The swelling on the right side (the stroke side) of Joanne's brain is pushing the left side (the non-stroke side). That's bad. So were are sitting here staring at a blinking number on a monitor. Is if the number goes below 20 that's a good thing. If it goes above 20, that's a bad thing. And if it goes over 25 then that's the point at which more significant and invasive measures may have to take place to protect that left hemisphere.
They are administering a strong paralytic to try and knock her out even further (if that's possible) in an attempt to basically eliminate any brain activity whatsoever. In that state both her conscious and sub-conscious will be on vacation until her pressure comes down and the paralytic is discontinued.
Prayer: that the paralytic would work, that her pressure would drop and that no more invasive measures need to happen. For those of you that are inclined, this is the time to pray for a miracle (if you aren't already).
Toben
Praying for a miracle.
Posted by: Teri Butcher | January 15, 2011 at 09:50 PM
You are all in our constant prayers. This week had been a week to learn to pray without ceasing. Love to you all.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 15, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Praying for a miracle.
Posted by: Taylor | January 15, 2011 at 09:52 PM
Begging God for a miracle for your sweet wife.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 15, 2011 at 09:52 PM
Praying for a miracle for you, sweet Joanne. We love you so much and won't stop praying until you're healed.
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 15, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Knowing God can do the miracle.
Posted by: Kim Oaster | January 15, 2011 at 09:55 PM
I've been praying my heart out for a Lazarus kind of miracle. I'm worn out praying and can only imagine how you guys are feeling right now. I will not stop. I am asking the Holy Spirit to keep vigil when I sleep tonight to interceded in a way the He KNOWS exactly how to. I have been praying specifically, individually for each of you in the family, and of course, miracle prayers for Joanne. This kind of thing takes learning to wait on God to a whole new level.
Posted by: Angie Platten | January 15, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Praying for a miracle, Lord hear our prayer.
Posted by: Maggie | January 15, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Praying, pleading, asking for God to rain down miracles all over you and Joanne.
Posted by: Allison Johnson | January 15, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Just prayed for that miracle and asked God to bless you and Joanne with that gift tonight.
<3 <3 <3
--Alicia
Posted by: Alicia | January 15, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Praying for a miracle!
Posted by: Jessica | January 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Praying!!! Thank you for the updates!
Posted by: lacey | January 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Reading Psalm 46 everyday and praying for your family.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Praying with you and asking for that miracle for Joanne.
Sonja
Posted by: Sonja | January 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Praying for a miracle.
Posted by: Big mama | January 15, 2011 at 10:05 PM
God is good. We are praying for immediate action. Heal Father. Heal. Please keep us updated. There is a lot of love out here.
Posted by: Jenn | January 15, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Praying for God's hand of mercy and healing to be deeply felt over and within Joanne.
Praying for some type of supernatural rest for you all as well...the only rest that God can give.
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | January 15, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Yes a miracle. Husband and I just prayed. Thank you for the update. We will continue lifting you all up.
Posted by: Amy | January 15, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Praying Psalm 77:14 He is the God who performs miracles!! Trusting and believing with you, for that miracle!
Posted by: Colette | January 15, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Praying for just that, my brother...have not stopped all day, but am laying in with all my strength in this hour.
Love,
Holly
Posted by: Holly Smith | January 15, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Going now to pray on my knees. "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)
Karene in California
Posted by: Karene | January 15, 2011 at 10:08 PM
I know it's not easy to type these updates, Toben...but it helps us to know how to pray. And we're praying for a miracle!!
Posted by: Adele | January 15, 2011 at 10:08 PM
I'm Angie Platten's mom and I want you to know that I am praying for Joanne and have shared her needs with my church and it went out on our prayer chain and I also shared with a huge Internet Prayer chain that I'm a part of. So be assured there are people all over the U.S. praying for your precious wife. God is still in control but, at times like these, the waiting is so very hard.
Posted by: Hazel Kyzar | January 15, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Have been and will continue to pray for a miracle! It IS possible!
Posted by: Shari | January 15, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Praying and praying and believing God for that miracle!
Posted by: Rachael D | January 15, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Praying that this would be the first of many miracles we witness our Savior bringing forth in Joanne's battle.
Posted by: Jenn | January 15, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Have been in prayers (and tears) all day - I will continue to beg God for a miracle....
