Today is the two month anniversary of Joanne's stroke. It's one of those weird time things where in some ways it doesn't seem that long but in others it seems like a really, really, long time. Someone should come up for a term for this long/short time perception thing. Anyhow and needless to say, a lot has happened in the last 60 days. If you have followed this blog you know all about that.
I literally have tightness in my chest when I think back to what was happening two months ago today. At this exact time, Joanne was in ICU and we were just waiting to hear about how the radiologist had done in busting up her clot. She was out of it. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the truly dark days. Tomorrow is when her brain flap came out and the pressure in her head began to build to almost fatal levels. I feel sick just thinking about it. Yuck! So glad those days are behind us. We have some tough days ahead, but nothing like what we experienced in that first week.
Couple of things: Joanne is going ot have an MRI on Monday at 5. Not sure why they chose the dinner hour to do this procedure but they have. Here is the fun part: Joanne gets to take another ambulance ride for, get this, one block! the hospital she is going to is literally across the street from the hospital we are in now. I think all of us are asking, "Can't we just wheel her over there?" But of course the answer is a resounding "no!"
Then on Tuesday Joanne will move to rehab! I have some mixed feelings about this because I was really hoping the bone flap would be in before the move, but I also think she is ready for a change of scenery and to step up her therapies. I think the rehab facitity is actually a little shorter drive then the one we make now, so that's a very good thing. I am sure Kristin will take a lot of pictures of Joanne's new spot and will post them on her blog.
I can't imagine what it is going to take to un-decorate her room. It will be hours!
The biggest impact of the last two months have been the support of friends and family. This blog has had over 1.5 million hits. There have been hundreds upon hundreds of cards. There have been text messages, emails and phone calls. Others have given so generously to assist with medical expenses. And still others have provided countless meals. I can't tell you how blessed we all feel.
It's all so amazing and overwhelming and a blessing beyond measure. I literally believe whole-heartedly that it's the prayers of all God's people that have gotten Joanne to where she is today. Please keep it up! It is likely that Joanne will spend about two more months in rehab so we still have a long way to go. After that there will likely be months more of out-patient therapy. Like I said the other day, it's going to be a marathon. Prayer will sustain her and the rest of us on "Team Joanne."
Prayer Requests:
1. Joanne's spirits are pretty low. Pray for the anti-depressants to really kick in and for Joanne to have a "peace that passes understanding."
2. Pray for a smooth transition to rehab. They are going to really work her so she needs a boost of strength and energy as she moves over there.
3. MRI on Monday and move to rehab on Tuesday measn ambulance rides. Joanne hates ambulance rides. Please pray for all the logistical details of these moves.
Toben
Such a lot has happened for Joanne and all of you in these two months, Joanne has come on so very well. I do pray that all of you remain in good spirits, for peace for Joanne and the knock on relief for you and the rest of the family. I am also thinking of your girls and hoping and praying that they continue to have the strength to cope with their mother in hospital.
Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | March 11, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I have been following Joanne's story since day one. I found her blog from another blog that I follow. My heart is heavy for her and her family. I continue to keep Joanne and her entire family in my prayers. I praise God for the progess she has made thus far and know that God will continue to work in her healing. Faith and confidence in God is an awesome blessing to have. Although I do not know you guys personally, I feel as though I am a part of your family. I am so appreciative that you share Joanne's story on her blog and am amazed by all of the love, support and prayers that you have from people in the "blogging" world. I would love to send Joanne a card, but I have no idea where to mail it. If you could share an address to send a card I would appreciate that. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you.
Love and Prayers from NC!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | March 11, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Okay I am getting our prayer
Dear Toben,
I'm getting our prayer chain going out here in New Hampshire.
You know, Toben, God has big plans for Joanne, for you and for the children. I know right now it is hard to see, but I know HE has.
Trust in the Lord. For he HE will answer all prayers and provide peace!
Love to Joanne and the girls & you too!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 11, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Will pray for His peace that passes understanding to push away her fears. And I will include all of the family in this as well.
Still praying BIG in TN.
Posted by: Mary Lou | March 11, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Your winter is nearly over, spring is on the way. Joanne's priority for this year is abundantly displayed daily: LOVE abounds.
Praying often with love.
Posted by: Michal Ann | March 11, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Dear Heim family,
Today I read this passage, and as soon as I read it I thought of Joanne. I know you probably hear this a lot, but I really felt the Lord moving me when I read this. If you wouldn't mind, could you please read it to Joanne?
