walking in the light of life
"for you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that i may walk before god in the light of life" psalms 56:13
i received this verse last week from that wacky blogger formerly known as carrie and i have to admit, tears streamed down my face because it struck so close to home. "stumbling" is a constant fear and concern of mine, but nothing brings me more joy now than "walking in the light of life." the days are passing slowly and rapidly at the same time - each one brings the frustrations of a constantly burning/itching back, bleeding wounds, and my severely limited flexibility - and i will admit that it overwhelms me sometimes. however, each hour passes and there are many moments of progress and joy mixed with and even deepened by the sadness they accompany.
i've officially moved to the Nashville Rehab Hospital, which is a wonderfully air-conditioned and receptive place, though i've definitely noticed many cultural differences from my former new york haunts (e.g. my physical therapist on friday had overalls on). i work out for about three hours every morning and then spend the afternoon "jus chillin." i've gotten to visit with family, friends and any others who wish to come are welcome (between 3pm and 8pm) - a reversal of my family's former protective measures. they too wanted to welcome anyone who wanted to come by or share a meal or whatever.
actually, today was my first venture into polite society. my good buddy matthew "ian mortimer" griffith was "gettin hitched" (as i'm sure my therapists would say) and i couldn't miss out on the party. my mom busted me out of the rehab center, brought me home, where she paranoidly harried the dogs, emerson and waldo, away from me and my fragile skin while they went crazy. my grandfather was kind enough to loan me a cane, at my mother's insistence, although i didn't use it for much except to poke people with. a few hours at the church in the groomsmen's pictures, several hugs and a lots of cheese cubes later, i came back home to a wonderful home-cooked meal from Domino's. needless to say, it was quite the adventure and it still continues as i write this blog from home, at 8:30 pm, and they are supposedly "locking the doors" of the rehab center at 8:00 pm - so we shall see.
nicole leaves for new york tomorrow and it will be sad to see her go. i cannot even describe how amazingly supportive and loving they have been - megan even sang me to sleep on a particularly sad night this week - a rousing version of "you are my sunshine" that i'm sure she will be glad to reproduce upon request.
i guess it's back to rehab - to my fellow inmates - average age: 70; who all call me a "young whippersnapper." progress is slow now, and the road ahead looks impossibly long at times. a series of surgeries to take out the ossification that strangles my hip, grafts and donor sights that stubbornly refuse to heal, orthopedic surgery, and a reversal of the colostomy all lie on the horizon. i have a vision in my head, though, of a day when i walk without fear of stumbling, even run in the nashville grass, with only memories holding me back: it is that vision that sustains me. my prayer lately has been: lord, give me strength to conquer the day's pains, hope to sustain me for the dauting road ahead, and an unfailing awe and wonder to be "walking before god in the light of life."
this has been jonathan, from home, where i hope to be permanently in the next week or so
posted by The NYC Family @ 6:22 PM
37 comments
37 Comments:
"Jonathan from home"......that sure sounded good. You have come so far, and yet I know there is still a long road ahead. From day one, Joey kept telling me you would be OK, and I have held that in my heart. I believed him and should have, and am glad I did. I see that picture of you running in the grass, and I like it and will hold it in my mind too. My prayers will continue for healing and peace and for running in the grass.
One day, when the swarm of visitors have subsided, I really want to get in a game of Boggle. I long to beat you, as Joey thinks it's impossible..."he know SO many word mom"...
I could just see you sitting there poking people with your cane.....sweet little Jonathan, sitting there with a cane..."the better to poke you with my dear!!"
You continue to be a daily part of my prayers and thoughts.
Hope to visit soon,
lots of love,
lots of hugs,
ginge
Another go at the Hallelujah chorus is quite appropriate here!!! I was not quite up to the Griffith wedding tonight. I suppose they managed without me especially since you were there!!
I have already had a report that was very favorable. I knew you were there.
You know you ARE going to be A-OK. This is something most of us out here determined a long time ago. I hope someone has a camera ready when the run through the grass occurs. What a milestone!
As always, God is faithful and He is good; this is His day, let's rejoice and be glad.
