Here is a list of 10 things Joanne can now do:
1. She can stay awake almost all day (with a little cat nap here and there).
2. She can participate in her three primary therapies (OT, PT, and speech) each day and is improving in every one of them. It is hard work for her but she is rising to the occasion each day. Her therapists rock!
3. She has all sorts of sign language that she uses to very effectively communicate but...
4. She is also able to mouth words and when she really puts effort into it she can make sound. We are all pushing her to put in the effort and speak. Her therapist says that she has gotten used to not talking over the last month and her brain has to do some "re-wiring" to get her talking regularly.
5. She can eat an entire carton of yogurt in about four bites, feeding herself.
6. She got to drink Sprite! She has been asking for Sprite for a week so this a big deal. She got a special cup and is now allowed to have all the Sprite she can drink. I have a feeling I will be up and down the elevator transporting Sprite from the cafeteria for the foreseeable future.
7. Apparently she can send email from her iPad. I left her alone with it on her lap for ten minutes and came pack to her room to find her drafting and sending email. I have no idea what she sent or to whom, so if you got an email from Joanne, I'm not responsible for the content! She has limited fine motor control so chances are the emails she sent won't make alot of sense. I just think it's a kick that she tried.
8. Apparently she also took Kristen's iPhone (which looks just like Joanne's) and called Audrey. I also understand that she may have sent a text message, again, to who knows who. Like I said she doesn't have great motor control yet so I am sure the message was "interesting" considering the size of the iPhone keypad.
8. She can make a joke and laughs at the banter that happens around her when we are all in there. Her sense of humor is fully in tact.
9. She can write up a storm on a piece of paper with a Bic Crystal pen (her pen of choice). She can also write on the iPad but seems to like pen and paper for long-hand. However she has clearly demonstrated that her real desire is to be typing. I downloaded Pages for her so I would imagine that be next week she'll be typing everything on her spiffy iPad.
10. She can thrill all of us who are fortuante enough to be with her every day. When we look back at where she was two weeks ago all of this is truly amazing. God is good!
Prayer requests:
1. Joanne is in some pain. She is complaining of shoulder pain on the left side and of a persistent headache (no surprise considering her bone flap situation). They are trying to regualte her meds to keep her comfortable. Please pray that her pain goes away--we all hate to see her suffer.
2. Here is a big one: she is still paralyzed on her left side. So our bold prayer for Joanne is that she would recover movement on that side. If she does, it's going to take an enourmous amount of work on her part to make that happen. Pray for her strength and God's healing hand on her left body.
3. Pray that Joanne finds her voice. She is mouthing words and can sort of speak, but very, very quietly. Can't wait for her to make herself heard! Those who know her well know that she has a lot of good stuff to say. Please pray that through hard work and through God's healing hand that she will be talking out ears off before we know it.
Toben
Good Job Joanne! I love reading the updates your hubby posts to the blog and I look forward to a day when you are back to posting on a regular basis. I even took time to listen to your hubby's radio show on Monday but didn't get to hear the whole show cuz I had the kids' school partys to get ready for.
Enjoying the hand of God blessing you all thru this unfortunate event. What an amazing God we have!
Blessings
Kelli in Colorado
Posted by: Kelli | February 16, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Toben,
All I can say is PRAISE JEHOVAH RAPHA...the God who HEALS Joanne!
We are rejoicing with you brother....this is just incredible!
Love and MANY prayers from the Bartletts,
Jen & Rob Bartlett
Posted by: Wife of Rob | February 16, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Joanne, I miss you and I love you very, very much.
Posted by: Kathy Hutchinson | February 16, 2011 at 07:59 PM
So very happy and thankful for each step! Excited to get her email, too. I loved it!!!
Posted by: Holly Smith | February 16, 2011 at 08:00 PM
It is so good to continue to read great news about Joanne. I have been praying for her since she had her stroke. I don't personally know Joanne; I only know her as a Siesta (from Beth Moore's blog). I am so thankful for the work that God is doing in her life and will continue to pray for her. I read something today that made me think of her: A miracle is not the suspension of natural law but the operation of a higher law. We know God is in the miracle business, and He has shown His power greatly in Joanne's life. I pray there will be many more miracles for her !
Posted by: Kathy in GA | February 16, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Joanne you are doing great!! Don't let them stop you from sending emails - I'm sure you can do it :) I'll bet you will be typing lots of things within the next few days.
