I can't tell you how badly I have wanted to write this post over the last 12 days. But today I can tell you the we have good news! Joanne is waking up. She is off the medication that kept her in a coma so we are getting to see little signs of healthy brain activity, of life! Here's a list of what has happened so far.
Eyes open, both left and right, although she is having a little easier time on the left side. But I can tell that she really wants to open that right eye. Her eye aren;t trackign yet, but they are open which is what I have been waiting for. I have prayed, "Lord, just let me see those brown eyes again." And he's answered that prayer.
Leg movement, both left and right although she is taking commands a little better ont he right side then on the left. The nurse gets right up in her ear and in a bit of a stern voice say, "Move your right toes Joanne!" and she does it. And not only on command but just from time to time of her own accord. She has also moved both legs giving indication that she may be able to walk when she gets through rehab.
She is moving her right arm and hand and gave me the thumbs up tonight! I tried to copy the nurse and said, "Show me that right thumb Joanne!" and she did it!
Like I said earlier, the MRI shows a lot of destruction on the right brain but there is still some tissue over there that remains in tact. That's a very good thing. Left side looks good and there had been some concern that there was left side damage so knowing that she didn't "smoosh" that side of her brain due to inter-cranial pressure is a huge relief.
So, she should be able:
Walk unassisted (maybe)
Talk
Recognize people and objects
Recover full movement on her right side
Recover limited movement on her left.
Read!
That's all the doctor is saying for sure. There are lots of other little things: eating, breathing unassisted, etc. that we'll see about as time goes by. But today is literally the first day that I will leave the hospital feeling encouraged! Joanne, in one form or another, is coming back to us.
The next step is likely to be an LTAC where she will recover a bit more before she moves to rehab. I'll keep you posted on that. We are hopeful that we will be able to decorate her room with the hundreds of cards that have come in, pictures of the family and be able to play her favorite music.
Another cool thing about today is that Gran and Audrey were able to take the pressure socks off of Joanne long enough to shave her legs, message her calves and feet and get her moisturized. I can just imagine that Joanne feels like a million bucks as a result. Tonight Jessica is going to wash her hair so in the morning she is going to look like a million bucks too!
Prayer requests:
1. Joanne will likely be getting a tracheostomy tomorrow or Tuesday as well as a PEG line into her stomach for feeding. This is actually a great thing as with will get the breathing tube out of her mouth and the NG tube out of her nose, both of which are terribly uncomfortable for her. Pray these procedures go well.
2. Joanne is still running a fever. Could just be a neurological deal but it could also mean she has some sort of infection on board. We need her infection free!
3. Would love to see her continue to progress in her movement. If she squeezes my hand one of these days I'll be over the moon!
4. If Joanne is stable by the end of the week she will get moved to a new facility. We have loved Littleton Adventist and will hate to go, and need prayer that her next facitlity will be just as awesome.
5. Here's the best one: Prayers of absolute praise to God is healing her! One of my closest friends told me on the phone tonight that he is going to bed with praises instead of petitions. We can all do that. Way to go God! Her recovery is all to his glory!
With much love, a grateful heart, and appreciation for your support,
Toben
Fervent prayers for each of you. Prayers for a complete recovery for Joanne, and peace and strength for you and the girls. We'll continue the prayers, throughout the "Ultra" no matter how long.
The Howell's
TX
Posted by: Melissa Howell | January 23, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Toben, I am a friend of Angie Osbourne and have been praying for you and Joanne since her stroke. We are praising the Father tonight for your good news. We are so thankful for our Healer. We are thankful for the wonderful care that Joanne's been receiving and pray that she will continue to get excellent care at her next facility. We pray that God will continue to do mighty things in your life through Joanne's rehab. We love you as a brother and sister in Christ and you will remain in our prayers. Praise God for His acts of mercy, kindness, healing, and love.
Posted by: Jessica VM | January 23, 2011 at 09:57 PM
HALLELUJAH!!!!! That is awesome!! SOOOOO GLAD to hear that Joanne is coming back to you!! HALLELUJAH! :)
(From Colleen in Saskatchewan, Canada)
Posted by: Colleen | January 23, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Praise the LORD! God is GOOD!
Posted by: Mindy Mills | January 23, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Thank You Jesus!!! I was just singing I exalt Thee and thought I would check one more time before bed and found this awesome post!!!
We exalted Thee!!! Thank You Jesus for this awesome news and I will continue praying for a Complete Healing Miracle!!!
