Today was a big day for two reasons. One is that it is Joanne's birthday. But that was overshadowed by it being the day she moved to rehab--her new home away from home for up to two months! It is a little hard to leave Kindred but it is definitely exciting to be taking this next step. Apparently a lot of the Kindred staff brought Joanne a birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to her before she checked out. There were so many amazing staff there. It's what really made that place work.
The new facility is amazing! I mean it is really, really nice. Reminds me more of Littleton Adventist where we started this whole journey. The halls are wide, the rooms are big, there is a lot of light and the place is spotless.
On top of that the staff was amazing today. Within minutes of Joanne being in her room there began a steady stream of staff: a PA, the nurse supervisor, her nurse, the PT on OT. All of them were so nice and professional. I think all of us were very impressed. I was especially struck by the fact that they all talked to Joanne and not to Gran or me. In other setting it has been up to us to answer for Joanne but the staff there just expected Joanne to answer for herself. That's a little thing but also very significant.
I wasn't going to have the girls come visit until tomorrow, but at the last minute I decided to bring them down. I just really wanted them to get to see their mom and I know Joanne really wanted to see them. So, made the drive adn got them there for a little visit. THey didn't get a ton of time together but it was something.
The real question: how is Joanne doing? Well I think she is doing well. She is tired, her shoulder is really bugging her, and she has other pain (head and hip) plus her foot is numb which is really bugging her. But I think I actually detected a slight up-tick in her spirits this afternoon. I think it must feel good to her to have a change of scenery and to be in the last facility that she'll be in before heading home (which is what she really, really wants).
(Lots of) Prayer Requests:
1. A good transition into rehab. We are off to a very good start, but now the really hard work begins for Joanne--the work of getting some function back. These next month will have a huge impact on what happens next. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm and the hopes that I have pinned on her time here, but to be honest, I am expecting miracles. So please pray for miracles too!
2. We have the worship service for Joanne and Heather on Friday. Please pray that God would bring the right people and that everyone who is there would be blessed. And if there is only one person there who doesn't know Jesus as their savior, if this time somehow nudged them toward saving faith that would be the greatest answer to prayer.
3. I think all of us on "Team Joanne" have experienced a peace that passes understanding through many of these days. But what we really need right now is an eneergy that surpasses understanding. I thnik we honestly look at each other and try to figure out who is the least exhausted and how we are going to make it. We need to stay healthy and avaiable, but we could use a burst of energy right about now.
4. Brain flap goes back in on the 24th. Joanne needs to be healthy and infection free to have the surgury done, so please pray that there will be no secondary complications.
5. The girls are really feeling the absence of their mom acutely and the absence of me to a lesser extent as I am with Joanne as much as possible. Gran and Papa are carrying the brunt of the parenting these days. So please pray for those relationships and for my precious daughters. I can't imagine how tough it must be for them--especially Audrey who is a 12 year old girls! That's hard enough without all the rest of this circumstance going on around her. Pray for their precious hearts.
Toben
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers going up for Joanne and the immediate and extended family, all her caregivers, health care providers, and friends. Special prayers for healing and comfort for little hearts that have been broken. Prayers for emotional, spiritual, and physical health for each and every one of you.
Posted by: Rhonda McCormick | March 15, 2011 at 06:39 PM
I don't think I could say anymore than you already have. Still praying & encouraged to be more diligent in doing so.
Posted by: ginger morris | March 15, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Oh Toben...you better believe I'm praying for that sweet Joanne and for all of you!!! I know you know this and its not anything new, but just do today. Just conquer each day. One small step at a time. No worries about tomorrow. God loves that concept. ;)
So so thrilled for her and just praising God for this birthday and the move! Such a special day indeed. Thank you Jesus for this day!!!
Big big hugs,
Fran
TN
Posted by: Fran | March 15, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I will pray especially for your girls and their grandparents. As a grandparent, I have been in a similar situation. One of our sons had been hospitalized and we cared for the children. Not only is it difficult to have the physical stamina, but also the decision making can be mind boggling. Sometimes we survived minute to minute and hour to hour and at times just wished we could go back to just being a grandparent.
It looks as if the new facility meets your needs with a capable and friendly staff.
