First of all let me say right off the bat that I am writing this post with rubber gloves on. Joanne has a little infection so that means that everyone in her room has to wear a gown and gloves. So if there are more typing errors than usual you'll understand.
This is probably the most excited I have been to write a post so far. Today a few things clicked: first off, when we put on the gowns it gave Joanne quite a chuckle. So Yvette and Kristen start talking about decorating our gowns--they are yellow and we look like a bunch of Easter Peeps running around. I could see that Joanne really wanted to say something. Not sure how but I think we all could just tell. I grabbed the closest paper (a medical bill from her anesthesiologist) and a pen and she wrote the words "gun belt." I am sure that was for Yvette's benefit as she is a proud member of the NRA. She wanted Yvette to decorate her gown with a gun belt. It was clear that she was having a hard time controlling the pen on paper and then it hit me: iPad!
I grabbed her iPad and opened Doodle Buddy (a drawing program) and put the iPad in front of her. At this point Teri, her speech therapist was in here feeding her grape popsicles--much tastier then the ice chips she's been using. Again, we just had the feeling that she wanted to say something. I held the iPad up and with her finger on the screen she wrote, "Are there Otter Pops in the freezer?" At this point we all flipped out. So Kristen asked her what her favorite flavor was and she wrote "orange" in perfectly legible print. Amazing!
After a that she wrote a note to Emma asking her if she wanted to go get a Frosty after school tomorrow. After that she wrote a note to Audrey telling her how much she loves her. She was also able to write that she was too hot and the she was having some trouble breathing (she had the speaking valve in her trach and it was bugging her). Now, Joanne hasn't communicated with anything other than right hand gestures for the last two weeks (since she has been awake from her coma) and now she is writing sentences in legible handwriting. Holy cow! This is beyond huge!
It means so many things. The first of which is that she is all there, able to write, able to communicate clearly. The second is that we can improve her care. If she needs something, likes something, doesn't like something, she can tell us. No need to stick to yes and no questions any more.
We are saving every note she writes (with the exception of the Otter Pop note which I accidentally deleted when I was trying to figure out how to use Doodle Buddy). This is going to be her own record, her own words about what is happening.
I think she's had it for the day--lots of activity and brain work. She is sleeping now. But tomorrow morning when she is fresh I am going to ask her if there is anything she wants to say to those of you reading the blog. I may have to explain to her again just how many people are praying and reading. That'll blow her mind! So stay tuned and we'll see what she has to say for herself tomorrow.
What a day! Praise, praise, praise!
Toben
P.S. To those who contributed to the iPad fund, it was totally worth it. This is going to be an amazing tool in her recovery. Thanks so much!
I love it! I just LOVE it! He is SO good, isn't He?! Praising Him and so very thankful for your family!
Posted by: Kristi Walker | February 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM
TEARS....lots of them. Hurray Joanne and Hurray God!
Posted by: Wendy | February 11, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Two nights ago I was in tears as I was catching up on your posts and telling my husband about "black." I prayed again for God to just be HUGE and show His glory to all who were going to see any part of your family's journey. Today I am singing praises and asking for more, more, more! Praise God!!!
Posted by: Janet McBride | February 11, 2011 at 10:44 AM
So VERY, VERY cool! Only God.
Posted by: Kellie | February 11, 2011 at 10:45 AM
This is just awesome. Thank you for sharing all these huge steps so that we can praise God, too.
Posted by: Mari Yorton | February 11, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I have continually prayed Joanne and your family. God is good all the time!!! Miracles are alive and well:)
Posted by: C | February 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Tears and tears of praise and thankfulness to our Lord! Amazing. Miraculous. Thank you for your love and dedication to your wife, Toben. She is a blessed woman!
Posted by: Angie Thieszen | February 11, 2011 at 11:30 AM
What a thrill to check in this morning for an update and to read about Joanne's progress. Such giant steps is cause for rejoicing for sure! Will keep on praying for increased strength and healing daily. And for endurance for the whole family. God bless,
Susan in Zurich
Posted by: Susan | February 11, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Haven't been on here in a few days, but I continue to pray for Joanne and all of the family. When I read on this post that Joanne had written a note to Audrey about how much she loves her and then read the prior post from Audrey saying that she wanted her mom to be able to tell her she loves her, I almost shouted out loud here in my office. Isn't that just like God to pull off something like that! Praising along with you and continuing to pray!
Posted by: Dianne Walters | February 11, 2011 at 11:40 AM
There go those socks! Wow ... what more can I say!
"Father God, thank you SO much for your gift of healing to Joanne. Please take this infection away. Be with Toben, Audrey & Emma ... continue to give them your peace and comfort as they wait for the complete healing we know is coming."
Too awesome for words!
Posted by: Sue Rasmussen | February 11, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Amazing Toben...this post has filled my heart with joy! So wonderful that technology can help her communicate more effectively. I am still praying. I think of you all so often.
Posted by: Becky | February 11, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Praise the LORD!!!!
Toben, you've been able to personally witness miracle upon miracle with this strong bride of yours! Thank you so much for sharing them with the world. It gives me so much joy ... and HOPE ... and inspiration and has ignited a fire of FAITH inside of me!
Just think ... I don't even know you or your Joanne. Just heard of her from the news of her stroke on Beth Moore's blog!
Praise the LORD. He is the God of miracles!!!!
Much love to you all!
Rachael in Ohio
Posted by: Rachael D. | February 11, 2011 at 12:08 PM
what a tremendous joy to read about real life MIRACLE!! Praise the Lord☺ You need to write a book about this experience☺ what an encouragement!!