Our God is an awesome God!!! He reigns from Heaven above!!!
Thank you Lord!!!!
Posted by: Colette | January 23, 2011 at 10:02 PM
That's amazing news! You don't know me and neither does Joanne but I am so happy to hear this exciting news! God bless!
Posted by: Melissa | January 23, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Toben, I have been checking the blog all afternoon for this update! What a huge praise!!!! Thank you precious Jesus for you loving healing....!!!!! Thornton Co...Crossroads Church...
Posted by: Lori Proffett | January 23, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Awesome news, Toben. Just AWESOME! We were singing "Our God is Greater" this morning at church, and tears were coming to my eyes as I prayed for Joanne and sang "Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power"... and HE IS!!! Praise Him!!!!
Can't wait to see what next He has in store for your beautiful bride. :)
Posted by: Nikki | January 23, 2011 at 10:05 PM
I just started following from another blog last night, but I wanted you to know I started praying for Joanne last night and judging by her posts and knowing how BIG the God we serve is, I am confident she will make a full recovery. Hang in there guys!
Love, Mere
www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com
Posted by: Thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com | January 23, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Praise God!! Such encouraging news for your whole family! Thank you for keeping the blog world in the loop. Continuing to pray.
Posted by: Teri | January 23, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Wonderful news, Toben. We are praising and continuing in prayer. Truly awesome watching prayers manifest. Thank you for including us in your journey.
Posted by: Jennifer (Wellette) Ekwere | January 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Oh, what wonderful news! Progress! Hope! Healing! Tears of joy! Thank you God for your presence and your PRESENT this day. We will sleep tonight with praise in our hearts.
Posted by: Lynn | January 23, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Just a bucket of tears over here. Praising Him and in just awe of whT our God isndoing through her. Tell her I love her ;)
Fran
TN
Posted by: Fran | January 23, 2011 at 10:08 PM
YES, this is GOOD news! Praising Him! And continuing to pray for these things you have mentioned and probably a million other things you haven't.
In Wyoming.
Posted by: Melana Cummings | January 23, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Shivers, chills and thrills for your family... I can only imagine how you are feeling!
Posted by: angela | January 23, 2011 at 10:08 PM
I checked in right before turning off the computer!!! Praise God!!!
As part of my Bible study this evening I passed by Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This verse is also one of my favorite hymns and have been singing/humming it all evening. Now I know why!!!! I will join your friend in praises tonight as I go to bed. I am truly rejoicing in His signs of healing for Joanne and His answered prayers & blessings for you!
Posted by: Carrie | January 23, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Crying with tears of gratitude for you and your family! It's like the dawn before the morning! Can't wait to tell my family tonight! Praying and giving God the praise!!!
Posted by: lisa | January 23, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Yes, praising God! Thank you so much for your amazing updates. Still Praying and Praising tonight.
Posted by: Amy | January 23, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Awesome, awesome, awesome... is our God! Praising Him with you!!!
Posted by: Dawn W | January 23, 2011 at 10:11 PM
I have tears in my eyes reading this. My heart is so joyful for y'all. Still praying.
Posted by: Lindsee | January 23, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Praise God for healing and love.
So thankful she is waking up!
I will continue to pray.
Much love
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 23, 2011 at 10:13 PM
The Lord is so faithful.
Praise Him.
I love you Jo.
Rachel
Posted by: No.17 CherryTreeLane | January 23, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of creation
Oh my soul, praise Him
For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration!
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with His love He befriend thee
Amen!!!
Posted by: Janine | January 23, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Toben, I'm a friend of Fran Thomas. My husband and I have been praying for Joanne and are so excited about this progress!! God is a FABULOUS God and is doing great things here. Peace be with you in the weeks to come. May God's healing hand continue to be an incredible gift to your sweet wife. Blessings!
Posted by: Sara Tate | January 23, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Praise God for this good news. Thank you for keeping us updated. Will continue praying that everything progresses favorably.
Posted by: Mary Ann from Alabama | January 23, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Dear Heim Family,
I just "met" you 12 days ago when I read of Joanne's stroke on the LPM blog. My heart has been knit with yours through prayer, and I too am rejoicing with you over these great signs of improvement. I am praising the Lord with you for His faithfulness, and will continue to pray for complete healing, and an outcome "greater than what you can even think or imagine" for your whole family. Sending love & blessings from NJ~Renee
Posted by: Renee | January 23, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Fantastic news! You don't know me, but I've enjoyed reading Joanne's blog. Healing thoughts from Blue Bell, Pa. Thanks for the updates.
