Six years ago, I suffered a massive stroke. Many of you know the story... it was told extremely well here on my blog thanks to Toben, who kept everyone up to date and provided me with the details in a story I experienced firsthand but don't remember at all at the same time. I go back from time to time to read and fill in blanks.
So today is an anniversary, an occasion, a celebration, a remembrance. It's my stroke-adversary, my rebirth day, my miracle day, my survival day. It's a day marked with some sorrow, some regret, some confusion, but also marked with a lot of gratitude and a lot of trust.
It's a day I remember life as it was, a day I grieve the life I lost, and a day I celebrate life itself. I look back at the steps taken to get to today. I look forward to the steps still ahead. I am particularly reminded of what Paul wrote in Romans about how since God gave us the biggest gift of Jesus, it stands to reason that he'll also give us all those smaller gifts we need to live life abundantly until he returns. And I think that since God saved my life and gave me the gift of life itself, it also stands to reason that he'll also give me those smaller gifts I need to keep on living and recovering as I go through each day and season ahead. It's a day I trust God to continue giving me life--to keep restoring my life little by little as it gets more and more abundant.
Today is the day I was expected to die, the day my life was going to be over. But instead, today is the day God spared my life. Today is my life day.
I am grateful.
I am grateful for you. So many of you prayed for me and trusted God for me when I could not. Thank you so much for carrying me through such a hard season six years ago.
With great love,
Joanne
Wow, I can't believe it has been 6 years! What a strong woman you are! It has been a pleasure praying for you and following your journey. I will always continue to as well. Thanks for journaling and keeping us up to datewedny!
Posted by: Wendy | January 11, 2017 at 10:42 AM
You are still a gift, God is just using your story differently now than before. Thank you for continuing to be used of God, you're a blessing
Posted by: Brandi Luiz | January 11, 2017 at 10:49 AM
I love this and I'm amazed at how God has worked on your heart during this extremely difficult journey. You are an ispiration on how God works through difficult situations. You have been thrown many curves in life and still praising our God!!! I've loved your honesty and I'm so glad you have not given up on sharing your journey!!!
Posted by: Tina smith | January 11, 2017 at 10:56 AM
I always stop what I am doing to read your posts and blogs. You are a great encouragement to me! Please greet your wonderful parents for me as well-
Posted by: Dean Skaret | January 11, 2017 at 11:31 AM
I am honored to pray for you, my friend...Your story is still unfolding and i have learned much about faith thru your blogs. God Bless you....
Posted by: Isabel | January 11, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Still praying - in Munich. God bless you!
Posted by: Susan | January 11, 2017 at 02:10 PM
I remember that day and have prayed for you many times since. I am grateful you are still with us. You are an inspiration to so many.
Posted by: Barbie | January 11, 2017 at 02:11 PM
What a beautiful post! Love to you and I am glad to know you. So lovely to read your blog. Keep it up...and enjoy the warm breeze on your face as you enjoy Arizona.
Posted by: Angela Dempsey | January 11, 2017 at 02:58 PM
6 years - definitely praise God! I am so grateful to have come to your blog just before it all happened, and to have followed along all this time. You continue to remind me of the goodness of God, continually refining us here. As you continue with God, you encourage me to continue on with Him in my journey. Thank God, and thank you, Joanne!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 11, 2017 at 03:31 PM
I remember being so shocked when I opened your blog and read the news. You were so young, so fit. It made no sense to me that you could be felled by a stroke. I checked the blog every morning and every night, scared to find out what the news might be. Then I began to read how God was slowly guiding you back, the smallest bit of progress evidencing that He had a continuing plan for your life. I know that so many things are more challenging for you now but you are the same gifted writer and teacher that you always were. You continue to inspire me - and I’m still praying for you in Las Vegas!
Posted by: Carol | January 11, 2017 at 03:51 PM
We were all so shocked at how one precious young woman could be struck down so quickly, BUT God always has plans for a hope and a future! He is using you in big ways and small ways to witness to His goodness and mercy. It has been a gift to pray for you! 💕🙏
Posted by: Elaine Viergever | January 11, 2017 at 04:11 PM
You continue to be my hero & inspiration in big and small things. You will always have my friendship, prayers and love. Celebrating God's faithfulness in all the ways you engage life in His power. ❤ you!!!
Posted by: Heidi | January 11, 2017 at 06:59 PM
LOVE!!!... is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Thanks for defining it by your life!
