We started tree planting yesterday at the nursery! As a grower, tree planting is my favorite time of the year. I think Jamie would agree. We have always made it a family affair - the kids grew up alongside of us in the field, my mom always makes lunch for everyone, Chris & Marlee bring their crews to help out, Chris drives the tractor, extra high school or college kids hanging around join the crew temporarily - like I said, it’s a favorite time of year for all of those reasons!  

Right after Joey’s accident, Jamie & I had an initial thought to cancel planting this season.  With our spring season upon us we were faced with lots of unknowns, and we were overwhelmed with the entire situation our family was facing. So for a brief moment, we thought about skipping a year of planting. But then just as quickly, we realized that this spring more than ever, we need to plant trees. We need to plant hope! 

Joey had recently taken over the liner ordering part of the nursery business and had all of the orders set up and ready to go, so we decided it was best to stick to the plan. Last week, we received 7 semi loads of new tree liners. On Sunday, Jamie & I took a drive up to see Joey for the day. We brought our planting maps and lists, and together with Joey made the planting strategy for the 2025 season. Joey was on top of it and knew exactly how he wanted the blocks laid out. Zach took a few days off from his work to help out this week, and together with Maggie they are learning to lead this season’s planting operation. Today is Zach’s 30th birthday, and he is spending it planting Oaks & Elms with Maggie! I am so proud of both of them and how they have each pivoted quickly to help cover Joey’s roles at the nursery as well as several of mine. It’s so fun to have everyone’s help and support to get our new crop in the ground and growing!

Joey continues to recover at Elevate Care Abington in Glenview. He had some encouraging doctor appointments last week. At his ortho visit, he was upgraded to being able to stand, pivot, and transfer himself from bed to wheelchair to car - huge steps towards full mobility soon! His bones are continuing to heal better than expected, and his doctors are pleased with his recovery so far. Our original plan was for him to go to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for acute rehab once he is officially weight bearing on his legs. Now that the timeline is approaching for the next step, we are reconsidering that option. Joey is healing better than expected, and he also does not seem to have any of the cognitive issues common with traumatic head injuries. He will continue to have lots of follow up doctor visits throughout the next few months. To remain consistent with his doctor care at Advocate, we are now looking at doing the acute rehab program at Advocate Lutheran General. The doctors and nurses at Advocate (along with his angel nurse & paramedics) literally saved Joey’s life and put him back together - allowing him to even get to this point of recovery. Because of all of that, we all think it might be best for him to finish out his rehab in Advocate’s acute program. He will have another ortho visit next week, and we should have a better idea then on when he can start a more aggressive rehab program. We will consider both options - Shirley Ryan versus Advocate - and pick whichever one makes the most sense and gives Joey the best option for being able to come home after the acute rehab program is complete. It is amazing to us that we are getting to this point, and that Joey will have the possibility for a full recovery. We are so lucky!

Joey loves all of the cards and messages of encouragement and support that have been coming his way. I have been adding them to the wall in his room so he is surrounded by everyone’s bright and cheerful love! Thanks to friends who have been dropping off meals, cookies, snacks, etc. It has all been so much appreciated by Joey and our whole family! Joey will most likely be at Elevate for another week or two. Then hopefully by early May he can transition to an acute rehab program for another few weeks. Hopefully by the time he can come home and back to the nursery, our newly planted crop will be waiting for him to start pruning! Joey is definitely missing being out on the planting crew this spring, but he understands that patience is key right now - in healing and growing trees!

My pics today are of the promise of tomorrow - tree planting with Zach & Maggie and our amazing SGN Crew! Thanks to my brother Chris for driving the tractor all week and my mom for her awesome tree planting lunches. This spring we are all growing in so many ways and we are so thankful for our deep roots to keep us grounded during this crazy season of life!