Joanne went up and down stairs yesterday! I couldn't believe it. After doing some walking around the therapist took her to the staircase and told her they were going to go up and down. I thought, "You've got to be kidding me!" But the therapist was determined. She kept telling Joanne, "You're strong. You can do it!" And she did it. Slowly, one step at a time, and with help she walked up five stairs and then turned around and went back down those same stairs.
The girls and Papa were in the gym and got to see it too. We kept looking at each other like, "This can't be happening." but it happened. Man, Joanne was totally spent after that. It was really good for the girls to get to see it, to see how hard their mom is working and that she is making progress. I took a bunch of iPhone photos but I have no idea how to post them. Maybe Kristen will post the one I sent her on her blog.
Today is a momentus day becasue Joanne gets to wash her hair. It has been a week. I don't think I need to go into any more detail then that, but at some point, before bed, Joanne will ahve a clean head of hair! I can't imagine how good that is going to feel to her. We have talked about bringing in a stylist to the hospital to give us a consult on a style that might cover Joanne's scar. Joanne has said that she wants to go short and maybe blond! I say, why not. She has been through so much and if a crazy, spikey, blond hairstyle would put a spring in her step then I say go for it.
Joanne's list of things to bring to the hospital (dictated):
1. Her mom
2. A heatpack (like the one Holly made her)
3. CD player and music (so many CDs have come in from friends!)
4. Lippy--Blistex or Burts Bees
5. Toothbrush and tooth paste
6. Face cleansing product
7. Lots of pictures or posters for the wall. Digital photo frame works well too
8. Flowers
9. Good jammies
10. Comfy clothes and slipper to wear during the day
11. A pillow pet to support her left (paralyzed) arm
12. iPhone
Fortunately for Joanne she has all these things in abundance!
Prayer requests (from Joanne):
1. Continued strength
2. Good sleep
3. And no more pain!
Toben
How fabulous! Way to go, Joanne!
Posted by: Melissa | March 31, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Stairs! Oh my Goodness. You are doing SO great. One step at a time. You CAN do it.
Prayers & Hugs from Florida
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly S. | March 31, 2011 at 02:21 PM
You can't believe how excited I am that Joanne is doing so well - I mean, STAIRS!!! Still praying - God has answered so much, what are a few more things ;)
Posted by: seaweedandraine | March 31, 2011 at 02:23 PM
CRYING HAPPY TEARS!! GOD IS SOO GOOD!
I CANT WAIT TO SEE JOANNES NEW HAIR:)
Posted by: ANDREA | March 31, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Joanne's list is a cool way to guide others who may have someone in the hospital.
Five STEPS forward will soon multiply!
Continued blessings......praying often from the Seattle area.
Posted by: Michal Ann | March 31, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Dear Toben,
Wow! Look at how far Joanne has come in such a short time! God works miracles, doesn't he?
Joanne, I am so proud of how hard you are working! Get a real cute and funky hairdo! Whatever is easy and makes you feel good!
Blessings!!!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 31, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Seriously, Joanne... you are SUPERWOMAN!! Gave me chills all over my body. Here you are a new friend I never met, and I love you and cheer you on like crazy. God has blessed me in mighty ways through your journey. Keep up the good work, and before long YOU WILL be WALKING outta the rehab and going straight home where you belong! Keep up the good (awesome) work. We think you are totally amazing and love your husband for sharing the exciting news of climbing and descending stairs. Oh my! OH MY! Seriously, Joanne... you just had a stroke and lefty doesnt work well, but still you manage walking and climbing stairs. I think I need a picture to see with my own eyes.:) No really... you are a very determined woman(toben is so right!), and with your strength and faith, you will go far, even farther yet with God's abundance grace as you continue along.
Praise God for these progressive days. We rejoice with you....
Heidi Carrico
Posted by: heidi carrico | March 31, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Oh, I just commented and forgot to mention something...
