I got a new computer! A good friend surprised me on New Years with a MacBook Air and Dragon dictation software. Toben has made my new computer look just like my old one with a little help for the Genius Bar at the Apple Store.
Today we are working on getting Dragon installed. With Dragon I'll be able to do everythign on my computer by voice command: blog, email, facebook. It's going to be very cool.
Yesterday we went to church. I had been going with my mother-in-love on Sunday afternoons to a contemplative service, but the church moved it to Thursdays at 12:15. So it's been a while since I've made it. It was good to be there yesterday. Especially with Toben there too.
Tomorrow I'm having breakfast with a few friends. It is January 11th which marks my three year strokeaversary. In many ways it feels so much longer--three eternities at least.
On Monday I have an appointment with my physiatrist, that's the fancy name for a recovery doctor. I haven't seen him in well over a year so we're just checking in. We have a list of questions about medication, therapies, and future doctor visits. Please pray he keeps the needles locked up--he's the needle-happy doctor. And once agian I have a no needle policy for the new year. I'm prepared to hide under a chair or run down the hallway if neccesary. Toben's going with me so I will have a hand to hold in an emergency :)
Thank you for all the comments, email and feedback from my last post before Christmas. Christmas ended up being a lovely, chaotic time. And I came back to the Springs feeling surprisingly rested.
That's all the news for now. I will be sure to post something after my doctor's appointment using my new software which should be up and running by then.
Thank you Toben for being my typist today.
Joanne
So sweet of your friend! And wonderful news you will be able to blog more and such using your voice - so it's a gift to your "followers" as well!
Posted by: Kristy | January 10, 2014 at 09:15 AM
prayers continued for all. So glad He has brought you through these last 3 years, as you/we all look to Him for what's next. Blessings Heim family.
Posted by: Rosanna & fam | January 10, 2014 at 09:25 AM
What a blessing your friend is...not only to you but to all of us that you touch with each word you share. Since 'meeting' you on Beth's blog so many years ago and then really meeting you and sharing our first Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio, you have been an incredible Balcony Person in my life. (If you haven't read that book I highly recommend it). You will be in my thoughts tomorrow and my prayers will be for you to have a peaceful day knowing that you are truly loved by many. It was hard for me to be in the Springs and not have an opportunity to see you. Hopefully next time!
Sending hugs and His blessings to all of you!
Posted by: Bobbie Lutz | January 10, 2014 at 09:49 AM
A new computer!!! LOVE!!! Praying for your appointment. And for God to fill your heart with peace tomorrow. xoxoxoxo
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 10, 2014 at 11:55 AM
Please tell your friend that all us of here have said, "Thank you". I've missed reading your blog and hearing updates about the family, current hair styles, and housekeeping tips. I pray for you often and it seem like my Dear Husband and Son ask about you every time we make laundry detergent!
We are thankful to God that he has brought you through these three years. I can't imagine how hard they have been for you. Some things just won't make sense on this side of Heaven.
Have a great doctor's appointment. Make sure you tell you physiatrist that there are still people out here praying for a full recovery!
Grace and Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | January 10, 2014 at 01:36 PM
Lovely to read your blog x how Blest you must feel with your WONDERFUL Gift x How GREAT is our Father God
With Blessings Love and Hugs
xxxx <>< xxxx
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | January 10, 2014 at 02:07 PM
Every post you make is a gift to me. I love you dear friend and think back to the day and days after your stroke. Our God was mighty to save you and I know He is not done with your recovery (on many levels) yet. Today I read Psalm 18: 28-29. You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With His
help I can run through a barricade, with my God I can scale a wall.
Keep scaling the wall friend. I love you!
Posted by: Wendy | January 10, 2014 at 04:44 PM
*Like
Posted by: Amanda | January 10, 2014 at 04:52 PM
I get so excited when I see a post from you! That Dragon software is awesome! And believe it or not, I think of you when I see the commercials. I am so happy you have it. Remember, don't get frustrated in the beginning, the software gets "smarter" about your voice the more you talk to it. I'm looking forward to see the next post.
Posted by: Missy | January 10, 2014 at 05:43 PM
Looking forward to more blog posts!
Posted by: Susie | January 10, 2014 at 05:53 PM
your voice sounds optimistic and ready for the year ahead! may gods love and peace find you everyday!!
