jo is doing great...perspective

Jo continues to sail along in his healing, sometimes it's hard not to get more nervous the better he does.  The recovery process is not a straight line, it typically improves, crashes, improves, crashes, and then stabilizes.  We are confident he is in the stability phase now, and he has never rested this peacefully since being admitted.  The trach turned out to be a blessing after all, it seems like it allowed Jo to relax and focus on coming out of the fog.

Just yesterday it dawned on mom and dad that Jo is actually "awake".  Praise God for that.  His right eye is open about 8 hours a day and even though it's not wide open he sees everyone and tracks whoever is talking to him.  He has also responded to requests like smile and squeeze my hand.  It is amazing and at times painful to see Jo in there pushing so hard to do the simplest tasks.  Sometimes he cries and we are convinced he is frustrated because he can't do more, YET.

The final hurdle in Jo's recovery/ discharge is the skull replacement scheduled for Tuesday.  It is "routine" which seems like a joke when you consider what needs to be done, but this place is amazing.  It looks like Jo will not need to go back to PICU even post surgery.  Mom and dad have come to peace with Jo not needing intensive care at this time.  Intensive care is something you don't want your child to need, but the level of comfort you feel in that area is unmatched.  We have been blessed with amazing nurses and Drs in the Jo's new room.  They are so attentive and caring, we don't worry about Jo's care at all.  

Mom and dad are both scared and anxious to learn the details of Jo's home care.  We have been overwhelmed with the details of home needs.  Amazon now suggests I need medical supplies more than crossfit equipment!  I have always been confident that mom and I can handle anything, time to test that theory!  While we learn new things at the hospital a group of angels is preparing our dream house for our arrival.  Giving their time and money to make our home the best it can be for the rest of our lives.

Yesterday I received an unexpected call from a dear friend.  She immediately started crying, and I told her not to worry or feel bad.  She told me she was crying tears of joy.  She hadn't spoken to me since Jo was admitted, and had suddenly been overcome with the presence of God telling her Jo was going to be ok.  She felt compelled to call me right away and share this with me.  We wept together as she told me that Jesus spoke to her about Jo, and although the journey would be long and difficult, he is coming back to us.  It was a very powerful moment.

The last part of our call focused on a gift that Jo and God has given all of us on this journey with Jo.  PERSPECTIVE.  She shared the number of people who have eased their every day stresses when they realize what is most important in our lives, the people we love.  Today, and everyday, we want everyone to cherish the ones they love more than ever.  Life can change in the blink of an eye.  I long for the days when my biggest concern was my next career move, my next vacation, or my next project.  Hug your kids, everyday, no matter what.  Even the ones who pretend they don't like it.  Especially the ones who say they don't, because they need it even more.  Talk about life and how lucky we all are, how precious it is.  The next time you get mad  at someone, tell them God bless you, SINCERELY.  Do more for those in need.  Be more aware of those around you who need help, and help when you can.  Pay it forward.  Wag more, bark less. Embrace the beauty that we live in, thank God for standing upright and being able to do the simplest things.  Think of Jo and our family often, and rest knowing that we are at peace with God's plan whatever that might be.   He chose our family for a reason, use our story to inspire your own.  Stay positive, when you're in doubt pray and ask for help, you will receive it.  Put your hope in God, he will be there for you.

Jojobinks you are an amazing gift to everyone.  Your story inspires so many, and we are so proud of your strength and courage.  You are a symbol of joy, who loves life and its beauty so much.  We continue to be patient, we are right here waiting.  We love and miss you so much. We love yo to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this.