Posted by: Rachel | February 16, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Ohhhhh - I'll bet Joanne was trying to send a message to TWITTER!! Does she normally post updates from her Iphone? Can you set that up on the IPAD for her?
Posted by: Rachel | February 16, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Joanne you are amazing! You have a lot (okay more then a lot...thousands upon thousands) of people praying and rooting for you! With God's help anything is possible! I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: erin | February 16, 2011 at 08:11 PM
I looked forward to every post you write Toben. I love seeing how God is working. Thank you for letting us all share in the amazing steps Joanne continues to take.
Elizabeth in Falcon, CO
Posted by: Elizabeth Reiter | February 16, 2011 at 08:14 PM
PRAISE GOD for that little stinker texting and emailing!!!! Absolutely love it!!! Please tell her that I love her and am praying and believing God in every single detail that comes up. He has brought her thus far. :)
Love you Joanne....you are a mighty strong woman of faith and I have no doubt you will be whole one day soon!!!!
Big big hugs from TN
Fran
Posted by: Fran | February 16, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Praying fervently for you Joanne!
Posted by: heidi | February 16, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Yes, yes, yes! Still praying and believing. Will add that bold prayer for movement on the left side to our list!
Blessings,
Julie, Isaiah and Noah Hoagland - Seattle, WA
Posted by: Julie Hoagland | February 16, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Strength, Healing and Speech will all come in time. Joanne is on the road to recovery and sounds like she is sprinting.... She has a marithon to win so don't get in her way!!
Still Praying in Hurst, TX
Posted by: aTXtumbleweed | February 16, 2011 at 08:20 PM
All so wonderful.
I have only read Joanne's blog for a short bit.
I seem to remember that she really loves coffee!
Just a plug for a cup of coffee , smile.
Also....wonder if a stylus might help her with typing on the ipad. My elderly mom really appreciates using a stylus when she types on hers . Just a little thought.
Also the accessibility controls will allow a user to hear letter by letter as one types. don't know if this would be helpful or not but it is an option. I think it will also speak each word.
Anne
Posted by: [email protected] | February 16, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Go GOD! Go Joanne! Go Sprite, ipads, and BIC crystal pens! Continuing to cover it in prayer.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | February 16, 2011 at 08:29 PM
So Thankful!!!!!!!
Posted by: Emmy | February 16, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Toben,
Your posts have been a source of strength and encouragement for me as I prepare to undergo some medical procedures tomorrow and Monday.
I praise God for revealing His love, compassion, and grace as He works out His purpose and plan through Joanne.
Thank you,
Brian
Columbus, Ohio
Posted by: Brian E, | February 16, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Hi,
Here is a link to a website for Alex Ross
http://alexrossupdates.blogspot.com/
He was shot in the head a year ago and was once where Joanne is now. His whole right side of his brain is gone, and he had strokes on the left side. He can now walk and talk and has come a long long way. Joanne will, too :)
Posted by: Pam | February 16, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Praising God for everything!
Praying BIG and BOLD prayers for ALL that she needs to complete her healing!! A miracle, fully restored, recovery!!
I was thinking maybe she typed in her scripture memory verse to Beth's blog!! Or at least tried to!! Just sayin!!
Thank you Jesus for all the blessings you give us!!
Posted by: Colette | February 16, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Joanne and Toben,
God bless you two and your two daughters. I have witnessed a miracle from God as I have read about Joanne's progress. My prayers are with you and your lovely little girls. Praise be to God!
Posted by: Donna | February 16, 2011 at 09:16 PM
Praising God for Joanne's progress and praying big for her recovery. Thank you for continuing to post. I can't imagine how exhausted you and the rest of the family must be. Continuing to pray for all of you in Las Vegas.
Posted by: Carol | February 16, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Keep up the good work, Joanne ! We are ALL cheering you on !! God is continually amazing us, and we praise Him for all He is doing in your life!
Praying and Believing....for a complete recovery! Blessings...and hugs ! diane
Posted by: Diane Seltzer | February 16, 2011 at 10:13 PM
YAY Joanne! You're STRONG woman...a LOVED woman. With God's help, I can't wait to see the miracles that unfold. Keep fighting, girlfriend!
Posted by: adele | February 16, 2011 at 10:19 PM
I am moved by the faith and healing of you and your family. I can't wait ton read the updates each night. What a mighty God we serve!
