Let me start by saying I am deeply sorry for the lack of updates because this in no way reflects the amount of progress Uncle John has made these last few days. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives, that I almost forgot what I was being called to do. So for all of you avid blog readers, I am sorry. I feel like God has given me such an amazing honor to be the one to deliver news about our quiet giant, and I certainly don't want to take that for granted. Now, onto what Uncle John has been up to these last few days.....
What do eating, drinking, breathing, walking, reading, and talking all have in common? Well, these are all things we have become masters at and now perform on a daily basis without a second thought. However, for Uncle John these simple tasks have become his days work. He works very intensly every day for about an hour to an hour and a half with speech, physical, and occupational therapy at relearning and 're-mastering' these seemingly simple tasks. I am so glad Uncle John has the strength and courage to work this hard day in and day out. I have heard first hand from both Uncle John and his family that he has made incredible strides in all of these areas. I am so pleased to report that the other day he not only walked further than the day before, but he also walked on his own. WOW! He still has quite a long way to go, but I am still so amazed that walking on his own is now a goal! The trauma to his body and brain can improve with time, but it is a lot of work! Uncle John also got his first haircut in almost two months. I think he was starting to dig his elvis do, but he knows it is about time to get back to his old self, so the 'do' had to go.
Every day John moves closer and closer to going home, but I hope we can all continue to carry the lessons that we have learned during this next phase. We have all been called to be a part of John's journey in some way, shape, and form. For whatever reason, God has chosen to use John to help heal so many broken hearts and restore so many people's faith in God. His story has inspired so many people across the country to believe that with God in your life, NOTHING is impossible.
Uncle John is starting to come to terms with all that he has been through, and has gained a new found peace in his own life and understanding that he is exactly where he is supposed to be. Uncle John has always been a believer, but his faith as been reaffirmed through this experience because it is so apparent that God truly is in control and He will provide just what we need....all we have to do is believe! Just as we have been so touched by Uncle John's steadfast faith and courage to trust in God's plan, he too has been touched and in awe of all of you. Aunt Maureen told me today that the part that makes her the happiest is seeing Uncle John recognize the amount of love that so many people have for him. He is such a humble man, and is truly in awe of the outpouring of love and kindness from all of you.
I want to leave you with a scene from a book that Uncle John is currently reading thanks to his amazing daughters. It is called The Shack, and this scene is Jesus' response to Mack when he talks about his fears for the future.
Mack: “Why do I have so much fear in my life?”
Jesus: “Because you don’t believe. You don’t know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love… to the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe that I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it; you talk about it, but you don’t know it”.......If you knew I was good, and that everything-the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives-is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Step by Step
By God's good grace, Uncle John has made a great step forward, literally! He walked 40 feet the other day with the help of a walker and a physical therapist near by. WOW! What an amazing accomplishment for someone who experienced all that John has been through. He is also eating now completely on his own. So hopefully the feeding tube will be out soon.
As we have all witnessed, Uncle John has this incredible resilience that will not be broken. I still remember his face that evening this whole thing transpired, and even then you could tell he was fighting hard to stay a live... and he is still fighting. Each day brings more and more steps in the right direction but he still has a long road ahead. It is nice to finally hear the possibility of him going home is in the near future, whenever that may be.
As someone reminded me today, when things get bad, you just have to keep the faith. Well, this is exactly what the Hannan family and Uncle John have done. Actually we have all done this on John's behalf. As a Christian community, we have come together and helped to keep John and his family lifted up through our prayers and thoughtful actions. The title of this blog is called the power of prayer because I truly believe that God has heard every single breath of prayer since the beginning of this journey. He had a plan all along for Uncle John, but I like to think our prayers helped 'encourage' His plan.
God bless all of you for keeping this family in your daily prayers. Please keep it up! Have a great weekend!
As we have all witnessed, Uncle John has this incredible resilience that will not be broken. I still remember his face that evening this whole thing transpired, and even then you could tell he was fighting hard to stay a live... and he is still fighting. Each day brings more and more steps in the right direction but he still has a long road ahead. It is nice to finally hear the possibility of him going home is in the near future, whenever that may be.
