One year ago today, we began a journey with an uncertain future when Janelle experienced an ischemic stroke shortly after she awoke. Thankfully, Tom’s First Responder background allowed him to recognize the symptoms quickly. We raced through the 10 inches of snow that had fallen the day before to the ER. We transferred to Sanford Children’s where we spent time in the pediatric ICU going through a battery of tests.  We moved to a regular room while we absorbed the fact that Janelle would need significant rehabilitation. We toured a couple options and chose Sanford Adult In Patient Rehab, where we spent a little over 4 weeks with some of the very best therapists we could have asked for. Going home day was one of the best days ever! We had a walker and wheelchair, but Janelle was mobile and she hasn’t stopped since.

We are so incredibly blessed and grateful to our village that has seen us through this past year. You all know who you are. Your visits that began Day 1 and continued through our stay, your emails, prayers, calls and caring bridge support kept us going through some of the darkest and toughest days we could imagine. We are blessed beyond belief and thank all of you, but especially thank our good and merciful God. God’s blessings to each of you. Wishing you a Happy Easter with all our love. 

I’ve uploaded a couple recent pics-Janelle playing in the State Basketball Special Olympics Tournaments and attending prom last weekend.