She does come home tomorrow! This month has flown but it has been the “brain break” we have needed. I knew for sure on Saturday when I walked into her unit to visit her and my first thought was “I am ready for you to come home.” She has received great care but because the respite was successful (we rested), it’s time to come home. So things change drastically to our routine tomorrow but we are happy to have our girl back home. Her therapists and teacher had some great things to say about her interactivity while staying at TCC this year. She is using the switch with better control and intentionality. She is vocalizing a lot. I am excited to help her build on these things at home and have some ideas to daily put them into practice. She will start school in early August but we will work on some things to keep her sharp hopefully.
We had great day trips on Route 66 and enjoyed all the unique things to see and good food to try. I think that’s what the “Mother Road” is known for. We also enjoyed seeing my parents for a few hours in Eufaula, OK. Ben is still off work for a week and a half so we will enjoy transitioning Joy back home all together. We have a very cool puzzle to work on and Ben has several house projects to work on, as well as bringing in produce from the garden and freezing or canning it. We will now be more limited in what we go and do. The two weeks of spontaneity are over but there is summer fun still to be had.
Thanks for your prayers for our family. God continues to give us strength to take each day as it comes. We are thankful for a time of respite but know that God’s grace is greater than any task He has given us to do. Please pray as we transition back into full-time care that our bodies will have strength and our minds wisdom to care for Joyanna so that she fulfills the purpose for which God created her. We need even more wisdom to teach character and instill Godly wisdom into a rambunctious 7-year-old boy. Parenting both of our children is very different but each task is equally challenging. I am so glad we do not have to do it alone or in our own strength. If only I could remember that in the daily, nitty-gritty times. Thankfully, the Lord loves my children much more than I ever can.
We have such a good God! I hope you have a daily relationship with Him. He wants to hear from you and speak to you!