing to tell or accept it yet, but one of the best ways you'll be able to help Joanne in the months (years?) ahead is to be a "first filter" for her. My husband could explain better, but basically, learn what situations are overwhelming for her and how, and look for ways to lower the stimulation. For example, if my husband and I go out (and seven years later, I still mostly avoid restaurants), he watches me closely to see when I start to glaze over, and then gets me out of there pronto. If we're with friends, he makes sure there aren't any unnecessary noises (music, dishwasher going, etc.) You can email me if you'd like some more hints. It's a bit overwhelming for you, too, but it will become the new normal in time.
3) I get Botox injections for my headaches about every 6 months. It's the only thing that takes the edge off. I hope it helps relieve Joanne's pain.
Posted by: Jen Abbas de Jong | April 13, 2011 at 09:26 AM
I will be praying for an awesome weekend for ALL of you!! And still praying that pain goes away and for a continued complete recovery!! God is so good!! All the time!!
Posted by: Colette | April 13, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Have you thought about trying sea bands for her? They might help with the motion sickness in the car. Just something to make her more comfortable during her jail break!
Posted by: SAS | April 13, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Oh my goodness, what wonderful news! This post brought tears to my eyes. P.F. Chang's is also one of my all-time faves...we love the lettuce wraps so much, too, that I found a quick, easy and healthy recipe that I blogged about here: http://flipflopfollies.com/?p=346. I know Joanne will LOVE to be {home}....cat hair or not! ;-) XOXO
Posted by: amy | April 13, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Great meal request, Joanne - those lettuce wraps are my very favorite too! Will be in prayer for you, especially this weekend. We miss you too!
Posted by: anna | April 13, 2011 at 05:34 PM
What a wonderful day and can't wait to hear how it all goes. Being a cat person just sitting with her cat will do wonders to add calm and peace to the weekend. God bless the family this weekend you all really need some fun downtime together.
Posted by: Nanci | April 13, 2011 at 06:21 PM
So excited to read that Joanne will be able to venture home for a few hours. I know what you mean about the handicap placard...my husband is disabled from an accident almost 20 years ago, but we still us that placard. Some little bit of compensation...right?? I pray for Joanne every day and will continue to do so!
Posted by: Linda | April 13, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Praise God for haircats, cuts, and lettuce wraps! Talk about answered prayers! We will pray for a great pass.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | April 13, 2011 at 08:06 PM
Reading about Joanne's journey is such an inspiration. I had a second subtaler fusion surgery on Feb. 18 as a result of falling 12' in 2008 and shattering my heel. Being in a cast for two months and on a knee walker (third time) is not fun, but when I get to feeling really sorry for myself, I remember what Joanne is having to go through, and I feel blessed. You all continue to be in my prayers. A haircut and a visit home are awesome! Blessings to you all. (I'm a friend of Tami Snowden's.)
Posted by: Anita Blackman | April 13, 2011 at 09:01 PM
I trip home will do a WORLD of good:) SO thankful that gets to happen! I am a semi-new follower to ya'lls story and am wondering if the doctors gave you a medical "reason" for the stroke? If that is too personal, PLEASE forgive me & i completely understand:)
The way you all have traveld this journey has been an inspiration & i know the Lord is so proud of you:)
Praying for you in Texas...
mary jane
Posted by: mary jane turner | April 13, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Home will be where the heart is
Never were words more true
I found home
Your my home
Home is you
From Beauty and The Neast, The Broadway Musical
So happy for the few hours of bliss that await you. In the imortal words of Dorthy Gayle, "Home is the nicest word there is!"
Posted by: AuntieMip | April 13, 2011 at 10:02 PM
WONDERFUL NEWS! I've been following your journey and praying!
Just wanted to give my two cents and say YES!!!! to the botox!
It is the ONLY thing that has been able to put chronic, debilitating headaches at bay! I think this is going to be exactly the help Joanne needs!
Posted by: tracey | April 13, 2011 at 10:32 PM
My name is Johnny Cavender from TN. Please do not post this comment. My son is the Operating Partner of P.F. Changs in ST. Louis Mo. If you will call me and give me some info. of where you are and where the Changs closest to you is your meal will be totaly taken care of. The blogs were sent to me by my preachers wife and I was deeply touched and Pray God will just give you and your family a Special touch. For you have touched Many.
Please call me today. 731-446-4741.
In Christ, Johnny
Posted by: Johnny Cavender | April 14, 2011 at 07:43 AM
This is awesome news...how great a husband are you! After everything and she still only asks for small things to bring joy. Prayers for a fab weekend for everyone!
Posted by: Lesa | April 14, 2011 at 08:15 AM
I burst into tears at the message re PF Chang's generosity. It's just another sign that the Lord is touching you through His people. I pray for Joanne several times daily (and nightly) and so look forward to a report that her pain is relieved. Ditto all wonderful comments above.
Posted by: Michal | April 14, 2011 at 09:52 AM
Joanne & Toben,
My name is Jason, and I work at P.F. Chang's Corporate office. We saw your blog post (you've got some amazing blogger followers who forwarded it on), and we'd like to set you up with a wonderful dining experience on us. We'll take care of reservations, the meal, and we'll see what other surprises we can cook up for you. Send me a message, and we will take care of everything.
Get well, and we hope we can make your weekend pass an absolutely amazing one!
Jason
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Posted by: PFChangs | April 14, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I write this with "Happy Tears", because I know GOD IS IN CONTROL!, and He will be this whole week-end.
So many people have been shown the Love of Christ, just by reading this blog. I said I would never blog, big lesson: never, say never, because we don't know what God has for us!
Blessings for this special time of "Family" being together again.
Posted by: Jan Jarvis | April 14, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Awesome news! We keep praying for you all!
Blessings from WA,
Heidi, Jay and fam
Posted by: Heidi St. John | April 14, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Enjoy your time at home! Miss you... and praying for all of you!
Posted by: julie | April 14, 2011 at 02:29 PM
A couple of months ago, a prayer request was made asking that we would pray 'BIG" for Joanne and the family. I am so encouraged to read about the progress Joanne has made. Our God is definitely a BIG God who is doing BIG things in and through Joanne and your family. My faith has grown so much stronger as I've seen how our gracious Lord and Savior has worked in your lives.
May God continue His BIG work in all of you.
Brian
Posted by: Brian D. Elder | April 14, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Miss you too! Can't wait til you're blogging again.
Posted by: angie | April 14, 2011 at 09:25 PM