Posted by: Jeanette | January 23, 2011 at 10:19 PM
God is absolutely amazing! Praising Him for waking Joanna up and all of the signs of progress...and continued prayer for her recovery and for your family. (((HUGS))) to all of you!
Posted by: Marie Cauley | January 23, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Praise GOD!!! I have felt honored to be on this journey with you and to see ALL the work that GOD has done has just been amazing and pure joy!! I will continue to pray for her and her family....So glad that today was so encouraging!!!
Posted by: Linda Stover | January 23, 2011 at 10:21 PM
God Is Good!!!
Will continue to pray - but I'm praising Him for what He has done!!
Posted by: Jill | January 23, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Tears of joy flowing brother.... I am in awe of our great God. I am just speechless. All I can hear right now is "be STILL and KNOW that I am God"!! Glory to HIS name!!
You are loved,
Jen Bartlett
Posted by: Wife of Rob | January 23, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Praise God! I am so happy to read this update. My love and continued prayers (and praises) are being send to you now.
Posted by: Kate | January 23, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Praise be to God!! More prayer your way for continued healing and health!!
Posted by: Jill Goding | January 23, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Praying praises indeed! Thanks for the updates. God is so good!
Posted by: Amy | January 23, 2011 at 10:25 PM
This brought me so much joy. All glory be to God!
And thank you Toben, for being such an incredible example of someone who's faith remains strong during the most personal and difficult of trials.
Posted by: Erin | January 23, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Praise and prayer coming from us! It's a joyful noise we make tonight!!
Posted by: Kristen | January 23, 2011 at 10:27 PM
My heart is overflowing with absolute joy for Joanne, for you, the girls, and your entire family!!! Praise God for his faithfulness and new mercies morning by morning. We will continue to pray and lift Joanne and all of you up. How wonderful to just praise the Lord for these precious steps of restoration! I am so excited to share the good news with the girls in the morning. They ask for updates on "Mrs. Heim" all day long.
On eagles wings!
Posted by: Michelle | January 23, 2011 at 10:28 PM
We serve a God of mercy and MIRACLES! Praising Him and rejoicing with you!
Posted by: sandie posthumus | January 23, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Such amazing news and such an amazing God. I know the wait has been long and excruciating but it seems He has moved to bring you all some needed optimism and peace.
We won't let down in our prayers for all of you!
Again...thank you so much for keeping us updated. It has meant so much!
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | January 23, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I came across Joanne's blog from a button on another blog just two days ago. I have been praying for you, your girls, and of course Joanne! Tonight I had to check in one last time, and my heart is definetly praising God! He is amazing! Thanks for your posts and may God continue His work through your entire family!
Praying for you from South Carolina
Posted by: Melissa | January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Thank You Lord! For Your Glory! Toben, I am so excited for you and your family. Praises definitely! I about jumped out of my chair when I saw the news! Be thankful for all, can and cannot do, along with staying positive. I get thrilled at the littlest things I progress in recovery. Woot! Go Joanne and thank You God for Your strength and power!
Posted by: Sara G | January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
I have Shivers racing through my body as I read all this fantastic news! Amazing amazing amazing! By God's grace Joanne is coming back to you. Joanne is a true fighter! I am so incredibly happy for you all for this great news. May the Lord continue to watch over Joanne and your sweet family. (((hugs)))
Posted by: erin | January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Praising the Lord with you tonight! Our God is so awesome! We will be praying for His continued guidance, peace, and glory to shine through your lives as you continue this journey!
Posted by: Jenn | January 23, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Praising our awesome God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have been following and praying for your family. May He continue His amazing works.
Posted by: charlotte | January 23, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Hallelujah! Praising God with you! Thanks also for telling us how we can continue to pray.
Karene in California
Posted by: Karene | January 23, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Well to say I have been obsessing in pray over Joanne would be an understatement. I am so thrilled at this progress. Praise the LORD O my soul and forget not all of His benefits!
Posted by: Jenny hope williams | January 23, 2011 at 10:39 PM
My favorite Scripture is Zeph 3:17:
"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” I know the Lord is singing over Joanne and helping her recover. May He sing over all of you.
Posted by: Anita Blackman | January 23, 2011 at 10:40 PM
I am not surprised by this AWESOME report, (because I just knew our wonderful loving Father in Heaven wasn't done with sweet Joanne on this earth just yet!) but I AM THANKFUL and REJOICING with you tonight! I can't wait to share the news w/my husband and daughters in the morning...we have all been praying since the day I "met" your precious Joanne 12 days ago.
