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Update On Josiah: February 2nd

February 2, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 0 Comments


The BIG snowstorm over the last 24 hours gave me a bit of free time to get back to writing updates on Josiah.  He is still making great progress, and though it seems slower at this point, it is still great progress that he is making. I am so proud of the things he has done during this healing process.  He has shown himself to be a strong young man.  Though there are times of frustration and great emotion, these are quickly followed by times of great victory and certainty of God’s almighty hand directing us down the path He has chosen for us. Some of the things that we have seen over the last two weeks that are worth mentioning areas follows:

  • Josiah has started his home bound studies for school.  We are hoping this will only last a month and that he will be able to integrate back into the school system soon.  He has been very self-motivated in getting his work done and is doing a good job with it.
  • He is also doing very well in his out patient therapy.  He is going three times a week for speech, physical and occupational therapy. He has made some great improvements even in the two weeks he has been doing this. Insurance has only given him one month of out patient so far.  We are praying for at least another month to help with his healing.
  • His appointment at the University of Michigan was rescheduled for next Thursday. We are praying the weather will cooperate so we can make the trip.

We are specifically praying for some things that we would like to see happen for him.  Would you pray with us about these things?

  • Pray that the nerves on the right side of his face will start working again. This is what the trip to the University of Michigan is all about next week. We are praying that there will be no need for surgery.
  • Pray that he will be able to get the work done that is necessary for him to graduate.  He is working hard, and the school is working with us to make this happen.
  • Pray that his physical healing will continue at the pace we have seen.  He is doing so well and getting strength back. He even came out and shoveled snow with us today.
  • Pray that he will stay positive and be encouraged. It is easy to get overwhelmed and see things as being hopeless when in his situation. God has shown Himself strong on Josiah’s behalf, and we are praying He will continue to do so.

I will be updating things a little more frequently again now that all my technical issues seem to be resolved.  Thank you again for all of your prayers and the love you have shown to us.  We stand in need of prayer as much now as we have and covet those prayers so very much!

Psalm 5:2-3 “You are my King and my God. Answer my cry for help because I pray to you. Each morning you listen to my prayer, as I bring my requests to you and wait for your reply.”

Update On Josiah: January 18th

January 18, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 3 Comments

I am sorry for the long time between updates.  My website went through domain handler and a host change that took way too long to complete.  The last ten days or so have not been to eventful as far as rehab for Josiah, though they have brought him a sense of being home and getting back to some sense of normality compared to the last several weeks.

Here are some highlights over the last several days:

  • He is doing very well adapting back to being home. He is getting along quite well with his siblings, in fact, he probably is relating better with them now than before the accident.
  • He has not started school yet, but I am expecting that to happen in the next week or so.  He will be home-bound for school for the first month or so.  A teacher will come in several times a week and get him back up to speed.
  • Our appointment with the specialist in Ann Arbor last Friday had to be postponed due to one of three doctors he was suppose to see becoming unavailable. That was a little disappointing, but unavoidable. It was rescheduled for February, which just gives his face some more time to heal on its own.
  • He had his initial evaluations for out-patient rehab last week.  They all recommended him to be seen three times a week for now.  We are waiting for Medicaid to give the authorization for it to start.  We are hoping to still see him start this week.  Until then, I am his therapist (he would much rather have someone else) and we are going to the YMCA to work out every day and doing some stuff at home as well.
  • He continues to make great improvement each day.  He strength is returning and his mind is making improvements that are noticeable to us.  It is amazing to me that so much of him has returned so quickly. He still has a lot of work to do, but he is doing awesome!
  • He has also loved returning to church.  The music lifts his souls and spirit and I can see the excitement in his eyes as we go into the building!

There are probably a million little things that I could list as well.  These are things that we see and notice daily as we tend to him. It is a sign of God’s hand on him to see such progress.  Jennifer and I have both been able to return to work. Friends and family have been a big help with the other kids which has been much appreciated.