Posted by: Lori Lyle | January 11, 2017 at 08:06 PM
I am glad God has a perfect plan. I am glad part of that plan was to bring you through and to bring GLORY to Himself.
Posted by: Mzzterry | January 11, 2017 at 08:40 PM
God always has a reason for the things he does. I think yours was to be an inspiration and boy did you ever fufill that role. I have followed you for six years and everytime you have been an inspiration. God Bless!
Posted by: Melanie | January 12, 2017 at 07:47 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!! GOD is the HEALER! You have so much to share with others.
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | January 12, 2017 at 12:09 PM
It is hard to believe that it has been six years. You have shown us that you just take what God gives you and you use it to his GLORY. He knew then exactly what he was doing and he still knows as he has you firmly in his GRIP. Know that even though we are only internet friends you are prayed for and loved. Becky in NC
Posted by: Becky | January 12, 2017 at 01:05 PM
What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness and wisdom. You have been a trophy of His goodness. Thank you for sharing with us all over these 4 years.
Posted by: Kathy Collard Miller | January 12, 2017 at 06:48 PM
We still pray for you, Joanne. Have a blessed day of living!
Posted by: Linda White | January 12, 2017 at 09:13 PM
Hi Joanne,
I have never commented on here before, but I started following your blog just before you had your stroke and was deeply moved when I heard the news. You came to my mind in the middle of the night in one of those first days after the stroke, and God gave me the image of your head surrounded by glowing, twinkling Christmas lights. Somehow I knew that meant you would make it. May God continue to provide all you need.
Posted by: Dixie V | January 12, 2017 at 09:29 PM
I remember that shocking day. Your honesty and grace have been an inspiration; God has surely used you through this in ways you or the rest of us will ever fully understand this side of heaven. Blessings, beautiful one.
Posted by: Lina | January 13, 2017 at 06:17 AM
Well said, friend. Well said.
Posted by: Kim Feth | January 13, 2017 at 09:41 AM
I remember where I was when I read the story of your stroke. It's a blessing to see your progress and pray for what was lost to be found again.
Posted by: Deborah | January 13, 2017 at 10:03 AM
Dearest Joanne,
I remember the night, hearing the news and staying close to my computer to see updates via Twitter and Facebook. Stalking your sister's blog and remembering the multitude of people storming the gates of heaven with prayers and petitions for you dear one. I continue to give thanks to God for you and grieve what you have lost but know that God is a redeeming God and He has already displayed how He can give you back parts of your life in walking and driving. I am so grateful for you and love you! Thank you for continuing to share your life with us.
Posted by: Helen Washington | January 13, 2017 at 11:14 AM
Hi Joanne, this date, January 11, 2011. 1.11.11. 01/11/11. 11 January, 2011. Your story has always resonated with me because you have shared your authentic life so generously. Our daughters are close in age, my Lily is 18, and my Emily is 14. You've written about your relationship with Jesus with sincerity and truth and the stroke was how He has used your humanness to reveal Himself in you and your life. I will always remember the moments early in your illness, when Toben and your family were sharing the pain, worry, and hope of healing with your readers. God continues to work in and through you, revealing His goodness, His healing, His glory to us all. Your sweet spirit, courage, and love for Him are powerful testimony to a loving God. Happy reBirth day!
Posted by: Ann Berg | January 13, 2017 at 01:53 PM
What Satan intended to destroy, God is turning into good because HE is a good and faithful father. I continue to pray for you and yours. I have followed your blog since right before your stroke. While my heart breaks for the things you have lost because of this event it also rejoices as I see God's faithfulness revealed. God's ways are not our ways but he loves us and wants only our best. He continues to use this to shape and mold you, to touch others lives and minister.
Posted by: Kristin Flanders | January 14, 2017 at 07:18 AM
Dear Joanne,
I too am a first-time commenter who had just begun reading your blog shortly before your stroke. I have followed your journey on your blog, prayed for you and your family, mourned the things you lost, and-always-give thanks for your hard-won survival, progress and continuing recovery. You are one amazing woman--it's very clear that God made you strong, loving, and a beautiful writer. Thank you for sharing your story with honesty and grace. Blessings to you from a reader in Kentucky!
Posted by: Tiffany | January 14, 2017 at 11:22 AM
What a gift you are! And a source of inspiration to many of us dealing with our own troubles. <3 Laura
Posted by: laura | February 13, 2017 at 10:08 AM