HOW ABOUT A WEEK
WITH JOE?
Everyday is “Mom’s Boot Camp” as it’s called! Range of motion: stretching arms and legs, wrists and fingers, ankles and toes, head and neck. All Joe’s muscles must be stretched and moved to prevent atrophy. Mom tries to get him in the stander daily but it’s extremely difficult to manage alone.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the school sends therapists to the house for occupational, physical, and speech exercises. This will end at the finish of this school year, unfortunately.
Tuesdays and Thursdays it’s up to Porter for outpatient therapy.
Saturday is Mom’s special “spa” day. Joe gets a whirlpool with all the suds and scents. Then its finger and toe nails cut and trimmed. Maybe a haircut. A special neck and facial massage with special scented oils and lotions.
Most Fridays Dad helps out and spends some time helping with range of motion, shaving, showers and whatever. We might just hang out and read a book or listen to some of his stories. Occasionally he might work on the lawn mower or even take the garbage out. It’s nice to be close.
A TRIBUTE TO MOM
God has indeed been present throughout this trial and continues to be. No matter what differences there may be between me and Debbie, I hold the highest admiration and respect for her. She stepped up to the plate without hesitation. Whatever else may have been important to her, she threw to the wind and became Joe’s primary care giver and advocate. She exhibits a quality few of us measure up to and that’s absolute and enduring faith. Joe’s accident occurred over 3 ½ years ago and Debbie has never wavered! Her bills go on and have to present worries that would crush most of us. Joe’s special needs require astronomical expenses. Insurance helps; Medicaid helps; but nothing covers gasoline to get Joe to therapy and doctor visits and so many other things. Debbie has been brilliant in finding things to spark Joe’s interest: picture flash cards, paints, (with Debbie’s help Joe has created some fascinating works of art!) computer games, buttons, special drinking and all sorts of things that all add up to major expense. Pray for this family. Come spend a day with Joe. Debbie has never doubted for a moment God will bring Joe back! It’s inspiring to be around her. Maybe you have a special talent. Her house has virtually been converted into a hospital and therapy center. God works in mysterious ways, but mostly he uses people to do his work. “Joe’s Journey” sponsored by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crown Point which was so special of them to do helped immensely to reduce her mortgage, but that’s what Debbie and Joe have lived on for over a year and a half now. Please ask God if there's something he'd like you to do.
Dad