we are blessed

I apologize for the lack of posts the past few days.  Jo continues to rest with little change to his condition as we actively prepare ourselves for his discharge.  He has been uncomfortable a few times in the past 2 days.  Nothing specific causing him to feel that way, Mom and Dad think he just wants to be home!
 
If you’ve read my earlier posts, I remember writing about waiting for the wave of emotions to hit me.  How things just didn’t seem real, how I still thought I was in a nightmare.  How the rapid pace of making decisions about Jo has kept my adrenaline going, not giving me time to reflect.  How terrified I was of how I might handle the harsh realities that we will face in our immediate and long-term future.  How much are lives have changed forever, how our new normal is only a best guess.  These thoughts absolutely consume me in silent moments of reflection.  There is crying, but sobbing is a far better description.  I fear that the wave is still nowhere near the shore.

As we’ve discussed before a group friends we call our “angels” have been busy remodeling our entire house for Jo’s arrival.  We have been out of the house for more than 2 months and we finally got to see the final product on Friday.  It is truly like a dream, it baffles us to think that anyone would take on the monumental tasks that were undertaken in the name of Jo.  There is little that reminds us of our old beat up house.  As Alex has said these angels made our house into a home.  I will post pictures in the upcoming days but want to wait until Jo is home and our family is re-united.  The amount of time and personal sacrifice that was so willingly given leaves us breathless.  The selfless acts are far too many to count.  The donations from vendors, suppliers, friends, and family leave us forever grateful.  In the worst of times it is so apparent how blessed and loved we are.  That love has carried us since the first day more than 60 days ago.  The Witzman family could not have made it this far without each of you, you saved us.

Jo has had prayers from across the country each day.  One day we surmised that more than 10,000 people were praying for Jo, and I think that is a low estimate.  Jo has rested and healed with the lord by his side whilst feeling the amazing power of prayer to keep him calm and strong.  We began this journey with Jo with a single thought and hope, “let us take Jo home again”.  That miracle is coming true.  We expect him on Wednesday but even if it takes longer we know he will be with us at home soon.  We praise the Lord for the miracles he has already granted and those he will grant in the future.  We are blessed.

I have not gone back and read a single post since I started writing more than 60 entries ago.  I am not strong enough.  Someday we will sit side by side with Jo and read them together and show him what a miracle he is.

Mom is so much stronger than Dad, she has watched his videos and reviews his photos daily.  Dad is not ready.  If I look at any picture of Jo for more than 20 seconds I weep uncontrollably.  The sound of his voice and laugh bring me to my knees.  When I feel the most pain, I close my eyes and talk to God.  I do not ask why, just to help me get through it.  Many times the only thing I can think to say is the Lord’s prayer over and over.  I don’t know how we’ve made it this far.

Yesterday some of the angels who remodeled our home joined us a for a meal.  It was the most bitter sweet experience of our lives.  You see Jo thrived in times when people gathered, he was filled with joy.  He so enjoyed when we got together with friends and family, so while we were overwhelmed with joy about our new home, we also wept.  We just miss him so much. 

Hopefully through my blogs you’ve come to understand just how special Jo is, he is truly and angel among us.  When I allow myself to doubt Jo’s recovery I remind myself that Jo lived in God’s light.  He was not spiteful or dishonest.  He cared for people dearly, he always compelled himself to do the right thing.  He was pure joy and hope in the form of beautiful handsome young man.

Jo has made unbelievable progress throughout this journey.  I’m certain there are many Dr’s that did not believe he could recover the way he has.  We are blessed.
Jo has both eyes open now.  He is awake, but the road ahead is still long and treacherous.  We need to hear his voice again, we need that smile back.  Jo is strong, God is great, and one miracle at a time Jo will make his way back to us.

Jojobinks you will be home soon.  Mom and Dad are scared to leave the exceptional care of the hospital but know that home is where you belong.  We will not let you down, the Lord will guide us as he has your Drs and nurses and we will rise up.  You have showed incredible resolve, now it is our turn.  We love you the moon and back sweet angel, don’t worry Jo, WE’VE GOT THIS…