Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25, 2010
It's been so long since I updated, but this is still going to be quick. Jonathan's driving test is tomorrow. Please be in prayer for him to pass. His heart is set on it. So, please lift him up tomorrow. The test is extensive - an hour and a half long. He'll need patience, which is lacking in most of us Newman's. :) I'll keep you all posted on the results.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
December 22, 2009
It's been over a month since the last post, and word on the street is that people are requesting an update. So, Hello to everyone at PMSI! :)
As always, this has been an interesting and eventful month in the Newman house. The last update was in reference to Jonathan's surgery. As most, if not all, of you know - everything went great. They may have to go in again to put in a different kind of tube, but still, there were no major complications, infections or anything along those lines.
At the end of November, in celebration of 1 year since Jonathan's accident, the whole family met in Georgia for a week in the mountains. If you know our family on any level, you know that such a peaceful place didn't stay as such for long. :) We're a loud and crazy bunch, and we had a great time. Sure, there were events that we could have done without, but overall it was a great trip. As there are no TV's there, SCRABBLE was an every night competition. It's safe to say that we may have one of THE MOST competitive bunch around. Scrabble was definitely played on a level that most board games never achieve. :)
We're still amazed that it's been a year since the accident. Oh, what a year it has been. One of great trial, but one of great triumph! In looking back, we couldn't help but want to bless those that are in similar situations as we were this time last year. So, Jonathan got to cooking and mom got to shopping. Last night, with goodie bags, plush toy craw fish, almond balls, jambalaya and beer battered craw fish in tow me, mom, dad and Jonathan made our way up to the ICU floor at Tampa General. We visited the waiting room that was our "home" for over a month last year, and talked with those whose loved ones were presently there. Some cried as they told us their story, some expressed their faith that God would do the same for their situation as He did for ours, but all were amazed and hopeful in looking at Jonathan who was possibly worse off then their loved one, but now walking and talking and of course cracking jokes! :) Many said it was a blessing to them to have us come, but I promise you - the pleasure was all ours. To be on the other end, with the ability to proclaim God's goodness and come with a literal living testimony...simply priceless!!
After we talked to all the families in the waiting room, we went to visit the nurses and patients back in the ICU. We saw some of the faces that took care of Jonathan last year, and all were amazed! They rarely get to see what their work has done. When people leave the ICU they're not yet in the "finishing" stages of their recovery, and they rarely get to see that. So, last night was a treat for them. Of course, we came bearing treats of all kind - Jambalaya, cat fish and our infamous almond balls. Jonathan also ordered plush craw fish from mardi gras outlet in LA to give to the patients in ICU and the nurses and staff. We stayed back there for a while visiting with everyone since it was a "slow night" back there. We went over to "Jonathan's room" number 5122 where He was last year for over a month. I got a little teary eyed standing outside of the room with him, watching him talk and laugh and joke with the nurses and staff. Oh, how far we have come!!
This year has been...hard, remarkable, rewarding, blessed, stressful, crazy, joyful, and inspirational all at once. We've cried more then ever, and laughed more than before. We've rejoiced for all that God's done, while crying out for Him to continue the work that is still necessary. He has been SO faithful. That is the one word that has new meaning or true meaning - FAITHFUL - that's what He is. Even in the most devastating of times, when it seems our world is crashing down - He's faithful! He's proven Himself over and over and over again.
As we told the many families last night - we would not be here but for the prayers of so many around this nation and world. Your prayers, and the prayers of countless others were heard, and were answered. We can't thank you enough. There are no words to express our gratitude, so THANK YOU will have to suffice, and we ask that they continue! :)
Here are a few pictures from our Georgia Trip:
And last night - Jonathan now standing on the OUTSIDE of room 5122:
As always, this has been an interesting and eventful month in the Newman house. The last update was in reference to Jonathan's surgery. As most, if not all, of you know - everything went great. They may have to go in again to put in a different kind of tube, but still, there were no major complications, infections or anything along those lines.