Posted by: KC | February 16, 2011 at 10:22 PM
From a feeding and speech therapist's view point... hurray!!! Praying that she will have her speech back soon. THRILLED that she is using that iPad for great things (I use mine in therapy as well). Keep working and we will continue praying for you all! Praise God! He is the Great Physician. It all takes time, but these are HUGE steps! :-) so great to hear it..
Posted by: Heidi Peters | February 16, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Praise for the top ten! A testament to the God we revere, to J's strength and determination and to her loving, committed family. Nice work team! Praise from the Koss Family in Oregon and continued prayers.
Posted by: Erin Koss | February 16, 2011 at 10:36 PM
I wish Joanne all the best! Send her kisses from... Romania :-)
May she be healthy, happy and strong again!
Posted by: Raluca | February 16, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Oh, so much GOOD! I am completely blown away by all you are doing, Joanne! AWESOME!!!!!
I shared with my blog readers about you earlier, since your blog has been on my sidebar for so long it seems like you are family. : ) Now I can't wait to share with them how great you are doing--SO HAPPY for you. I know it must be frustrating to be in pain without relief, and to not yet be able to do without great effort all the things that once came naturally--keep up your spirit, friend. You are so loved, most of all by the God who created you, cherishes you, and has a wonderful future for you.
With love and prayers, Lisa
Posted by: blessed | February 16, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Praise God for all of these wonderful steps forward that Joanne is taking! I continue to Pray for all of you! Hugs from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa | February 17, 2011 at 04:43 AM
I am beyond excited to hear about her progress! She is one amazing woman.
Still praying in Augusta, Ga!
Love y'all!
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl | February 17, 2011 at 04:52 AM
I wanted to encourage you regarding progress...my mom had a stroke when she was 59 and was paralyzed on her left side as well. It took a while, but she made huge strides and came back strong! Hang in there J! Thinking of you!
Posted by: Melissa | February 17, 2011 at 04:53 AM
WE are so happy to read the good news and will continue to put her in the FATHER's hands...
Praying in Atlanta,
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel Pate | February 17, 2011 at 05:33 AM
Continuing to pray in Ohio! Might I suggest you get the audio version of the Jan Karon book that she was reading when all of this happened? It is called In the Company of Others and might be enjoyable for her.
Posted by: Jen | February 17, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Oh, wow. What an amazing update!! I love you, girl!! Praying!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | February 17, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Father I am bodly asking for Complete Healing for Joanne. You are able to do all things, and I believe You. Father we know Your power and we see Your glory in Joanne in the words of Toben's 10 things Joanne can do post. Toben is counting blessings that only come from You. Lord Toben has also given us a prayer request list. I boldly ask that You take it as Your to do list, and just start checking it off. Thank You Father for giving us Your Son, Jesus. Tears come as I think of all You gave so that we may have. Thank You for Jesus, through Whom I lift up this prayer a Siesta from Bryan, Tx
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | February 17, 2011 at 07:05 AM
GO JOANNE YOU ARE A WARRIOR keep fighting the good fight , keep on texting and sending the emails, This post just made me smile I cannot imagne the party that is going on in Heaven before the Throne of the Almighty. Toben your updates and everything you write strengthen my walk with the Lord and my faith. Lord we ask that you restore Joanne left side completely and Lord we are praying BIG for Joanne , we pray that the pain would go away in her shoulder and her headaches would be gone Lord touch her , We pray that you would restore her speech completely and that she would talk there heads off. Lord I am amazed and strengthen thru these posts everyday and my faith is strengthen. Lord I pray that You would give the Heim family strength for the journey and bright hope for tomorrow. Lord thank you for all you are doing anfd are going to do.
Amen
Carol
P.S Hi Audrey and Emma praying for you girls to
Posted by: Carol | February 17, 2011 at 07:19 AM
Praying for continued healing and REJOICING how the Lord has healed her thus far! :)
Posted by: Ruth | February 17, 2011 at 08:10 AM
have that said anything about her trach,maybe effecting how well she is heard?? so exciting to see and read all the things she can do.
Posted by: becky m | February 17, 2011 at 08:21 AM
AWESOME!!
Posted by: Tara | February 17, 2011 at 08:31 AM
What a champion warrior our Siesta Joanne is...and a testimony to the whole world. I have no doubt she will recover her left side usage and will continue to pray for her complete restoration. Did she ever get her orange popscicle? We got to share Joannes progress with our church family last night at prayer meeting, and everyone was blessed with the miraculous report, some knew because of the connection with Ryan Dobson and Dr. Dobson ministry. More prayer warriors enlisted!