Have fun washing your hair and getting rid of those dreadlocks. You sure have a family that is full of clean humor. Anyways, you have a very supportive husband who allows you to do whatever with your hair. After all, Joanne, we all believe you deserve... anything for all you have accomplished and continue accomplishing. I hope somehow you can picture me beaming big and wanting to jump through cyberland and giving you a big squeeze.
God Bless you!!
Heidi Carrico(again)
Posted by: heidi carrico | March 31, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I am so HAPPY Joanne is coming along nicely!! Slow and Steady wins the race Joanne!! Keep your eyes on that finish line and you will get there!!
Still praying in Hurst, TX
Posted by: aTXtumbleweed | March 31, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Amazing progress! Sounds like going home is just around the corner. Keep up the hard work Joanne. Be blessed!
Posted by: Christine H. | March 31, 2011 at 03:15 PM
One step at a time! You can do it!!
Love, Sara G
Posted by: Sara G | March 31, 2011 at 03:20 PM
I found your blog/Twitter right after Joanne's stroke and check in each day. Such a wonderful family so many blessings each day!!! Toben I hope you read this and wonder if with all her shoulder pain maybe in her fall she has a torn Rotator cuff perhaps when she fell. Just thinkng if she in fact was on treadmill and fell it could have easily happened. Please if any family/friends read this get this info/ question to Toben. Just want this beautiful wife and mother to be pain free and home soon! A concerned reader only thinking. :)
Posted by: Robin | March 31, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Yay for Joanne! What a strong and courageous woman you are. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep moving forward. God is turning this "curse" into a blessing-you are a living testimony to God's everlasting love and provision.
Blessings,
Kendra
www.abusywomanslife.com
Posted by: Kendra @ www.abusywomanslife.com | March 31, 2011 at 03:29 PM
Nothing like a fresh hairstyle to make a woman feel powerful and renewed. Sounds like a great plan.
You are doing hard, hard work Joanne and it is the only way home right now. Keep it up! Thanks for letting us cheer you on and pray you on.
Posted by: merlin | March 31, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Way to go, Joanne! You are an incredibly determined and strong woman. Can't wait for the day to meet you and hug your neck. Thanks for sharing these momentous events in your family's lives!!! :)
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | March 31, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Stairs, a hair washing, and a report that she's not in pain? Now that's a fantastic, all-from-God day!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | March 31, 2011 at 04:13 PM
This is wonderful news!!!! So quick after the surgery, she is recovering so quick!!
Praying and praying for your dear sweet wife!
<><
Posted by: Child of God | March 31, 2011 at 04:29 PM
That is epic, Toben!!!! God is answering our prayers! He is so glorified in all of this!
Posted by: Alex Humphrey | March 31, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Joanne, congratulations on your accomplishment today! You are amazing and strong and determined. Keep pressing on, girl! Praying more strength, rest, ease from pain for you. Much, much love from Portland.
Posted by: Ashley Larkin | March 31, 2011 at 07:21 PM
What a fantastic accomplishment! I have been following for quite a while - silently praying and cheering your all along! I figure you get so many comments that I wouldn't post -- until tonight. One of the requests was a pillow to support her left (paralyzed) arm. It made me think of when my beautiful 22 year old daughter was gravely ill with spinal meningitis at the age of 3 and was given no hope for survival. But the powerful Blood of Jesus conquered that illness. She walked out of that hospital 10 days after that bad report without one medication! The only lingering effect was that she was partially deaf in one ear. We decided to call it her "healed ear" instead of her "deaf ear" to keep the promise always in front of us instead of repeating the bad report. So, I thank God for Joanne's "healed" left side!! :) God Bless You all!! Prayers coming from Atlanta.
Posted by: elaine | March 31, 2011 at 07:36 PM
I'm in a
pip-pop
hippity-hop
high
high
mood
and it's awfully hard
to bring me
down
right nowsy
wowsy.
I mean
just try---
Part of a poem I found in high school and one of very few that stays on my mind all these years since!! Fun to rattle off in one's mind and even out loud...brings on grins 'n giggles!
