Again, my apologies for not posting more frequent updates. The truth of the matter is this - the news of things to post is dwindling. The days are much of the same - Monday, Wednesday and Friday he has Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy appointments. Often on Tuesday and Thursday other oppointments of some kind occur. Mainly life consists of doctor visits, tests and calling to schedule more of the same.
Jonathan is very excited to see everyone. If you have not received information about Jonathan's Celebration and would like to - please email me at Impactyouth813@yahoo.com
Last night we made a video message from Jonathan. So, look back for that soon.
Thanks for all of your prayers. They are constantly needed!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 9:15 AM
It seems these updates are getting less and less frequent. I'll try to pick it up, but truly - the days seem just to run together most of the time. Yesterday, Jonathan had an appointment with a opthamologist. He is a specialist in this field, and very thorough in his exam according to my mom. He informed Jonathan and my parents, as the other doctor had, that there is severe nerve damage in his right eye and that his sight would not get any better or any worse. I'm not sure how it could get worse as he has no sight whatsoever. He can't see shadows or light of any sort. He also said that the vision in his left eye is not great, but most of it could be corrected with prescription glasses or contact. So, we'll move in that direction very soon. Of course, the confirmation of that news was hard to take. Jonathan of course doesn't express it in emotions of sadness, but we knew it was hard for him to handle - as it would be for anyone. Of course, we are believing that he will be healed - no doubt about that! This is simply another way for God to show up and show off. It's just dealing with the process until then that at times gets to be a lot.
There's a lot of waiting these days for Jonathan. Each doctor's appointment seems like an eternity to him spent waiting in the waiting room, finally called in the back only to wait some more, waiting for his body to heal, waiting for life to resume "normalcy", etc. There must be some connection with patience and being a patient! He's having a hard time with that part. We can only imagine what it's like to have to wait on everything and everyone before anything can be done. To have to rely on someone else to go to the store, to take a walk, to make an appointment, to make any type of plans - frustrating is not even close to describing that feeling I'm sure. But, he's holding on! He gets tired some days and anger follows suit. HE gets frustrated at times and outburst take place. He feels trapped often and certain words come flying out that we'd rather not hear, but it and we are all still "in process". Even through all of those feelings - he never gives up. He still keeps pushing, fighting and pressing.
He is officially walking on his own - without any assistance of a walker or cane, and he's doing great. He's still got what Charlie calls "a gangsta limp", but even that is diminishing slowly but surely. He's getting stronger and gaining back his balance. It's amazing how far he's come!!
I have received many emails regarding interest in the gathering we're having to celebrate Jonathan's second chance. Thank you for all that have responded. If you are interested in attending please send me an email to impactyouth813@yahoo.com. In order to get a quick head count and RSVP I will be sending out an e-Vite by this Friday.
Thank you for all of your continued prayers. We will continue asking you for them. We need wisdom, strength and grace each day to keep going. Jonathan needs healing in a lot of areas still. Continue to pray that God would restore sight to his right eye, that his right elbow would regain it's normal range of motion and extension, that he legs wold regain strength, that his blood pressure and heart rate would finally normalize, that he would have peace of mind and of spirit, that his anger would subside and that God would continue to speak. God's got great plans for him. I know that this is not even the beginning of all that God desires to do in and through him. So, please continue to pray. We're all still a work in progress, and we all need strength to continue to stand through the process! :)
There's a lot of waiting these days for Jonathan. Each doctor's appointment seems like an eternity to him spent waiting in the waiting room, finally called in the back only to wait some more, waiting for his body to heal, waiting for life to resume "normalcy", etc. There must be some connection with patience and being a patient! He's having a hard time with that part. We can only imagine what it's like to have to wait on everything and everyone before anything can be done. To have to rely on someone else to go to the store, to take a walk, to make an appointment, to make any type of plans - frustrating is not even close to describing that feeling I'm sure. But, he's holding on! He gets tired some days and anger follows suit. HE gets frustrated at times and outburst take place. He feels trapped often and certain words come flying out that we'd rather not hear, but it and we are all still "in process". Even through all of those feelings - he never gives up. He still keeps pushing, fighting and pressing.