There are still some specific things that we are praying for.  We would appreciate your prayers in these areas:

  • Pray for his rehab to get started ASAP! Though he is making progress, I know that the therapists can do much more for him than I can.
  • Pray for us as we open the bills. We are still unsure of what will be paid and what will not be paid.  I know God will supply our needs but it can still be stressful seeing such large numbers!  The first bill I saw from the local hospital that he was first taken to made me throw up in my mouth a bit… really!  That was a very LARGE number!
  • Pray for his schooling to start and pray that he will be able to graduate this year still.  It looks promising, but until we get the word that he can we are left wondering about that.
  • Pray for our family as a whole. We have been in a “holding pattern” for a year now, and with Josiah’s accident, we are not sure of what God has for us in the near future.  I know that God had all this in mind when we left Kansas last year.  I know that He knows where we are headed and what our next steps are.  I am just asking Him to show us a bit of that. My heart’s desire for ministry and pastoring has never been more passionate.
  • Pray that we will continue to meet and make a difference in the lives of people that we meet through this. God has been, and will use this for His purposes, of that I am sure.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Update On Josiah: January 8th

January 8, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 1 Comment


Here is an update on Josiah as of Saturday, January 8, at 8 PM:

Today was really a rather uneventful day for Josiah.  The snow here in Michiana kept most people inside, including Jennifer and the kids.  I had to work today, so I ventured out for work and work only!

Here are a few highlights from Josiah’s day:

  • I woke him up this morning at 8 AM so that we could do a  workout before I left for work.  Needless to say, he was not my biggest fan at that moment! ;-) He worked hard, just like normal!
  • After I left for work, he actually got all bundled up to go outside with Jennifer and Joshua while they shoveled some snow.  He carefully helped scrape one of the cars off, and then sat in the car behind the wheel for a bit and listened to some music until the others finished shoveling.
  • After he came in from the cold, he went back to work doing some puzzles and games that are part of his therapy.
  • That is really it for today.  The snow kept it pretty low-key.

His updates will probably go down to around 4 times a week since there is not as much going on for him.  Please stay tuned in though as I will continue to post!  The next post will probably be Tuesday as he has his first outpatient therapy sessions.

There are some things that we would specifically ask you to pray for as Josiah continues to heal:

  • Pray that the nerves on the right side of his face start working.  We have our meeting this coming Friday with the specialist at University of Michigan.  Pray for a safe trip and for wisdom from the doctors.
  • Pray for his outpatient therapy that starts Tuesday.  We want Josiah to get as much help in his healing as possible, so we would like to have him get therapy for as long as he can!
  • Pray for Josiah as we get his schooling all situated.  We would still like to see him graduate this year.  He can do it!
  • Pray that we would honor God in all that we do and say and that we point people to HIM!

Psalm 30:10-12 “Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”

Update On Josiah: January 7th

January 7, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 0 Comments


Here is an update on Josiah as of January 7, at 9 PM:

Today Josiah had the opportunity to go out and about with his mother to do some necessary running.  Part of that running was to go to the Rehab facility to get him all set up.  He will start his outpatient therapy next Tuesday. The facility is actually inside our local YMCA, which is pretty convenient since we have a membership there and I work out there 5-6 days a week.

Here are a few other highlights (according to his mother ) from the day:

  • He got to shoot some hoops at the Y while they were there.  This was the first time, and as he puts it, it was nothing but bricks!  But he enjoyed it!
  • He also stopped by Best Buy to see me and to thank some of my co-workers for their generosity, which allowed me to stay with him for the entire month.
  • They also stopped at Starbucks, which is where he works.  He got to see a few of his co-workers, but wants to go back again soon so that he can see some others that he missed today.
  • They went to the mall too and walked quite a bit!
  • In fact, they walked so much that when I got home from work at 7:30, he was already in bed.  Not asleep, but definitely wore out!

Here are some things to pray for as you remember Josiah:

  • Pray for his therapy sessions that start next Tuesday.  I want him to get as much as he possibly can so that his healing continues at this pace.
  • Pray for the nerves on the right side of his face to heal.  We have an appointment with a specialist at the University of Michigan next Friday to find out more.  We still believe his face will heal without the need for surgery.
  • Pray that his eyesight continues to improve.  He can see out of each eye, but there is still some healing that needs to take place.  The doctor says it is just a matter of time.
  • Pray for Josiah as he gets back into his schooling.  We would still like to see him graduate this year.  He can do it!
  • Pray that we have opportunity to build relationships and have influence for the Kingdom of God as we continue on this journey God has given us.

