From Joanne's dad:
But the LORD directs our steps, Proverbs 16:9
Few Papas are twice blessed. My first was when Joanne was about a year old, taking her first wobbly steps toward my outstretched arms. But today, watching from across the gym while she made her way around both sides of a 6 ft long grab-bar was far more emotional. Yes, she had lots of support from the OT holding the therapy belt around her waist, sliding sideways on a stool with her legs before and behind Joanne; but Joanne DID IT. First left; then right, clinging to the rail with her good arm.
Only last night I was saying to Toben that the day Joanne might walk seems infinitely far away. But Jehovah Ropha!
Chuck
Unbelievably awesome! Way to go, Joanne!! :)
Posted by: Nikki | March 21, 2011 at 05:52 AM
What a treat to read this on this Monday morning!! Thank you God!!
Posted by: OceanMommy | March 21, 2011 at 05:53 AM
Awwww gee...Praise the MIGHTY hand of the Lord!! xoxooxoxxox
Posted by: Janet McDonald | March 21, 2011 at 05:59 AM
WONDERFUL NEWS!!!
Posted by: Kelly | March 21, 2011 at 06:01 AM
I love it when you write on here Mr. Chuck. Your daddy's heart is almost palpable. Joanne is so blessed to have a father (and family) like she does.
From the perspective of the rolling stool (I'm a physical therapist), I bet Joanne is a dream patient to work with. My prayers are with her, and with each of you.
much love,
Posted by: lavonda | March 21, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Praise Him! He is the God who heals!
Posted by: Patti in Craig | March 21, 2011 at 06:10 AM
God is great, and he loves his children. Thanks for sharing this wonderful news!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 21, 2011 at 06:21 AM
From a mama's heart who has a daughter the age of Joanne...how the words from her daddy's heart resonate loudly. I am praising God for all He has done and is going to do in her life and the lives of all those she has/is touching. He truly is amazing and she is more than amazing. God is so good....all the time.
Posted by: Mary Lou | March 21, 2011 at 06:23 AM
What a blessing to read this on a Monday morning and I sure you all were smiling from ear to ear to see that. You go Joanne we are praying for you.
Thank you Lord for all your blessing in this family.
CAROL
Posted by: Carol | March 21, 2011 at 06:38 AM
Awesome!! God's goodness is overflowing!
Posted by: JanMarie | March 21, 2011 at 06:49 AM
Praise Jesus!
Blessings today
Posted by: Deidra | March 21, 2011 at 06:49 AM
What an awesome report to receive this Monday morning!
And, one day she'll run!
Be blessed!
Posted by: Dawn W | March 21, 2011 at 07:03 AM
We are following you all in prayer and faith, and so thrilled for the progress with your darling daughter. She's so blessed to have such a Dad and Mom as she has, and blessed family, husband, daughters and with you all cheering her on, and our wonderful LORD, victory is sure! I fully expect to hear of Joanne walking and then running, as she herself has boldly declared...all to the glory of God.
Blessings,
Pam Houston
Posted by: Pam Houston | March 21, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Way to go Joanne! I know it is tough but you can do it!! You can if I can and I can if you can! I'm still working on my walking and balance. God is faithful and He is there walking with you and me. Love you sweet lady! Sara G
Posted by: Sara G | March 21, 2011 at 08:05 AM
How thrilling!
Posted by: Pam Lewko | March 21, 2011 at 08:11 AM
wonderful news!
Posted by: dawn | March 21, 2011 at 08:20 AM
There are tears in my eyes & runnning down my cheek...praise you Lord for how far you have taken Joanne...give her courage and endurance for how far she has yet to go...
Posted by: Kathleen Jaeger | March 21, 2011 at 08:25 AM
What a beautiful Praise report to start this week out on.Thanks, Chuck for sharing this blessed event with us.Still praying for Joanne & her family from So California.In Jesus precious Name, AMEN!
Posted by: Rayleine Chagoya | March 21, 2011 at 08:31 AM
Those baby steps are such blessings! Praise Him! Thank you for sharing this journey with us all. My daughter is on a similar journey, 5 years and still moving forward one baby step at a time. I know that you are keeping journals, as I did. Please be sure to occasionally photograph Joanne so that she can see for herself how far she has come. Sometimes pictures speak volumes when they can become discouraged. Stay strong in your faith!
Posted by: kimber | March 21, 2011 at 08:50 AM
I have goose bumps and tears all at the same time. Tears of joy and tears from a daughter that is a Daddy's girl. I hear your love for your daughter in your every word. Your family is truly blessed, even in the hardships and trials. I have been reading this blog from the day of the stroke. Check it more than I check my daughter's blog. Sorry I live so far away and could not make it to the night of worship ( I live in MIssouri) but plan to brew a cup of tea and watch the video this week. To God be the Glory. Much love and prayers to you from a total stranger but beloved partner in prayer for you and yours. Lisa, Jackson, Missouri
Posted by: Lisa Curtis | March 21, 2011 at 09:06 AM
There should be a "Like" to click, like on Facebook --- I agree with so many previous posts. Gives me hope in the small challenges in my own life!
Many more steps, large and small, in the future, and God is leading the way! Praise His Name.
Also loved listening to the praise service; we had one of our own last night. A young man we've been praying about came back to the Lord!