He is officially walking on his own - without any assistance of a walker or cane, and he's doing great. He's still got what Charlie calls "a gangsta limp", but even that is diminishing slowly but surely. He's getting stronger and gaining back his balance. It's amazing how far he's come!!
I have received many emails regarding interest in the gathering we're having to celebrate Jonathan's second chance. Thank you for all that have responded. If you are interested in attending please send me an email to impactyouth813@yahoo.com. In order to get a quick head count and RSVP I will be sending out an e-Vite by this Friday.
Thank you for all of your continued prayers. We will continue asking you for them. We need wisdom, strength and grace each day to keep going. Jonathan needs healing in a lot of areas still. Continue to pray that God would restore sight to his right eye, that his right elbow would regain it's normal range of motion and extension, that he legs wold regain strength, that his blood pressure and heart rate would finally normalize, that he would have peace of mind and of spirit, that his anger would subside and that God would continue to speak. God's got great plans for him. I know that this is not even the beginning of all that God desires to do in and through him. So, please continue to pray. We're all still a work in progress, and we all need strength to continue to stand through the process! :)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 9:40 AM
Hard to believe that it's already April. Even harder to believe that it's been already 4 months since Jonathan's accident. On Saturday I had some pictures printed of Jonathan that we had taken while he was in the hospital. We started taking pictures on the 4Th or 5Th day and continued throughout. We definitely felt it super important so that people could not only read, but one day, physically see all the miracles that God has done. Last night as the family was all together I brought the pictures out and Jonathan took a look. He was amazed! He still doesn't have a full grasp of just how bad he was. Although, I think the pictures of himself in that condition helped to bring that reality a little closer. Even though we saw him every day and saw the transformation before our eyes - we still forget. It's an odd wave of emotions to see the pictures again. I admitted last night that as I was in Target printing the pictures off I got a little teary eyed. How could I not. He's come so far. God has done so much, and that's the story those pictures tell!!
Some of you have yet to see Jonathan since the accident. Some of you have never before met him and still you pray. While few have had the opportunity to see in person all that God's grace has accomplished. One of the biggest accomplishments is that Jonathan's physical healing has been amazing. In fact, according to the physical therapist - Jonathan should be walking on his own by next week!! Jonathan is more than thrilled about that. Of course, his walk is not back to "normal" yet. He's still slow, as his steps are still a little difficult. He is still learning to balance his weight between both legs. He's still in progress. Please continue to pray for his physical and spiritual strength to be renewed. Yesterday we got a good report from the doctor. As many of you know - Jonathan was a big fella before this accident. He went into the hospital weighing at least 205lbs. of muscle. He came out at about 120 lbs. Last week as they weighed him the result was 125 lbs. Well, this week he weighed in at 136 lbs.!! We've been trying to put weight pack on him to build up his strength. So, 11 lbs. in one week is an accomplishment!
His outburst are still much of the same. His feuding with everyone about everything is still taking place. Although, as with the rest of us - he has his good days when there's not a single fight and other days when everything sets him off. So, please pray that the first would out-number the 2ND. We appreciate your prayers, and are in constant need of them.
The family is planning a special celebration for Jonathan - to celebrate this second chance. Please send me your email address if you are interested in information about this event. You can email me at Impactyouth813@yahoo.com
Last night, we were hanging out being silly, as we Newman's like to do. In the midst of some music playing - some dancing started taking place. Jonathan was bustin' a move! :) He's been told that he dances better now than he did before. You be the judge. Hope this brings a smile to every one's faces as you see Jonathan in his truest form!
Some of you have yet to see Jonathan since the accident. Some of you have never before met him and still you pray. While few have had the opportunity to see in person all that God's grace has accomplished. One of the biggest accomplishments is that Jonathan's physical healing has been amazing. In fact, according to the physical therapist - Jonathan should be walking on his own by next week!! Jonathan is more than thrilled about that. Of course, his walk is not back to "normal" yet. He's still slow, as his steps are still a little difficult. He is still learning to balance his weight between both legs. He's still in progress. Please continue to pray for his physical and spiritual strength to be renewed. Yesterday we got a good report from the doctor. As many of you know - Jonathan was a big fella before this accident. He went into the hospital weighing at least 205lbs. of muscle. He came out at about 120 lbs. Last week as they weighed him the result was 125 lbs. Well, this week he weighed in at 136 lbs.!! We've been trying to put weight pack on him to build up his strength. So, 11 lbs. in one week is an accomplishment!