Psalm 25:21 “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”

Update On Josiah: January 6th

January 6, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 4 Comments


Here is an update on Josiah as of Thursday, January 6 at 10:15 PM:

Today was the day!  My boy came home!  It was so good to see Jennifer pull up in the van with him after 5 long weeks! We were able to have a few family members over as well as his girlfriend’s family for a little homecoming party!  It was a great time to celebrate!

Here are just a few highlights from the day:

  • The last two days have been filled with testing for Josiah.  Actually, he retook some of the tests that he had the first couple of days that he was there. He not only blew away his scores from the first time he took the tests, he amazed the therapist at where he is now at.  He has excelled at everything they have thrown at him!
  • Josiah had a great attitude the entire time he was in the rehab hospital.  He has been so positive, that all of those that worked with him commented on how much they were going to miss him.
  • On the trip home, Josiah reminisced about life before the accident.  As he got in to town he had memories come to him that he had not thought about in quite some time.  He is so ready to get back to life, though he knows it will take some time.
  • He even enjoyed a quick stop at Wal-Mart to pick up his medications.  He picked some things out and rang up all the items himself.
  • I have to admit, I cried like a baby as he walked into the house!  MY BOY IS BACK!

There are still many things that we would ask you to remember in prayer for us:

  • Pray for the nerves on the right side of his face to heal.  We have an appointment with a specialist at the University of Michigan next Friday to find out more.  We still believe his face will heal without the need for surgery.
  • Pray for his therapy sessions.  I want him to get as much as he possibly can so that his healing continues at this pace.
  • Pray that his eyesight continues to improve.  He can see out of each eye, but there is still some healing that needs to take place.  The doctor says it is just a matter of time.
  • Pray for Josiah as he gets back into his schooling.  We would still like to see him graduate this year.  He can do it!
  • Pray that as we continue to meet people through this story that God is writing that we will be Jesus to them so that they know that they matter to God and to us!

Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Update On Josiah: January 5th

January 5, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 4 Comments

Here is an update on Josiah as of Wednesday, January 5 at 9:00 PM:

Since I am at home and Jennifer is with Josiah in Grand Rapids, I had her email me a report for the day. Here is what she sent:

Today was a normal morning for Josiah, other than the fact that they asked him if he wanted them to take it easy on him (since it is his last full day there) or kick his rear. Being mom, I replied to kick his rear at the same time he asked them to take it easy! He got his therapies in though, and did a wonderful job!  He is such a hard worker!

Here are a few other highlights from the day:

  • Each therapist did a lot of picture taking today. I didn’t know why and thought it was a waste of time until I found out they send the pictures with him so he knows what exercises to work on.  Pretty good thinking!
  • He got his scores from his speech therapist and across the board was average to above average for a NORMAL 17 year old, much less a 17 year old with brain trauma! God continues to amaze us as He heals Josiah!
  • The number test specifically he scored above college level. He took a test today that he had taken and scored a 66 on one of his first days here. They said he should be in the 90 to 110 and range and he was 98 so they were very pleased with that.
  • He will definitely be homebound schooled with a teacher coming 2 to 3 times a week for the first 4-6 weeks. After those 4 to 6 weeks he will go for an extensive neuropsychological evaluation and they will decide then when he can go back to school. He will probably start out going half a day for a couple of weeks to month and then eventually back to full day.
  • He will have therapy 3 times a week for 8 weeks (that is their recommendation) but local rehab facilities are known to cut that by as much as half.