Love love love and praise praise praise!
Warmly,
Robyn in FL
Posted by: robyn | January 23, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Praise our wonderful, awesome GOD!!!! I am so happy for you all!!
I will praise God and continue to ask Him for complete healing! Oh what great news!!
In HIM,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | January 23, 2011 at 10:43 PM
What wonderful news. I will continue praying that her healing continues and that each day brings more and more positive advances.
Heather in Manhattan, KS
Posted by: Heather | January 23, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Rejoicing with you! Praising God tonight - thank you for your faithful updates, we wait to read them. :) This is awesome news!
Posted by: Heidi St. John | January 23, 2011 at 10:45 PM
WOW! Just refreshed my browser to see if there was a update before shutting down! SOOO excited for you ! Praising God in Oklahoma!!
Posted by: Natalie Witcher | January 23, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Going to bed with praises. I like that. I'll do the same.
Posted by: Cindy Beall | January 23, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Praising God with you for His healing touch!! Continuing to pray here in Calif for all of you.
HE>i
Posted by: Donna | January 23, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you Jesus.
Posted by: Nichole Nordeman | January 23, 2011 at 10:52 PM
SO SWEET TO BE CRYING TEARS OF JOY AND GRATITUDE - I cannot even imagine what this mean to your family I and am so encouraged just thinking about it! ALL GLORY AND HONOR AND PRAISE TO HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Karolyn | January 23, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Thank you for sharing! Praising HIM!!!
Posted by: kimberly | January 23, 2011 at 10:57 PM
PRAISE GOD!! Hallelujah!! What an EXCITING post! I'm so happy for you!!
*does a little happy dance*
Posted by: Julia | January 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Sending up prayers of praise and thanksgiving! I suspect Joanne's prayer warriors will sleep with lighter hearts tonight after hearing this positive report. Thank you for the update Toben and thanks to our compassionate Father who knew Joanne's name before any one of us lifted it in prayer over these last many days. Continuing to pray for a miracle as God unfolds His plan for Joanne.
Posted by: Carol | January 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM
I've been praying daily for you and Joanne and your girls. As a mom of a baby boy (now age 13) who suffered a right side traumatic brain injury in a car accident, I am overjoyed with you at Joanne's progress already. My son was 5 months old, and had the entire right side of his brain removed due to blood clots and damage. We have dealt with left side seizures as well. If meds don't control them, consider the ketogenic diet. It was a miracle for my boy. My son has never said more than 12-15 words that have come and gone, but he can follow simple, routine commands. I was told by more than one professional that it is easier to rewire a brain later in life than to create new connections in a young child with brain damage. Just being able to communicate is such an amazing thing. You don't realize how much it matters until you cannot be understood or hear those words, "I love you". I'm rejoicing with you and pray she makes a full recovery.
Posted by: samantha | January 23, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Praise the Father for such sweet signs of life on Sanctity of LIFE Sunday!
Posted by: Carrie Bond | January 23, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Prayers of praise from here in the UK too! Wonderful news!
Posted by: Linds | January 23, 2011 at 11:25 PM
I'm so happy for you guys. I'm rejoicing. This is indeed good news.
Posted by: Helen | January 23, 2011 at 11:27 PM
So glad I checked for news one more time before bed. Our dear Joanne how we have all been waiting for good news!! We love you and the girls have been working on a stack of pictures for your room.
Posted by: Wendy Schulz | January 23, 2011 at 11:33 PM
praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God.....
way to go God... is right...
Praise you, Jesus.
continuing to pray....
Teena & family
Posted by: Teena | January 23, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Fantastic! Keep it up, Joanne!
Posted by: Puva | January 23, 2011 at 11:36 PM
Thumbs up!! I'm thrilled that you're looking into her beautiful brown eyes once again. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Posted by: Michal | January 23, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Aba Father, Thank You, Thank You, Thank you!
For your faithfulness, you are the same Yesterday, Today and Forever!
And we know you don't leave anything incomplete, You will finish your work, complete healing is coming Joanne's way, The Glory and Honor be to the Almighty!
HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY. I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, "HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST."