As someone reminded me today, when things get bad, you just have to keep the faith. Well, this is exactly what the Hannan family and Uncle John have done. Actually we have all done this on John's behalf. As a Christian community, we have come together and helped to keep John and his family lifted up through our prayers and thoughtful actions. The title of this blog is called the power of prayer because I truly believe that God has heard every single breath of prayer since the beginning of this journey. He had a plan all along for Uncle John, but I like to think our prayers helped 'encourage' His plan.
God bless all of you for keeping this family in your daily prayers. Please keep it up! Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Second Chances
I want to thank everyone once again for all of the prayers for Uncle John. He is able to fight so hard because of the amazing person he is, but also because of the many people supporting him through love and prayer on a daily basis.
Here is the latest update from Aunt Maureen sent yesterday:
Uncle John enjoyed a busy day today. Gavin spent the night at the hospital with John last night. Since Matt and Gavin were on spring break, they both spent a good amount of time filling in brackets preparing for March Madness.. If this had to happen, it was so considerate of the Lord to pick the time of March Madness and the Master's Golf tournament for John to have a front row seat with the T.V. John has joked that he might have a new career as a "bracketologist". Today there were also plenty of jokes about John's new Elvis Presley hairdo. (It's been two months since John had his last haircut.)
John has done very well since the trach was removed. Yesterday, he fatigued alittle easier after alot of conversation, but today he enjoyed visiting with old friends and family and Fr. Bryce. He seemed to really enjoy these visits. He sat up in a chair twice for an hour each time. His energy seems to be improving with each day. The highlight of today was John bending his left arm and working his biceps as he and Matt call it. This is the first time John has been able to pull his arm up toward his chest. Everyone in the room cheered ! John told me tonight, he is determined to work as hard as he can to get back as much as he can since his stroke.
Tomorrow is a big day! John is moving to the acute rehab center at Virginia Hospital Center! He will be doing 3 hours of therapy per day. Please continue to pray that John's will to fight through the challenges that lie ahead will remain strong. We are so grateful for his sense of humor and his acceptance of God's will. John told me this weekend, he believes that God looked in His book of John's life and said Your work is not finished and sent him back to us. Thank You God for second chances.
Here is the latest update from Aunt Maureen sent yesterday:
Uncle John enjoyed a busy day today. Gavin spent the night at the hospital with John last night. Since Matt and Gavin were on spring break, they both spent a good amount of time filling in brackets preparing for March Madness.. If this had to happen, it was so considerate of the Lord to pick the time of March Madness and the Master's Golf tournament for John to have a front row seat with the T.V. John has joked that he might have a new career as a "bracketologist". Today there were also plenty of jokes about John's new Elvis Presley hairdo. (It's been two months since John had his last haircut.)
John has done very well since the trach was removed. Yesterday, he fatigued alittle easier after alot of conversation, but today he enjoyed visiting with old friends and family and Fr. Bryce. He seemed to really enjoy these visits. He sat up in a chair twice for an hour each time. His energy seems to be improving with each day. The highlight of today was John bending his left arm and working his biceps as he and Matt call it. This is the first time John has been able to pull his arm up toward his chest. Everyone in the room cheered ! John told me tonight, he is determined to work as hard as he can to get back as much as he can since his stroke.
Tomorrow is a big day! John is moving to the acute rehab center at Virginia Hospital Center! He will be doing 3 hours of therapy per day. Please continue to pray that John's will to fight through the challenges that lie ahead will remain strong. We are so grateful for his sense of humor and his acceptance of God's will. John told me this weekend, he believes that God looked in His book of John's life and said Your work is not finished and sent him back to us. Thank You God for second chances.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
According to john
I just wanted everyone to know I heard from Uncle John's mouth that the tracheotomy is out, and he ' is doing better'. Thank God he was able to find the strength to overcome this obstacle! It was so surreal to hear Uncle John's voice on the phone after 5 weeks. It was by far the highlight of my day! I just feel so blessed to be a part of this great man's life, and I am sure we can all agree that it is such an honor to stand witness to the miracles God has shown us through John.
The plan is to move him to an acute rehab center tomorrow. We need to all say a prayer that the plans for rehab can continue without any complications. According to Uncle John, he has a new found appreciation for his own life and all of the small things it has to offer. What he doesn't know is that he has given all of us a new found appreciation and perspective on our lives. And for that we will be forever indebted to him, and we need to continue to walk along side of him as he moves forward on the path to complete recovery!