Continued prayer, much love,
Nancy
Jonathan,
I wanted to call your mom all day to see if by chance you were going to make it to Matthew's wedding. I am so glad she "busted you out of that joint." OK, so I am tryin to talk like your physical therapists....anyway, I was not able to make it to the wedding because of a family committment but I am sure it was all even more special because you were able to attend.
Living one day...sometimes moment at a time is all we can do, especially when faced with life's most difficult circumstances. When I think back to the week of your accident and the way you looked then, I lack the words to express my awe at what the Lord can do! You truly are a miracle...but of course I knew that long before this accident.
Praise God!
See you soon.
Miss Lisa
As I walk through my own dark days, you have been my sunshine.
I've often looked at life as the 'getting there'...some far-off distant future place where things will be as we dreamed. Those far-off dreams sometimes help get me through the struggle of today, but I have begun to wonder if all the dark todays really are the adventure called 'life'. That sounds bleak somehow when written, but you talked about the joy being deepened by the sadness. As much as the sadness causes pain...even despair at times...I, too, have come to understand how the haunting sadness deepens and extends the sweet joy of the simple things.
The lesson for me has been that learning to walk again is not nearly as difficult as learning to live...fully, freely, joyously, contentedly. I do pray for your courage as you embark on your most ambitious series of studies yet, one that is not measured by SAT's or in academic circles...that most difficult of courses titled, Living Free 101.
A Fellow Journeyman
How wonderful that you can be home again. Sounds like you still have many hills to climb, but you are making it and I continue to pray for your recovery.
Speaking of your therapist, yes, we in the south do have a different way of expressing ourselves. When I visit my granddaughter in NY, I have to tell her friends to slow down, it takes me longer to process their words than it takes them to say them.
Praying for continued healing,
Yours in Christ,
June Calhoun
De Ridder, LA
How wonderful that you can be home again. Sounds like you still have many hills to climb, but you are making it and I continue to pray for your recovery.
Speaking of your therapist, yes, we in the south do have a different way of expressing ourselves. When I visit my granddaughter in NY, I have to tell her friends to slow down, it takes me longer to process their words than it takes them to say them.
Praying for continued healing,
Yours in Christ,
June Calhoun
De Ridder, LA
I miss you so much! Take care and know that your New York friends are thinking of you always.
Love You!
Skristin Van Hogue
Jonathan,
To know that you were at the blue house on Granny White makes me want to jump and shout. Actually, it makes me want to sing, but ...we'll just leave it at that.
As I read your blog two songs that so many children love came to mind: "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love, Our God is an awesome God!". "My God is so big, so strong and so mighty there's nothing my God cannot do...."
I am so thankful He made you with the strong will that you possess. I am proud that you have chosen to use it, with His guidance, to see you through to this point.
I will look forward to seeing you.
Now, about my relatives that are there helping you in rehab! haha You be kind to them, you hear? Welcome back to Tennessee (emphasis on Tenn.)
Love and prayers for your continued healing
Karen
Jonathan,
It is so good to hear your words again. Jake had dropped me off at the door of the church for Matthew's wedding last night, but when he came in, the first thing he said was that he had seen you. I was so glad to know that you were able to make it, even if for a little while. I wish I had stayed with him now, I would have loved to have seen you. I will definately be out to see you sometime this week (now that we have permission). It is a busy time for us as tommorrow is June 20th, the day our fireworks locations open for the season. Jake and Will are both working with their dad now so they are feeling the pressure also. What a crazy business! Anyway, I'm so happy for you that you were able to go home for a while. I know your house has never looked so good to you. Prayers continue for healing and strength. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Elisabeth
Jonathan,
Your presence as a part of the wedding was a wish come true for Matthew and Brittney! Thank you for enduring your uncomfortableness to put your blessings on their special day. Thanks to your Mom and Nicole for "springing you" and sharing you with all of us for a few hours. Your satellite message on Friday night was a great surprise to all there and was followed with a fireworks display to celebrate a wedding and your miracle of survival. The newlyweds will be to see you, I'm sure, when they get home. Hopefully, they'll only have to come down Granny White Pike.
Your courage is an inspiration to us all. May the Lord bless you with healing and progress, even if it is in small amounts, each and every day.