His outburst are still much of the same. His feuding with everyone about everything is still taking place. Although, as with the rest of us - he has his good days when there's not a single fight and other days when everything sets him off. So, please pray that the first would out-number the 2ND. We appreciate your prayers, and are in constant need of them.
The family is planning a special celebration for Jonathan - to celebrate this second chance. Please send me your email address if you are interested in information about this event. You can email me at Impactyouth813@yahoo.com
Last night, we were hanging out being silly, as we Newman's like to do. In the midst of some music playing - some dancing started taking place. Jonathan was bustin' a move! :) He's been told that he dances better now than he did before. You be the judge. Hope this brings a smile to every one's faces as you see Jonathan in his truest form!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 10:25 AM
Well, thank you to all of those that prayed Monday and continue to pray. Within the hour of that last post Jonathan calmed down tremendously, and as a matter of fact - had no large altercations with anyone yesterday. Believe me, that is only an answer to prayer!! :)
I took a half day yesterday, as a dear man from our church congregation passed away. His funeral, which dad performed, was yesterday afternoon. So, while my parents attended the service I took Jonathan to one of his appointments. He had an ultrasound done on both arms to see if there were still any blood clots. While in the hospital, and since his release, they haven't been able to do much activity/therapy in his arms due to the blood clots there. So, we are praying the results show that they are gone and therapy can really begin with his arms.
Also, last week we got a report that on a previous test there did show some minor brain damage. Because we had yet to be notified of that, and it was new news to us, the doctor ordered an additional CT scan which we also did yesterday. So, again, prayers that the test would show nothing but complete wholeness.
Today Jonathan has physical therapy, as he does every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He's doing great. He's been using the walker for a week now, but will be off of that soon I am certain. He really uses it solely for stability in case he loses his balance, but the walking he is doing on his own. He's come so far and I am so thrilled. The physical healing is happening at a speedy rate. It's all the other stuff that is our greatest concern.
Though he is still a bit away from it, before he can drive or go back to work he would have to have clearance from a psychologist. There is some concern there from our family as well as many of the doctors. There is still quite a bit of healing and re-learning that needs to take place. The way that Jonathan's mind processes things at times drives him to outburst of anger, heightened emotion and extreme reaction. It's at a moments notice and without regard for surroundings at times. So, please pray for his continued emotional, mental and spiritual healing. Pray for wisdom to handle situations as they arise and grace for all that we do. We appreciate your prayers more than you'll know. Each day, as I get home from work, Jonathan asks if any one has written on the blog. He enjoys hearing that so many are praying and cheering him on. Thank you for that!!
I took a half day yesterday, as a dear man from our church congregation passed away. His funeral, which dad performed, was yesterday afternoon. So, while my parents attended the service I took Jonathan to one of his appointments. He had an ultrasound done on both arms to see if there were still any blood clots. While in the hospital, and since his release, they haven't been able to do much activity/therapy in his arms due to the blood clots there. So, we are praying the results show that they are gone and therapy can really begin with his arms.
Also, last week we got a report that on a previous test there did show some minor brain damage. Because we had yet to be notified of that, and it was new news to us, the doctor ordered an additional CT scan which we also did yesterday. So, again, prayers that the test would show nothing but complete wholeness.
Today Jonathan has physical therapy, as he does every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He's doing great. He's been using the walker for a week now, but will be off of that soon I am certain. He really uses it solely for stability in case he loses his balance, but the walking he is doing on his own. He's come so far and I am so thrilled. The physical healing is happening at a speedy rate. It's all the other stuff that is our greatest concern.