Posted by: Pam Houston | February 17, 2011 at 08:33 AM
it is truly amazing considering where she was just two weeks ago. the healing ability of the body is amazing… coupled with some incredible prayers and grace from the Father… and WOW! so great to hear so much good news. will continue to pray over her pain issues and of course for healing on that left side.
Posted by: purejoy | February 17, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Praying for all of you as you continue to navigate this road and make decisions re: care for the future. PRAISING for Sprite, text messages, and email!!! I'm asking the Lord to help Joanne find her voice, so that she may proclaim His faithfulness LOUDLY! :)
Posted by: Shannon (chickadeesmama) | February 17, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Heavenly Father We Thank you for going out ahead of Joanne & her family Lord & for total healing of Joanne's mind & body.We Praise You & Love You in your precious Son Jesus name.AMEN
Posted by: Rayleine Chagoya | February 17, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I have been so blessed to pray for you during this past month and see the mighty hand of God on your progress. Will continue to pray for your full recovery.
God bless you and Toben and your girls.
In Christ's love
Jamie M
Posted by: Jamie Muramoto | February 17, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Love & hugs from D.C. It's been awful to be on this business trip & miss my daily afternoons with you - my first absence since Jan 11th, but Toben & mom told me to go. Virtual hugs, since I think you you could now on line reading these comments - instead of me reading them to you!
LOVE LOVE your Dad
Posted by: Chuck Friedenstein | February 17, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Praising God! Look at all the Blessings he has bestowed upon Joanne already! And see how Joanne is fighting back to all of you!
Prayers and blessings!
Posted by: Maribeth | February 17, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Praise you Jesus!!! Oh I am so thankful for all that our miracle working God is doing in Joanne. Thank you Lord for enabling Joanne to have the fight within her to battle this far. I was not familiar with this blog or yours Toben, or your family before the prayer shout out on Beth Moore's blog but I have fallen in love with your family and the way that you all live Jesus out in the midst of this trial. I can not wait to see what God is going to do through you, Joanne, your girls now. May God continue to shower you all with blessing and may He continue to bring Joanne to a full recovery! Continuing to pray for you in Alabama
Posted by: Julie Reynolds | February 17, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Jesus thank you and thank you more! Praise Your Holy and precious name!
Praying and cheering for you Joanne!! Keep pushing it.
Blessings,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | February 17, 2011 at 05:02 PM
I almost cried when I read this post. God truly is AMAZING! I look forward to reading this blog, and getting my Joanne update everyday. My prayers are with all of you...keep up the good work!
Posted by: Chandra Marrs | February 17, 2011 at 06:41 PM
Oh this is amazing news. One day at a time Joanne. You are getting stronger and stronger! I am so proud of you!
Posted by: Barbie | February 17, 2011 at 09:44 PM
The Doctors said my Dad's voice (vocal chords) were affected by his Stroke Some days he was only able to whisper, other days his voice was strong. This was especially hard living so far away and only being able to talk with him on the phone, he would get very frustrated and extremely tired but I sure loved hearing him....if only a whisper. We tried not to put too much strain on his vocals but we would tell him to just listen and we would bring him up to date on the weather, kids, grandkids, work etc.
Posted by: Jamie Patano | February 18, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Yes, for her to have movement on her left side is a big thing, but we serve a BIG GOD! He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can even think or imagine, so nothing is too small for Him. I don't know you but from reading this blog over the several weeks, I feel like you know that. But, sometimes, it's nice to see that written out for us. I hope that encourages you today. I am praying specifically for the paralysis to go away and for it to be easy for her to recover. May God bless you and your family for being so strong for her during this time!!!!
Posted by: Jessica | February 18, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Blog world is an amazing thing. Our household speaks of your family as if we have been family friends for decades. My youngest 11, talks to her friends of the progress of each step and at night she prays for Audrey and Emma. Of course, we only know you through Blog world. Thank you for inviting us into your life and allowing us the privilege of sharing in the struggles and the successes.
I understand the long term dailyness of life that can bring weariness to a new level and I can understand little victories that can bring such joy - that the joy itself is kinda humorous.
Hang in there with Jesus. We speak from experience. I know it is so so hard but God will redeem and multiply beyond what we could think or ask.
We are so happy for you and will continue to lift your miraculous recovery up before the Great Healer!
Posted by: mk | February 19, 2011 at 10:26 AM