Monday, January 17, 2011

I HAD ANOHER POST BUT THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT

My heart had been broken all week for blogger friend, Joanne Heim. I cannot go five minutes without thinking about her. This time last week she was fine.  Tonight, she is fighting to live, literally after suffering a stroke on Tuesday.  This is a 38 year old super fit, full of life Mom and Wife. 
Joanne and kids
Life changes in a heartbeat.  I am going to copy and paste some information that just came out.  Check her blog and read about the last week. 
From her close friend,  How You Can Help
Hello, my name is Janna, and I've been given permission by Toben to hijack Joanne's blog for a little bit. I met Joanne several years ago through her lovely sister Kristen. I have the pleasure of considering these two sisters my dearest of friends.
Many of you, like me, feel honored to call Joanne "friend.” Some of you know her in real life and some from the blogosphere. Some of you may have never met Joanne but have come to her blog to get updates and to pray. I feel confident that Joanne would consider you a friend, also.
The outpouring of love, prayer and interest in Joanne's condition has been overwhelming. The family is extremely moved and encouraged by how the Body of Christ has come together in this time of crisis. Many of you have asked how you can help. So with the collaboration of some of Joanne's many friends, we've organized some new features on Joanne's blog to Help the Heims.
If you have ever met, read or come into contact with Joanne, you have probably been blessed in some way. That is Joanne. Now it is our turn to bless her. Let's join together to show her family our support and love. -------------------------------------
How You Can Help the Heims:
Financial gifts
Even with the most desired outcome, Joanne's medical and recovery time will be very costly. There is time off of work (Toben), medical bills, etc. Giving financially is one of the most practical things we can do to help them on this long journey ahead.Click on her sidebar to give via PayPal:Or make checks payable to Toben Heim. Mail to: Joanne Heim, c/o Kristen Haufschild, 11004 Grayledge Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Prayer
Thousands of people all over the world are praying for Joanne. Please do not cease in lifting Joanne up to the Lord. She needs a miracle. Psalm 46 is the scripture that the Heims are claiming over Joanne. Please read it as a prayer for her.
Spread the word
Spread the word about Praying for Joanne by displaying her button your blog. Grab the HTML code from the sidebar.
Encouragement     Send cards, letters, pictures, scriptures, prayers, etc. to Joanne. Mail to: Joanne Heim, c/o Kristen Haufschild, 11004 Grayledge Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 
PLEASE DO THIS…you know how I feel about snail mail
News  Stay updated on Joanne's condition here on her blog and on Twitter via Toben.   Thank you for being a part of her life, her recovery and her blessing.
Below is the post by her weary husband tonight.  This week has been a nightmare. 
http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/the_simple_wife/2011/01/rollercoaster.html
I will admit I have struggled with this all week.  After emailing a dear friend, I don’t think she will mind me using an illustration she gave me…It is one I have thought about all day.
From Melinda
I had a friend tell me once that life was like trying to work a puzzle without the benefit of the picture on the lid. We have random pieces that we do our best to fit together, but it would be so much easier with the lid. To me, that's where we sit right now, with Joanne, where my friends sit in their grief, and where I've been sitting all year: learning how to rest in the fact that the One who holds the lid to the puzzle box lives in us. He can see how it all plays out, why some people get the miracle (more lives affected for the kingdom if they continue life on earth?) and others don't (more lives affected for the kingdom if they pass to eternity?). It boils down to a matter of choice for us: We can trust that, because He knows how it all fits together, and He loves us enough to have made a way to spend eternity with us, we don't have to understand, just trust.  WOW
I have not forgotten the giveaway, but this week it has seemed rather insignificant.  I will be back with another post later this week and want to introduce you to a new blogger.

17 comments:

Love Being A Nonny said...

I too have been praying for Joanne. Hard to believe. Her husband's posts are almost more than I can read....so heartfelt...so tender. Obviously, they are from a heart broken husband who so wants his wife back. I will continue to pray along with you. Thank you for sharing her story.

Theresa said...

I am heart-broken about Joanne, how quickly life changes! Nobody knows that better than you and what you and Jack went thru! I pray for Joanne, Toben and those precious children! It is so hard on all of them! Thanks for sharing this! HUGS and blessings!

debi said...

Teresa,
I am not surprised you have posted about your friend Joanne. It is clear God has been preparing you for a time such as this. A time that you are all to familiar with.
Praying for Joanne, her family and friends as well as the medical team that is caring for her.
You inspire me to be a better person.
Have a blessed day...

Hugs!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Keeping Joanne in my prayers and getting a card in the mail tomorrow. ((HUGS))

Sally said...

I'm so sorry to hear this about precious young woman. And, will keep she, her husband and family in my prayers. I will visit her blog, and try to send what I can to help her family. Thank you for sharing this, and always being an inspiration. (hugs)

Laurie in Ca. said...

I have hardly had anything else on my mind Teresa and have been praying so hard for them. Praying for a miracle as I prayed for a miracle for your sweet Todd. I continue to pray for you guys, asking God to complete what has begun for Todd. God bless all of you.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

oh my heart goes out to this beautiful young woman and her dear family. My prayers are with her and absolutely....I'm sendin' a card!

God bless you sweet friend and have a marvelous week!!! :o)

Beth E. said...

I have also been praying for Joanne. I had not known her before reading about her stroke, but have read some of her blog posts. She is a precious woman of God.

Hugs...

elizabeth said...

I first heard of Joanne on Twitter when calls for prayer went out shortly after her stroke. I have been so touched by the outpouring of love and know that God has some very big plans for this young lady. It's just so hard when we don't know what the plans are, as you know all too well.

Thank you for posting about this so even more prayers can go up!

Carole Burant said...

My heart and prayers are with Joanne and her family. I don't know her and have never been to her blog but will have to remedy that and go over to let them know that my prayers have been added to those of the others. Life can certainly change within a second, it's so scary. Thank you for letting us know about this. xoxo

koralee said...

Oh no! What a heartbreaking story....will pray for her as well..thanks for sharing .xo

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

I came over a couple of days ago to visit and saw the post about Joanne. I spent so much time on her blog and got so wrapped up in her story that I forgot to come back and leave a comment, but I wanted to do that today, and thank you for telling us about Joanne. Such a heart wrenching story.

Anonymous said...

Oh, this breaks my heart. I will certainly being praying for this young lady. Thank you for telling us about her.
blessings,
Shelia

La said...

I just jumped over to Joanne's blog and read the last few posts she wrote and then Toben's posts to date. I am blown away by the strength of this family's faith and love.

Patty Sumner said...

Just found your blog. I will be praying for this young woman. I know all is in his hands....I pray that her family find strenth and peace from our Lord during this time. May He watch over her and bring her to back to full health quickly. Blessings!

Kathleen said...

I do not know Joanne, but I will pray for her. I have been thorugh this with dh when I was 45. I will pray for her whole family, tough road.

Unknown said...

I have added myself to the prayer group. One of life's most difficult lessons is to learn that we are not in control. In the name of Jesus I pray that God puts people around her who have His gift of healing. I pray that He surrounds her family with his compassionate love. Amen