At the end of November, in celebration of 1 year since Jonathan's accident, the whole family met in Georgia for a week in the mountains. If you know our family on any level, you know that such a peaceful place didn't stay as such for long. :) We're a loud and crazy bunch, and we had a great time. Sure, there were events that we could have done without, but overall it was a great trip. As there are no TV's there, SCRABBLE was an every night competition. It's safe to say that we may have one of THE MOST competitive bunch around. Scrabble was definitely played on a level that most board games never achieve. :)
We're still amazed that it's been a year since the accident. Oh, what a year it has been. One of great trial, but one of great triumph! In looking back, we couldn't help but want to bless those that are in similar situations as we were this time last year. So, Jonathan got to cooking and mom got to shopping. Last night, with goodie bags, plush toy craw fish, almond balls, jambalaya and beer battered craw fish in tow me, mom, dad and Jonathan made our way up to the ICU floor at Tampa General. We visited the waiting room that was our "home" for over a month last year, and talked with those whose loved ones were presently there. Some cried as they told us their story, some expressed their faith that God would do the same for their situation as He did for ours, but all were amazed and hopeful in looking at Jonathan who was possibly worse off then their loved one, but now walking and talking and of course cracking jokes! :) Many said it was a blessing to them to have us come, but I promise you - the pleasure was all ours. To be on the other end, with the ability to proclaim God's goodness and come with a literal living testimony...simply priceless!!
After we talked to all the families in the waiting room, we went to visit the nurses and patients back in the ICU. We saw some of the faces that took care of Jonathan last year, and all were amazed! They rarely get to see what their work has done. When people leave the ICU they're not yet in the "finishing" stages of their recovery, and they rarely get to see that. So, last night was a treat for them. Of course, we came bearing treats of all kind - Jambalaya, cat fish and our infamous almond balls. Jonathan also ordered plush craw fish from mardi gras outlet in LA to give to the patients in ICU and the nurses and staff. We stayed back there for a while visiting with everyone since it was a "slow night" back there. We went over to "Jonathan's room" number 5122 where He was last year for over a month. I got a little teary eyed standing outside of the room with him, watching him talk and laugh and joke with the nurses and staff. Oh, how far we have come!!
This year has been...hard, remarkable, rewarding, blessed, stressful, crazy, joyful, and inspirational all at once. We've cried more then ever, and laughed more than before. We've rejoiced for all that God's done, while crying out for Him to continue the work that is still necessary. He has been SO faithful. That is the one word that has new meaning or true meaning - FAITHFUL - that's what He is. Even in the most devastating of times, when it seems our world is crashing down - He's faithful! He's proven Himself over and over and over again.
As we told the many families last night - we would not be here but for the prayers of so many around this nation and world. Your prayers, and the prayers of countless others were heard, and were answered. We can't thank you enough. There are no words to express our gratitude, so THANK YOU will have to suffice, and we ask that they continue! :)
Here are a few pictures from our Georgia Trip:
And last night - Jonathan now standing on the OUTSIDE of room 5122:
Friday, November 13, 2009
November 13, 2009
So, today was Jonathan's surgery. All went well. It was definitely longer than I anticipated it would be - 8 hours! I didn't realize just how much was necessary. Though they were simply repairing the tear duct in his right eye - it was anything but simple. In order to do so they had to re-arrange his right eye socket which makes it all more detailed. While it was a long surgery he came out of it just as he went into it - goofy and making jokes. I happen to be wearing a plaid shirt today. When I saw him in recovery, just after surgery, he asked me, with a smirk on his face, why I was wearing a table cloth as a dress. :) So, you can see - he's good! :)
I must say that it was a bit of an odd feeling pulling back up to the hospital. Though my mom and dad have accompanied Jonathan to appointments here, I haven't been back since Jonathan was released. Now, I'm here once again staying the night and updating everyone on his progress. It's weird, but it's a good place from where we were back then. Almost a year ago I was asking everyone to pray for his life. Now, I'm telling you how wonderfully he's doing, and just how far he's come. God is simply amazing. I realize it every day when I watch him. I sit here, in this waiting room, positively in awe!
Thank you to all that are still reading, to all that are still praying and to all that have been doing so from the very first day. It's because of the power of your prayers that we are here today. God has been so faithful. Thank you for being the same in your prayers!
I must say that it was a bit of an odd feeling pulling back up to the hospital. Though my mom and dad have accompanied Jonathan to appointments here, I haven't been back since Jonathan was released. Now, I'm here once again staying the night and updating everyone on his progress. It's weird, but it's a good place from where we were back then. Almost a year ago I was asking everyone to pray for his life. Now, I'm telling you how wonderfully he's doing, and just how far he's come. God is simply amazing. I realize it every day when I watch him. I sit here, in this waiting room, positively in awe!