HE WILL COVER YOU WITH HIS FEATHERS, AND UNDER HIS WINGS YOU WILL FIND REFUGE; HIS FAITHFULNESS WILL BE YOUR SHIELD AND RAMPART. PSALMS 91:1-2, 4
Thank you, Again Father for allowing us to be witnesses of your Mighty works for your Kingdom! Thank you Mr. Heim for enduring, your steadfast obedience, a testimony that had changed our lives forever!
By the way I don't think I ever mentioned that my family knows your family, from Denver Christian. This year the Lord opened a different door for our daughters in Lone Tree. But we had never forgotten about the wonderful people God blessed us with when we were at DC. I personally will never forget your beautiful daughters, in our Camping trip together with the Girl Scouts troops two years ago, they taught me and my girls how to make these beautiful braiding with different color ribbons...my daughters had a blast and I did also braiding with Audry and Emma, now I make this ribbons into beautiful book marks! Thank you Audrey and Emma for sharing your gifts from Heaven!
Posted by: The Coffins | January 23, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Praise be to God! Our fervent prayers have been answered but Joanne's warriors will not be finished until she is fully restored, Father! We rejoice with Toben and his girls and their entire family...baby steps are just fine with all of us!!!!!!
Tomorrow is another day and JOY...cometh in the morning! Thank you Father for showing us that standing together, believing, and praying will heal and comfort and bring miracles into being! Only God knows what tomorrow will bring!
Toben, enjoy those squeezes...pretty soon you'll see that smile! Hope your packing for your trip over the moon!!!!!!
Posted by: Jerri | January 23, 2011 at 11:51 PM
I AM SOOO HAPPY!!! PRAISE THE LORD! Thanks so much for taking the time to share the good news - I kept checking in and this was a huge blessing! Sooo happy and grateful to God! Will keep praying for sweet Joanne and your family!
Joanne in Fremont, CA
Posted by: Jo | January 23, 2011 at 11:58 PM
This is what we have been praying for!
(Holding back tears here.)
The Lord is able to dramatically heal the existing damage on the right side of the brain. And we are all praying in agreement that He WILL!
Glory be to the One to whom all praise is due. We stand in awe of You, Lord. NOTHING is too difficult for You!
There is power in prayer when all believers are of one accord, and agree with unity on what they are praying for. We have just witnessed that. Let's all keep praying (with thanksgiving), everyone!
Bet you'll sleep well tonight, Toben!
Posted by: Edwynna | January 23, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Thanks be to God! Joanne has never been far from my mind since I first read what happened 12 days ago. She has been continually in my prayers and I can't tell you how often I check for updates. I am overjoyed to read tonight's update and will keep praying for Joanne.
Posted by: Kirsten P | January 24, 2011 at 01:08 AM
Hallelujah!
God bless and strengthen you all in the days ahead
Posted by: ang almond | January 24, 2011 at 02:13 AM
PRAISE the LORD HE IS GREAT
Will keep Praising and Praying
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | January 24, 2011 at 02:19 AM
I of course do not know you- as many others who read this blog. But at 5am I awoke with a heavy heart wanting to know how Joanne was doing. Now I sit with tears in my eyes at what a MIGHTY God we serve. Praise God!!! SO happy for you in this time of celebrating the little or not so little steps and praying for many MANY more to come.
Posted by: Brandy | January 24, 2011 at 03:08 AM
Amen! Alleluia! Wonderful news. We will continue prayers for you all but add in a thank you prayer or two whilst we pray for her healing.
Posted by: Michelle from Australia | January 24, 2011 at 03:18 AM
So happy for you and your family. Praise God. I miss you joanne. Love to Audery and Emma. Thanks Toben for your updates your a amazing husband.
Posted by: Eveline from the Netherlands! | January 24, 2011 at 03:45 AM
Now, mor than ever, would the right time to sing "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin.
Thanks for the update!
And give your girls a BIG hug from this side!
Posted by: Anné Leonard | January 24, 2011 at 03:46 AM
I've been following your story since I learned about Joanne's stroke from Boomama's blog. Glory to God! Rejoicing with you and your family. I am beyond thrilled for you!
Godspeed Joanne!
Posted by: Habailey | January 24, 2011 at 03:48 AM
Hallelujah! That is wonderful news! Yes, prayers will continue here in VA. I post all updates on FB so those here can continue as well. Tell her that her Siestas love her so!
Posted by: Nesha | January 24, 2011 at 03:59 AM
Praising God and rejoicing with you. Continuing to thank our Father God for complete and full recovery of Joanne!
Posted by: sue | January 24, 2011 at 04:24 AM
Amen and Amen!!
