This is a short one, skipping everything else to get to a long prayer request:
Tomorrow morning at 9 MST Joanne will have her brain flap replaced. This is a very big deal with very mixed emotions surrounding it. For some of the family we are so excited to get this procedure done and behind us so that Joanne can move forward without this hanging over her. Joanne is very afraid but seems to be resolute that it is the right time to get this over with. She and her mom will be picked up by ambulance tomorrow morning at 6 and I will meet them at the hospital. We have been told that this is a "simple procedure" but it's hard to view it that way considering that it is a big incision and involves her head! Anyhow, please pray with us tomorrow that Joanne would be at peace, that God would guide the surgeons hand, and that her recovery would be swift. On a positive note Joanne will be back at Littleton ICU so the nurses and doctors that took care of her during her coma will be there to see the new and improved Joanne!
Toben
You know we are praying and will continue to pray. We love you all!
Posted by: Kimberly | March 23, 2011 at 05:25 PM
I have been and will continue to keep the whole family surrounded in prayer.
Posted by: Debbie | March 23, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Will be praying tonight!!!
Love from a sister in Christ...
Posted by: toknowhim | March 23, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I WILL PRAY!!
Posted by: ANDREA | March 23, 2011 at 05:34 PM
praying for your precious wife..no complications and speedy recovery! Yes Lord!
Posted by: Ken and Sheila Froehlich | March 23, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Continuing to pray for you guys. May God's peace surround you :)
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | March 23, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Absolutely done!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 23, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Praying! Thank you again for continuing to blog. You have been a huge blessing to me personally and to many I know who I share your story with!
Posted by: Lee Ann Lee | March 23, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Praying!
Posted by: Kelley | March 23, 2011 at 05:53 PM
You all are covered in prayer here in Albuquerque Nm let us know whats going on when she is out and how she is doing.
Carol
Posted by: CAROL BRUNTLETT | March 23, 2011 at 05:57 PM
In fervent for Joanne. He holds her in the palm of his hand.
Posted by: Real Housewife of Naperville | March 23, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Without ceasing!! Love to you all, Holly
Posted by: Holly Smith | March 23, 2011 at 06:05 PM
Toben,
I have been praying about the brain flap surgery and will continue to do so. Please give us an update after surgery as soon as it's convenient for you to do so. Praying for strength and courage for each one of you, and for God's guidance of the surgeon's hands.
Posted by: Mary Ann from Alabama | March 23, 2011 at 06:07 PM
This is such an important step, although scary, it is so amazing that she is at the point in recovery that it is time for this. Praise God that she has gotten to this big step. I am continuing to pray.
Posted by: Tara (Bowers) Bain | March 23, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Praying for you all. You guys are such an example of the awesome God you serve. Thank you.
Posted by: Jayne | March 23, 2011 at 06:24 PM
I will be praying for Joanne the entire day!
Posted by: Barb from CNY | March 23, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Praying....
Posted by: Mary Lou | March 23, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Praying in Florida all goes well tomorrow. Can't wait to hear the report tomorrow.
Posted by: Kimberly S. | March 23, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Will be praying!! I know you are afraid but how wonderful it will be to have it behind you!
Posted by: Rachel | March 23, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Our family will be praying.
Posted by: Sandy Chapin | March 23, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Thankful labs were good. Still praying here in Georgia.
Posted by: Beth Petty | March 23, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Praying that tomorrow's surgery has no complications and that fear will be replaced with a supernatural peace.
Posted by: Teresa | March 23, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Praying for Joanne.
Posted by: Teresa Lien | March 23, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Praying and trusting God to surround Joanne with His peace and love.
Posted by: Sharon Telfer | March 23, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Praying for you, beautiful lady!! I pray that you have so much peace, that your family has peace, and that your doctors get good sleep tonight :)
You are awesome!
Posted by: Millicent | March 23, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Praying
and for those of us out here reading this please let us know ASAP. thanks Toben and may God be with all of you tomorrow.
Posted by: Janice | March 23, 2011 at 07:23 PM
We'll be praying in West Virginia. May all of you be blessed with a peace that passes all understanding.
Posted by: Wilma Hatcher | March 23, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Continuing to pray in Las Vegas.
Posted by: Carol | March 23, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Will be covering Joanne in prayer!
Praying and praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | March 23, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Will say an extra prayer tonight for peace of mind for Joanne (and family) tonight and in the morning.
Still praying in Hurst, TX.
Posted by: aTXtumbleweed | March 23, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Praying, praying, praying! May you all have deep, peaceful, sleep tonight!
Blessings,
Julie Hoagland - Seattle, WA
Posted by: julie Hoagland | March 23, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Joining in prayer for restful sleep tonight for all, peace for tomorrow and courage to continue your hard work in rehab after this "mini-vacation" that will let your team push you harder toward your goal of getting home.
