Joanne has gotten her iPhone back. She has asked for it for a couple of days and I honestly didn't think she was in a position to use it, but I figure what Mama wants, Mama gets. As soon as it was in her hand she started texting, checking FB and Twitter. The texting is the thing I'm warning you about--you may get a text from Joanne at any hour of the day or night. And because her motor control isn't the best yet, it might be kinda hard to read, but she is good enough that you'll get the drift of what she is trying to say. It's actually pretty cool! Feel free to text her during the day--she'd love to hear from you.
Where did the weekend go!
Prayer request (there are actually a bunch but I'm going to stick with one):
We are with Joanne all day every day until about 7 p.m. We usually try to get Joanne settled in and ready for sleep, but she isn't always asleep when we leave. My prayer is that she will rest well while we aren't with her and that she will be at peace.
Toben
Toben,
I've been following this since a prayer request was posted by a mutual friend on Twitter. I have dreamed, thought about, and prayed for your family. Your post about spending eternity either with or apart from the Lord really hit home for me. I think God is doing something in my heart through Joanne's stroke. Thank you.
Posted by: Courtney | February 21, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Hi Toben,
This news keeps getting better and better and if I knew Joanne better and I received a text, email or phone call that wasn't 'normal' I would be jumping for glee!
Praying and praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | February 21, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Joanne/Toben, I don't have your number but here is mine. I would love to text my buddy Joanne! I just got a smartphone ( I know I am probably the last holdout) so it would be fun to chat! Maybe as your motor control improves we can challenge eachother to some words with friends! Somehow I know you will kick my rear in that department. : ) hope to hear from you soon! 707-330-3486
Posted by: Chrissy | February 21, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Your prayer request that she would be at peace as you leave at night touched my heart. The care your family is providing is so complete, your life for hers. All that God is doing in and through this situation will not be known until we are all together around the throne of grace. Praise His Name.
Posted by: Kathy Rivera | February 21, 2011 at 09:13 PM
That is awesome. Great news.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 21, 2011 at 09:18 PM
We frequently give adults stuffed animals/teddy bears while they are in-house (hospitalized), never have they been turned down.
Each of us has the need for something comforting, soft and huggable in the dark.
Something to think about for Joanne.
Yes, to the prayers, peace for her and for you as you head home each day after the visit.
Posted by: merlin | February 21, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Praying for rest and peace for all of you!!
Also praying for all the requests that you didn't mention but God knows what they are!! :-)
Thank You Lord!!
Posted by: Colette | February 21, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Praying for rest for her and the family. But I've gotta say that hearing that she's just ready to go with her Iphone is so exciting. That is so awesome!
Posted by: Meryl | February 22, 2011 at 12:05 AM
It's unbelieveably great that she is takling the phone so soon! I am so awed by her spunk. Praying for a good nights rest for the whole family.
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | February 22, 2011 at 04:32 AM
Praying for peace for Joanne and for you all.
Sending blessings from New Hampshire.
Posted by: Maribeth | February 22, 2011 at 06:06 AM
I too like the idea of a teddy bear,or some other huggable lovie that might bring a little comfort as she goes off to sleep. Im a grandma, and when I am sick, sometimes I just need something to hold close to me! Think about that idea! Love that J is texting! I am blown away by her progress! Praise God!
Posted by: mary beth | February 22, 2011 at 06:14 AM
A. maz. ing. Grace.
Posted by: [email protected] | February 22, 2011 at 06:53 AM
What a blessing it is to read these good reports, they are such an encouragement, and such a testimony to God's comfort and grace.
Praying for rest and continued healing!
Posted by: Kathy C. | February 22, 2011 at 07:15 AM
I am always so happy to hear about Joanne's progress. I want to let her know that I have gone a little crazy on amazon ordering books she has recommended for both myself and my children. I loved Living SImply and am rereading it daily and ordered my sister a copy. She is so inspirational and truly an awesome example for others. We will continue to pray for all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for opening your lives to us all.