Posted by: ame | March 21, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Praise be to God!!! Rejoicing with you.
~Carla in Maryland
Posted by: carla Sorensen | March 21, 2011 at 09:33 AM
WOW!!! What great news grandly presented!
Posted by: Marena | March 21, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Way to go, Joanne! "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!"
I've been following your blog, since just days before your stroke. It's been an amazing testimony to God's grace, and your family's faith, to read about your recovery. I'm praying for you, that you would continue to blow them away with your progress!
Posted by: Anne in Ottawa, Canada | March 21, 2011 at 09:58 AM
I am so HAPPY to read this wonderful news! Such a blessing....keep on Joanne...you are doing it!!
Thank you Joanne's dad for the update....you are such a blessing to your family and to all of us waiting to read updates about your sweet daughter.
Much love and continued prayers!
Jen Medeiros
Posted by: Jennifer | March 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM
2 Corinthians 6:16"...for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them..."
I love Joanne's walking partners and the great cloud of witnesses cheering as she moves forward! May she have wings on her precious feet.
Posted by: Michal Ann | March 21, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Praise God! I'm so happy for all of you...what a blessing!
Posted by: Amy in North Idaho | March 21, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Praise GOD! Joanne has so much support from all of you! I know she is so thankful to have all of you cheering her on! Have a blessed day! Hugs and prayers from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | March 21, 2011 at 10:48 AM
That is just amazing news! So happy for ALL of you!
Posted by: Marcella Bialek | March 21, 2011 at 11:15 AM
YAY!!!!... Keep going Joanne!!!....
Posted by: karen | March 21, 2011 at 11:22 AM
What wonderful news... that must have been incredible to see!
Posted by: julie | March 21, 2011 at 11:26 AM
This brings me to tears! You can do it Joanne! Excellent progress thanks to our Lord!
Posted by: Shari | March 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM
It has thrilled me to see the same pattern of thoughts you and Toben have shared these past couple of months..."It's going to be forever before she opens her eyes." Then, "It's going to be forever before she talks." Then, "It's going to be forever before she walks." It's like the Lord keeps saying, "Oh really? Well, watch this!" What a joy to pray and to believe with you. It's an honor to be a witness to such stunning and unbelievable progress. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
Posted by: Kelly | March 21, 2011 at 12:40 PM
We serve a MIGHTY God!!! What a GREAT update!!
Posted by: Liz Reeves | March 21, 2011 at 12:42 PM
What an awesome report! I am so thankful that you go to witness it. God is great...but He is also good.
Posted by: Tara (Bowers) Bain | March 21, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Praise be to the LORD who is upholding Joanne as she takes her very own steps!
Posted by: Angie Thieszen | March 21, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Charlie, sharing tears of JOY and THANKSGIVING with all of you this Monday!
Posted by: Susan Moher | March 21, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Praise the Lord God Almighty!
Posted by: melissa irwin | March 21, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Wonderful worship! I couldn't help but notice how much the 'sisters' looked like the sisters who are in therapy! There is something about genes, isn't there?
Posted by: Lynn | March 21, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Praise be to God!!
Posted by: Mindy | March 21, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Thrilled to read this!
Posted by: Karene | March 21, 2011 at 05:25 PM
Jehovah Ropha Indeed. He is a good, good God.
Posted by: mzzterry | March 21, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I am usually just a lurking reader but I couldn't not comment on this one!
That is such wonderful, awesome, praise-worthy news orchestrated by our Wonderful, Awesome and Praise-Worthy God :)
Continuing to follow this journey and pray for you all from Minneapolis.
Posted by: Sarah | March 21, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Praise Jesus!!
Posted by: Stacy Featherston | March 21, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Praise the Lord!!
Posted by: Darlene | March 21, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Praise Jesus! That is such wonderful news.
Still pray.
Posted by: Vicky | March 21, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Sorry, the above should say Still Praying.
God Bless Joanne and the whole family!
Posted by: Vicky | March 21, 2011 at 09:06 PM
I am not a parent so I can only imagine what feeling(s) you experienced while watching your daughter walk after all she's been through! Praise Him!!! Her tremendous progress brings tears of joy to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing!
Prayers for blessings received and for continued healing and absence of pain she's enduring, and for all of you, prayers continue daily!
Posted by: Lynn | March 22, 2011 at 06:54 AM
What a special blessing!! Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Babychaser | March 22, 2011 at 06:58 AM
I remember the unbelievable joy when my mom called and told me she took her first steps in physical therapy. Way to go Joanne! Isiah 40:30-31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their stength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will RUN and not grow weary, they WILL WALK and not be faint." This is just one of many verses that we claimed on my mother's behalf during that time. Still praying in Texas.
Posted by: Tara in Texas | March 22, 2011 at 08:32 AM
This is just the most wonderful news. I am so pleased, so very pleased that prayers have been answered and healing is taking place.
God continue to bless you all.
Love,
Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | March 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM
May EVERY step of her journey to full recovery bring glory to God! Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Healeth) be praised! Thanks for sharing this wonderful, wonderful news, Chuck! The prayers continue every day!
Blessings to all of you!
Posted by: Elaine from Koinonians at V7PC | March 22, 2011 at 03:27 PM