Hello faithful family, friends, and followers and welcome back to the day to day journey of Joy’s continued healing and recovery. This past week was characterized by a few more emotional ups and downs than have been experienced lately and yet, I would have to say that we are both encouraged by the conversations, explorations, and future plans and direction that grew out of them.
Over the past week we continued to delve into gaps in Joy’s comprehension as well as work to stimulate and expand her working memory. While she has made steady progress, it has been very challenging for her and at times extremely discouraging, when she catches glimpses of how wide ranging some of the deficits are. Still, we do our best to recognize and recall the miraculous progress that has made since regaining consciousness and her demonstrated ability to relearn in the areas of deficit, once they are identified and studied. It still remains a daunting task for her at times, but as I’ve said before, her determination is inspiring as she presses forward with her work even if at times, it is done through tears.
Despite the challenges, Joy continues to demonstrate her heart of compassion even in the midst of trials and discouragement. The other day she said, “I know I will never be the same in some areas, but I hope I’ll be better in smiling at others and showing kindness to others.” Now for the record, Joy has always been a compassionate person, so for her to say this, is even more evidence of what an amazing heart she has. A heart that also displays thankfulness and gratitude. She will just spontaneously tear up while expressing thankfulness for the miracles she recognizes in her recovery which she expresses as a gift of God’s mercy and grace. Simone Weil said, “Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of gratitude.” That quote, captures Joy’s daily living out of our new normal and I am so thankful and privileged to share this life with her, she is such an encouragement to me. If you haven’t already read it, please take time to check out Joy’s latest post from last Friday in “Joy’s Corner.”
One highlight of the week was our visit to the orthopedic surgeon to have Joy’s dressings removed from her wrist surgery. The surgical site looked great and is healing well and she only has minor restrictions on the use of the wrist. We are so thankful for the surgery’s success and for the feeling of another closure on this challenging chapter of life.
Another bright spot was a very special lunch with dear friends who always inspire us and who relate to our physical and emotional challenges, because of their own life experience, in ways no one else can. They buoy up our spirits and give us renewed energy to persevere with their hope-filled and gracious encouragement to us.
This afternoon, Alyx is taking Joy on an adventure. With Joy’s not wearing her earrings so long during her hospital stay, her pierced ears closed up. Alyx agreed to take Joy to have her existing piercings reopened or to have her ears re-pierced. Joy is looking forward to being able to wear earrings again and we appreciate Alyx’s assistance in making this a reality. I’m sure we’ll have pictures for next week.
We continue to covet your prayers for Joy’s sight to the upper right quadrant and for continued/further restoration of language and comprehension of things seen, read, heard, and spoken. While is never feels adequate to say, thank you again so much for your faithfulness, interest, and attention to our journey. It’s hard to believe we are approaching the 9 month mark. In some ways it seems a lifetime ago and then in a flashback to the moments just after the accident and in ICU, it feels as real as if it were yesterday. So again, thank you for traveling with us and for your continued company and support. Please be assured of our prayers for blessing, protection, and thankfulness for you all.