Monday, March 16, 2009

Monday, March 16, 9:40 AM

The weekend, like most weekdays had it's ups and downs, it's challenges and triumphs, but in the end was a pretty good result.

Friday evening, mom and dad celebrated their 38Th wedding anniversary with a night out of the house. So, Charlie, Jonathan and I met up with some dear friends. It was the first time they had seen Jonathan in quite some time, the first time they heard him speak and they realized - he hasn't missed a beat. He's still hilarious, still sarcastic and still can joke with the best of them. It was a good time for him and a good night overall. Saturday was more laid back, a few trips out of the house, a few arguments in between :). Sunday was church and the strain on his knee resulted in him and mom leaving a bit early. Sunday afternoon was more frustration on his part, and early this morning that seemed to still be lingering.

He's ready to walk. He's ready to be independent and he only grows more weary of the process each day. This past Wednesday he got the news that he could start weight barring on his right leg. Unfortunately, he's still got that "Rocky" mentality sometimes that nothing can hurt him - he's strong enough. Simply put - that's just not the case. The same Dr. that gave him the go-ahead to start weight barring also warned him that too much too soon could further injure him and halt, if not reverse, his recovery. So, please, pray for patience. I can't imagine the frustration that comes with not being able to do "normal" activities. So, please, pray that God would give him, and the family, patience through the process.

One of the "side-effects" of the brain trauma, not brain damage, that Jonathan sustained is major mood swings. While we are thankful that this has yet to happen in public or around anyone else - we are also ready for this to stabilize!! :) At the snap of a finger, for no apparent reason, Jonathan's moods can switch from laughing, to screaming and anger (literally). It's often not set off by anything substantial or even anything that would normally elicit that type of reaction. It's something that they have told us is "normal" for this stage of his recovery, but nonetheless - hard to have wisdom to deal with. It's especially hard to deal with for my parents who are with him constantly. Charlie and I get some of the brunt of this, but not nearly the amount my parents do. So, please pray for wisdom and grace to handle it all. It's probably difficult to understand for those of you that have seen him recently. He always carries himself well in front of others and is completely pleasant the majority of the time when he's out and about. But, as with everyone else, our guard goes down with our families. That's simply it. So, please be praying that as these times arise - we would deal with them with as much grace as possible.

This morning Jonathan starts a normal routine of therapy. From now on, he'll be going every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. That's a lot in one day, but we know he'll do just fine. He's looking forward to today's appointments - hoping that they'll tell him he can use crutches or a walker. It's a possibility and one I am praying for as I know this will encourage him tremendously. His body is still very weak, but he is getting stronger by the day. We're trying to pack some weight on him as he went into the hospital weighing around 205-210 and came out at about 130. So, he's got some work to do in that area, but in no time he'll be all muscles again :).

Thank you all again for your continued, faithful and persistent prayers. They are still needed. So, please don't stop. Our love for you can't be put into words and our appreciation for your support during this time will never be properly expressed. God has blessed us with so much love and support. We couldn't ask for more.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

God is truely working in his life and your Family's. I pray every day for him and I want him to know it brings tears to my eyes to see him in that picture, alive, wanting and needing us to stand by him with prayer through this recovery. Your family , you and esp. Jonathan have made such an important impact on Me and My son Ryan. We could never thank you enough, so with that, Lord please give him the patience and the strength through this difficult time of recovery, we know that YOU have had your hand in this from the begining , we praise your work and welcome your Love. Doyle and Karen

Stacy Leonard said...

God is so amazing. I am overwhelmed by the change and the determination you have Jonathan. Remember God is always there. Please reach out to him in times of frustration or when you just feel like screaming. God is there and wants you to hold onto him and not let go. Let him show you the way and the plan he has for you. Be patient and in his time, things will become better. He has a plan for you...Take your time in therapy and dont try to overdue it...you have come to far. I pray for you and your family, and seeing you smile in this picture is a blessing and I thank god for his healing in you. I am so thankful for gods grace..Remember in gods time you will have all those things you need and inquire. Lord please give him the patience and the strength through this difficult time of recovery, I pray that you continue to hold onto Johnathan's hand and guide him as he continues this journey of recovery. I know that YOU have had your hand in this from the start and i thank you for taking care of my friend. Johnathan, continue to know you are thought about and missed dearly and to the family, you are being prayed for as well.
God bless to you all,
Stacy Leonard

ybaker said...

My friend just sent me a prayer that I thought would be perfect for Jonathan and his situation:
Prayer: LORD, help me learn to appreciate the pain I have experienced and trust that You can use it to bring healing and restoration not just to me, but to many others through what I learn. Give me courage to tell my story to those who need to hear, without shame, and without regret. Thank You for all the difficulties that have broken me and brought me into a closer relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
May God continue to strengthen you and give you the peace and understanding to know that everything happens for a reason. You will never know how much your accident and what you have been through has proven to many that there is a God and how real he is.
Be bless..Ya-Yo (Ylonda)

Rescue


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones