Mom and Dad just drove out of the garage and are headed to Vail for a couple of nights away from home. I am so excited for the two of them to get away together with some friends for a few days.
They are meeting my counselor and her husband up there and staying at a super swanky place that I wouldn't mind going to for a night or a week, even. They will eat out, wander Vail village shops and restaurants and have conversations that aren't about me. I think they really need the time away together and I hope they have a blast, sleep great, and and come home on Tuesday afternoon rested and refreshed.
Maddie and I are holding down the fort here. I am excited to take this big step of independence! My phone is programmed for all of the neighbors on our street, the church directory is handy and my sister is only phone call and a few minutes away.
Tomorrow and Tuesday morning, a home health caregiver is coming over to be here while I shower and to help me dress, walk Maddie, and see me off on the bus that will take me to my usual activities at the Stroke Center.
Tonight, a friend is coming over to eat dinner, watch a movie and eat lots of theater candy!
I will get myself and Maddie fed and to bed each day, so life should go pretty smoothly. I will keep my phone close just in case and will be extra careful around the house.
Will you please pray? Especially for my sweet mama to really rest and relax and not worry about me...
Thanks so much!
And get a load of this one-handed typing!! Not very quick...but I got it done in the end with some corrections here and there!
Much love,
Joanne
Joanne CAN! With Jesus she can. Have fun, my darling friend!
Posted by: Holly Smith | June 07, 2015 at 01:44 PM
So happy for you and your parents. Prayers for all.
Posted by: martha | June 07, 2015 at 01:56 PM
Excitement for you and your cute Maddie; prayers for your folks! I hope and pray more of these fun times are on the horizon this summer! Look how far God has brought you! Translated from the Bible, Ebenezer means, "God has brought you to this place". Somehow, this is your Ebenezer!
With much love and encouragement,
Kim Feth
Apex (although now Holly Springs), NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | June 07, 2015 at 02:30 PM
Another milestone for you! Enjoy - so glad for this wonderful time of refreshment for your parents, and for you to have this time to gain confidence and feel God's presence with you.
Posted by: WendyBrz | June 07, 2015 at 03:10 PM
We wish we were with them but Tom and I are in MIchigan celebrating my 78th year. I know you will do well and will make your counselor so proud. Praying for you all and eager foir a cmaping time together.
Posted by: Ellie | June 07, 2015 at 04:05 PM
This makes me cry with pride and joy for you.
Bless your sweet heart in caring so deeply for your parents' needs.
It is an honor to pray for you!
May these two days fill you up as well.
Love you!
Posted by: Helen Washington | June 07, 2015 at 04:25 PM
Yay! Praying now for your parents and also for you! May God bless their time away and your independence!!
Posted by: RAM | June 07, 2015 at 06:22 PM
You're such a rockstar!!!
Posted by: Karen Booker Schelhaas | June 07, 2015 at 06:23 PM
You don't know me, and I don't remember how I started reading your blog. I just have to tell you, you are my hero. What an amazingly strong woman you are!
Posted by: Trina | June 07, 2015 at 08:12 PM
What a big deal Joanne! So happy and excited for you. A little scared but I will pray that it's a wonderful time for you and for your parents. Thank you for sharing. I'm all teary.
Posted by: Courtney | June 07, 2015 at 08:42 PM
Much love and prayers
Posted by: Marcie | June 07, 2015 at 09:11 PM
This is awesome for all of you! Enjoy this time. You continue to amaze me!!! Prayers.
Posted by: Dawn Welch | June 07, 2015 at 09:30 PM
Way to go!!
Posted by: Marena | June 07, 2015 at 10:41 PM
I agree with your friend Helen this makes me want to cry too (in a good way) in Thank fullness to Father God x Wow Joanne what a walking miracle you are and how far you have come, with loads more adventures in store x
Have a Blessed time x
Lots of love
xxxx
Posted by: Ruthy :) | June 08, 2015 at 03:39 AM
Every step forward is progress, but this is a milestone, sweet friend! Praying you through this great adventure, and praying for a restful and refreshing time for your parents. Love, Hugs, and many Prayers!
Posted by: Marsha | June 08, 2015 at 07:30 AM
This is a huge step for you in independence! You and Jesus CAN! Cheering you on from So. Cal...so proud of you in the LORD! Praying and believing with u out for your victory in this and hour loving parents a wonderful rest and rejuvenation together! They are my hero's from afar! I so admire their love and devotion...Your So. Cal. "Siesta Pam Houston
Posted by: Pam Houston | June 08, 2015 at 07:58 AM
I am also a one-handed typer (amputation of my dominate arm), so i KNOW you can type with one hand! Praying for you and your independence with Jesus as your guide and mighty strength.
God Bless You,
Linda
Posted by: Linda | June 08, 2015 at 09:06 AM
So happy for you all! Praying...
Posted by: Sheila Hinkle | June 08, 2015 at 10:32 AM
How nice for all of you. Hope they have a wonderful trip and you enjoy your total independence.
BLESSINGS!!!
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | June 08, 2015 at 11:44 AM
Not sure when I've felt happier about something. I LOVE that your parents are getting away and that you will be having some independence. And fun with a friend! Praying for a wonderful time of refreshment and connection for your parents and that all goes smoothly for you and Maddie. Thanks for taking the time to type this out for us all so we can rejoice with you.
Posted by: Sharon | June 08, 2015 at 12:15 PM
I pray that you have a wonderful time enjoying your independence! Praying for many Blessings for your parents! This is a great step to build your relationships, and start to feel your freedom! You are an inspiration to all!
Posted by: Annette | June 08, 2015 at 02:08 PM
I don't know which words to use first! Thrilled, thankful, wanting to jump up and down in praise for the progress you are making because of your faith in Him and with the love of your precious parents, sister and friends! Awesome, Jo! Keep it up! WOW!
Posted by: Beth | June 08, 2015 at 06:27 PM
I love you sis. Am more proud than you'll ever know.
Posted by: Kristen | June 08, 2015 at 08:10 PM
This puts a smile on my face that con't go away.
Posted by: rose | June 09, 2015 at 03:10 PM