Thank you to all that are still reading, to all that are still praying and to all that have been doing so from the very first day. It's because of the power of your prayers that we are here today. God has been so faithful. Thank you for being the same in your prayers!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
It's amazingly absurd to think that in just 3 weeks we will be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Jonathan's accident. I say celebrate because I can promise you that's what we will be doing - celebrating his life and giving thanks for all that God has done and is doing. It's been a crazy year. It's been a trying and heart breaking year, but it's also been a year of many miracles and much growth. We're preparing for a family trip that week. We decided, after years of talking about it, that there's no time like the present and we are heading up to a cabin in the GA mountains for a week with the entire Newman/Beesley clan. I'm sure it will be a mixture of fun and "adventure"!
In the mean time, Jonathan's got an upcoming surgery. On November 13 Jonathan will be having surgery to repair his eye duct. His right eye was severely damaged in the accident, so much so that complete sight was lost. Accompanied with that nerve damage, the tear duct was completely torn. So, they are going in to repair that so his eye will drain properly again. As you can imagine, any surgery is not an event he'd like to participate in. So, please pray for peace and comfort through the process. It's not an extensive surgery and he'll be home the same day. Still, it's one that brings some distress to his mind and heart. So, just agree with us for peace to accompany him. We're so glad that these "cosmetic" surgeries are the only ones left. God's healing power is simply amazing!
I spoke to a group of friends last night about the amazement of all that's take place. One asked what my initial reaction was when I got the phone call about the accident. We talked for a couple more minutes, and as I relived some of those horrific moments, tears welled up in my eyes. So often we take for granted the life that God's given to us. I'd like to say that I no longer do and that each day at the Newman house is a "love fest" of sorts...oh, I'd LIKE to say that!! Still, even after something like this, in difficult moments we seem to dismiss love from our conversation until we are ready for it's presence again. We have gotten better, how could we not? Each day is a reminder of how good God is. Each time that crazy boy walks out of his room with his dog faithfully following behind him we are reminded. Each time we hear the clank of the glass and spoon as he stirs his chocolate milk - I swear he has become addicted since the accident - we are reminded. Each time he argues, Lord knows how often that is, we are reminded that we still have the opportunity to hear his opinion....and yes, we have to remind ourselves we ARE thankful for that! :)
Here are a few recent pictures of Jonathan that I thought I might share. Some of you don't get the opportunity to physically see all that God is doing. So....
PS
I have to share, in way of other simply amazing news, after years of praying and "trying" my sister and her husband are expecting their first little bundle of joy - they're pregnant!!!
In the mean time, Jonathan's got an upcoming surgery. On November 13 Jonathan will be having surgery to repair his eye duct. His right eye was severely damaged in the accident, so much so that complete sight was lost. Accompanied with that nerve damage, the tear duct was completely torn. So, they are going in to repair that so his eye will drain properly again. As you can imagine, any surgery is not an event he'd like to participate in. So, please pray for peace and comfort through the process. It's not an extensive surgery and he'll be home the same day. Still, it's one that brings some distress to his mind and heart. So, just agree with us for peace to accompany him. We're so glad that these "cosmetic" surgeries are the only ones left. God's healing power is simply amazing!
I spoke to a group of friends last night about the amazement of all that's take place. One asked what my initial reaction was when I got the phone call about the accident. We talked for a couple more minutes, and as I relived some of those horrific moments, tears welled up in my eyes. So often we take for granted the life that God's given to us. I'd like to say that I no longer do and that each day at the Newman house is a "love fest" of sorts...oh, I'd LIKE to say that!! Still, even after something like this, in difficult moments we seem to dismiss love from our conversation until we are ready for it's presence again. We have gotten better, how could we not? Each day is a reminder of how good God is. Each time that crazy boy walks out of his room with his dog faithfully following behind him we are reminded. Each time we hear the clank of the glass and spoon as he stirs his chocolate milk - I swear he has become addicted since the accident - we are reminded. Each time he argues, Lord knows how often that is, we are reminded that we still have the opportunity to hear his opinion....and yes, we have to remind ourselves we ARE thankful for that! :)
Here are a few recent pictures of Jonathan that I thought I might share. Some of you don't get the opportunity to physically see all that God is doing. So....
PS
I have to share, in way of other simply amazing news, after years of praying and "trying" my sister and her husband are expecting their first little bundle of joy - they're pregnant!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Prayer Need
I know that many of you have stopped reading, but those of you that are still checking here is an update:
Jonathan went this week to take his eye exam. HE PASSED!!!!! He was so excited and is still. The doctor said that while he passed, because his scores were rather low he is required to take some classes to learn how to drive with a disability before he can actually take the driving exam. So, there's still a few more hoops to jump through. However, we're still moving forward and that's the most thing.