I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Wilma
Posted by: Wilma | March 15, 2011 at 07:08 PM
God just keeps showing up and showing off with Joanne and her recovery!
What a great birthday present for her (and the rest of you). Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Prayers will remain constant!
Posted by: Cathy Davis | March 15, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Wow rehab! Wonderful, I will be praying.
Miracles, saved soul, energy, infection free, girls and grandparents; covering you!
Blessings,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | March 15, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Praying....praying for peace, hope and amazing strength.
Posted by: Laura | March 15, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Continuing to pray your prayer requests. So excited for Joanne's birthday and transition to rehab. Do they have a Wii?
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | March 15, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Happy Birthday and Happy Move to Rehab! Wow. That's a lot. Will pray and pray some more. For the transition, for all of your energy, for the upcoming surgery, for the grandparents, for the girls, for all of you and all the details. Blessings and Peace.
Posted by: Amy | March 15, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Oh I'm so excited about your move to rehab Joanne! You've got some long -- and definitely rewarding -- days ahead of you, girl. When I was a PT in a rehab hospital, we'd always get our new people going the day they got there, even if just a little something that first day. I'm so tickled to hear you've already met your PT and OT. You will come to love each other like family in the coming weeks. Even when it's hard and you're exhausted, you push through it sweet Jo. Push through it. You're in my prayers every single day! and your therapy team too -- that they'll have Divine Inspiration for a therapy regimen designed just for you! Hugs, and Happy Birthday wishes :)
Posted by: lavonda | March 15, 2011 at 08:45 PM
I'm so glad you're in this new place, Joanne. The harder you work, the sooner you'll get to go home. Push through the frustrations and exhaustion and rely on God's strength to get you where you need to be? Why am I telling you this? You already know. Just know that I believe in you and am rooting for you. And PRAYING for you. And praying for each one of you, Team Joanne.
I'll be there Friday - really looking forward to it!
Posted by: angie | March 15, 2011 at 09:43 PM
I'm so glad Joanne enjoyed her birthday. Best wishes now for rehab and for progress. The 24th won't be long getting here and then things should really progress. Peace and rest and energy for you all for all the hard work ahead.
Love, Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | March 16, 2011 at 01:51 AM
I am covering Joanne and ALL of you in prayer continually. I "discovered" Joanne's blog just days before her stroke. After reading many posts, I felt like I knew you personally. I was so encouraged with what I read, you managed to give me hope in my current difficult situation. I definitely feel The Lord led me to your blog for a reason. I was devastated when I read you suffered a stroke, but I know that you are strong Joanne. That is evident in your blog...you will be able to do what is needed in the days ahead! Contnue to lean on The Lord for strength and remember that many are praying for you and your family. Thank you for blessing me, before AND after your stroke! By the way, your family rocks! ;-)
Posted by: Suzanne G | March 16, 2011 at 04:22 AM
Still praying.
Posted by: melissa irwin | March 16, 2011 at 04:44 AM
I continue in prayer for you all.
Love and Blessings,
Deidra in Mississippi
Posted by: Deidra | March 16, 2011 at 05:06 AM
Toben,
I am praying for your specific requests. Rejoicing with you over how far Joanne has come and praising God. So glad you like the new facility because that is so important and I love that they speak to Joanne and not you. Her time there may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Hang in there . . . holding the hand of God!
In Christ,
Carla in Maryland
Posted by: carla Sorensen | March 16, 2011 at 07:34 AM
As always I am holding you all up to Jesus in prayer!
I know that with prayer, God performs his greatest miracles.
Miracles happen, so don't lose hope.
Continued prayers to ease Joanne's pain!
Blessings!!!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 16, 2011 at 09:34 AM
I'm praying especially hard for the girls...that they would cling to their Jesus just like their mom has modeled...praying for all your requests tobin..."He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it!"
Posted by: traci | March 16, 2011 at 10:57 AM
PRAISE be to God, one step closer to being home with all of you!!
My prayer in for encouragement in the dark moments, and in the flesh for all of you, prayer that you will feel God's grace.
Many prayers,
Carrie
NJ
Posted by: carrie schwartz | March 16, 2011 at 01:48 PM