I wanted to remind everyone who is interested to click on the picture to the right and enter to win $7000 and help out our local hero along the way! Thanks again!!
The plan is to move him to an acute rehab center tomorrow. We need to all say a prayer that the plans for rehab can continue without any complications. According to Uncle John, he has a new found appreciation for his own life and all of the small things it has to offer. What he doesn't know is that he has given all of us a new found appreciation and perspective on our lives. And for that we will be forever indebted to him, and we need to continue to walk along side of him as he moves forward on the path to complete recovery!
I wanted to remind everyone who is interested to click on the picture to the right and enter to win $7000 and help out our local hero along the way! Thanks again!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Better late than never....
The title of this blog refers to both me and Uncle John. I am sorry I am so late in updating the blog, but better late than never. And I know Uncle John wants to be back to his healthy and strong self a lot sooner than it is happening, but all I can say is BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! For those that don't know me, I currently work on a cardiac floor as a nurse, and this past week we had a gentleman lose his life from a similar complication that Uncle John experienced. He too was in his 60's. My purpose is sharing this news is simply to remind everyone that Uncle John's journey TRULY is a miracle by all accounts. According to medical knowledge and standards, he should not be here. However, thank heaven that God is above all human knowledge, because obviously He has a lot more work to be done with and through Uncle John.
Now for the update...well, Uncle John continues to make great strides each day. He is working VERY hard with occupational and physical therapy to regain strength. He continues to get more and more stronger everyday in his left side. As Aunt Maureen described, 'He is now lifting his leg and bending his knee and getting those muscles ready for his next tee time'. He is very lucky to have a future PT (his son Matt) in the family, which has been very beneficial in helping John with his daily exercises. The doctors have also started to downsize his tracheotomy since Tuesday, and the plan is to completely remove the trach today or tomorrow. What an amazing accomplishment on Uncle John's part. This is once again another example of what a tremendous fighter John is because this was no easy task. The next step is to move Uncle John in the next few days to an acute rehab facility. We need to pray that their are no further complications, and that he can continue on with this new phase in his recovery.
His spirits have been up this past week, and he has enjoyed spending every waking moment with his family. He is on less pain medication, so he is much more engaged these days. His boys are on spring break so they have been keeping him company and helping him with his March Madness bracket. I can't say it enough, how good it is to hear that Uncle JOhn really is back.
I will leave you with a kind message from Aunt Maureen to all of you:
We have learned to treasure John and one another. We have also learned to appreciate all of those who have helped us along
the way. There is no way we can ever repay you for all you have done to carry us through this, except to tell each of you we
love you and are forever grateful. There is no doubt in my mind that John is drawing much strength from knowing that so
many are praying for him and loving him through this journey.
Maureen
We love you Uncle John, and we too are forever grateful for the lessons you have taught us these past few weeks. You have touched our lives more than you will ever know. Keep fighting because there are a lot of people that need to see you outside the walls of a hospital with that famous smile on your face!
Now for the update...well, Uncle John continues to make great strides each day. He is working VERY hard with occupational and physical therapy to regain strength. He continues to get more and more stronger everyday in his left side. As Aunt Maureen described, 'He is now lifting his leg and bending his knee and getting those muscles ready for his next tee time'. He is very lucky to have a future PT (his son Matt) in the family, which has been very beneficial in helping John with his daily exercises. The doctors have also started to downsize his tracheotomy since Tuesday, and the plan is to completely remove the trach today or tomorrow. What an amazing accomplishment on Uncle John's part. This is once again another example of what a tremendous fighter John is because this was no easy task. The next step is to move Uncle John in the next few days to an acute rehab facility. We need to pray that their are no further complications, and that he can continue on with this new phase in his recovery.
His spirits have been up this past week, and he has enjoyed spending every waking moment with his family. He is on less pain medication, so he is much more engaged these days. His boys are on spring break so they have been keeping him company and helping him with his March Madness bracket. I can't say it enough, how good it is to hear that Uncle JOhn really is back.
I will leave you with a kind message from Aunt Maureen to all of you:
We have learned to treasure John and one another. We have also learned to appreciate all of those who have helped us along
the way. There is no way we can ever repay you for all you have done to carry us through this, except to tell each of you we
love you and are forever grateful. There is no doubt in my mind that John is drawing much strength from knowing that so
many are praying for him and loving him through this journey.