Posted by: Kristy | January 15, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Praying Praying Praying.... Can't go without thinking and praying for Joanne and family.... Klaine & Ann Doucette
Posted by: Ann | January 15, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Praying that God would do the miraculous so that all of us can proclaim, "Look what our Godhas done!!"
Posted by: Cindy Moses | January 15, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Toben,
We have been in prayers for Joanne.
Lord! Pleae give us a miracle and show us your majesty, power, mercy and compassion.
Please, please, please...
Posted by: Sung Wook Chung | January 15, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Praying for a miracle!!!
Posted by: dayna jung | January 15, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Praying SO hard for a miracle!
Posted by: Melana Cummings | January 15, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Praying for a miracle also for you and your family.
Posted by: ValerieGail | January 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Praying for a miracle, a huge, God-sized miracle!! And believing God for it.
Posted by: Mary | January 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Toben,
You don't know me but I just wanted you to know I will pray for a miracle for her, for you, for your two daughters, for all who know you and your family. Since I read about Joanne on Kelly's blog, I've had all of you on my mind and haven't been able to stop thinking about this situation. My grandmother suffered her first major stroke at an early age of 60+ and fought back with all her might. God gives all of us a will to live and your wife has her beautiful family to live for - may God bring her out of this ordeal and back to you VERY soon!
GOD IS GOOD .. ALL THE TIME!!
God bless you!
Posted by: Lynn | January 15, 2011 at 10:26 PM
God, we are crying out for You to heal Joanne. Jeremiah 33:2-3 ... “This is what the LORD says, He who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Posted by: Katie | January 15, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Psalm 131:3 The Message
Calling and Waiting
on our Strong God with you!
Hope Now.
Hope Always.
Posted by: Bev Brandon | January 15, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Toben, we're praying for Joanne, you, your girls, and your family. You are amazing people and my heart goes out to you all.
Posted by: JenForsythe | January 15, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I wake, I wonder. Doing laundry, I am praying. Can't stop thinking of Joanne and the ones she loves so much. It's a good thing we pray to the God who is in the business to do miracles. I am asking the Lord to hold Joanne tight and rock her to sleep so her brain can rest a bit. Thank you Toben for the updates. They mean a lot to us.
Posted by: CarolynLeslie-Sunny SD | January 15, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Praying, praying, praying. Come on, Lord. Work a miracle. Show off for us.
Holy cow, Heims & Co. You're really getting put through the ringer. Joanne is first in my prayers, with you following very closely behind.
Lord, give Joanne's family strength, endurance and peace that passes all understanding. You are able - MORE than able - and we believe that. Expand time so Joanne can heal. Expand time so her family can rest and be reenergized to persevere. Be near, Lord Jesus.
Posted by: angie | January 15, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Praying hard!!!
Posted by: Sarah | January 15, 2011 at 10:41 PM
adding my prayers for a miracle as well.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Praying for all of you...
Posted by: dawn | January 15, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Praying for a miracle for your family.
Posted by: Andrea | January 15, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Kirstin and I are praying for you. Joanne, keep fighting.
Posted by: Todd and Kirstin Orwig | January 15, 2011 at 10:46 PM
I am continuing to pray.
Posted by: Cyndi | January 15, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Praying that God answers your prayers. Praying that God will work his miracles on sweet Joanne. Praying for strength and courage for you Toben and your family.
Posted by: erin | January 15, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Toben,
Please know that I am continuing to pray and believe God for a miracle for Joanne. Hold on to God and your faith-He will see you through this valley.
Posted by: Tami | January 15, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Abba Father, my sweet friend Joanne needs Your gentle healing touch, please have mercy. My heart aches for Toben, Audrey and Emma...hold them close tonight, give them peace and rest. Giving You praise for all You are doing, have done and will continue to do for Your glory.
Posted by: Ann Berg | January 15, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Praying for Joanne's miracle and for you, the girls & the rest of the family - that He will hold you in His hands as He is performing a mighty work.
Posted by: Beth Petty | January 15, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Praying for a miracle all day!!!
Posted by: Ginny Otsuka | January 15, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Toben, God Bless you and your precious Joanne, and those 2 sweet girls of yours. Praying for you all.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 15, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Continuing to pray...just harder. Love to you and your family. I'm so terribly sorry for what be such a difficult time. Hang on tight to the God of mercy and grace. He will not leave you or Joanne.
Posted by: Erin | January 15, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Praying for a miracle.