Some specific thing that you can pray for as you remember Josiah and the family are:

  • Pray for the nerves on the right side of his face to heal.  He has his appointment next week at University of Michigan to meet with a specialist.
  • Pray that his eyesight continues to improve.  He can see out of each eye, but there is still some healing that needs to take place.  The doctor says it is just a matter of time.
  • Pray for Josiah as he gets back into his schooling.  We would still like to see him graduate this year.  He can do it!
  • Pray that he will receive all the rehab he can once he gets home. I really want to see him get the full 8 weeks and more!
  • Pray for safety as Jennifer, Josiah and Jaidyn travel home tomorrow.
  • Pray for God to be made BIG as we continue to follow and trust in Him as He leads us in this journey!

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Update On Josiah: December 4th

January 4, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 2 Comments


Here is an update on Josiah as of Tuesday, January 4th at 7:30 PM

Today was a day that we had been waiting for to hear news on when Josiah gets to go home!  I am glad to report that Josiah is being released from Mary Free Bed on Thursday!  He will come home and continue therapy through a local out-patient facility.  It will be great having the family all together again after a long 5 weeks.  This by no means signals the end of our journey with Josiah and his recovery.  In fact, it is just another beginning of another long road for him.  The type on injury that he has takes many months, even years, to recover from.  He needs your prayers (the whole family does) now as much as ever!

Here are some highlights from the day:

  • His team conference was this morning, which is when we found out his release date.  They were all impressed with his recovery so far and were confident that he will do well at home.
  • He showered on his own today!  That is a first, and a very important step for coming home. The therapist said he did very well and had no signs of losing balance or anything!
  • He was almost running today!  Actually, he did have to jog a few times to keep up with his physical therapist!  He has progressed so much!
  • He got his phone back today! This is a first since his accident.  Now, don’t everyone go and call him now because he has a strict time limit as of now (and very limited minutes too on our cell plan!).
  • Jennifer came up to relieve me today.  She will spend the last two days with him and then bring him home.  I need to get back to work (starting tomorrow) and this was the best option for us.  I was able to ride home with some family that was in Grand Rapids for the day, so it worked out perfectly!

Some specific things you can remember for us as you pray:

  • They are still getting everything set up for his out patient therapy.  Please pray that he will get every bit of therapy that he needs!
  • Pray for a safe trip home for Jennifer, Jaidyn and Josiah on Thursday.  We had some really slick weather with some bad accidents on the roads around here today.
  • Continue to pray for the nerves on the right side of his face to heal.  He has an appointment next Friday at University of Michigan to see a specialist.  We are still praying for healing to happen without the need for surgery!
  • Pray that we will have left a mark on those we met, prayed with and interacted with every day.  More than anything else, we want people to know that God is in control and has a story for each of us to live so that HE gets the glory!

Psalm 33:4 “The Lord is truthful; he can be trusted.”

Update On Josiah: December 3rd

January 3, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 4 Comments


Here is an update on Josiah as of Monday, January 3 at 7:30 PM:

Today marked the start of the fourth week that Josiah has been here at Mary Free Bed.  If you had told me four weeks ago that Josiah would have been to this point already, I would probably not have believed you.  I have always thought that he would get better, but to progress this far so quickly has been just amazing!  He has worked so hard and been the recipient of so many prayers that I can only say this has been a God-thing to get him to this point so soon.  Especially after seeing all of the other kids up here.  Thank God for all He has done in Josiah!

Here are some highlights from the day:

  • Josiah’s doctor said this morning that he would be home by the end of the week!  I know he is excited for that… well, we all are!  It will be good to be al together again!
  • Josiah’s therapists took it up another notch today.  His PT crew basically had him running in the halls!  It was all I could do to keep up with my camera strapped around my neck!
  • He mood has been fantastic today!  We both said that it was going to be a very positive week, and we would do anything to keep it that way!  Our goal is getting home, so he is focused, working like a dog and keeping it positive!
  • He has gone three nights now without his sleeping medication. He has slept very well!
  • He got a surprise visit from his girlfriend and her mom this afternoon! He was thrilled to have her up here for a bit!  It brought a smile to his face, that is for sure!

