Really.
Take a deep breath.
If you can do that you have the loveliest of gifts....life!
At this moment each one of us probably knows of someone fighting for that breath or feel the loss of someone that has breathed their last.
About a year and a half ago I was standing in line at the Joann fabric counter and a woman getting her fabric cut commented on my Maddy's dress.
It was one of the first little girl dresses that I had sold in my shop.
She was gorgeous and kind...so kind.
We exchanged cards.
When I got to the car I flipped her card over and it had scripture on it.
When I got home I looked up her blog and found that she was a Christian author, creator extraordinaire and amazing mom and wife.
You couldn't help but love her right away.
We exchanged emails, read blog posts and then they moved away for a bit.
They had recently moved back and she had let me know on my blog and she was now even attending a church in our town.
I was so excited to talk to her because I had an idea I wanted to run by her and kept meaning to call and meet for coffee.
Late last night when I climbed into bed I went to catch up on Twitter.
Panic and fear gripped me as I tried to make sense of what I was reading.
Tears...oh, the tears as I read her sweet husband's words.
She had a massive stroke. Her daughter had found her unresponsive. She has tubes coming out all over her. Her brain is swelling and part of her skull has been removed to help. She has not woken up.
If you don't know her I hope you get the chance to because she truly is a reflection of Christ.
I have not heard anything since last night.
Her husband posted to her blog last night and his words just break my heart. As his wife is quietly lying in bed with tubes and machines all around her...these are his sweet words....
"Here's my thought: not that much has changed in our relationship. She is still here, she is still the love of my life, she is still the one I want to grow old with. Her inability to talk or respond yet doesn't really change any of that.
Enough of this writing. Time to hold hands with my girl."
True love.
If you believe in the power of prayer I humbly ask you to get on your knees for Joanne, Toben, their two daughters and family.
Take a breath....what a gift!
Crying and praying....she is so young. Thanks for the sweet post.
Posted by: kana | January 13, 2011 at 05:03 PM
jeanne
just yesterday i was bemoaning my whoahs to kolleen who listened with all of her heart to me as she always does. today she sent me a little note to read your blog post. how grateful i am to her AND to you for sharing this story. immediately ALL my worries are washed away. my heart is full of gratitude for my life. for my health.
thank you for sharing joanne.s story.
she AND her precious family are in my prayers and i will have my sweet children pray for them as well.
you are a beautiful person, sister and friend. you always uplift and inspire me.
blessings to you and to the heim family.
xo
c
Posted by: chrissy | January 13, 2011 at 05:05 PM
I sit here in tears for a family I do not even know cause it brings you to reality that life is truly to short to not take pleasure in every moment. It will be my honor to say my prayers this evening for your friend Joanne and her famlily....espcecially for her children.
Posted by: nathalie | January 13, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Praying for Joanne and her family. Praying for God's amazing hand of healing and peace.
Posted by: Rachel @ A Cupcake for Moose | January 13, 2011 at 05:48 PM
I had just read about her today - what an incredibly sad story. I really hope that she makes a full recovery - I can't imagine what her family is going through right now.
Thanks for posting and sharing her story~
xx
Posted by: kimberly at mimicharmante | January 13, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Praying right now
Posted by: teresa | January 13, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Praying! Praying! Praying!... for her and her beautiful family!
Posted by: Melanie | January 13, 2011 at 06:59 PM
I write this w/ tears in my eyes. Sometimes I feel like there are no good people left in this world. Then I read your words and it gives me hope that a handfull are out there. You have the bravery to write what most people would be scared to say, thank you for that. Prayers are with Joanne and her family. What amazing thoughts from her husband - we know miracles can happen.
Thanks Jeanne.
Posted by: Pam | January 13, 2011 at 08:29 PM
My heart and prayers go out to this family. I don't know them but God does and all things are possible with him. I will add them to my prayer list.
Posted by: Linda Segerson | January 14, 2011 at 06:30 AM
Oh no...I'm late to read this...and I feel so badly for her family, but I am praying.
Posted by: Leah C | January 14, 2011 at 08:01 AM
Prayers and hugs
Posted by: Julie Ann | January 14, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Oh Jeanne ~ what a tragic thing to happen to such a loving caring woman. I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Posted by: Lori | January 14, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Definitely believe in the power of prayer! More prayers sent for this beautiful woman & her lovely family...
Posted by: Sandie {A Bloggable Life | 365} | January 15, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Such sadness, i will pray for her and her family... gosh life is so fragile, each day is a gift.
xo,
LuLU
Posted by: LuLu | January 16, 2011 at 05:45 AM
I'm lifting them up without ceasing!
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | January 16, 2011 at 11:33 PM
I have not visited your blog in quite a while... lost in the blog sphere... my heart is breaking for your friends family ...I just finished reading her husbands updates... I am praying for her and her sweet family now... and will continue to...
Posted by: Jenn | January 17, 2011 at 11:18 PM