There is still frustration that things aren't moving fast enough. It's still unbelievable that we've come so far. We're nearing on the one year anniversary of the accident. It's pretty surreal amd amazing all that God has done. Thank you for your continued prayers throughout all this time. We are still very much in need of those prayers so keep them coming our way.
Also, in way of updates - mom's hand is doing well. She is using it more and more each day. She has 60% use of her index fingers while all the rest are near full mobility. She is continuing in therapy and believing that God will restore her hand to full strength.
We appreciate your prayers more than you could ever know! Thank you
*There has been another need brought to our attention. Our former youth pastor was rushed to the emergency room last night. Various test are being performed to diagnosis the problems. Please keep him and their family in your prayers. This blog has provided an outlet for prayers around the world. We have seen the power of those prayers first hand and are asking that you would lift him up believing for his full healing.*
Jonathan went this week to take his eye exam. HE PASSED!!!!! He was so excited and is still. The doctor said that while he passed, because his scores were rather low he is required to take some classes to learn how to drive with a disability before he can actually take the driving exam. So, there's still a few more hoops to jump through. However, we're still moving forward and that's the most thing.
There is still frustration that things aren't moving fast enough. It's still unbelievable that we've come so far. We're nearing on the one year anniversary of the accident. It's pretty surreal amd amazing all that God has done. Thank you for your continued prayers throughout all this time. We are still very much in need of those prayers so keep them coming our way.
Also, in way of updates - mom's hand is doing well. She is using it more and more each day. She has 60% use of her index fingers while all the rest are near full mobility. She is continuing in therapy and believing that God will restore her hand to full strength.
We appreciate your prayers more than you could ever know! Thank you
*There has been another need brought to our attention. Our former youth pastor was rushed to the emergency room last night. Various test are being performed to diagnosis the problems. Please keep him and their family in your prayers. This blog has provided an outlet for prayers around the world. We have seen the power of those prayers first hand and are asking that you would lift him up believing for his full healing.*
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday, Sepetember 4
Thought I'd share a picture I absolutely LOVE of Jon. We rarely get a real smile captured in a photo. So, I wanted to share it with you - it just might be my favorite smile ever!
So, in keeping with my promise to try and post more frequent updates - here I am! Though, there's not much to "report". Last week Jonathan went to an appointment for which he was supposed to get an eye exam to see if he could take a driving test. Well, evidently, it was an appointment to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, which you can imagine he was not too happy about! :) So, his actual eye exam is October 1st. They are all booked up until then. He's being pretty patient about the whole thing. Sure, he's anxious to get things started again, but just recently it seems he's learning to wait a little better through the process.
This month he's got two appointment with the plastic surgeon and the ENT (ear, nose and throat DR.) to talk about some repairs that will be made. No, he's not having a face lift :) nor are they changing the structure of his face - he's too pretty for that!! They are simply repairing what was damaged in the accident. His right eye, the one that lost vision, often leaks tears because the tear duct was completely ripped during the accident. Also, because he broke every bone in his face there are some repairs that will be done to his nose. Jonathan joked to the Dr. that he didn't want to come out looking like Michael Jackson. . . always the funny guy!
Other than that - it's a wait and see deal still. We're still waiting on everything to fall into place and see what the next steps are. I suppose that's the frustrating part in all of this - we can't really plan. We don't know what's going to happen or when. So, we're all just in a waiting period, which none of us, especially big J, are a fan of. Still, we trust. We know that through it all God is preparing - us, the future and all it holds for all that He has. Obviously we're not ready for it all just yet, though we think we are. :)
So, continue to pray. I will say, the past two weeks have been better. There have been tense times for sure and some altercations, but not to the extent that they had been. Please continue to pray that would be the case. We see God working. We continue to trust that His ways are higher than ours and our little understanding can't fathom all that He is doing. We covet your prayers even still and ask that they would continue.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's been nearly a month since I've updated here. I'm not sure how many people are still checking. Still, I actually remembered today to update so here it is:
A few weeks ago Jonathan had his psych eval. We got the results back a couple of weeks afterward. The evaluation was to see if Jonathan could be cleared to work and drive. The psychologist who administered the evaluation said that she did not think that he was ready to work just yet do to his current social skills and other abilities. Though, she didn't want to write that in her report and say that he could not. She also didn't want to write that he was OK to work because the moment he is "cleared" to work all of his benefits would end. Since, from the evaluation, her conclusion is that he is not ready, yet he is adamant that he is - she is leaving that decision up to him, but advising that he start slowly. His sight is still a main factor in the type of work that he can do. Looking at a computer for the large part of the day and trying to type probably won't be a good option for him. So, the possibility of work for/with Charlie is the best bet currently. Jonathan has recently purposed that he wants to go back to school to finish his degree and become a teacher so that he can also coach. Many ideas and goals are coming to him. It will be exciting to see where God takes him.