Philipians 2: 12-15
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..."
I honestly don't know why I thought of Joanne, looking back at this passage now I still don't know.
Posted by: Anonymous Prayer | March 11, 2011 at 05:43 PM
So many changes, so much to decide, so much to organize.....so much to praise and so much to pray for....I am doing just that, praying.
Posted by: Tara (Bowers) Bain | March 11, 2011 at 05:53 PM
It has been a pleasure to pray...still praying in Sugar Land, TX
Posted by: Lana D | March 11, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Oh how I wish Joanne could come to see those ambulance trips as an adventure!I'm sure they cause a lot of discomfort and fatigue,but all of the activity is good for her, and will help her on her journey. Hope you all can have a restful peaceful weekend ...thanking God for all of the progress thus far!
Posted by: mary beth | March 11, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Those sickening memories will fade (a little) way down the road, but will always serve to remind you of God's perfect timing even in crisis and provision like you and your whole family have never seen before. You will one day be the ones reaching out to reassure and encourage the next one that has to walk this road, either in Joanne's or in your shoes or in those of your sweet daughters. Continued blessings to you in each of these steps. Will keep praying about thses details.
Posted by: Margie Smallman | March 11, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Dearest Heim family,
I have been following your status since the day Beth Moore requested prayer for Joanne on her blog. Our Lord God never ceases to amaze me. Praise Him for what He has done in Joanne's life...and what He is going to continue to do. I feel compelled to share with you a link to a blog of a beautiful young woman who suffered a brain stem stroke a couple of years ago. God has brought her through an incredible journey of healing and she exumes the sweet fragrance of Christ on her blog (http://www.katherinewolf.info). I continue to lift you all up to our Heavenly Father for complete healing and His perfect peace.
Your sister in Christ.
Posted by: Cheryl | March 11, 2011 at 07:49 PM
It goes without saying that Joanne and your family, your lovely daughters, are all prayed for. Tonight I will focus my prayer to that quiet spot in the stillness of Joanne's heart. You know that space we all have that is reserved for deep and intimate conversation with God. I will pray that He will speak to her and that she will hear Him and that from that sweet conversation will come that peace that passes all understanding.
Each day forward is another day closer to home...praying for home!
Posted by: AuntieMip | March 11, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Still praying for all of you!
Found this in my Women of Faith Bible
"In the trials we've faced,
Something good has happened:
God has fine-tuned us so we are
more compassionate, more caring,
more loving, more aware of others' pain."
~ Barbara Johnson
I just love that!
I'm praying you have a restful weekend!
And for the busy week you have ahead of you!
And most of all Thanking God for His continued Miracle He is performing in Joanne!!
Posted by: Colette | March 11, 2011 at 10:06 PM
I have been following Joanne's story and praying over these last 2 months. God is so good and I am thankful for the progress so far and rejoicing at the miracle of our Healer she will testify to when this marathon is over!
Posted by: Michelle | March 12, 2011 at 06:17 AM
I remember that 1st day when my youngest son, who knows Joanne, sent me a message to start praying for Joanne. He directed me to this site and I began the prayer. I would wake up at night and feel the need to pray for this incredible sister that I had never metand her family. The last thing I would do at night was check the website and the first thing in the morning. God is so amazing. It is wonderful to be a part of His family and see what He has done over the last 2 months. I especially became glued to this situation, I think because Joanne is the age of my oldest son. It is just so awesome to see how God has been at work. I am continuing to pray, because I know that God is not done yet. I have fallen in love with your family. This blog will remain part of my daily routine, just as praying for Joanne has become. I can't wait to see the day day when Joanne takes up her blogging completely on her own again!
Posted by: Esther in Queen Creek, Az | March 12, 2011 at 06:23 AM
I always read Joanne's Tweets when I come here. She has really gained a lot of finger control. No deciphering is necessary now! Amazing.
Posted by: Rose | March 12, 2011 at 06:25 AM
It is an honor to kneel with so many other prayer warriors and lift up Joanne and her team! Will keep praying it in full faith!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | March 12, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Will be praying for all these things and more. Thanks for trusting us with the story of your journey. I feel like we're all on 'Team Joanne'! =)
anna <><
Minneapolis, MN
Posted by: anna | March 12, 2011 at 08:08 AM