It is just 'in my head' when I get giddy over something---and I am that over your incredible progress, Joanne, and watching God's healing hand!
Expect you and the whole family feel it too with your 'stair-climbing' today...not to mention you upon getting a shampoo C=
Posted by: Susan Moher | March 31, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Such great news!! I am a new follower of your blog...and can't help but be blown away by Joanne's strength and determination, and Toben's love. Hooray for a day of progress!!
Posted by: MelindaW | March 31, 2011 at 08:50 PM
I fell down today. I mean really fell.down.hard!!! It. As been very wet here in the Pacific Northwest and I slid on a pile of leaves I had carefully swept tooth side of the driveway last Fall thinking I would get to them in the Spring...well get to them I did. I slid down the driveway hill (it's steep and full of large, well placed paved stones. I dragged my leg, bent at the knee all the way behind me as I slid on my back. It hurt. It really hurt and I was bleeding every where and holy moly, destroyed my tights and near,y ruined a really beautiful pair of shoes. You are probably wondering why I am telling you all this. Joanne, as I picked myself up, gimped my way back in the house I thanked God for my healthy legs. Would I have done this before learning of your stroke? Probably. But I did so today with such a grateful heart. I did so today with you in mind. Because I know how hard you are working just to walk 5 steps up, then back down. Because I know you had to wait five days just to wash your lovely hair. Because I know that what was once so simple for The Simple Wife is anything but right now. Tonight as I lay in bed, bag of frozen peas on my throbbing knee, I am so thankful for the seemingly simple ability to stand up after a fall and for the 5 monumental steps a certain anything but simple lady took today!
Posted by: Auntie Mip | March 31, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Joanne! Great job! Keep up the good work. We are behind you cheering for you!! Tobin thanks for keeping us updated.
Praying for you in Minnesota.
Posted by: Donna | March 31, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Yay Joanne.....wow....love the progress!
I think blond would be beautiful!
Praying for you to be pain free!!
Much love
Jen Medeiros
Posted by: Jennifer | March 31, 2011 at 09:40 PM
What AMAZING news! God is so good. Still praying for that left arm too.
Posted by: Shannon Primicerio | March 31, 2011 at 09:51 PM
This is such INCREDIBLE news - Praise You, Jesus! I got so excited Joanne went down and up STAIRS! I had one question about her left paralyzed arm. Is it only her arm paralyzed? I had been under under the impression her whole left side was paralzyed, but obviously she can't walk if that was. I have been praying COMPLETE healing for her! I agree with the prayers she'll be walking out of there in God's perfect timing and TOTALLY HEALED BY JESUS! I think her list is great and love it about her hair! Thanks for updates, so exciting reading what miraculous things God is doing for His glory!
Posted by: Beth Jones | April 01, 2011 at 01:44 AM
What wonderful news. Joanne will not be beaten, that's amazing.
Posted by: Penbleth | April 01, 2011 at 02:27 AM
That's awesome!! Way to go Joanne!
When I was a teenager I had to have major back surgery and I remember what a monumental task walking the stairs was. I'm so impressed with your perseverance Joanne! It's not easy, but so worth it!
Praying for good sleep, strength and pain-free days <3
Posted by: Julie | April 01, 2011 at 06:34 AM
Awesome, awesome news! God is so good and thank you so much for allowing us to see His glory shine through in all of you and especially in Joanne's recovery.
Posted by: Amy T | April 01, 2011 at 06:36 AM
Joanne, my friend that I haven't met in real life, but only through blogs. I continue to cheer and pray for you -- I am astounded with how far you have come. Stairs -- so fabulous -- how great for you. Before you know it you will be home. You are right a new spring hair-do is in order, enjoy it.
Posted by: Lisa R-p | April 01, 2011 at 06:49 AM
So thrilled for you. Amazing progress. Keep up the hard work and we will keep up the prayers. Blessings
Posted by: Deidra | April 01, 2011 at 06:56 AM
Joanne,
Awesome, you are amazing! I say go for short blonde, it would be adorable on you!
