In just a couple of hours Joanne will have been home for two days. I am realizing that we have a lot of ground to cover before we get to our "new normal." I think I expected that, so no big shock, but it is definitely different being here than being at the hospital. No duh, right?
Friday night Joanne didn't sleep well. There was a situation with one of her prescriptions that didn't get filled and it is the slow release painkiller that she takes before bed. Well, we thought we would give it a try without it and just use her regular daytime pain med. Bad idea! She was up multiple times. So we got the prescription filled for her night time med yesterday and it seemed to help.
My parents came for dinner last night and we had a nice visit. They brought dinner which is always a plus and took the girls out on the town for a few hours which they seemed to really enjoy. If they are home the girls are working on getting their rooms put back together after 4 months away. So getting out for a little bit was a welcomed relief for them.
Then we got Joanne a shower, which she loves. Papa got the whole thing set up with grab bars, a new shower head and a great shower bench. So Joanne can just sit in there and let the hot water pour over her. After sub par showers for the last four months, a genuine hot shower for as long as she likes is a real treat.
This morning Chef Emma made Joanne some great looking oat meal and she got her meds all taken. Yesterday she took meds on an empty-ish stomach and couldn't keep them down so today we called in the big guns. If oatmeal can't qualify you as having a full stomach then I am at a loss. Hopefully her meds will stay down.
Off to church this morning if all goes well. Joanne loves to go to church--last weekend was her first time back in 4 months and she had such a good and meaningful time. So she is determined to go again today. Hopefully the car sickness will stay at bay--she has some medication that is supposed to help with that. Our church is about 20 minutes away so it is a bit of a trek.
Tomorrow we are going to get our handicapped hang tags for the car! We are going to have awesome parking places for the next months! We have gone out a couple of times to run errands in the last 48 hours and it is a real chore to have to try to park in a normal space--not much room to maneuver the wheelchair. So being up front with a little extra space is going to be great!
We have had a few people come over and work on the back yard, getting plants put in and it is looking really good. The Franklins came yesterday and did a bunch of herbs...
OK, that was an hour break to get Joanne ready for church. It takes a while to get stuff done! I think God is going to be teaching me a lot about patience and pace of life over the next months. I think I have probably been pretty selfish with my time: I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. But that has changed. Now I am here to serve. Not too bad of a lesson to learn :)
OK, another 5 hours have passed! We went to church and then to the mall to try and get a new iPod case for Audrey. Church was good. Things at the mall went fine, but it is clear that we are going to be working at a different speed for the time being. There is no such thing as a "quick trip."
We are now at Gran and Papa's for Sunday dinner. Audrey is at home because her room is still a disaster and I have her locked in there until it's spotless. After dinner we will be back to the house for a nice long shower for Joanne and final preparations for this we. We will undoubtedly learn a lot about this new life is going look like!
Prayer requests:
1. This is a discouraging time for Joanne. She still needs so much help with things and she wants so badly to be independent. She'll get there but it's going to take time. We all need patience.
2. That home health-care will get set up soon and smoothly.
3. We would love to get to our "new normal" soon than later. If we could get some scheduled stuff worked out that would be great!
Toben
It's absolutely amazing how far you have all come since January. When I first read about it, I never imagined Joanne would be home sooo quickly.
I continue to pray for you Joanne and to thank God for being able to know you.
Posted by: Chris L-B | May 15, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Joanne, I'm praying that your new normal will come quickly, and that your will rest in the fact that you are a living miracle! I will not stop praying for you girl. You are loved!
T
Posted by: Teri Butcher | May 15, 2011 at 03:46 PM
It's okay to want everything now. But look back to how far Joanne and you all have come, the new normal will come in time.
Keep leaning on the Lord God! He will be there and never let you down!
Blessings to you all!
Posted by: Maribeth | May 15, 2011 at 04:08 PM
I'll definitely be praying that God shows all the you the beauty in the "new normal" that is coming.
I couldn't help but think of what life is like with a new baby when you mentioned patience, a new normal, and the fact that there is no such thing as a quick trip. But, just like when you bring a new baby home, the blessings always outweigh the hardships!
Posted by: Michelle | May 15, 2011 at 04:30 PM
congratulations to the entire heim family for being able to be together, and at home. all that has happened is truly amazing.
thought i'd share from my own experience with depression, ptsd, ect, and other stuff ... every moment is a "new normal" -- not that there is not stuff to look forward to, or goals to reach out for and expect -- but rather that each moment holds something in it all by itself.
it's hard to see (i'm still too often trying to find it), but for me, i've (tried to) learn(ed) to live for the next breath, not the next 6 months.
all my love, light, energy, and good thoughts still coming your way (as they have all along)
namaste,
renee altson
Posted by: renee altson | May 15, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Wow! That's quite a pace...errands and church and more. I hope the excitement levels off a bit and you soon find the right rhythm. Thank you for giving so many details so I can pray effectively. I keep a charm bracelet in sight for a tangible reminder and always pray in the night.
May you feel deep peace from the inside out!
Posted by: Michal | May 15, 2011 at 05:18 PM
It takes time to get settled and yes patience. It's been almost a year and half since my stroke and our outings are still not quick. My husband and I both had to learn patience and what speed really is during this journey. This is a time of learning and serving for you both. I have faith in our Almighty that He will shine His light in areas to work. There may be trial and errs but keep at it until you find what works. I'm finally to where I'm a little more independent but it took work, Lots. of. patience. and deep breaths. I'm glad Joanne is home! Keep doing the exercises and enjoy togetherness! Oh and one thing else, let Joanne grieve when those feelings come up. Love her and listen to her. Another patience area. She has been going going and going. Remind her why you are working with her, your love.