Love,
All of the Griffiths, including the new one now - Matthew, Brittney, Cole, Ward, and Attilla
hey yeah, the whole "god" and "Jeuse" thing is awesome, by the way, check out my blog
sausagethoughts.blogspot.com
note: valve covers....the true cover-up
hey yeah, the whole "god" and "Jeuse" thing is awesome, by the way, check out my blog
sausagethoughts.blogspot.com
note: valve covers....the true cover-up
Jonathan, wonderful to read you. I am so glad your home. Now that you have opened the visitor's door, I will be by soon. We were scared to visit after Tim Woodroof's warning. :)
To: Nancy W.
I want to be sure I give proper credit. The puns were not mine but a friend who is too shy to blog but was naive enough to share them with me. I have to say, I am amazed and touched by your upbeat posts, especially the one commenting on the puns. I just today was made aware of the circumstances in which that post was left. You must be one strong and faithful woman. I am deeply moved.
Tony
Jonathan, So wonderful that you have been able to "get around" a little in Nashville!! Stay positive...focus on the progress. It is such a miracle that you have come so far, even though it seems you have some distance to go. We look forward to a visit with you soon. Until then we pray for you...courage to face each day, strength to challenge yourself, and comfort for your body and soul. All of us in "Blogland" love you and are inspired by you. The Evans (Jackson)
Hey all you Shaubs!
So glad to hear about the move home! Jonathan I know that sometimes the road is tough and there seems to be no end in sight. Just keep believing that God will see you through this journey. Satan wants to stop your progress... He is trying to get you down-don't let him win! You can do this rehab thing, I know it! Give yourself 10 minutes to be down in the dumps, then grit your teeth and get back to work! Think of 2-a-days at Vandy and how much you all hated them; but you could see the rewards later on down the road.
I am continuing to pray for your physical and spiritual strength. I am happy you are home and would love to come and visit. We have to discuss your choice for the most recent American Idol(tsk,tsk, tsk) Hurry up and heal those toes, so I can bring polish and paint them for you!!(LOL)
Love to you all and I will plan to come and visit soon.
Kimmy
Okey dokey, now Jonathan. This good ol' East Nashville girl's feelings were smarting a little at your description of those around you there at the old Miller Clinic. I had my head sewn up there once and have had many a tetanus shot there for stepping on rusty nails and such. Shoot, half my fam'ly lives in spittin' distance of the place. So, you young Brentwood whippersnapper, watch that mouth of your'n 'cause you just might have to take on one of those old gents there with your cane.
Praise God that you are home (Nashville) and I pray that, yes, next week you will truly be home, as Karen said, in the blue house on Granny White. Thank you for your blogging. I love you, Marilyn
Jonathan,
It was sooo good to see you on Saturday (as I repeated over and over). You look great (not that you don't always look great!). I just want you to know how I admire your strength and endurance. I love you!!!
Curry
Jonathan,
Thanks for sharing so eloquently. I praise God that you were "at home" even though it was for a short time and that you were a part of Matthew’s wedding. I am continuing to ask God to for healing, flexibility and strength for you. I love the picture of your running through grass. That will be another occasion for celebration. I love you.
Lynn
Jonathan, I wrote a note when I first heard of your injury to your family. I am an aunt of Seth McInteer and older sister of Melinda. I have continually followed the amazing accounts of your recovery written by various family members and friends. I am sure that there are many like me who read and never write. Your story is a beautiful and uplifting one and I'm so grateful for the God given recovery and answer to so many prayers. Many you won't ever even know about have been praying daily for your recovery. Thank you for your faith, strength, and wonderful example and thanks to your family for letting us know about it.
Sincerely,
Gwen Pickard
You are an inspiration to all! THANK YOU! Erin Keckley
Jonathan,
Just knowing that you are back in Nashville is a comfort and a testimony to the power of prayer and love.
We love you,
Paul and June Turner
David, Mashea and Jessica
It was through a chance phone call tonight with Michael Ewing that I found out about your accident. Kim and I (we also have a 2 1/2 year old son, Palmer) are praying for your full recovery and healing. It's is obvious, in reading the other entries, that your family, as well as yout extended Christian family have been loving you and taking care of you. We will also be praying for your mom, dad and sisters.
We miss you and pray an opportunity to see you soon.