Here are some specific prayer requests to remember for Josiah and the family:

  • We are excited to have him released, but please remember to pray for his outpatient therapy.  We want him to get just what he needs to continue his recovery.  This is very important to us!
  • Continue to pray for the right side of his face.  We are confident that God can repair the nerve without the need for surgery.  In fact, we believe that will happen!
  • Pray for the travel that will happen this week.  Depending on what I hear tomorrow during the team meeting will depend on when I get back to work this week. I really need to get back as soon as I can.
  • Pray that we leave this place having impacted the lives of those we have met.  More than anything else, we want God to have been lifted up and made big in the lives of people!

Psalm 32:7-8 “You are my hiding place! You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me. You said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.”

Update On Josiah: January 2nd

January 2, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 0 Comments


Here is an update on Josiah as of Sunday, January 2nd at 4:15 PM:

Since it is the weekend, Josiah does not have as many therapy sessions, though he works very hard for each session he does have.  I watch him work, and he just amazes me with the determination and drive that he has.  He is so cooperative and strong! If you did not know him, you would never know that he was young man laying in ICU fighting for his life just a mere month ago. God has been so good to us to bring him back so far, so quickly!

Here are a few highlights from the day:

  • Today was the first time in over a month that we were all able to go to church together.  We visited Mars Hill Bible Church here in Grand Rapids.  Josiah really seemed to enjoy it! Lord willing, we will be back home at our church next weekend!
  • We said goodbye to Jennifer and the kids after lunch.  Their visits the last two weekends have kept us sane!  It has been nice to spend time with them.  We look forward to being back home soon!
  • We are also enjoying watching football!
  • I am seeing him use his left side more and more.  It is still weak compared to the right side, but it is coming along very well.
  • He walking is also very solid now.  He still has to be supervised, but he has not had any near falls at all.  He will probably lose the wheelchair tomorrow.

Here are some specific requests to remember for Josiah and the family:

  • Please pray that his care after release is set up and that it will be exactly what he needs to continue to fully recover.
  • Pray that the strength in his left side will increase exponentially this week. He is getting so much stronger, but I would say he is still only about 60 percent on that side.
  • Please pray for the nerve damage on the right side of his face. We are asking God to heal it without surgery.  I fully believe God can do this!
  • We are also asking God to make known any conversations that we need to have this week with those that are far from Him.  We want to leave this place knowing that those around us realize that they matter to God.

Psalm 103:1-2 “With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been.

Update On Josiah: January 1st

January 1, 2011 in family, Josiah's accident, kids with 1 Comment


Here is an update on Josiah as of Saturday, January 1, at 8:30 PM:

Today was a day off as far as therapy sessions were concerned.  It was a well-deserved day of rest for Josiah, and a great day for a family day out!  We took advantage of his day pass and went out on the town!

Here are some highlights from our day our with Josiah:

  • We decided to go to the mall here in Grand Rapids (Grandville actually).  It was a very nice mall, and we had a great time shopping and just being together in a setting that we have not been in for quite some time.  Josiah was able to spend some of his gift cards from Christmas as well.
  • Josiah did very well in this setting.  He did not seem to get over stimulated at all.  He dealt with everything just fine.
  • We also got to eat at Applebees today thanks to some gift cards that we had received.  After eating so much hospital food, it was a treat to get to eat out!  Josiah’s girlfriend and her family were on their way home from a ski trip and stopped at the restaurant to say high as well.  He enjoyed getting to see her!
  • We also got word that he has no therapy until afternoon tomorrow.  Weekends are a bit less scheduled, so we requested a little alter start so we could take Josiah to church. We are really looking forward to this!

Here are some specific requests we would ask you to pray for as we pray as well:

  • The doctors and therapists are anticipating his release this next week. We are excited for that, but also are concerned that he gets the right treatment once he leaves. Please pray for the right program to be set up for him.
  • Pray that he acclimates back into living at home and getting use to a new schedule as well.  We will hopefully find out more this week about what this new schedule will be like.
  • Pray for the right side of his face.  We still are expecting the nerves to “wake up” any day and show us movement again!
  • Pray for Jennifer and the kids as they travel home tomorrow.
  • Pray for continued opportunity to show the love of God to those that are hurting and searching.

Psalm 99:3 “Only you are God! And your power alone, so great and fearsome, is worthy of praise.”

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