Though he is still a bit away from it, before he can drive or go back to work he would have to have clearance from a psychologist. There is some concern there from our family as well as many of the doctors. There is still quite a bit of healing and re-learning that needs to take place. The way that Jonathan's mind processes things at times drives him to outburst of anger, heightened emotion and extreme reaction. It's at a moments notice and without regard for surroundings at times. So, please pray for his continued emotional, mental and spiritual healing. Pray for wisdom to handle situations as they arise and grace for all that we do. We appreciate your prayers more than you'll know. Each day, as I get home from work, Jonathan asks if any one has written on the blog. He enjoys hearing that so many are praying and cheering him on. Thank you for that!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 3:25 PM
At work and getting phone calls of difficulties at home. Please be praying for the family. The struggles are getting stronger, and the prayers are evermore needed and necessary. Lift up my parents - that God would give them strength, wisdom, patience and grace. Lift up Jonathan - for a calm spirit, understanding as well as continued grace and patience. It's a difficult situation and one that often gets overwhelming on all sides. So, please today, lift up your prayers for the family - that we would exemplify God's love to each other - no matter.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 18, 8:50 AM
One more step closer - Jonathan is officially using a walker!! :) On Monday they had him try it in physical therapy and because he could they issued a prescription for one. Yesterday dad picked one up for him and Jonathan is using it around the house. He's doing great with it!! He's still wobbly as his legs are still pretty weak, but boy is ready to get this thing crackin :). They did advise us to bring his chair with us if we are going to do any length walks - like going to the mall or if we'll be out for any long period of time. Right now, he's just happy that he can get around the house a little bit more on his own. However, I'm still right near him where ever he goes :). Last night, as he was walking to bed he started wobbling and tripping and I just steadied him and he was good to go, but I tell ya what it got my heart racing for a second.
The physical side of things are healing right on schedule, if not better than. However, yesterday we got the results of a recent MRI which showed that there was a slight bit of brain damage done. This could have been caused by many things as there were so many things that went on in his body during the accident. Please understand that this, by any stretch of the imagination, does not mean that Jonathan is mentally handicapped. This simply means that what we are seeing now as far as the dramatic mood swings, the uncontrollable outburst, etc., are very much a result of that. The speech therapist yesterday, after an altercation with Jonathan, suggested very strongly that we seek some behavioral therapy for Jonathan. So, we are definitely looking into it. The simple fact is - before he can drive or go back to work he has to have a psych eval. If they don't deem him "OK" then they won't release him to go back to "normal" life that he so desperately wants. Yesterday we reminded him of that and he was very quite about that response, but later said that he supposes that he'll have to do whatever it takes then.
So, please just pray for us, mainly my parents, that God would give wisdom where needed. We're not doctor's nor do we fully understand everything that's taken place. We hear what his doctors are saying and are seeking the help they are suggesting, but are also seeking God's face - knowing man's aid only goes so far. This is just another part of the testimony and another opportunity for God to show up and show off. :) Please continue praying. We know that God is hearing those prayers and are seeing them answered daily.
The physical side of things are healing right on schedule, if not better than. However, yesterday we got the results of a recent MRI which showed that there was a slight bit of brain damage done. This could have been caused by many things as there were so many things that went on in his body during the accident. Please understand that this, by any stretch of the imagination, does not mean that Jonathan is mentally handicapped. This simply means that what we are seeing now as far as the dramatic mood swings, the uncontrollable outburst, etc., are very much a result of that. The speech therapist yesterday, after an altercation with Jonathan, suggested very strongly that we seek some behavioral therapy for Jonathan. So, we are definitely looking into it. The simple fact is - before he can drive or go back to work he has to have a psych eval. If they don't deem him "OK" then they won't release him to go back to "normal" life that he so desperately wants. Yesterday we reminded him of that and he was very quite about that response, but later said that he supposes that he'll have to do whatever it takes then.
So, please just pray for us, mainly my parents, that God would give wisdom where needed. We're not doctor's nor do we fully understand everything that's taken place. We hear what his doctors are saying and are seeking the help they are suggesting, but are also seeking God's face - knowing man's aid only goes so far. This is just another part of the testimony and another opportunity for God to show up and show off. :) Please continue praying. We know that God is hearing those prayers and are seeing them answered daily.
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