Randy Speck
You probably don't remember me, but my husband and I were Bible teachers at WEBE. We have been following your progress through West End's email. You have been in our prayers. Praise God that you have survived and that you are looking to him to get you through the rest of this "journey." God Bless!
Tara Wilhelm
ATTENTION, anyone who reads the blogs I post,
My son Joey did NOT say
"he know SO many words mom",
he instead said,
"he KNOWS (with and 's') SO many words mom"
Thank you for your time and attention.
JD,
Hope this is a good day for you and that you are close to going home.
lots of love,
lots of prayer,
ginge
Jonathan,
I am writing from Eugene Oregon where my dad, mom, and I have been since Saturday helping an incredible church, Christ Fellowship with an Art Camp, a VBS, and different odd jobs. I am so glad to hear you are enjoying being back in Nashville. Remember, there are going to be hard, daunting days, but Christ has conquered the ultimate enemy, Satan! Last night, in the elementary school cafeteria where Christ Fellowhip meets, we were encouraged by Pastor Tony to encourage and bless those who have already become special to us this week. I sincerely wished that I could hug you personally and to offer you words of blessing and edification. Brother J, you have become a hero of mine even though I do not know you personally. Even more, the power of a resurrected, living Savior has been glorified through you and in you as you have continued to depend on his love, power, and mercy. I love you J. Keep fighting and praising. Be blessed.
Lauren Cunningham
Abilene
J Bo, hope you are doing OK today. We are glad that you are back in Nashville and hope you get out of the rehab place soon. I'm jealous of all the people who have gotten to spend a little time with you. We still think of you often and pray for continued healing.
We all yearn for new words from you, Jonathan. Please update and let us know how you are doing. Continued prayers for you all...
GO JOHNNY GO :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jonathan,
Though I haven't blogged you in a while, you are in my daily prayers. I long to see your face. I thank God for his faithfulness to you and your family through this ordeal. I know you have a long road ahead of you, but I trust that God who has seen you to this point will continue to see you through.
Still on my knees,
Pat
Jonathan,
I am so very glad that you're home in Nashville-- I KNOW your family is extremely thankful!
I so enjoyed reading the blog that you wrote a few days ago, now. You and your sis' all write so eloquently. :)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings concerning the situation now and the road ahead. I can only imagine that the road ahead sometimes seems unbelievably long, but you have ridden this wave of your life as beautifully as anyone could've done!
Know that our prayers continue to go up daily for you, and I still look forward to visiting with you and your family when we can.
May God continue to shed blessings daily.... Love to you all,
Christy
Hey John you are constantly in my prayers. I will stop by and see you soon when you have a little more time to get adjusted once again to home. Love you, Donald Harris
Jonathan,
Still checking everyday and praying that all is well. Looking forward to hearing some good news on your progress!! Hope that your next blog to us is from home where you will be for the rest of this journey.
hugs
love
ginge
Can one of the Shaubs PLEEEEEZZZE update the blog???? There are so many of us who check twice a day to see if there is an update. We continue to pray for you daily. Just let us know how you all are,we love you. Your Vandy friends
JUST DO IT...PLEASE! WE MISS YOU!
Will someone in Nashville please blog and let us know where the Shaubs are and how they are all doing? We need to hear from them. Thank you.
Jonathan,
Tim Hardiman from Channel 2 here. The last time we spoke was on the football field last fall at Lipscomb. Needless to say, a lot has happened since then.
We were shocked and saddend by the news of your accident, but relieved to hear your recovery is going well.
I didn't know how to contact you until I did a google search and found this blog. I just wanted to wish you well and let you know I'm really happy you're back home in Nashville.
Hang in there bro!
Tim Hardiman
News 2 Sports.
Dear JDS,
Even though I check your blog often and do not see any update, I know you are being challenged with this latest "adventure." We are all still praying for this phase to be super productive on your road to your new normal. We are all still anxiously awaiting a report of that progress.
Never forget that God is good and He is faithful. You will always find His strength in your efforts. Your family and friends and caregivers provide the fringe benefits. Since we lost Sallye I believe stronger than ever that our Lord God writes "the orders." This is His day, let's rejoice and be glad.
Continuing prayers for and love to all the Shaubs,
Nancy
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