Maureen
We love you Uncle John, and we too are forever grateful for the lessons you have taught us these past few weeks. You have touched our lives more than you will ever know. Keep fighting because there are a lot of people that need to see you outside the walls of a hospital with that famous smile on your face!
Monday, March 16, 2009
A new phase in recovery
Aunt Maureen has sent the following update regarding John's physical status. I want to ask everyone to continue to pray for his physical healing, but also that John can continue to gain mental strength to keep up the fight. With each step he takes, Uncle John is faced with the reality and magnitude of all that his body has been through. I pray that Uncle John will know that just as we all supported his family while his body and mind were 'resting', we will all walk beside him now that he is awake and help him in anyway we can. Please continue to leave words of encouragement. Uncle John could use some
From Aunt Maureen:
I can't believe all of the progress Uncle John has made throughout the last 48 to 72 hours. As you may recall when he left the ICU on Wednesday to be transferred to Virginia Hospital Center, he had been able to be off the ventilator for 12 hours. Well since Friday at 7:00 a.m., Uncle John is completely off the ventilator. He is still on what they call a trach mask which provides moisture and some oxygen support, but John is basically breathing on his own. Friday, Uncle John was able to drink Ice cold water for the first time since February 4th. As John described it, he felt like, " he had just left the Sahara desert". How easily we take for granted little things like drinking cold water. Yesterday morning, John was given his first soft diet. It was amazing to see that eating for the first time since this began was no small task. After a few bites of oatmeal, John started coughing and felt like something was stuck in his throat, but by yesterday evening( Saturday), the whole process went a lot smoother. This was helped along because the doctor decided it was time to downsize his tracheostomy. He returned today and took out the trach and replaced it with the next size down. This represents a huge step toward removing the trach all together. The doctor hopes that this task will be accomplished by the end of this week.
We were also told that John may have a small infection from a sample that was taken from John's lungs when he arrived on Wednesday. Though his White Blood Count looked good and there was no fever, it was decided to start an antibiotic to be on the safe side. If all goes well, John could be off the trach by the end of the week and off to acute rehab by the end of next week. Today, the trach was downsized and John suddenly became much more comfortable while eating.
Each of these small steps represent a new step toward regaining John's independence.
One of the highlights of today for both John and I were being able to receive the Eucharist together. We watched a Mass from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and were able to receive communion together. It is amazing the things we take for granted. John has been visited many times over the past 5 weeks by Fr. Bryce, Fr. Valentine Keveny, Fr. Lee Fangmeyer, and Fr. Martin,. We are so appreciative of all of their prayers and support, but each time John was unable to receive communion because he couldn't swallow while on the Ventilator. Since John has been able to recover from the sedation of some of the medication, John has commented on how he missed going to Mass. We turned on the T.V. this morning and one of the first things we found was the Mass for the homebound and ill. Fifteen minutes later, a representative from St. Ann's church in Arlington came to John's room and offered him the Eucharist. For John and I, sharing the Eucharist has been a source of strength and grace in our marriage, so it seemed so fitting that we would have the opportunity to receive it together, so soon after John was able to begin swallowing and eating. Thank you, Lord. I couldn't help but think of how easily we take for granted being able to receive the Lord in the Eucharist until all of a sudden you can't. Then all of a sudden you realize what a gift it is truly is to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. One of the hardest parts of this whole experience for me has been not being able to attend Mass with John. Though my kids have been wonderful about attending Mass with me to pray for their dad's healing, I have dearly missed him. My prayer is that we never again take for granted what a gift the Eucharist is or the ability to receive it together.
One of the other realities that the last few days has brought is the new awareness on John's part of what has really happened to him. John was so ill through the first several weeks following his initial events that John really had no concept of what he had really been through and what a miracle it is that God provided the people and the skills to save his life that night. As John has continued to improve and advanced past the ICU, reality is starting to sink in. One of the things that has amazed him the most is that his body temperature was cooled to 18 Degrees during his initial surgery. He has affectionately been given the nickname, the "Iceman". In any event, John has a renewed appreciation for the fragility of his life and of all of our lives. He also has a renewed commitment to appreciate the moments and the people in his life. He also plans on enjoying life and avoiding stress. He would wish the same for each of you. As we enter this new phase of John's recovery, please pray that John will have the grace to see that each small step of accomplishment takes him one step closer to healing. I would also pray that each of us will continue to have the faith to continue to surrender this process to God's plan and continue to trust in His providence.
