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!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Letter From Jonathan
hey everyone, this is Jonathan aka jball aka jiggaj aka 2ndchance typing saying thank yall for the love and support. Be ready for when i get back. I wasn't doing some good things before all this but got a 2nd chance and no doubt imma do it better this time. i pray ever bit of gods blessings hit everyone that has prayed and supported me n those that went to the hospitals. It has been such an encouragement! Look yall thanks again, hit me on myspace if u want n ill add ya at myspace.com/j2ndchance
P.S.
Thanks Doyle, much love!
P.S.
Thanks Doyle, much love!
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.
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 8:40 AM
A few doctors visits and a few things to report since then:
On Tuesday Jonathan met with an optometrist. He took a look and assessed both his eyes. He said that there was severe nerve damage in his right eye that was beyond repair, and Jonathan's sight would not be restored. He said there was some nerve damage to his left eye, but nothing substantial that would cause his sight to worsen. We were, of course, hoping for a better report than that. Mom is even scheduling another appointment with a different doctor for a second opinion. However, ultimately, we could get 3,4,5 bad reports from any given Dr.'s, but we continue and will continue to believe the report of the Lord that - He who began the good work will be faithful to complete it!! So, please, continue to pray for the healing in both eyes, especially his right eye. In the past few weeks we have seen some improvement in his left eye. He's able to see more clearly, and is writing clearer than before. So, we're already seeing signs of God's healing in that eye, but are continuing to pray that it would be completed!
Yesterday, in way of good news, Jonathan saw an orthopedic specialist. After much waiting, tons of x-rays and then more waiting we found out that he now has the "OK" to start weight barring on his right leg. So, they can start moving forward in physical therapy. However, with that good news comes some concern. In many of the places that Jonathan broke bones, and had them replaced with rods and/or plates - additional bone mass is now growing there. Initially, They did warn us of that possibility. In the hospital we began to see a mass on his right thigh, had it x-rayed and found that it was additional bone mass growing on top of the rod they inserted. It has grown since that time to a rather significant size. If it continues to grow to the point where it causes friction with the rods and/or plates then the bone mass will have to be surgically removed. This will only further the amount of time of recovery. So, please be praying. Some additional bone mass has started growing in his right elbow as well. Until he really starts physical therapy and starts using his leg and elbow more we won't fully know how much it is affecting his physical abilities.
With each report that the doctors have given us we have taken it in stride. We've known all along that the final say is not theirs, that their wisdom, though vast, is still very limited in comparison to the Lord's. He has Jonathan in His hands and has since all of this began. He's made His healing power known time after time, and astounded the Dr.'s too many times to remember. God's got this, and we know this. So, though it sometimes gets rough to hear bad reports, we realize that's not the final word. The final word comes from the Lord.
Thank you a million times over for all of your prayers. Please, don't stop. There are still many bumps in the road ahead, and the this road is still very long. He needs your prayers. We need your prayers, and we thank you in advance for all the answers to come!!
On Tuesday Jonathan met with an optometrist. He took a look and assessed both his eyes. He said that there was severe nerve damage in his right eye that was beyond repair, and Jonathan's sight would not be restored. He said there was some nerve damage to his left eye, but nothing substantial that would cause his sight to worsen. We were, of course, hoping for a better report than that. Mom is even scheduling another appointment with a different doctor for a second opinion. However, ultimately, we could get 3,4,5 bad reports from any given Dr.'s, but we continue and will continue to believe the report of the Lord that - He who began the good work will be faithful to complete it!! So, please, continue to pray for the healing in both eyes, especially his right eye. In the past few weeks we have seen some improvement in his left eye. He's able to see more clearly, and is writing clearer than before. So, we're already seeing signs of God's healing in that eye, but are continuing to pray that it would be completed!
Yesterday, in way of good news, Jonathan saw an orthopedic specialist. After much waiting, tons of x-rays and then more waiting we found out that he now has the "OK" to start weight barring on his right leg. So, they can start moving forward in physical therapy. However, with that good news comes some concern. In many of the places that Jonathan broke bones, and had them replaced with rods and/or plates - additional bone mass is now growing there. Initially, They did warn us of that possibility. In the hospital we began to see a mass on his right thigh, had it x-rayed and found that it was additional bone mass growing on top of the rod they inserted. It has grown since that time to a rather significant size. If it continues to grow to the point where it causes friction with the rods and/or plates then the bone mass will have to be surgically removed. This will only further the amount of time of recovery. So, please be praying. Some additional bone mass has started growing in his right elbow as well. Until he really starts physical therapy and starts using his leg and elbow more we won't fully know how much it is affecting his physical abilities.
