As I was blogging earlier today I realized that a lof of people coming to the blog these days probably have no idea how a 42 year old, slightly overweight, shaved-headed, father-of-two came to blog on The Simple Wife. So here is a refresher...
Joanne (the real Simple Wife) had a stroke on January 11, 2011. In the days that followed our phones, emails accounts, FB accounts, text messages, etc. absolutely exploded as people tried to find out what happened and how Joanne was. I was trying to manage Joanne's accounts and phone as well as my own. So sitting in her ICU room one night I hacked her blog, The Simple Wife, so that I could tell as many people as wanted to know what was going on--I needed to channel all the information to one place. And that's how I came to blog on the The Simple Wife.
Sometimes Joanne still does a blog or two if she is up to it--she'll either write it out by hand or just talk it out and I'll write it down for her. I love it when she posts and so do most of you! It's funny to see how the blog readers go through the roof when Joanne puts a blog up. You'll contine to hear from her from time to time.
But otherwise your stuck with me. I try to blog about Joanne, our girls, and our lives together post-stroke. And at the core of it is a knowledge that so many of you are praying for our family--I want to keep you posted so you know how to pray and then report back on how God is moving and working in our lives.
What a journey! And we are blessed that so many of you are coming along for the ride.
Toben (the 42 year old, slightly overweight, shaved-headed, father-of-two)
You make me smile Toben!
Posted by: JULIE | July 23, 2012 at 03:59 PM
We DO appreciate you being the 'voice' of the Heim family and keeping us updated on the trials and joys of life as you know it. I so appreciate the honesty and vulnerability that you and Joanne (continue to)show, as you always have.
For those of us who also struggle daily with chronic medical issues in our families, it is a blessing to know we are not alone and we are all just taking things day by day...coping w/ Christ, the best we can.
THANK YOU. As always, praying for each of you....
Posted by: Cheryl Veenstra | July 23, 2012 at 06:05 PM
I read Joanne's blog for so long, before her stroke. And I think it is very sweet of you to update all of us who care about her and your family - all who pray for you all. Thank you for that :)
Posted by: Kristy | July 23, 2012 at 07:12 PM
We appreciate you both!
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | July 23, 2012 at 07:22 PM
I'm so glad that the shaved head 42 year old is blogging here. Your updates have helped us all stay up to date on Joanne, your family and how we can pray!
Posted by: Liz Reeves | July 23, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Thank you for keeping up the blog. I am always rooting for you and your family. You inspire me.
Posted by: Holly | July 24, 2012 at 12:05 AM
Toben you are such an inspiration. Where would we all be if even half the men of this planet had your strength, fortitude and above all, Faith?
Thank you for keeping us "up to date." Would you give Joanne a big hug for us all?
Posted by: Chrissy | July 24, 2012 at 05:50 AM
:) I am glad you are posting here. And please let Joanne know WE MISS HER!!!
Posted by: kimberly | July 24, 2012 at 07:10 AM
Toben, I came across your blog shortly after the stroke and have been blessed with each post. It has been amazing to be a part of your journey, pray for you, be encouraged by you & laugh too. Thank you for keeping up the simple wife.
Your post on raising girls has been bookmarked & will be printed out for my husband when we have children. You are a great dad!
Posted by: Holly | July 24, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Something I hadn't put together until this post is how fitting the title is. When people ask me how life is different for me post-TBI, I say that it isn't better or worse. In some obvious ways it's harder, but in many ways, it's more satisfying. I think you understand how when everything is stripped away, you find your joy in the simple things. I can't work full time, or write any more books, or do many of things that the world would consider valuable, but I am loved by my family and live a simple, but totally content life. I never cooked before my TBI, but now, when I prepare a nourishing meal for my family, it's a good day. I am very grateful to be a simple wife. My prayer for Joanne is that she will find that one simple thing that will bring her a sense of active participation and contentment in her new normal, simple, life.
Posted by: jen | July 24, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Thank you for keeping it up! I read Joannes blog for several years, and then for whatever reason took a break. I came back just days after your first few posts after the stroke, and it has really touched my life and improved my faith to read about your family walking through this journey.
It might help people just tuning in a little better if you added "2011" to the date on the top left of the blog, so they don't think the stroke just happened this year!
Posted by: Hayley | July 24, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Thanks for keeping us posted, Toben!
jenni
http://strokeofgrace.blogspot.com/2012/07/cane-walking-at-9-months.html
Posted by: Jenni Saake "InfertilityMom" | July 24, 2012 at 07:11 PM
I echo all the above sentiments about being grateful that you are carrying on with the blog. It is a tribute to Joanne and to God's amazing work in your family, and I feel honored that you share your ups and downs with all of us. I'm sure it must be hard to be vulnerable, especially when you receive negative comments. Thank you for taking the time to share with Joanne's blog readers how she and all of you are doing! You are continually in my prayers, and it does help to know how to pray specifically.
Posted by: Karene | July 24, 2012 at 07:19 PM
Hi Joanne and Toben, I am from Singapore, and picked up LIVING SIMPLY about 3 months ago, I can't describe well enough how much it is blessing me! I'm always talking about simplifying, but your book, Joanne, the Christ-centred principles, and your beautiful way of explaining and illustrating and your example, is so easy to understand and yet so inspiring! You showed me how simply the principles can be applied in my own life. Thank you!
Two days ago I was blogging and wanted to share about your book and googled and am so shocked to find out about your stroke. My heart and prayers are with you. I've read a bit of your blog and continue to be inspired by your sharing, touched by Toben's words, and how you both are coping and creating the new normal together.
Hope it blesses you to know your lives and your book continues to bless! I will come by often and will be praying much.
Posted by: yin | July 25, 2012 at 07:36 AM
You are the man Toben! And you are an awesome communicator...it has been a privilege and a divine call from the time of January 11,2011 to be "with you" in the spirit and in prayer as you all battled spiritually, emotionally and physically for Joanne and the "new normal" life you now live. Along the way I have cried, prayed, rejoiced and peeked in on Kristen's life too and as a result the wider lives and broad strokes that your spheres of influence have taken you. What rich lives you live by faith in the Son of God who loves you and gave Himself for you. I know it hasn't been easy, but I can promise you, it is worth it! I too, come by often and continue to pray for you, Joanne and Audrey and Emma, that your lights will continue to shine...and faith will make a way where there seems to be no way! You are a blessing...thank you for what you do and who you are as you continue to teach loves way!
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Posted by: Nike Air Max 90 | August 08, 2012 at 06:24 PM
You looked so fine, and your wonderful clogs only added to the perfection; I wish every one of your readers could have seen how great you looked!
Posted by: Nike High Heels | August 14, 2012 at 06:54 PM
Toben this may be none of my business, and I mean no disrespect, but it may not hurt either of your girls to get a little bit of counseling to help them process some of these enormous changes that have happened in their lives. Couldn't hurt to try it. Hope everything works out the best for all of you.
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