Posted by: Carol | January 15, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Sending prayers and thoughts! Hopin for a miracle! Reading your posts brought me to tears! So many similar things. Anyway, praying for your family!
Posted by: Tara M. | January 15, 2011 at 11:39 PM
We'll keep doing just that.
Posted by: Keith jones | January 15, 2011 at 11:39 PM
I just learned about your precious wife through a friend on Facebook and just wanted to let you know that I am praying for healing for her! I have also spread the word to all of my friends to encourage them to pray for her as well. "Nothing is impossible with God".
Posted by: Melanie V. | January 15, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Please Jesus!! Please provide a miracle for Joanne!!
Praying so hard for you all tonight!
Posted by: Philly Paige | January 15, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Our family is praying for your dear family. You all have been in hearts and conversations and prayers all this week. Such a hard time. Thankful for a big God. You are loved by our family.
Posted by: MK | January 15, 2011 at 11:55 PM
Continuing to pray for lovely Joanne. Will not stop. And for strength for you and the rest of the family.
Posted by: Jen Barrow | January 15, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Dear Heim Family,
"O LORD my God,I called to you for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:2
"I will sing of your strength,in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16
"Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jerimiah 17:14
"This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:21-22
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Praying that our LORD heals precious Joanne and wraps his loving arms around your family!
In HIS Grip,
Necole Fellows and family
(Denver Christian family and CHCC members)
Posted by: Necole Fellows | January 16, 2011 at 12:34 AM
Praying for a miracle. I lit a candle for her at Church today.
Em
from Australia
Posted by: em | January 16, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Thank you for the updates, sending them on to my prayer friends, the circle of prayer keeps growing. Praying alongside you and in the gap....for a MIRACLE!!
Posted by: pam | January 16, 2011 at 01:02 AM
God can do mighty things.. My 66 year old mother suffered from a subrecnoid hemmorage, anyerism and stroke in 2006 learned to walk, talk and function again and is still alive to tell the story.. God Bless you and your family. I am asking everyone for prayers that God will fully restore.
Posted by: Tanya | January 16, 2011 at 01:03 AM
I will continue to pray that God's healing hand be upon Joanne, and that you and your family will be strengthened and renewed. Thank you so much for updating us.
Posted by: Christine H. | January 16, 2011 at 02:15 AM
Prayers coming from Australia for you and your family.
Posted by: Michelle from Australia | January 16, 2011 at 03:06 AM
I came here randomly tonight, after not visiting the blog for a while. I was stunned to read about Joanne. I am praying for a miracle. May you feel God's peace.
Posted by: Nita Jo | January 16, 2011 at 03:09 AM
Praying in Madison AL
Posted by: Hope | January 16, 2011 at 03:51 AM
It will work! Everything will be fine!
Posted by: Puva | January 16, 2011 at 03:52 AM
praying with great expectation!
Posted by: tammy | January 16, 2011 at 04:04 AM
Ours is a Big God! I believe in Big Miracles! I'll keep praying for Joanne. Thank you for keeping us posted... she's on my mind so much!!
Posted by: Lori | January 16, 2011 at 04:05 AM
Praying . The Holy Spirit has been knocking my heart to pray for Joanne. He knows she needs our prayers. We are praying. Kim & Kyle Santa Monica Ca
Posted by: Kim Gregory | January 16, 2011 at 04:08 AM
Prayers from Lancaster,PA
Posted by: Christy | January 16, 2011 at 04:31 AM
Toben: your post from last August: God is with you and Joanne right now and has been preparing you for this now.
TOBEN: CHANGES FOR THE BETTER
Wow, a lot has happened since I posted last. If you've read Joanne's posts you know a lot about what has gone on. The big deal is that we moved back to Colorado after a year in Phoenix. It was a good learning year for us down there and we made some friends that we will have for life, so that's a good thing for sure. But being back in Colorado has been amazing.
The biggest thing is that we are surrounded with Family. Joanne's folks are two miles away. Her sister and her family are another five miles further along. My folks are just down the freeway in Colorado Springs. And then there is the mish-mash of sort-of relatives that live nearby. It's amazing to have so much family so close. We probably see someone from our extended family every day, and it is a treat. The girls are especially loving the time with their grandparents, cousins and Aunt and Uncle. So the family part is great. There is just love and support from family that is special and unique in the world of relationships.
