We received great news today! Josh is being moved to Toronto Rehab tomorrow! He will continue his journey of healing there. We stand amazed and humbled as to how our Father in heaven has answered our prayers.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Love Phil and Terri and family
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Long weekend break, and Euchre
We hope you all enjoyed this long weekend and the warm, sunny weather that went with it. The flowering trees and shrubs are especially beautiful this spring. It's good to take time and marvel at the beautiful creation and give thanks to our Creator.
We had a good weekend with Josh. It was good to go outside and sit under the stunning apple trees in front of the Metropolitan a Church and enjoy a smoothie. Since it was a long weekend, Josh had a break from his physio therapy, speech etc.. He was very tired and slept a lot in the past three days. Sleep is very necessary as it allows for healing to take place in the brain. On Friday Phil and I were able to sit in on Josh 's occupational therapy session where he did some sequencing exercises and puzzling. The therapist suggested we do some games with Josh over the weekend as there wouldn't be any organized therapy. Since our family plays a lot of card games, she suggested we start out with Go Fish. Instead we thought we would try a game of War. Josh enjoyed the game but by early evening he was playing Euchre, our family favourite.
Josh is still very confused with regards to his memory in other ways but we are so thankful for the way the Lord has created Josh with a pleasant, friendly and kind disposition. He doesn't get angry or overly frustrated when we constantly reorient him to where he is and to what is reality. Even in his very confused mind he tries to make people feel welcomed when they visit. Josh seems to have a renewed sense of humour and it's wonderful to be able to laugh with him.
We hope that as Josh makes progress this week, he may leave St. Michael's Hospital and go to Toronto Rehab. Please pray for Josh to be more settled in his mind, that he has good nights rest and may move to rehab soon. Pray also for the medical team as they work with Josh.
The Lord has blessed us all through you. Thank you again for your prayers, encouraging words through emails, texts, face book messages and blog responses.
Love Phil and Terri and family
We had a good weekend with Josh. It was good to go outside and sit under the stunning apple trees in front of the Metropolitan a Church and enjoy a smoothie. Since it was a long weekend, Josh had a break from his physio therapy, speech etc.. He was very tired and slept a lot in the past three days. Sleep is very necessary as it allows for healing to take place in the brain. On Friday Phil and I were able to sit in on Josh 's occupational therapy session where he did some sequencing exercises and puzzling. The therapist suggested we do some games with Josh over the weekend as there wouldn't be any organized therapy. Since our family plays a lot of card games, she suggested we start out with Go Fish. Instead we thought we would try a game of War. Josh enjoyed the game but by early evening he was playing Euchre, our family favourite.
Josh is still very confused with regards to his memory in other ways but we are so thankful for the way the Lord has created Josh with a pleasant, friendly and kind disposition. He doesn't get angry or overly frustrated when we constantly reorient him to where he is and to what is reality. Even in his very confused mind he tries to make people feel welcomed when they visit. Josh seems to have a renewed sense of humour and it's wonderful to be able to laugh with him.
We hope that as Josh makes progress this week, he may leave St. Michael's Hospital and go to Toronto Rehab. Please pray for Josh to be more settled in his mind, that he has good nights rest and may move to rehab soon. Pray also for the medical team as they work with Josh.
The Lord has blessed us all through you. Thank you again for your prayers, encouraging words through emails, texts, face book messages and blog responses.
Love Phil and Terri and family
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Progress report: three weeks of blessings
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It's Thursday afternoon, 2:15 p.m., and Karina and I are having a quiet time in Josh's room reflecting on the past weeks. Today marks the third week since Josh's accident. When we recall recent events we feel overwhelmed by all that has happened. To think that Josh may not have survived or awoken from the deep coma... we stand amazed at how Josh has progressed. Even the medical staff is shocked at how quickly Josh has moved from a deep coma to the state he is in now. (Yes, for those who have been asking, Josh is no longer in a coma. We apologize for not clarifying this earlier)
As of today, he can walk down the hall with the assistance of one physiotherapist, he can read some words and can eat by himself. In addition, Josh has started a cognitive class where he participates in a 45 minute session of brain stimulating activities. This has been a daily routine for the past three days.