Posted by: ashli | January 10, 2014 at 06:43 PM
Always love hearing from you!!:-D
Posted by: Chris | January 10, 2014 at 08:52 PM
I love seeing blog posts from you, Joanne!!
Posted by: Liz Reeves | January 10, 2014 at 10:18 PM
I was wondering if you use natural supplements at all. I suffer with depression and was just reading how wonderful magnesium can be for that. It's called "nature's tranquilizer" and helps relax muscles, but also really helps the brain. I mention it in case you want to look into it. I'm praying for you.
Posted by: RobinG | January 11, 2014 at 09:34 AM
Joanne, No, you don't 'know' me but your 3 year anniversary means I've 'known' you for 3 years after seeing Beth Moore's post after your emergency plea from Toben. I have seen all of the posts over these three years, commented on some, prayed over nearly all issues, and had your healing and well being in my heart for these 3 years. The struggles of you and your immediate and extended family have been so vulnerably shared and that makes all of us feel so much closer to you. Not knowing what your Christmas schedule meant with regard to the girls and Toben, I'm so glad to hear he is with you in your medical visits and helping with computer issues. You are a courageous woman and still have much to share with the world. We are patiently waiting for you to find your voice (Dragon) and to hear about what this 3 years has metamorphosed in your life. Even though your experience was certainly unsolicited, as we all know, the Lord can use it for good. Love to you and yours.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | January 11, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Love how upbeat you sound in this post. And praising God for your new technology! It is SO good to have you back, Joanne. :)
Posted by: Caroline | January 11, 2014 at 03:46 PM
Yeah for the new computer! Blessings on your family.
Posted by: DigiNee | January 11, 2014 at 04:54 PM
Nice!!! What a wonderful friend you have. Looking forward to reading more from you now that you have this new device.
Blessings hon. :)
Posted by: child of God | January 11, 2014 at 05:44 PM
Dragon is amazing! My husband is a police officer and they use Dragon to dictate reports! What a wonderful blessing of this program and a new computer.
And I love to read a new post from you. Continued prayers for you, Toben and the girls.
Posted by: Andrea W | January 11, 2014 at 07:48 PM
I am so happy for you that you got a new computer! I am also glad you had a nice Christmas. I will pray your doctors visit goes well. Blessings for a wonderful new year!
Posted by: MIssi | January 12, 2014 at 11:54 AM
It's always exciting to get a new computer. I hope to hear from you via the blog more often now. Just minutes ago I lifted you and your family up in prayer. Last week my daily prayer time sort of got frozen out by the "polar vortex." We Southerners aren't used to such cold weather. May the Lord shower His blessings on you, dear Joanne. (My name is also Joanne!)
Posted by: Joanne | January 13, 2014 at 07:45 AM
Dragon is a blessing to us. My son is dyslexic and dysgraphic and the task of writing severely hindered his creativity. I hope that it frees you of obstacles and lets your words flow. Laura
Posted by: laura | January 14, 2014 at 06:48 AM
Thanks for posting. I pray for your family as the Holy Spirit lays you upon my heart. May He continue to uphold you guys and bless you with many blessings this year!!
Posted by: kandice | January 14, 2014 at 11:40 AM
Oh Dragon is sounding super awesome. Well, as any dragon should, I'm sure. I'm just happy it means there will be more of YOU! I got the giggles thinking of you running down the hallway away from the needle happy dr. Hee hee hee...I think a New Year's needle policy is totally in order. Happy New Year sweet friend. I continue to hold you up in my prayers.
Posted by: Bobbi | January 16, 2014 at 05:41 AM
Hi Joanne,
I hope you are enjoying your new computer and dictation software. I am looking forward to new posts from you. Thank you to you and Toben. You inspired me to restart our family blog. It's a great way to get thoughts and emotions out that i normally have a hard time expressing. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Posted by: Matt Thornton | January 16, 2014 at 08:31 AM
I am so glad you were able to get that software. I will keep praying as I have been, and have many other intercessors praying too for you, your family, you name it. and I glad you have set strong boundaries and know what is right for you with the doctor. I am very happy to hear Toben will be there with you.
Mother in love I had not heard that before or I did and of course can not remember. I like it a lot. That is how I feel about my mother in law.
Posted by: Meredith | January 16, 2014 at 11:25 PM