the new normal

Jo has been doing great since my last post.  Part of the new normal is my inability to update as much as I'd like to.  I promise to get better at keeping everyone updated we have had a busy few weeks.  

Jo rests and heals each day with minimal discomfort.  He opens both eyes WIDE and has shown alot of neurological positive signs the past couple weeks.

• It is very evident when Jo is asleep and when he is awake.  He sleeps through most nights and is awake most of the day while taking naps.  We feel that the more he rests the more he improves, and that appears to be true!
• Jo recognizes when people enter his room for care or visits.   He shifts his gaze and his eyes follow whomever is talking to him.  He still has limited ability to turn his head but he definitely moves his eyes to follow you.
• Jo has deep and strong stretches of his entire body many times a day.  It is very exciting to see Jo move every part of his body under his own power.  He curls into a ball or extends his arms and legs with great force.  He often yawns and looks like he is just trying to stretch out like anyone would after being in a bed so long.
• Jo lifts his head of the mattress many times a day to stretch his neck.  He strongly favors resting to his left side and when we re position him he often lifts his head into a deep stretch.
• Jo responds suddenly to loud sounds and breaks in silence.  He wakes up when someone starts talking to him and if something is dropped in the room he flinches.  It is amazing to see normal neurological responses and although we hate to startle him it is so encouraging when he reacts "normally".
• Jo is getting to know his nurses and engages with them throughout the day.  He makes eye contact and seems to appreciate their care.  Jo has a group of 5 nurses now and we are truly blessed to have them here with Jo.
• Jo makes very deliberate eye contact with his friends and family.  It is an amazing feeling when Jo looks in your eyes.  It is like you can feel him talking to you.  He is with God and has peace but wants so badly to tell you he is fighting his way back.  It is rare I can look in his eyes and not cry, it is moving.
• Jo has smiled a few times the past 2 weeks and it is by far the most amazing uplifting experience you could ever ask for.  It is his way of letting us know that despite everything he is going through our Jo is still there healing and making his way back.  Instant tears if you get a chance to see it.  

Jo has had several Dr. Appts over the past couple weeks and it is the most difficult thing to handle from a care perspective.  It is the process of moving him from the bed, to the chair,  to the van, and then doing it all over again after a 20 minute appointment. Jo struggles with motion sickness and is just super uncomfortable the entire time.  The drives are extremely stressful to us too since we hate for Jo to be under stress and we have little control of his care during the drives back and forth.  We appreciate the prayers for Jo and us for our appointments, it is very difficult on all of us.

We have had many visitors the past few weeks and both of my sisters have been in town as well.  We are blessed to have Jo surrounded by his cousins and his amazing Aunts.  He has so much love around him.

In addition we are constantly lifted up by our friends.  I can honestly say that without the support we have received we could not have made it through this trial.  God has provided, and surrounded us with angels. Every time we feel down or struggle someone is there to lift us up.  It is God's work when we receive texts or phone calls at these moments of despair, and the timing is always perfect.  When the overall gravity of the situation hits us, or doubt tries to find its way in, angels surround us and we are safe.  Jo is resting with God and we are surrounded by angels, who could ask for more?

We have unwavering faith that Jo is coming back to us completely.  We will not lose our hope.  We know it will take time, it will be very hard, it will drain us at times, but we will not lose faith.  God has already performed countless miracles and Jo is only getting started!  His testimony to God's love is still being written, and his plan is only known to him.  Our job is to be there, love Jo with all our hearts and praise God, and that is what we will do.  We are blessed.

Jojobinks you are so amazing!  Everyday you push through the pain and stay strong.  You are getting better and we can see it. Be patient with Mom and Dad as we learn how to trust the process and be patient ourselves.  We cannot rush God's plan, and he will not let you fall.  Smile more for us would you?  Mama wants to see those dimples!  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this!