Thursday, July 16, 2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009

As I asked you all to be praying for Jonathan's evaluation I wanted to let you know that we have yet to get the results back. Next week Jonathan and my parents will meet with the doctor to be notified of the results. As you can imagine - Jonathan is more than ready to hear them say that he is free to "start life" again. He's anxious to start working and most definitely driving. He's got a truck on the way from Louisiana that he's already made huge speaker boxes for. So, if you invite him over just listen for the big thump coming down the street. He won't even have to ring the door bell - you'll know he's there! :) However, before he starts putting his speakers on blast and riding around on his shiny new rims he'll have to 1) have permission to take the driving test and 2) pass a very extensive driving exam. In the exam they'll test him on his reaction time, depth perception, etc. - things that aren't normally covered in a driving test. So, there's still a few more hoops to jumo through and some more waiting.

At times I am still in awe of all that God has done. In fact, just two days ago tears filled my eyes as I watched him walk into smoothie king. As most of you know, he is very intent on gaining back all of the 100+ lbs that he lost while in the hospital. So, at least 3-4 times a week we make our way to smoothie king to get a smoothie called "The Hulk". Each time either I run in to get it for him while he waits in the car or we both walk in. This time he started to get out of the car and I didn't. He asked if I was coming in and I said no. I asked if he was ok with going in by himself and he said yes, but as he was getting out he asked me once again "are you sure you don't want to come in?" I said yea, I'm sure and he shut the car door and made his way across the parking lot and into the store. I looked out my window and watched him closely as he crossed the street - we're all still pretty protective of him. As I watched him walking, tears just filled my eyes. It's been nearly 8 months since the accident. So much has changed in our lives and his. So many things are in it are frustrating and are out of our control, but it's moments like those that just put it all into perspective. Nearly 8 months ago I almost lost my brother. 8 months ago I drove to the hospital now knowing that the doctors would come in and ask us if we'd like to come say goodbye. 8 months ago i never imagined that I'd be sleeping on the floor of the ICU waiting room for weeks just so i could be close to him, and now - he's walking into smoothie king with a slight limp, but no walker, crutches or cane, to order his favorite strawberry hulk :). God is so good - beyond what words can express! We forget all that He's done at times when what has yet to take place seems overwhelming. He's still working just as he was in that ICU waiting room.

So, thank you to everyone who still keeps updated and remains prayerful. It is the power of God and His people praying that has gotten us this far. There's still a journey to comeplete so keep those prayers coming. :)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I am writing in hopes that many will read this today and tomorrow. This morning starts Jonathan's phsycological evaluation. The evaluation is extended over two days time and will be completed tomorrow afternoon. It is a very extensive, intense and thorough test. As many of you know, there was some very minor brain damage caused by the accident. This evaluation will also see what that will or will not affect. Jonathan is, of course, very anxious about all of these tests and ready to show them that he is "not psycho". Although, that's not really the purpose of this evaluation, we're hoping for that same result. :) Beyond that though, clearance to work again and to possibly drive again, though further clearance would be necessary for driving privileges to be reinstated, is the desired outcome of this evaluation.

He's come so far. It's hard to believe that the accident was nearly 8 months ago. Some days it seems like this process has been dragging on forever, longer for Jonathan I'm sure. Other days, it seems like it was just yesterday that I was at the side of his bed at 3am rubbing his hair because that was the only thing that seemed to calm him. It's been a crazy, uncertain, unwelcome and difficult journey. It's been hard in ways that my many words could never fully express, but it's also been life changing in ways that we are ever so grateful for. God's done a lot in these 8 months. I've seen His hand evident in so many instances growing up, but in my 25 years - have never, firsthand, experienced it like this. His grace truly is sufficient though, we mistake it's absence all too often.

Thanks is all I can say for your many, many prayers. Though, I'm asking for them to continue. Regardless of the outcome of this evaluation - there's still a long road ahead. We absolutely covet your prayers and your support. When I started writing this blog I had no idea the amount of people that would read it. It was simply the easiest way to get a lot of information to a lot of different people. It quickly became a place for prayer needs and a showcase for God's amazing hand once they were answered. So, please, do not stop praying.

Thought I'd post a recent pic so everyone could see for yourself all God's doing.
Jonathan & dad on Father's Day

Rescue


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