I didn't go down to see my brother today. He is being moved from ICU to the Rehab unit. That's a good sign.
I did talk to him on the phone today. I could only understand bits of what he said but his spirits were up and he was making jokes. He is trying real hard to be brave and push on to get better.
I know the prayers are working. I've added him to several prayer chains and if any of you reading belong to a church and could add him to your prayer chains I would be forever grateful.
I think I'm going through a big learning process these days. When I first started to blog I noticed things in different ways. Small things that were normally over looked I would think "Hey that could be the topic of my blog today" or as I passed flowers I thought "What a pretty picture to share on my blog". I started to notice the simple pleasures in life.
Then when my brother had his stroke it's as if life stopped all at once. All the things like redoing my bedroom, going on vacation, shopping and life in general seemed not to matter. After all, my brother is fighting to stay alive. How can those others thing compare? They don't. Not right now.
So I sat here today thinking and what I've learned is family and the people in our life is what is important. Love is important. Letting our loved ones know we love them is important. Spending time with them is important.
I will no longer let a day go by that I don't tell the people I love how much I love them. We never know if we will get another chance to do so. So please the next time you talk on the phone or see your family and friends tell them. Don't just assume they know. Most likely they do but tell them anyway. I know I will.
God has given us so many gifts in this life. Take a look around and then take a minute to thank Him for everything you have. Thank him for the people in your life. Without them everything else you have would mean nothing.
When everything seems so dark and lonely keep searching. God is always there with you. He never fails us. He knows what is best, even durning those times we think He doesn't.
To all my family, I just wanted to say, I love you with all my heart. You mean the world to me and I will always be here for you until the day I die.
Joanne
Hi Joanne
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today. Your words are so true. Why does it take a crisis in our lives to remember what is important? Thanks for reminding me. I will add your brother to our prayer list. We believe in the power of prayer! Rh xoondi
What a kind and sweet person you must be and I want to be your friend.
ReplyDeleteI pray for your brother's complete recovery...I so believe in the power of prayer...it is one of the most powerful gifts we can give to anyone.
I, too, have started noticing all the smaller things in life since I've started blogging. Some folks, I believe, think blogging is kind of a silly thing....not for me, it isn't. I love being able to sit down and write out my thoughts, my interests, my opinions, without being judged. I think that is good for our soul. I love how I've become involved in others lives and realizeing how blessed we all are....and I love that I've found something that is fun to do.
Thanks so much for coming to see me...pls come anytime!
hugs, bj
Dear wonderful Joanne,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to cry when I read your post! I will be praying for your brother to heal and be able to rebound from this awful thing that has happened to him and..well, all of you! Please know that I understand how you are feeling right now, my 22 yr. old son fell 3stories off of a building on March 3rd...he is not back at work yet, but praise God for L & I! He is fully covered and starts physical therapy next week! I tell everyone I can to remember to love on their family and friends...life it but a vapor, so fragile too!
Blessings and prayers are on their way!
Donna Lynn
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother Joanne. I will certainly add him to my prayers. Hopefully he'll do well in rehab and recover without permanent damage.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a fun activity, but as you said family should come first in our lives.
Hugs, Pat
Hello Joanne. I just popped over from Donna Lynn's blog. I must tell you that I find your blog disturbing in the most delightful way. We need to be reminded to not take any of our good for granted. I have been complaining about squirrels in my attic but forgot to thank God that I have an attic! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I don't know your brother's name but I know the Lord does so I will lift him up as Joanne Kennedy's brother.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Liv
Thanks for sharing about your brother's heroic protection of you. I agree that we should never take for granted having our loved ones with us. We always, always end our conversations with each other and our children with the words, "I love you" or just "Love you!" I'm glad you reminded me today about WHY we do it.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is so funny: my word verification was ABLSEE!
Hi Joanne,
ReplyDeleteOh I will be praying for your brother. You are so right...everytime my daughter and I talk or she leaves the house, I tell her I love her. My son and hubby too because it is so so important. Stay strong, I know God will keep you strong and he will hear our prayers.
Hugs,
LeAnn :)
You and your brother will have prayers in Alabama, as well. I'm adding you to by blog roll too so I can check in on his progress and see your lovely design inspirations.
ReplyDeleteYour post touched me and it should remind us all to be truely thankful.
ReplyDeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteI have been blog hopping and came across this post. It really touched my heart and I wanted to let you know that.
I too have had a family crisis this past week, that was emotionall draining. It reminded me of what relationship is MOST important, that of turning it all over to my heavenly father. This REALLY has put things back into perspective for me as well! I am so thankful for my dear husband and daughter! It is so great to know we have a GOD that is bigger than us and has everything all in his tender care.
I also have said a prayer for your brother as well.
Thanks for sharing this from your heart.
Blessings...Lorena
Hi Sweet Joanne,
ReplyDeleteI am just here to say I am praying for you today! Hope you are doing OK, thinking about you and your brother, sending healing hugs to you both!
Donna Lynn