As far as driving goes - there are a few steps he still has to walk. First, he has to have an eye exam. As you already know - he still has no sight in his right eye. So, the exam will be extensive. That is scheduled for next week some time. Also, after the eye exam, depending on his passing, he will have to take a very extensive driving test. This will test his reaction time, his depth perception amongst other things. If he does not pass the driving exam there are some classes he will have to take that would teach him how to drive with an impairment. After those classes he can re-take the test. Additional things such as adding extra mirrors to his vehicle may be necessary.
For now, it's still waiting for the continued process. We're all still holding on and trying our best to live it out. It's hard. It's hard for him to wait. It's hard for the family to endure him waiting :) , but we're all still here! God is still working - even when we're blinded by the current circumstance enough to forget it. He is, and we're still trusting.
Just a quick little story:
The other night Jonathan's right eye was bothering him a lot. It was pretty irritated and red. So, I put a couple eye drops in it and some ointment around it. This is the eye that he lost sight in. After i was done playing nurse I told him God's getting it ready to be healed - that's why it's bothering him - it's healing. His response was - that'd be crazy awesome!! We talked about it a minute or two longer and I assured Him it was coming. Every fiber of my being believes God is going to restore sight. He then told me that if God healed him that there would be no turning back - He'd have to do youth ministry for sure!! We joked about it for a bit longer, and I told him just to wait and see - literally. . . .
I tell you this to ask you to please continue to pray for that need. So much is affected by his lack of sight in that right eye. So much glory will be given to God once the healing takes place. I know it's on its way and I just want to continue to ask everyone to please don't stop praying for that need. I can't wait for the day when I get to write, like countless other times through this process, God has answered your prayers!!
A few weeks ago Jonathan had his psych eval. We got the results back a couple of weeks afterward. The evaluation was to see if Jonathan could be cleared to work and drive. The psychologist who administered the evaluation said that she did not think that he was ready to work just yet do to his current social skills and other abilities. Though, she didn't want to write that in her report and say that he could not. She also didn't want to write that he was OK to work because the moment he is "cleared" to work all of his benefits would end. Since, from the evaluation, her conclusion is that he is not ready, yet he is adamant that he is - she is leaving that decision up to him, but advising that he start slowly. His sight is still a main factor in the type of work that he can do. Looking at a computer for the large part of the day and trying to type probably won't be a good option for him. So, the possibility of work for/with Charlie is the best bet currently. Jonathan has recently purposed that he wants to go back to school to finish his degree and become a teacher so that he can also coach. Many ideas and goals are coming to him. It will be exciting to see where God takes him.
As far as driving goes - there are a few steps he still has to walk. First, he has to have an eye exam. As you already know - he still has no sight in his right eye. So, the exam will be extensive. That is scheduled for next week some time. Also, after the eye exam, depending on his passing, he will have to take a very extensive driving test. This will test his reaction time, his depth perception amongst other things. If he does not pass the driving exam there are some classes he will have to take that would teach him how to drive with an impairment. After those classes he can re-take the test. Additional things such as adding extra mirrors to his vehicle may be necessary.
For now, it's still waiting for the continued process. We're all still holding on and trying our best to live it out. It's hard. It's hard for him to wait. It's hard for the family to endure him waiting :) , but we're all still here! God is still working - even when we're blinded by the current circumstance enough to forget it. He is, and we're still trusting.
Just a quick little story:
The other night Jonathan's right eye was bothering him a lot. It was pretty irritated and red. So, I put a couple eye drops in it and some ointment around it. This is the eye that he lost sight in. After i was done playing nurse I told him God's getting it ready to be healed - that's why it's bothering him - it's healing. His response was - that'd be crazy awesome!! We talked about it a minute or two longer and I assured Him it was coming. Every fiber of my being believes God is going to restore sight. He then told me that if God healed him that there would be no turning back - He'd have to do youth ministry for sure!! We joked about it for a bit longer, and I told him just to wait and see - literally. . . .
I tell you this to ask you to please continue to pray for that need. So much is affected by his lack of sight in that right eye. So much glory will be given to God once the healing takes place. I know it's on its way and I just want to continue to ask everyone to please don't stop praying for that need. I can't wait for the day when I get to write, like countless other times through this process, God has answered your prayers!!
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