On top of that there are some friendships here that we have fallen back into. It's pretty cool to flip through my contacts list in my phone and to have friends here that I can meet up with for lunch or coffee. Not that I couldn't do that in Phoenix--it's just nice to know that I still have friends here that are great to hang out with. And being back with them makes me realize how much I missed them.
Still weighing the church thing. There are a lot of things we like about our church (Cherry Hills Community) but Audrey hasn't taken to the youth group yet. Of course she has only gone once, but she wasn't blown away. A lot of that probably has to do with how much she loved the Jr. High group at Mission. But we are going to give it a couple more weeks and see if she settles in. Small groups start in September and if we can get her into one of those and get her some connection to a cool youth leader I think she'll be all set. One way or another, youth group is going to be a huge part of her life. Being home-schooled that'll be her primary opportunity to make friends. Of course she still has friends from her days at Denver Christian and she has gotten to hang out with a few of them which is really cool.
Emma is bopping right along. She loves having Gran and Papa nearby. She loves having her swing tied up high in in one of the big trees in our back year. She loves the baby bunnies that live under our deck (she has even gotten close enough to touch one). And she is into cooking--loves to help Joanne out in the kitchen. All in all she is a pretty irrepressible kid. Oh, and she has become addicted to the Cosby Show. Not a bad choice.
After a month with no work I finally landed a great, fun, challenging client that will take up most of my time for the foreseeable future. I really wasn't sure what God was going to provide--a regular office job, an opportunity to continue to consult or something in the fast-food industry. But consulting looks like it'll be the deal for the time being. I'll talk more about my new gig in a future post, but suffice it to say that I couldn't be more excited or blown away by God's providence. I still need to add a few clients to really make ends meet, but I am on the path to seeing that happen and I just have a sense that God is going ahead of me on this one.
We had money set aside that would allow us to make it for a few months, and for some reason I thought God was going to take us up tot he very edge before he provided. I have heard so many stories lately of families that we taken right to the edge before God provided a job and an income. But for whatever reason God didn't wait with us. Not sure why that is and I have been pondering it for the last couple of days.
The great thing about having a month off is that I had a chance to do everything around the house that needed done--touch-up painting, yard work, attacking the honey-do list from Joanne and getting everything put away from our move. I got to be super helpful around the house and now that I am back at work, it is very satisfying to know that everything is done.
On a spiritual note: this whole experience has changed my perception of God to some greater or lesser extent. First of all, God told me to move that family back to Colorado. It wasn't quite an audible voice, but almost. Then he provided for us financially in almost a widows-jar-of-oil sort of way. We just continued to have enough money to make it. Then he provided a great client ahead of what I assumed might be his schedule--he surprised me with that one. All of this has lead me to believe that maybe God cares for me in more tangible ways than I thought he did. Maybe he has a great plan for me and for our family instead of keeping his distance. Maybe he wouldn't have told me to pack us up and move back here if he wasn't also going to provide a job. Maybe he is more involved in my day-to-day life than I realized. Nonetheless it is causing me to reevaluate some of my assumptions.
So I guess that's where I'm at. I feel a peace that I haven't felt in a long time and I have felt it since we moved back. I have had my days where some anxiety and a little mania have crept in but on the whole I have been stable and that feels really good.
And it feels really good to be home.
Posted on 08/07/2010 |
Posted by: Kim Gregory | January 16, 2011 at 04:34 AM
praying ...often through out the day ...for all ofyou.. from Atlanta, GA.
Posted by: Rachel Pate | January 16, 2011 at 04:47 AM
Praying steadfastly. Believing God for a miracle.
Posted by: Heather C | January 16, 2011 at 05:09 AM
Psalm 65:11
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the HARD PATHWAYS OVERFLOW WITH ABUNDANCE
Posted by: sue | January 16, 2011 at 05:19 AM
I've been reading but haven't commented until now....We have set with a brain injured loved one for days and weeks, with our journey stretching into months. Reading your experiences brings many, many flashbacks.
I can honestly say that it was only God that got us through and it is HE who holds all of you in His wonderful hands.
I, too, am praying that God will perform a miracle. He loves Joanne. He loves you. Of that we can be very, very sure.
I also think that you were very wise to ask for a day to just be quiet and be with family. More of those days wouldn't hurt a bit! People will understand!!!
Becky in Lancaster County, PA
Posted by: Becky K. | January 16, 2011 at 05:23 AM
Praying for Joanne & you and your girls.