With each report that the doctors have given us we have taken it in stride. We've known all along that the final say is not theirs, that their wisdom, though vast, is still very limited in comparison to the Lord's. He has Jonathan in His hands and has since all of this began. He's made His healing power known time after time, and astounded the Dr.'s too many times to remember. God's got this, and we know this. So, though it sometimes gets rough to hear bad reports, we realize that's not the final word. The final word comes from the Lord.
Thank you a million times over for all of your prayers. Please, don't stop. There are still many bumps in the road ahead, and the this road is still very long. He needs your prayers. We need your prayers, and we thank you in advance for all the answers to come!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Letter from the Parents
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your many prayers as well as your hospital visits, food and love offerings for Jonathan and our family. Thank you does not seem enough but please know our hearts are overwhelmed with much gratitude to each of you!
From the beginning your prayers have sustained us as God has given us His grace. Truly His grace is sufficent.
From the very lst day of the accident we had God's promises that we held on to and we continue to hold on to them as we walk this new journey of faith.
Day one, the Lord promised to send us His Holy Spirit to comfort us (John 14) and He has. At the hospital He spoke to us in the chapel "Jonathan will not die but live and declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17) and He is!
As the days went on and we saw the first sign of improvement God spoke to us through His word. "He who began a good work in you (Jonathan) is faithful to complete it (Philp. 1:6) and after 3 months we are home. God is truly amazing and faithful to His Word and we give Him all the glory!
Day by day we are trusting the Lord and we continue to stand on His Word. The Lord is doing a great work in Jonathan physically, emotionally and spiritually as well as in each one of us. Jonathan's journey of faith isn't over yet and we have daily struggles therefore, we covet your continual prayers.
Jesus said that the greatest commandments were to love the Lord thy GOd with all they heart soul and mind and the second greatest is to love your neighbor as you love yourself.(Matt.22:37-39).
Dear friends, you have truly exhibited to us the love of Christ. Yet I would be amiss if I did not invite those of you who do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, to ask Him into your life. He loves you (John 3:16)! He created you for a special purpose and He has the best plan for your life. (Psalm 139; Jer. 29:11-)
Jesus is the answer to all your needs and He came that you might have life and have it more abundently. He is the only one who will ever satisfy your every need (John 4). He will be your best friend, he will guide you, give you rest from your burdens, bring you comfort in trouble times, give you peace in the midst of the storms and always bring you through to victory. He will never leave or forsake you. Over and over again He has proven that to us and He will do the same for those who love Him, trust Him and serve Him. He is faithful! Jesus is more than enough! So ask Him into your life today.
"May God Bless You all! Yes, I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give each of you His fullest blessings, and His peace in your hearts and your lives. All my prayers for you are full of praise to God!" ( Phil.1: 2-3)
Love in Christ,
Wayne and Pam Newman
Thank you for your many prayers as well as your hospital visits, food and love offerings for Jonathan and our family. Thank you does not seem enough but please know our hearts are overwhelmed with much gratitude to each of you!
From the beginning your prayers have sustained us as God has given us His grace. Truly His grace is sufficent.
From the very lst day of the accident we had God's promises that we held on to and we continue to hold on to them as we walk this new journey of faith.
Day one, the Lord promised to send us His Holy Spirit to comfort us (John 14) and He has. At the hospital He spoke to us in the chapel "Jonathan will not die but live and declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17) and He is!
As the days went on and we saw the first sign of improvement God spoke to us through His word. "He who began a good work in you (Jonathan) is faithful to complete it (Philp. 1:6) and after 3 months we are home. God is truly amazing and faithful to His Word and we give Him all the glory!
Day by day we are trusting the Lord and we continue to stand on His Word. The Lord is doing a great work in Jonathan physically, emotionally and spiritually as well as in each one of us. Jonathan's journey of faith isn't over yet and we have daily struggles therefore, we covet your continual prayers.
Jesus said that the greatest commandments were to love the Lord thy GOd with all they heart soul and mind and the second greatest is to love your neighbor as you love yourself.(Matt.22:37-39).
Dear friends, you have truly exhibited to us the love of Christ. Yet I would be amiss if I did not invite those of you who do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, to ask Him into your life. He loves you (John 3:16)! He created you for a special purpose and He has the best plan for your life. (Psalm 139; Jer. 29:11-)
Jesus is the answer to all your needs and He came that you might have life and have it more abundently. He is the only one who will ever satisfy your every need (John 4). He will be your best friend, he will guide you, give you rest from your burdens, bring you comfort in trouble times, give you peace in the midst of the storms and always bring you through to victory. He will never leave or forsake you. Over and over again He has proven that to us and He will do the same for those who love Him, trust Him and serve Him. He is faithful! Jesus is more than enough! So ask Him into your life today.
"May God Bless You all! Yes, I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give each of you His fullest blessings, and His peace in your hearts and your lives. All my prayers for you are full of praise to God!" ( Phil.1: 2-3)
Love in Christ,
Wayne and Pam Newman
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