Josh also continues to have daily physio sessions. Today he walked to the gym where he practiced some leg exercises and walked between the parallel bars. Although his walking is still staggered, it was such a great sight to see. The occupational therapist and speech language pathologist have also been working with Josh daily to work on simple tasks and brain stimulation. Josh has been talking a lot, he greets and recognizes faces and can carry on simple conversations. Although he often shows signs of confusion or does not always understand or remember certain things, he is always compliant and has a gentle spirit.
Josh has also enjoyed being able to feed himself. He has been upgraded from eating pureed food to minced food such as rice and ground beef. Josh eats all his food and enjoys it thoroughly. We have to keep reminding him to take little bites and to eat slowly, although he often chooses to quickly gobble it all down.
Josh has also appreciated his visits with family, close friends and co-workers. He is able to recognize them and greets them by name and a handshake. He also is ready to give a hug when asked.
Karina and I took Josh outside this afternoon as it was such a beautiful day. Josh seemed to enjoy the busy surroundings. We sat outside the church and enjoyed the church bells ringing, the pigeons, people and traffic. We even stopped to pat a dog.
Phil returned to work on Monday night and is able to visit with Josh in the early evenings before going to work.
We thank you all for the continued prayers and support. We feel so comforted at this time and give praise to the Lord for helping us along this journey.
Phil, Terri and the family
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
From feeding tube to real food
Monday update:
The Lord answered our prayers again today as Josh's feeding tube has been removed! Actually, Josh removed it himself early this morning before the caregiver, who sits in the room, could reach him. The medical staff were hoping it wouldn't have to be reinserted and thankfully Josh passed the swallowing assessment done by the Speech Pathologist. She was very proactive and decided to put Josh on pureed food and thickened liquid for now. He ate his first meal of applesauce, mashed potatoes and sauce. He said it was good, although he kept wanting our water bottle. Apparently Josh can't have water yet as it can get too easily into the lungs and could therefore cause pneumonia again.
At around 10:00 am the physiotherapists came in to see if Josh could stand and do a two-person transfer from the bed to chair instead of using the hoist. Josh exceeded their expectations and walked with a walker down the hall. Again we are amazed at Josh's progress!
Since Josh had a busy morning, he slept a lot. The medical team warned us that as Josh gets more physio and speech therapy and cognitive exercises etc. it is very important that he gets his rest as he will tire more easily. His brain needs so much more healing.
Thank you again for sharing in our joy and for all your continued prayers.
Phil and Terri and family
The Lord answered our prayers again today as Josh's feeding tube has been removed! Actually, Josh removed it himself early this morning before the caregiver, who sits in the room, could reach him. The medical staff were hoping it wouldn't have to be reinserted and thankfully Josh passed the swallowing assessment done by the Speech Pathologist. She was very proactive and decided to put Josh on pureed food and thickened liquid for now. He ate his first meal of applesauce, mashed potatoes and sauce. He said it was good, although he kept wanting our water bottle. Apparently Josh can't have water yet as it can get too easily into the lungs and could therefore cause pneumonia again.
At around 10:00 am the physiotherapists came in to see if Josh could stand and do a two-person transfer from the bed to chair instead of using the hoist. Josh exceeded their expectations and walked with a walker down the hall. Again we are amazed at Josh's progress!
Since Josh had a busy morning, he slept a lot. The medical team warned us that as Josh gets more physio and speech therapy and cognitive exercises etc. it is very important that he gets his rest as he will tire more easily. His brain needs so much more healing.
Thank you again for sharing in our joy and for all your continued prayers.
Phil and Terri and family
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Many improvements, and enjoying the outdoors (Updated)
Josh continues to improve with his speech and his familiarity with people in his life. He remembers the names of family members and friends who have come to visit him. We are amazed how he is able to recall each person by name and have a basic conversation with them. The improvements made from Friday to Saturday were remarkable. We can't even explain it all as so much occurred. It truly has been miraculous and an answer to prayer.
Terri had the best Mother's Day gift on Saturday when Josh said, "Hi mom".
Josh's grandparent's, who just returned from a Liberation concert tour in Holland, were amazed at the progress Josh had made in the short time they were gone.
Sunday was a wonderful day as our entire family could spend time with Josh. Josh was at times confused as to what was happening but appreciated time spent with his siblings. He was able to spend some time outside this morning with some of his family.