Posted by: Shannon Letsche | February 22, 2011 at 08:26 AM
We saw this post last night just as we were finishing up our Monday night prayer for Joanne and we were all ECSTATIC!!! I'll have to DM Joanne my number so she can text me, if she gets really bored! LOL
Posted by: Kathryn Champion | February 22, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Way to go Joanne I am loving this
Carol
Albuquerque NM
Posted by: Carol | February 22, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Seriously amazing. I'm amazed by her progress and so happy for you all! Continued prayers....
Posted by: AndreaW | February 22, 2011 at 10:37 AM
I don't know Joanne personally, but I've been keeping up with her ever since her stroke. I heard about her through different blogs that I read. Anyway, I am praying for her and check the blog almost every day to see how she's doing. I'm almost 24 year old minister's wife, have 3 little girls, and live in Tennessee. Just wanted you all to know this!
Love in Christ,
Haley
Posted by: Haley | February 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Is there something cozy possibly made by the girls with their momma that they could bring to her? It would be a great part of home, a sweet memory and something to look forward to. Could she wear some of the ballet slippers she knitted? That would be another piece of home that she loves. Praying for easier nights as your family leaves for home and for Joanne as she is settling down for the evening.
Joanne, I hope your headache is easing up and LOVE that you are sending out messages. You are Loved so very much by our Creator, family and friends.
Posted by: Kerry | February 22, 2011 at 11:14 AM
I love the idea of a huggable "lovie." I am reminded that a friend brought me a darling bear when I was facing a dark and lonely time. It was comforting to know she thought of me with compassion. I enjoyed having a bear big enough to wrap my arms around.
Caring and praying from WA state, Michal
Posted by: Michal Ann | February 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Joanne just text/twitter/call away. I'm not in your iphone contacts but just reading you are communicating brings joy to my day. A Siesta praying in the gap in Bryan, Tx
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | February 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM
I love the idea of a huggable "lovie." I am reminded that a friend brought me a darling bear when I was facing a dark and lonely time. It was comforting to know she thought of me with compassion. I enjoyed having a bear big enough to wrap my arms around.
Caring and praying from WA state, Michal
Posted by: Michal Ann | February 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Praise God!! Joanne is taking her life back, one small step at a time.
Posted by: Sallye | February 22, 2011 at 12:36 PM
This makes me giggle!! I think a txt from Jo at anytime would be AWESOME!!
Praise God for all the wonderful strides Jo is making!!!
Praying in GA
Kim - Connorcolesmom
Posted by: Kim - connorcolesmom | February 22, 2011 at 01:46 PM
YES! I just text her. No pressure for a response but it makes me so happy to know I can shoot her a straight note of prayer. Love to the whole family Toben!
Posted by: Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife | February 22, 2011 at 02:22 PM
It's great to hear that Joanne is communicating in every way she can:) Prayers & more prayers to all of you...
Posted by: Leah C | February 22, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Toben, I had to giggle when you said what mama wants, mama gets (basically you said this.) All I could think of was the saying , If Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy! I am thrilled with your progress Joanne, how exciting to read every day your new accomplishments! I know if we knew each other personally what great friends we would be, of course I'd be you much older friend..hehehe. Blessings and Praying and seeing God at work every day in your life and that of your family.
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon in Frederick | February 22, 2011 at 08:24 PM
I know that I may not be know by not one of you, but my prayers have been going up for sweet Joanne! I am wishing that she had my number to text with (7706859800)I would love to be a text buddy with her!! God is not through with her yet and she has touched so many lives through this...She is an Amazing woman!! Our prayers will continue!!!
Posted by: Cindy Simmons | February 23, 2011 at 05:45 AM
SO inspired by Joanne's strength and the faith exhibited by all of her family and friends!! I would also like to offer my number to Joanne to text! it's 3162002778. Praying for all of you!!!
Posted by: Samantha Milligan-Burson | February 23, 2011 at 09:35 PM