I am one of your new blog followers, but I haven't missed a single post by Toben. I have also read a lot of your posts and I feel like I know you. Your words spoke to me and you inspired me to start my own blog http://simplehomemanaging.blogspot.com/
something I have wanted to do for a long time. I hope that you are encouraged that through this difficult time you and your precious family have inspired others in their walk with Christ. You continue to be in my prayers.
Your new bloggy friend,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Huber | April 01, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Loved the first on her list to bring to the hospital -"mom". I always pray that when my kids are all grown up and have a family of their own that they would still want their mom to be there by their side. You and your mom are both lucky to have each other.
Praying for your continued healing.
Maria
Posted by: Maria Ray | April 01, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Hold Joanne Father in the palm of Your hand. I am praying big Lord because I know You can take away her pain, give her a good night's sleep. I thank You Father for her strength, an answer to our prayer, for Joanne's ablilties thus far including climbing stairs. That You alone know her every need and those of her family. Thank You Father that Toben and the girls were there to see Joanne accomplish so much in one day. Thank You for shampoo! and gentle caring staff that hold on to Joanne, wash her hair, and see to her every need. Thank You Father for the prayer warriors who pray to You without ceasing for Complete Healing for Joanne. In Jesus Name I pray from Bryan, TX Amen.
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | April 01, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Go RED!!!! It's a daring color for a daring woman. A unique color. It's also the color of another stroke survivor, ME! Let them see the fire that is in your soul!
I am sooooooooo jazzed by your hard work and great progress. Keeping you in my prayers.
Marena
Posted by: Marena Sheffield | April 01, 2011 at 02:10 PM
PRAISE God for He is faithful!!
Love the updates :)
Posted by: Kim - connorcolesmom | April 01, 2011 at 02:19 PM
You go Joanne! I'm thrilled that you took on stairs today. May God continue to strengthen you and sustain you!
Posted by: Anuja | April 01, 2011 at 08:13 PM
We are so very happy for you and your family.
How wonderful for the girls to see their mom working so hard to get better and come home and be MOM again.
This is a great step in the right direction.
Happiness to you and your family...K
Posted by: Karen Gonzalez | April 01, 2011 at 08:54 PM
JoAnne, I don't know you, but I rejoice with those that do that you are making such progress in your recovery! I found your blog after the tragic events, but I have enjoyed your past posts and been blessed by the outpouring of love I see here from your family and friends.
We serve an awesome God and there is nothing impossible for Him...I know- I've seen it for myself...I almost lost my Dad twice and they told us he wouldn't leave the hospital without a breathing tube and/or a wheelchair , but I tell you the devil is a liar... he left without both and that from being on the brink of death.
I believe if God can do it twice for him he can surely do it for you..it's been two years and my dad is doing well -- God is so good!
I pray your strength, and full Recovery with no pain--in Jesus name --Amen!
I love you my sister in Christ..even if I don't know you...and I have faith with you!
Be blessed
Aida
Posted by: Aida Correa | April 01, 2011 at 10:25 PM
FANTASTIC about the stairs!!! You GO girl!
And so glad about the real hair wash too--ahhhhhh. Spikes would look fabulous on you--but my vote would be go rose red instead of blond! ; )
much love and prayers from ca, lisa craddock
Posted by: blessed | April 01, 2011 at 11:44 PM
This is great fantastic news. Go Joanne!
Posted by: Eveline from the Netherlands! | April 02, 2011 at 12:01 AM
I am thanking God for all He is doing in you!!
It is just amazing to read how you are progressing in your Miracle!
My memory verse today is:
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being," Ephesians 3:16
Praying that God's Power is all over you! That He continues to strengthen you back to complete healing!!
I am also praying for all pain to go away!!
Keep up the good work!! :-)
Posted by: Colette | April 02, 2011 at 07:19 AM