Posted by: Laura M | January 16, 2011 at 05:41 AM
Praying for a miracle!
Posted by: Deidre | January 16, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Praying for a miracle
Posted by: Meghan | January 16, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Praying for a miracle. Praying that God keeps you and the girls strong throughout this. Just remember that He is always there, and so are our prayers. HUGS...
Posted by: Christie Brehm | January 16, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Praying for a miracle!
Posted by: Dawn | January 16, 2011 at 05:57 AM
Continuing to pray.
Posted by: Recovering Lutheran | January 16, 2011 at 06:02 AM
praying for a miracle for your family
Posted by: Darlene | January 16, 2011 at 06:05 AM
Continuing to pray for God's miracle. He will answer us.
Praying for you and your girls as well.
Posted by: Sheryl Dean | January 16, 2011 at 06:13 AM
praying for a miracle! God is keeping her on my mind. she was one of the first things i thought of this morning, so right when i got up i had to head to the computer. may God surround you and your family with peace toben as we all wait expectantly for joanne's miracle!
Posted by: kimberly mason | January 16, 2011 at 06:18 AM
Have kept praying....I just found Joanne's blog yesterday. Can't stop praying for you all. May the Lord keep you sheltered in his arms to weather the storm....
Posted by: Savanna Cahill | January 16, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Prayers continue for you all.
Posted by: Amelia | January 16, 2011 at 06:25 AM
Praying for that miracle. I put her on my sidebar with a request for prayer.
God's love to you, Toben.
Laura
Posted by: Laura of Harvest Lane | January 16, 2011 at 06:35 AM
God is still in the business of miracles. And absolutely praying to that end...
Posted by: Melissa Thacker | January 16, 2011 at 06:36 AM
I don't even know you sweet wife...but she has been so consistently heavy on my heart. I have passed her name on to people in La...they will be praying.
Still lifting your sweet wife before the throne....still praying in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.
To Him who can do above and beyond all we can think or imagine. \o/
Posted by: Sharon Brumfield | January 16, 2011 at 06:38 AM
Praying for God to continue to hold our sweet sister in His arms and conyinue to preform a miracle in her life and peace for you all.
Carol
Posted by: Carol | January 16, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Our God IS a God of miracles, praying for one.
Posted by: danielle | January 16, 2011 at 06:45 AM
Still praying in Tennessee. Praying for a miracle...may it happen as I type these words...she is never far from my thoughts.
Posted by: Mary Lou | January 16, 2011 at 06:47 AM
We Know the Guy who is n the miracle Business. Praying for you Both!! Love Ya Brother!!
Posted by: Tom J | January 16, 2011 at 06:48 AM
Praying in unison with all these other people. Lord all these things we ask, let it be so. You are mighty and powerful God who knows the hairs on our head. You have a plan for each of us and it is a plan for good. Let us walk in that path and continue to reach out to you and leaning into you.
Posted by: Cathy Davis | January 16, 2011 at 06:51 AM
Dear Toben,
We all go through our lives waking at the start of each day, secure in the knowledge that all will go well. One day, as we go through, the sameness in life, challenges are laid before us.
God loves us. God loves Joanne and God loves you and the girls.
He is with you now, and he is with Joanne as she fights this battle.
If ever a woman loves her God and her family, it is Joanne, and she has the will of a Tiger!
I'm praying constantly for miracles. For God is all about miracles.
Blessings of hope for you and the girls, and of miracles for Joanne!
Love from New Hampshire.
Posted by: Maribeth | January 16, 2011 at 06:51 AM
Just prayed for that miracle and have not ceased praying since this all began. Off to church to ask others to pray for the same miracle. Be strong Toben, hold onto the fact that God is good, always...
Posted by: Tiffany | January 16, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Praying for a miracle. Asking God to bring glory to Himself through all of this.
Posted by: Paula | January 16, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Praying for a miracle and following closely through internet. What a battle in the spirit. Perseverance. Patience. Rest. We pray the paralytic does it's job and God, no doubt will do His. Remember it was the friends of the paralytic that carried the man up to the roof, tore the hole in the roof and let the man down in front of Jesus for his healing. A labor of love...and many around the world labor in love with you all for Joanne's healing. "To love and be loved..." It would seem a divine mystery is at work.
Posted by: Pam Houston | January 16, 2011 at 06:59 AM