Posted by: Sara G | May 15, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Honored to continue to pray. Breath, relax, pray. I don't recall a single account in the Bible of Jesus being in a rush. I have to stop and think about that sometimes.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | May 15, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Thank you, Toben, for taking the time to keep your extended cyber-family up-to-date on Joanne's progress and your family's prayer needs. Blessings on you all! I continue to hold you up in prayer.
Posted by: Melinda W | May 15, 2011 at 08:38 PM
I will be praying that you have a home health nurse who is as awesome as my sister.All her patients love her.Thank you Heavenly Father for being there for Joanne, Toben & their girls, that you would help them to adjust with grace & dignity during this time of rehabilitation & also Lord allow the meds to help Joanne in all the ways they're supposed to.Praise You & Thank you in your precious Son Jesus Name.AMEN!!!!!
Posted by: Rayleine Chagoya | May 15, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Honestly, I am blown away that you would take the time to keep us all out here in cyberyspace up to date with the blog considering all you have on your plate! I have said it before and I will say it again, you are one amazing man, Toben. My prayer is that each one of you will let patience have her perfect work, and special prayers for dear Joanne against discouragement. I highly recommend Ann Voskamps 1000 Gifts to brighten and lift. Yesterday as I shared your miracle with our Kairos Ladies Class at church, all were amazed and praising God... we prayed and praised God for all your many blessings and more to come. Thank you for allowing your love to shine forth on every level as an example of light and salt. Your "marathon" is testimony far beyond any I've ever witnessed in this life, and I am not exaggerating in any way. Thank you again and again for taking all the time to care and share and allow "the witness"...we continue to cheer you on from the sidelines.
Posted by: Pam Houston | May 16, 2011 at 06:13 AM
My heart is still with you,Toben, Joanne, the girls, mom and pappa...bless you all! I know you don't know me but your journey has become my journey as I watch you adjust to your new life.
I recently had my own tragedy happen...new life...new walk... many changes...many tears and joys.
The Lord God is mighty each day! I stand back amazed!
My heart aches for your girls. May the Lord God make them strong!
Posted by: Gina | May 16, 2011 at 08:17 AM
It is still such early days for Joanne and all of you as you get used to being back home but having a new normal. All that desire to be independent is going to be invaluable to aid Joanne's progress, even if she is feeling a little frustrated now.
Posted by: Penbleth | May 16, 2011 at 08:38 AM
We are all so "with" you as you learn your new 'normal.' Being a recovering heart by-pass patient (6 years) I can testify to the new "normal" coming in bits and spurts and you will undoubtedly be learning it for many months - maybe years. But also to testify that, "YES, IT DOES GET BETTER!" I know you know this in your hearts and I'm sure at this stage of the process it MUST feel like it's going to be such a hard, long journey.
Joanne, you are such a courageous sweetheart -- although I only know you from your books, and your blogs (via Beth Moore's blog) since your stroke, I want you to know that we are out here pulling for you every day. I'm sure the 'hits' on your site here have dropped dramatically because we are reading your updates in our own subscription email and not commenting every day. But we are here -- in legions!!! Do not doubt it!!!
I know that every day is a new challenge, every activity is new and more difficult than you imagine, and I also know that that ugly ole' thing called depression will find a hundred ways to try and get into your head! It's part of the process......and I am out here cheering for you imagining your challenges and your victories!
Hallelujah! You are home!
Posted by: Lynn Kelly | May 16, 2011 at 08:54 AM
I am so happy for you all! Patience is a hard one for me too. I am like to be in super fast mode but since I was struck with rheumatoid arthritis I had to learn to slow down.
You will learn and you will also be very happy that you did learn to slow down and serve. It is a very fulfilling and rewarding lesson. Growing in new areas that God has for you hurts while you are going through it but when you start to see things in a different way, the maturity you gain you will be very thankful. I know I am. If it wasn't for the RA I don't think I would my relationship would be very close to God.
Praying for you guys always. This adjustment will come. :)
Blessings and so happy you are all home.
<><
Posted by: Child of God | May 16, 2011 at 09:39 AM
I just cried when I read your latest news your such a LOVELY man :o)
Yes will pray you have patience but also that you will EMBRACE the moment....Enjoying each day and knowing God loves you and is caring and carrying you's through.
LOTS of LOVE
Posted by: Ruthy ;0) | May 16, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Praying for your family every week. Praying for this new normal to include hidden blessings along with the desire to move forward into "old normal"
Posted by: Melody | May 16, 2011 at 03:00 PM
I just love you all...
I've met Joanne before, but never any of the rest of you. But you feel like family to me, and in Christ, we are family.
And I keep thinking, if I care about all of you as much as I do, how much MORE must God care about you.
BIG Love. Our God has BIG Love for you and Joanne and your family. I picture Him with a big, huge grin beaming over y'all.
You're in the HOME stretch. Seek His face when it gets overwhelming. Don't weary yourself worrying.
Welcome home! Every day will be a challenge but our God will never leave you nor forsake you. He prepares for you.
Much love,
Deborah
Posted by: twinkle | May 16, 2011 at 06:05 PM
I still can't believe how quickly you have returned home Joanne!
I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts. I am sure your strength will continue to pick up more steadily now you are home.
xx
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | May 17, 2011 at 05:31 AM
SO happy that Joanne is home! Each day will bring new joys! Have a blessed day and I continue to pray for all of you! HUGS from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | May 17, 2011 at 06:02 AM
So excited Joanne is home and that the weekend went pretty well. Praying for encouragement to come her way.
Posted by: Amy T | May 17, 2011 at 08:12 AM
So happy and thankful that Joanne is home and your family is together again. I found this today and thought you might like to read the account of this woman's journey after her stroke.
http://www.katherinewolf.info/
Posted by: JJ | May 24, 2011 at 06:31 PM