On This Day of Hearts

Hello faithful family, friends, and followers. This is Valentine’s Day in the U.S. and what a difference a year makes. We are 13 days away from the accident anniversary and as I have written in my last several posts, the approach of that anniversary has had, and is having, a deeply felt impact on both of us. Not a negative impact, but a profound one. We reflect, we share, we reminisce, we look back at photos/videos, we marvel, we cry, we rejoice, we give thanks, and then we do it all over again.

I know that Valentine’s Day is not a universal day of celebration, in fact, it can be a very painful day for many people, so I want to be careful and respectful in referencing it. But since the universal symbol for this day is the heart, I wanted to share some thoughts reflecting on our, and especially Joy’s, journey over the last 12 months as it relates to my Sweetheart’s heart.

Brave-hearted - Lionhearted

From the first moments after the accident and throughout her recovery, Joy has been not only brave-hearted, but lionhearted. How else would someone live through and strive to recover from: a left SDH subdural hematoma (10mm) w/ 9mm L-R shift, left temporal IPH intraparenchymal hemorrhage, left side SAH subarachnoid hemorrhage, Rt orbital wall & maxillary wall fractures w/ associated sinus hemorrhage, non displaced Rt temporal bone fracture, Rt hemotympanum (bleeding from the ear), Rt open elbow arthrotomy, Rt distal radius fracture, Rt thigh hematoma, Rt 4th rib fracture, possible pulmonary contusion, questionable splenic laceration, total paralysis of the right side of her body including right facial droop, aphasia, apraxia, deafness in her right ear, vertical diplopia, and an upper right quadrant field of vision cut due to permanent brain damage.

One of the only memories Joy has of the earliest days after the accident is a vision of being drawn down into a deep dark hole in the ground with an awareness of moving toward her death. But then, on hearing our dear friend Su’s prayers and sensing God’s own words telling her to live, she proved lionhearted in the face of what appears to have potentially been the end of her life. Throughout the battle in pursuit of recovery from all these injuries, I have been utterly overwhelmed again and again by her resolute determination, courage, daring, bravery, fearlessness, and valiant, heroic attitude and actions, all strengthened and empowered by her unwavering faith in God’s sufficiency, grace, and mercy.

Stouthearted - Wholehearted

As Joy persevered through the initial stages of recovery, she then stoutheartedly and wholeheartedly embraced her therapy efforts. Through physical pain and the roller coaster of emotions she demonstrated an “all-in” devoted, determined, and enthusiastic approach to her therapy. I would have in no way blamed her it she had just wanted to curl up in a fetal position and say, “leave me alone.” And, I am sure there were days when she probably felt that way, but her stouthearted and wholehearted commitment to her recovery, frequently moved not only my own heart, but that of her therapists. She was and is a stouthearted and wholehearted inspiration to us all.

Tenderhearted - Kindhearted - Warmhearted

One might think that focusing on 7 therapy appointments a week in PT, OT, and Speech might feel a bit overwhelming even with a stouthearted and wholehearted approach, but in addition, throughout it all, Joy demonstrated a tenderhearted, kindhearted, and warmhearted attitude toward me, our family, our friends, and our blog followers. In her concern for others she readily displayed a kind, generous, considerate, and empathetic presence. At a time when her language was so limited she could barely say her own name, Joy’s sister facilitated a video call to her 97 y/o mother. Immediately, when Joy saw her mother she blurted out, “I’m so sorry I’m not bringing you the meals I would make for you.” Joy’s mother is gluten intolerant and the assisted living she is in was not accommodating that need very well, so before the accident, every six weeks or so, Joy would drive down with a collection of gluten free food for her mother’s freezer. Her feeling grief over not providing that for her mother in the midst of her own health crisis, is just one example of how tenderhearted, kindhearted, and warmhearted my precious wife is.

Bighearted

But let’s not stop there, in addition to being brave-hearted, lionhearted, stouthearted, wholehearted, tenderhearted, kindhearted, and warmhearted, Joy is bighearted in her compassionate, thankful, and prayerful heart for her family, friends, and all of you who read this blog. She knits hats for new-born babies, knits gifts for friends, and works to lift the spirits of those around her. Joy also spends considerable time each day praying for the needs and encouragement of others. She feels a profound sense of calling to be a prayer advocate because she knows that even with her aphasia limiting her language skills, God understands her heart and her desire for others to be safe, blessed, and provided for. Her compassion and love know no bounds and that’s bighearted in my book.

Glad-hearted

Finally, while we have our times of discouragement as I have openly shared with you all, I would still characterize Joy as genuinely glad-hearted. Her sweet smile brightens my day, my life, and the lives of those around her.

And so, on this day dedicated to hearts, I want to express my undying love, thankfulness, and gratitude to my precious brave-hearted, lionhearted, stouthearted, wholehearted, tenderhearted, kindhearted, warmhearted, bighearted, and glad-hearted bride and to all of you, our faithful family, friends, and followers who have so warmheartedly and kindheartedly supported us over the past year. We pray for you all God’s grace, mercy, and love.❤️