Home, such a sweet word. Tomorrow is just one more step in your journey of returning home ( and to Joey cat :) )
Embrace it! Giving praise for all the folks who are helping you reach your goals.
Posted by: merlin | March 23, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Praying in Montana!
Posted by: Jill | March 23, 2011 at 08:21 PM
I will be praying for Joanne & the family first thing tomorrow morning.Praise Jesus for Joanne's peace & comfort before during & after the procedure.In Jesus precious name.AMEN
<3 & prayers form So.Cali
Posted by: Rayleine Chagoya | March 23, 2011 at 08:42 PM
We are praying, Toben! God is good here, my brother!
Posted by: Alex Humphrey | March 23, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Praying with a full heart, so thankful that you are in good Hands. May you feel the blessed warmth and security of God's grip on the family tomorrow.
Posted by: Michal | March 23, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Also praying and believing everything will go well tomorrow!! May you feel God's peace all over you tonight and tomorrow!!
Giving God Thanks in advance! Thank You Lord!!
My church also continues to pray for your complete recovery!!
Posted by: Colette | March 23, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Continuing to pray for J and you all particularly for peace tomorrow.
Posted by: Erin Koss | March 23, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Praying Joanne will be at peace and all goes well with the surgery. Can't wait until we hear the results. She has come a long way in such a short time Toben. This can only be a big leap with those small hurdles she has been crossing over. Praying you all have a good day during this surgery.
Posted by: Patty | March 24, 2011 at 01:20 AM
Thinking of you today, Joanne.
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | March 24, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Praying for you from here in Montana!
Posted by: Leslie Wright | March 24, 2011 at 02:40 AM
Prayin peace, confidence, and rest for all of you.
Posted by: Deidra | March 24, 2011 at 03:40 AM
Said a prayer for you all this morning.
Blessings,
Kendra
www.abusywomanslife.com
Posted by: Kendra @ www.abusywomanslife.com | March 24, 2011 at 04:00 AM
As I read this I imagine your mom is there and you are about ready for your ride. Have prayed, will continue to pray for you through this day. Peace be with you, Joanne and siesta love from TX!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 24, 2011 at 04:39 AM
Went to bed praying for you last night and will continue to pray all through today. As I type, the ambulance should be there soon. God, surround Joanne and her family with an extra measure of your peace this morning. Be with the surgeons, that you would give them steady hands and attention to every tiny detail of this surgery. I pray for a smooth recovery, and for BIG things to happen ahead, for restoration all to God's glory.
Posted by: Darlene | March 24, 2011 at 05:05 AM
Praying for Joanne here in Delaware!
Posted by: Lori A. | March 24, 2011 at 05:06 AM
Awakened at 5:00am Cal time and praying for Joanne and successful surgery. This is a big step forward and trusting the LORD to go before her and prepare the surgeon and all medical staff with His healing mercies and His hand extended, working through chosen vessels. To God be the glory!
Posted by: Pam Houston | March 24, 2011 at 05:27 AM
she will do great!
Posted by: Tara | March 24, 2011 at 05:29 AM
I've been praying and thinking about y'all. It'll be great to put this step behind you and move on.
Posted by: Tena Tell | March 24, 2011 at 06:11 AM
praying for a successful surgery today so you can move forward in your recovery Joanne.
Posted by: Julie | March 24, 2011 at 06:16 AM
Praying for your entire family.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Isaiah 41:10
Posted by: Kaye | March 24, 2011 at 06:18 AM
Continuing to pray for peace, well-being, increased trust, complete healing and safety thru this procedure and entire situation! Your testimony is screaming out praise to THE FATHER!! may He richly bless you all!!
Posted by: Diane Orr | March 24, 2011 at 06:28 AM
I woke up at 5am this morning unable to sleep so I started praying. You came to mind immediately Joanne, so I've been praying for your surgery. I know you are in your Father's mighty hands. So glad when all this is behind you and you can focus on more recovery! You are a miracle!
Posted by: Sandi in MN | March 24, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Praying that you are so filled with His Holy Spirit that there is no room for fear to come in!! In Jesus name I pray!!
Posted by: Colette | March 24, 2011 at 08:01 AM
Praying right now in St. Louis-----
Posted by: janet cline | March 24, 2011 at 08:20 AM
PRAYING!
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | March 24, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Still praying for you all here in Texas! Praying especially for the surgery today.
Posted by: Jenn | March 24, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Praying for you in Pa.
Cathy
Posted by: cathy | March 24, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Hi Joanne....I am praying for you and know that God will watch over you through the surgery. Do not be afraid. He has brought you this far and will not leave you. Keep up the faith. GOD BLESS.
Posted by: Sandra | March 24, 2011 at 09:28 AM