Good morning faithful family, friends, and followers. We appreciate so much your commitment and interest in and care for Joy and our family.
Yesterday was another amazing day for Joy’s physical recovery. She started with a barium swallow test which went very well and led eventually to a dinner of cream of chicken soup, vanilla pudding, ice cream and iced tea. Shortly after her swallow test, Joy was decannulated (her trach removed), which felt like a huge step in her physical healing journey. And then in physical therapy today, she extended her walking distance by at least 50 feet down the hall. Again, a day of strong progress in physical healing. So strong in fact that by the end of the day, case management felt she probably would not qualify for an LTAC any longer and would be better served in an inpatient rehabilitation program. As such, her records were submitted to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis late yesterday. Please pray for speedy acceptance and availability at Courage Kenny and the necessary authorization by BCBS. One other targeted physical request, while Joy has been able to move her right arm and hand, it remains very weak with limited mobility. Please pray that the strength that retuned to her right leg and foot, will find its way to her right arm, hand, and fingers as well.
Joy’s mood was generally better yesterday, she smiled and responded appropriately to yes/no questions and other simple directions, but still struggled with significant aphasia when trying to express her own thoughts and/or respond to questions involving recall. Unfortunately, as last night progressed she became more fearful, and just kept repeating, “I’m lost” or “we’re lost” with no amount of assurances seaming to calm her. Thankfully, after having a bed-bath this morning and now sitting up in the chair, she seems calmer although tired from a less than ideal night. Again, please continue to pray for miraculous restoration of Joy’s brain tissue and neuro pathways along with a secure and steady peace of mind that passes all understanding.
So once again we ask for prayers for healing of Joy’s many wounds in body, mind, and spirit, along with requests for God’s active hand in and favor shown toward us in obtaining acceptance to and authorization for admission to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
Your faithful and committed prayers and compassion have produced miraculous results in Joy’s recovery. While huge hurdles remain, your unfaltering dedication to hold Joy and our family up in prayer, around the clock, means more than words can say.
