The first day after
It's hard to believe that only 24 hours ago Joel was in the middle of surgery and we were waiting to hear news of the outcome. One day later and Joel's already surmounted a lot of small but important milestones -- he's out of bed and sitting in a chair; he's eating and drinking regular foods; he's chatted with several visitors; and his medical team is preparing to move him to a step-down unit later today.
Overall, he's in good condition and his doctors are pleased with how he's progressing. Joel's finding some activities reassuringly normal. Others -- like touching his left finger to his nose -- are temporarily a new challenge that put his graduate studies to shame while his brain begins rewiring some of of its sensory processing.
Dr. Bastos, Joel's neurosurgeon, stopped by midday so he and Joel could discuss in person the outcomes of the surgery and next steps towards being discharged from the hospital and these coming weeks. This is just the beginning of a longer journey of recovery and further treatment, but Joel and our family continue to be optimistic and grateful
Comments (18)
Thanks so much for the update! This is all good news!
Thanks for keeping us updated. Family here is Virginia and Maryland are praying for all of you. God’s peace be with you. Love, Jenny Pat, Lee and family
Appreciate this update and the good news!
As you and your family can see and feel, there are lots of us on the journey with you. A step at a time, a day at a time. We appreciate today’s news.
Thank you for keeping us updated. Your words and the pictures reassure our heads and hearts of Joel's well-being and progress. Thank you! Continued prayers🙏🏼
Man it’s good to see that smile! So impressed with your progress, JDH -and so glad to see you on the mend. ❤️
Oh, wow! Joel you’re a quintessential over achiever, so glad to hear this good news!! 🤗 Sending hugs and prayers for continued peace and healing!! ❤️🩹
Joel - You look wonderful. God is amazing.
Thanks for the update. Praying good news continues.
I just love seeing your smiling face and appreciate the update. It’s so sweet to see all the lives you have touched and the beautiful support. Continued prayers for all of you.
Love seeing that one of a kind JD smile! ❤️
Love seeing that one of a kind JD smile! ❤️
Joel Daniel, You continue to be amazing! You're humble, loving to your wife and tender with the girls. You've been accepting of your big brother's help and his wife's gift of hostessing and organization. Your Dad and I love you and the circle of community around you. We con
I love the optimism and courage in this moment. Looks and sounds like you are surrounded by a super family and friends near and far. And, hey, there's a brain surgeon just in case (like you need any more smarts Harvard grad). Peace and grace in recovery JDH. Pulling for you!
continue to pray for you as you work through therapy. Don't rush it. You are fortunate to have Joy's family, a hard working team of friends at TomTod; the Board of Directors and someone chosen by Matt Sutter from the community to be your point person. She is a solid resource for the time being! It was a relief to see you tenderly loving the girls doing what a dad, husband, son and brother should even hinting when it was time to go 😘.
Delighted by this update. Prayers continue as you move forward and recover.
Elated to read this! Have been in prayer for best possible outcomes. Will keep checking for updates. God is good!
Our family is praying for you and we are so grateful for the photographs. They encourage us and remind us of how truly good our God is.