Posted by: Tonya | January 24, 2011 at 04:26 AM
Praying with Thanksgiving and Petitions to the GOD who can do miracles more than we can hope or imagine. Continuing to march forward in prayer and faith!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | January 24, 2011 at 04:57 AM
Praising God this morning!!! Lifting Joanne and your family in prayer at this very moment.
Posted by: Kristen | January 24, 2011 at 05:15 AM
the love for your wife is so encouraging. the little things that she'll be able to do, yet such love is evident from your updates. I've been reading your blog since the stroke and rejoice with you for Joanne's progress.
Posted by: melissa | January 24, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Heck yeah God is DOING IT! Amen.
I will keep in prayer and praise for you both!
Posted by: Marcy Massura | January 24, 2011 at 05:23 AM
This is just wonderful news! Praising God and continuing to pray that Joanne's recovery is steady. Hang in there, Heim Family! Feel God's hands around you!
Posted by: Becky K. | January 24, 2011 at 05:23 AM
Reading this with tears in my eyes and just so full of gratitude! Thank you so much for this beautiful update! Praying that this day goes as well as yesterday!
Barb from CNY
Posted by: Barb | January 24, 2011 at 05:24 AM
That is such AWESOME news!! Thank you Sweet Jesus!. We will continue to keep the entire family in our prayers. Thank you for the updates!
Posted by: Karen Willis | January 24, 2011 at 05:25 AM
Praise the Lord! Thank you for Jesus for being the great Jehovah Rophi. Thank you that no request is too small for you. We praise you Lord for Joanne...for her healthy brain activity, for her thumbs up, for the movement of her limbs and her ability to understand...for the timing of Toben seeing his wife's beautiful brown eyes. We Praise you Lord for what she will share with us...the work that you started and said you were going to finish. Praise you Father for your Hands of protection over her, for a loving husband beside her, for daughters who adore her, for her mother and father, family and friends who reach out, for prayers lifted on her behalf, for community of strangers coming together in one accord, for your witness Lord...all for your glory God, all for your GLORY!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
Joanne you are a gift...even to a stranger like me. Thank you Jesus!
Posted by: Care | January 24, 2011 at 05:27 AM
God has heard our prayers! He is so good. I can hardly type this as the tears of joy streaming from my eyes are blurring the words!
Today will be a day of singing praises to God, but I will also continue to pray for those specific requests made and also continue to pray for Audrey as she goes to school today. I am sure she will have a new bounce in her step as she enters the building this morning.
Now to get on my knees and offer up praises to the Great Physician!!!!
Posted by: Tiffany | January 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
Praise God from Whom All Blessings flow!
Rejoicing with you.
Posted by: Sharon in Frederick | January 24, 2011 at 05:47 AM
Happy tears this morning for such wonderful news! Praising God! You go, Joanne... we all love you!
Posted by: julie | January 24, 2011 at 05:50 AM
Praise the Lord!
To Joanne, and you and the girls, I send prayers and blessings!
The Lord is good and he hears and answers our prayers.
Posted by: Maribeth | January 24, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Thank you Lord, I'm so happy & filled with gratitude that I'm crying over my keyboard.
Thank you for the update Toben. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, from the Old Continent, from morning till I go to sleep.
Posted by: Valerie | January 24, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Wonderful news! This is the post we've been waiting to hear! God is good.
Posted by: JenForsythe | January 24, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Praise the Lord!!!!! He is able to do exceeding abundantly ABOVE all we can ask, think, or imagine. Ephesians 3:20. God bless.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 24, 2011 at 06:21 AM
I am crying tears of joy for you! I originally heard about Joanne through the LPM blog and have been following her progress every since. What an awesome God we have! I love hearing about answered prayer! I'll be continuing to pray for you all here from western SD.
Posted by: Erika | January 24, 2011 at 06:23 AM
to God be the glory, for HE alone iS Worthy! im So glad She iS doing better!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ANDREA | January 24, 2011 at 06:24 AM
God is good.
My wife survived a series of strokes last year and some of the things I did to help with her recovery while she was in this state was to try to hit all of her senses. Decorating the room is great. I also suggest bringing in the pillow case your kids' used the night before and laying it above her head. Also I recommend recording the normal sounds of your family at home and playing it back. My wife remembers hearing my daughter's constant laughter.
Don't forget to take care of yourself.
You'll get through this Toben. God has you in His hands.
Posted by: Peter Mayhew | January 24, 2011 at 06:29 AM