Posted by: Leanne | February 11, 2011 at 12:28 PM
I have yet to comment, because there are already so many, but I wanted you to know that I am praying for each of you in your precious family.
What a breakthrough this is! Praise the Lord!
Posted by: Sheila | February 11, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Simply amazing was my first thought after reading the update about the progress Joanne is making. Will continue to pray BIG for a full and fast recovery.
Thankful for the progress she is making and for orange otter pops:)
Sue and family, Oregon
Posted by: sue | February 11, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Hallelujah and Amen!
Posted by: ang almond | February 11, 2011 at 01:18 PM
That post gave me goosebumps. Praise God!
Continued prayers of healing, in Jesus' most precious name!
Posted by: Denise M | February 11, 2011 at 01:39 PM
I've had time to read the other comments praising God for such awesome news. I wanted to add another praise to the list...Thank You Father Joanne has her sense of taste. Taste is something I've heard stroke victims deal with and when it's off kilter it's difficult to get an appetitite going for food. Food will build up Joanne's strength. I'm also thankful she has a memory! She remembers NRA, Emma's love for Frosties, so much good and so much love from God to answer prayer in a mighty way all at one time. Thank You Father. Siesta in Bryan, Tx praying praise and for Complete Healing.
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | February 11, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Tears of joy. So blessed by what God is doing in her mind.
Posted by: Lisa Landis | February 11, 2011 at 02:07 PM
We are so happy for Joanne, you & the girls!! We are so happy for this turn in a wonderfully happy direction. The girls need to see this for themselves.
Toben please make sure you are getting some assistance.
When my husband was ill they took such good care of him. Meanwhile I was trying to not be in the way & supportive. After awhile I was crumbling. My aunt was very helpful and took good care of me so that I could be there for and with my husband.
Wishing your family the best...K
Posted by: Karencg | February 11, 2011 at 02:17 PM
How amazing is our God!!! He is good -- all the time. He is faithful. I know we all share in this joy with your family. Enjoy this amazing MIRACLE today and never forget it.
Keep fighting, Joanne!
God Bless,
Jennifer
Texas
Posted by: Jennifer | February 11, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Simply amazing and so evident of a miracle-working God! :) So happy she wrote and thought of her sweet daughters, making herself more comfortable, laughing and being creative.
YAY, God!
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | February 11, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Everyday I look forward to reading this blog. Your family's journey through this is such a humbling and heart warming story. It really reminds me on what is important in life.
Posted by: Shannon | February 11, 2011 at 03:58 PM
With tears of thankfulness and joy in my heart, I write to say we are all rejoicing with you in Joanne's progress - and God's AMAZING touch. Praise Him!
Posted by: Vicki | February 11, 2011 at 04:57 PM
I haven't posted a comment before, but I've been following this adventure since it happened. Reading this post, it hit me: "How often have I thanked God for technology?" The answer is, "Hardly at all!" - and that is for reasons of, shall we say, personal incompetence. But I'm so thankful that the Lord has given a lot of people the intelligence and ability to invent these gadgets which make it possible for Joanne to communicate much earlier than would have been thought possible just a few years ago! Joanne and Kristen probably don't remember the Lichlyters but we were all at the same church when they were girls. Like everyone else, I'm going lots of praying! Sincerely, Mary Lichlyter (P.S. Hi, Kay! Hi, Chuck!)
Posted by: Mary Lichlyter | February 11, 2011 at 05:17 PM
I've been lurking for weeks and this is my first comment! PRAISE THE LORD!
Posted by: Jaime | February 11, 2011 at 05:18 PM
PRAISE THE LORD! I am so happy that Joanne is improving so quickly. God Bless You and your family :-)
Posted by: Kristen Love | February 11, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Oh wow ... this has me in tears, too.
THANK GOD! And way to go, Joanne!!
Posted by: Amy Medeiros | February 11, 2011 at 06:20 PM
I've never met your wife or family, but not only did tears come to my eyes, they are now running down my face. That surprised me. Not that I don't cry...I'm a missionary to the poor and work with orphans and children that live in literal dumps, so I do know tears. But the depth of emotion and call of God for so many of us to join in praying with your family- that truly is amazing. Since many have been praying many are rejoicing. You go girl, you go- God likes hearing all this praise!
Posted by: Melinda Nelson | February 11, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Praise the Lord!!!
God is so good!
Posted by: Bethany | February 11, 2011 at 07:26 PM
What an amazing story. I do not know you all and I don't even remember how I found your blog but I am addicted and look forward to checking in everyday. You are such an inspiration to us all and I am so happy for such a great day today. We continue to pray for many more fantastic days. Thanks for the faith!
Posted by: Dana From Michigan | February 11, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Oh yey! Yey!
Posted by: Anuja | February 11, 2011 at 08:46 PM
My name is Katie and I have been following Joanne's story from Lincoln, NE. This post made my day . . . gave me goosebumps, in fact. God is so good!!!
Posted by: Katie | February 12, 2011 at 08:38 AM
I have no words other than what everyone else has written, but I am so blessed to read of your progress and share in the joy and wonder of God's awesome healing power. And Joanne, if you ever felt alone in your life, this trial must certainly have put those doubts aside. What a wonderful totally dedicated family and friends you have! Praise God!
Posted by: lindimity | February 12, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Praising God for answered prayer. God still performs miracles. So glad for Joanne and the family. Prayer and thanksgiving send your way.
Posted by: Aliene Sanchez | March 06, 2011 at 03:56 PM