As family, we enjoyed spending Mother's Day at a condo near the hospital which Josh's employer McNally International has rented for us. This allows us to spend more time with Josh as well as have some down time.
We are truly encouraged by how God has answered our prayers and all the prayers offered up to our Heavenly Father on our behalf. Please continue to pray that Josh becomes less confused and that complete healing occurs with in his brain. Please also pray that Josh may have a good assessment tomorrow with regards to his swallowing. It would be a wonderful gift if he could have his feeding tube removed so that he can eventually be introduced to "normal food ".
Thank you again for all your prayers and love.
Phil and Terri and family
The photo above was taken Sunday morning outside St. Michael's Hospital with his older brother, Joel.
Friday, May 8, 2015
This is the day that the Lord has made. More firsts!
Where do we begin? It's been a busy few days with lots of firsts.
We started our day in Burlington to watch our youngest son, Stephen, play his first game of the OCSSAA Christian high school soccer tournament. It was a beautiful day and we felt so blessed to enjoy this morning outdoors.
We arrived at the hospital where our daughter, Karina, had been sitting with Josh for the morning. It was a good morning as Josh was awake for his physio therapy session again, two days in a row. Yesterday he stood for the first time with the help of the therapists and he was able to weight-bear a little. He gave his first wave yesterday and gave his first handshake to our son-in-law. Today, he spoke his first words: he said, "Hi Wayne" to his personal support worker.
Josh also had his first outing today. We wheeled him into the elevator and outside onto the grounds of the Metropolitan Church where we were all able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. We bought some "street meat" just so we could feed the pigeons some bread.
What a glorious day it has been.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Please continue to pray for Josh. Pray that his feeding tube will be removed soon.
Pray that we as a family will continually trust in our Heavenly Father for all of our strength, comfort and peace.
Love to you all,
Phil, Terri and family
We started our day in Burlington to watch our youngest son, Stephen, play his first game of the OCSSAA Christian high school soccer tournament. It was a beautiful day and we felt so blessed to enjoy this morning outdoors.
We arrived at the hospital where our daughter, Karina, had been sitting with Josh for the morning. It was a good morning as Josh was awake for his physio therapy session again, two days in a row. Yesterday he stood for the first time with the help of the therapists and he was able to weight-bear a little. He gave his first wave yesterday and gave his first handshake to our son-in-law. Today, he spoke his first words: he said, "Hi Wayne" to his personal support worker.
Josh also had his first outing today. We wheeled him into the elevator and outside onto the grounds of the Metropolitan Church where we were all able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. We bought some "street meat" just so we could feed the pigeons some bread.
What a glorious day it has been.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Please continue to pray for Josh. Pray that his feeding tube will be removed soon.
Pray that we as a family will continually trust in our Heavenly Father for all of our strength, comfort and peace.
Love to you all,
Phil, Terri and family
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Wednesday Update - Hugs
After Josh was move out of ICU yesterday we were excited to see what this day might bring. We have been blessed with much progress over the two weeks since his accident occurred. The day proved to be uneventful, however, as Josh slept through most of it showing little response when spoken to by us or his nurse. We took comfort in realizing that God allows healing to occur while his children rest.
Things took a turn for the positive when Josh was visited by his brothers Joel and Steven, together with Irma and Alex. During this visit, Josh was responding by looking towards them as they spoke and appeared to make efforts to follow the conversation.
When Joel was ready to leave he approached Josh and asked his bro to give him a hug. Josh reached out and lovingly wrapped his arms around Joel's neck. It was now Irma's turn. She reached over to say goodnight to Josh at which time Josh reached out and proceeded to give Irma a big hug on his own initiative. What a beautiful moment!
So what was previously a discouraging day was now a very special time for all of us.
Love
Phil, Terri and family
Things took a turn for the positive when Josh was visited by his brothers Joel and Steven, together with Irma and Alex. During this visit, Josh was responding by looking towards them as they spoke and appeared to make efforts to follow the conversation.
When Joel was ready to leave he approached Josh and asked his bro to give him a hug. Josh reached out and lovingly wrapped his arms around Joel's neck. It was now Irma's turn. She reached over to say goodnight to Josh at which time Josh reached out and proceeded to give Irma a big hug on his own initiative. What a beautiful moment!
So what was previously a discouraging day was now a very special time for all of us.
Love
Phil, Terri and family
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