Joseph Witzman
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Peaceful day of healing

5/23/2017

6 Comments

 
We (all 5 of us) are sitting bedside with Jo as he rests.  His vitals have never been stronger or more steady.  The only remaining procedure we must do is the skull replacement.  Everyday the neurologist reviews the head and waits until he sees less mass resting outside the skull. This sounds horrible, but actually it is why the procedure was done in the first place.  Jo does not have any dangerous swelling on his brain, we are just waiting for the brain overall to shrink back to its original size before closing the skull back up.  It sounds like we will have a CT scan later this week or early next which should tell us when the procedure will be planned.

The waiting for Jo to open his eyes has been very difficult for us.  His right eye does open just a sliver at times and although it is very encouraging, and a great sign, it elicits joy and equal pain.  We are so close yet so far.  Can he see us?  Can he hear us?  Is he reacting to our request to open (which we say over and over)?  It can be a very desperate moment for us.  It is so far removed from our overactive, goofy, and coy little boy.  We miss him so dearly and at those moments when we are asking for just the smallest recognition of us, it can be devastating when we can't see his response.  We know he is fighting to get back to us, we don't know how many miracles have already occurred and hate to be selfish. We pray so strongly at those moments for God to give us and Jo strength, and at these moments we fall on the strength of each you who send us prayers and encouragement every day!  You are our prayer angels, lifting us up, we love you all.

We are being visited more and more every day by friends, family, and the PICU nurses!  They swing by to check in on Jo and us.  They are the most amazing, talented, loving, and caring group of professionals we have ever met.  Since we moved to our new room outside PICU we have been blessed with another group of angel nurses again!  They care so much, check in often, teach us, and show such compassion for Jo and his family.  We are so lucky.

I've said this before, but Alex and I can barely comprehend how much people have done for us and continue to do.  The number of selfless acts is too long to list.  The amount of time friends have donated to our betterment, away from their loved ones, is astounding.  The generosity of each of our friends and family is overwhelming.  We have never once wondered where our next meal was going to come from.  The financial support we have received is extremely humbling, and the donations occur every day.  Please accept our sincere thanks from the bottom of our hearts, we are truly touched and overcome with emotion when we think of just how much has been given.  We are blessed beyond belief.

A quick note on Mom and Dad.  The silence can be deafening when we are alone with Jo.  He looks so great, just like he's sleeping, which leaves us begging for him to wake up. Breakdowns have become just another thing we do regularly (pretty much a daily thing), and anyone that has hugged us recently has experienced that personally :).   So, even if you're not a hugger, when you see us, expect a hug, expect some tears, and know that it makes us feel better.  Once again you are helping us through this, and without those hugs we would be lost.  Than you all so much, we love you.

Jojobinks we cry by your bedside because we are trying so hard to be patient, so hard it hurts. We are going to be strong for you baby boy.  You keep fighting, we will keep praying and crying (sorry it's just our thing now).  Your Mom misses your hugs so much, and I miss seeing her light up from your touch.  Across the country, and the world, angels our praying to God to stay by your side and guide you back to us.  Without you the world is just a little bit darker, we know you will bring that light back soon.  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, we miss you so much!

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6 Comments
Janet Tabares link
5/23/2017 06:50:42 pm

He is in my constant prayers daily and you guys are in my heart! He is making little gains every day and that has to be a good sign! I feel it!! 💝

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Portmann fam
5/23/2017 11:02:22 pm

Continuing to pray. Much love.

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Aunt Bet
5/24/2017 05:04:19 am

You are all in our constant thoughts. Love you all and sending our hugs from east coast to west. God hears prayers and Jojo hears you. Keep the faith. ~ Aunt Bet, Geoffrey, Amy and Anne <3

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Aunt Kristy
5/24/2017 12:40:06 pm

So nice to see Mady holding his hand!
Your post reminds me so much of the lyrics in Jo's favorite song....and I believe he can hear everyone who is there because of it.
Lay with me
Pray with me
Conversate with me
I only heard the song once but I haven't forgotten the lyrics, I felt like God was trying to tell us something.
Jo is in there, he feels loved, and he needs exactly what you are giving him right now. You are amazing parents, crying , hugging, laughing, praying....that's what families are all about.

Love you guys so much....
I was remembering today on my drive home how the last time I was leaving to come back to Boston, Jo hugged me and he started to cry, but didn't want me to see it. I know that there will be more happy hugs in the future. I feel it. Wish I was there to give you one now.
Xoxo Kristy

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Marilee link
5/24/2017 04:30:09 pm

Once again, your post has brought me to tears, but I'm so happy about Jo's continues improvement. My continued prayers and positive vibes for Jo and your family.

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Michelle
5/25/2017 05:12:14 am

We, my family and church, continue to lift up your family in prayer to the almighty God who is in control of all things and has the power to do all things. If He wills He can restore JoJo back to perfect health, He can open his eyes, release his tongue so that he can respond to your pleas, put him back on his feet to again run and play. Keep believing, keep pleading with him, talking to him, singing to him. From all I have read from your posts I truly believe he is hearing everything you all say to him, he knows you are there pulling for him, he knows your love.
We love reading your post, they are so real, so heart breaking and yet encouraging to to hear of your faith and humility. Humility is a grace in the soul. It is indescribable wealth, a name and a gift from God. You have displayed that humility out of the love for your son. You have lived this trial so well, we know you are hurting, it is so unimaginable to know the extent of what you are going through, yet you share that with us daily and we are so honored to be able to go through this journey somewhat with you. Keep up the faith!
Dear Heavenly Father we beg You to please open Jo's eyes, reduce the swelling, heal him to 100%, give him back the ability to do all the things he was able to do before this accident. Give peace of mind and a sense of Your presence to his parents and siblings. Give the Dr.s wisdom and knowledge on how to best care for him why we wait for your healing and may You receive all the glory for Your wonderful works in this young mans life.
Amen!

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