We are experiencing a weird phenomenon--days are drifting into nights and then back in to days but it all seems very smooshed together. We are living in one room of the house; the living room. We hang out, surf the interwebs, watch Netflix, sleep and hang out with friends and family all in this room. There are occasional trips to the dining room and the bathroom but for the most part we are here. When we slept in our room upstairs coming downstairs represented a change in activity. We were up and ready to switch gears and face the day. But now we wake up in the same room we will be in for the whole day. It feels weird.
And the days have little to mark themselves. Each day feels a lot like the last. We are experiencing an utter lack of adventure. Today's big events might include going to the mall or grabbing Chik-fil-a for lunch. Maybe we'll head over to Gran and Pap's house so Joanne can grab a shower. The sad thing is that if we were to do these things it would feel like we had a really full day! Pretty weird when a trip to the mall, a chicken sandwich and a shower feels like a big day.
Tonight Bethany flies home from college. Nana and Papa are going to bring the girls up from the Springs and Joanne and I will pick up Beth at the airpoirt and we should theoretically all end up back here at the house for chicken noodle soup. It'll be good to have the girls back home. It feels better to have all of us under one roof.
I can't remember the last time we had Thanksgiving with my folks. We have either been out of town or at Gran and Papa's house. It will be so good to be with them and the Thanksgiving meal is my favorite of the year. In fact it might even be my favorite holiday. Christmas is great but any holiday whose focus is food and family and thinking about what I am grateful for is a pretty good.
Having family around is a blessing. Gran and Papa are headed to Winter Park with Wade and Kristen. I hope they have a blast! They have been more than faithful to our little family and we couldn't have gone through this season without them. I don't think I'll ever be able to express my gratitude for all they have done. They have definitely gone above and beyond.
Anyhow, I guess that's about it. Looking forward to some out-of-the-usual activities coming to our home. I am going to eat turkey till it comes out my ears.
Prayer requests:
1. Sleeping on couches is not the same as sleeping in a luxurious king-sized bed. Please pray that Joanne will be able to get some solid rest at night. Her sleep is very fitful.
2. On that same note, Joanne has slept some better than she did the first few nights. That is such a blessing! Definitely worthy of praise!
3. Please pray for safety for Gran, Papa, Wade, Kristen and the kids will have a great, safe time in Winter Park. They need a time of refreshment!
Toben
Thank you Toben for sharing your joys as well as your struggles in this season of your life. We are all watching how gracefully, lovingly, and bravely you have faced this challenge. We are reminded that life is precious, can change at any moment, and how joyful it is to know our eternity is secure in Christ. I am praying for special blessings on your family this holiday season, which I'm sure has a different meaning than before. I pray for strength for you to be the godly example for men the world needs, for Joanne to have lots of laughter, and for your precious girls to grow in grace. Wishing you the most happy thanksgiving! To God be all the Glory.
Posted by: Holly | November 23, 2011 at 09:36 AM
continued prayers and blessings to your family...may you feel an extra special hug from God...blessings...peace...good food...good time with family...all gifts from Him...
Posted by: r.elliott | November 23, 2011 at 09:41 AM
I agree, Toben--Christmas is wonderful, but Thanksgiving has always been my favorite. : )
And I confess I laughed a couple of times in this piece when I am sure you did not intend humor--such as when you describe what a busy day looks like, or the space you are now living in day in and day out. Do you remember hearing the size of our house? 550 sq ft. So, my whole life is lived out in a space of most peoples' living rooms, and as a homeschool mom of 4, some days if I shower and feed my family that is a really good day! ; )
Your smooshed up life is thankfully just a necessary phase--a transition on the road to healing and Joanne's mobility. My smooshed up life is not changing anytime soon! I'll try not to be jealous. . . naw, I'm teasing, God has given me contentment in my life, and this week I am praying He gives you contentment in yours!
We love you! Have a truly joyous family Thanksgiving!
lisa c.
Posted by: blessed | November 23, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday too! I love the way you phrased it: food, family, and focusing on the things I am grateful for. Praying for lots of joys in all those areas for all your family. Your journey and how you are handling it with God's help is a blessing to me!
Posted by: Karene | November 23, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Praying all of your requests, and still praying for Joanne to have a total and complete recovery that makes people amazed at God's power.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | November 23, 2011 at 05:44 PM
I will continue to lift up your prayer requests. I hope you all have a wondeful Thanksgiving.
Posted by: unityfalls | November 23, 2011 at 06:24 PM
Keeping your prayer needs in my prayer box, and lifting them up before His throne. This thanksgiving, I am very thankful for Joanne's life, and mine. We are both stroke survivors. Love and blessings to your dear family.
Posted by: Denise | November 23, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Happy Day Today To You All !!! From Maine Lots of snow here. Your friend, Rena
Posted by: Rena | November 23, 2011 at 10:14 PM
I like how you put that...a smooshed up life. What a different place to be in -- an utter lack of adventure where the mall, a chicken sandwich, and a shower are a big day. Yet, it is exactly what you are to be doing that day -- nothing more, nothing less. "...the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places..." (Psalm 16) Now I often balk at my boundary lines and it is so hard to have fitful sleep, pain, seeming regression in progress which is really moving forward and yet so much love surrounding you with supportive family and friends. Thanks for the updates. I pray for you all often. Thank you for sharing your story on-line.
Posted by: Kathleen T. Jaeger | November 23, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Toben, you sound like you could do with a good sleep too! :) Praying for rest and rejuvenation for both of you.
Hope you get some cranberry sauce with your turkey! lol
Happy Thanksgiving to you both.
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | November 24, 2011 at 01:43 AM
having privilege to be attached in this kind of blog will give me understanding to some issues and concern in my community.
Posted by: online jobs philippines | November 24, 2011 at 07:29 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Love and Blessings!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM
What a small world...looks as though Bethany has connected with Quincy C. at Whitworth, who is the daughter of a dear old friend of mine. What a great connection for both girls! Praying for great strides in each small step forward for you and Joanne!
Posted by: Katy | November 25, 2011 at 11:36 PM
I don't think I've ever commented but I've been praying for a long time for Joanne and the rest of you! After reading this post I wish you could just get an Extreme Makeover, Home Edition! I can only imagine how having an environment that's working with you, instead of against you, would aid you guys in this process. If I were local I would nominate your family! Praying continually for God's healing and strength!
Posted by: LouAnne | December 01, 2011 at 09:02 AM