Amen.
From Aunt Maureen:
I can't believe all of the progress Uncle John has made throughout the last 48 to 72 hours. As you may recall when he left the ICU on Wednesday to be transferred to Virginia Hospital Center, he had been able to be off the ventilator for 12 hours. Well since Friday at 7:00 a.m., Uncle John is completely off the ventilator. He is still on what they call a trach mask which provides moisture and some oxygen support, but John is basically breathing on his own. Friday, Uncle John was able to drink Ice cold water for the first time since February 4th. As John described it, he felt like, " he had just left the Sahara desert". How easily we take for granted little things like drinking cold water. Yesterday morning, John was given his first soft diet. It was amazing to see that eating for the first time since this began was no small task. After a few bites of oatmeal, John started coughing and felt like something was stuck in his throat, but by yesterday evening( Saturday), the whole process went a lot smoother. This was helped along because the doctor decided it was time to downsize his tracheostomy. He returned today and took out the trach and replaced it with the next size down. This represents a huge step toward removing the trach all together. The doctor hopes that this task will be accomplished by the end of this week.
We were also told that John may have a small infection from a sample that was taken from John's lungs when he arrived on Wednesday. Though his White Blood Count looked good and there was no fever, it was decided to start an antibiotic to be on the safe side. If all goes well, John could be off the trach by the end of the week and off to acute rehab by the end of next week. Today, the trach was downsized and John suddenly became much more comfortable while eating.
Each of these small steps represent a new step toward regaining John's independence.
One of the highlights of today for both John and I were being able to receive the Eucharist together. We watched a Mass from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and were able to receive communion together. It is amazing the things we take for granted. John has been visited many times over the past 5 weeks by Fr. Bryce, Fr. Valentine Keveny, Fr. Lee Fangmeyer, and Fr. Martin,. We are so appreciative of all of their prayers and support, but each time John was unable to receive communion because he couldn't swallow while on the Ventilator. Since John has been able to recover from the sedation of some of the medication, John has commented on how he missed going to Mass. We turned on the T.V. this morning and one of the first things we found was the Mass for the homebound and ill. Fifteen minutes later, a representative from St. Ann's church in Arlington came to John's room and offered him the Eucharist. For John and I, sharing the Eucharist has been a source of strength and grace in our marriage, so it seemed so fitting that we would have the opportunity to receive it together, so soon after John was able to begin swallowing and eating. Thank you, Lord. I couldn't help but think of how easily we take for granted being able to receive the Lord in the Eucharist until all of a sudden you can't. Then all of a sudden you realize what a gift it is truly is to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. One of the hardest parts of this whole experience for me has been not being able to attend Mass with John. Though my kids have been wonderful about attending Mass with me to pray for their dad's healing, I have dearly missed him. My prayer is that we never again take for granted what a gift the Eucharist is or the ability to receive it together.
One of the other realities that the last few days has brought is the new awareness on John's part of what has really happened to him. John was so ill through the first several weeks following his initial events that John really had no concept of what he had really been through and what a miracle it is that God provided the people and the skills to save his life that night. As John has continued to improve and advanced past the ICU, reality is starting to sink in. One of the things that has amazed him the most is that his body temperature was cooled to 18 Degrees during his initial surgery. He has affectionately been given the nickname, the "Iceman". In any event, John has a renewed appreciation for the fragility of his life and of all of our lives. He also has a renewed commitment to appreciate the moments and the people in his life. He also plans on enjoying life and avoiding stress. He would wish the same for each of you. As we enter this new phase of John's recovery, please pray that John will have the grace to see that each small step of accomplishment takes him one step closer to healing. I would also pray that each of us will continue to have the faith to continue to surrender this process to God's plan and continue to trust in His providence.
Amen.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Let God's Work Shine
First and foremost, thank you to all who have already contributed to the Hannan's in their time of need. Your generosity is overwhelming to say the least. As we have all seen, Uncle John has undeniably been the miracle many of us have been searching for. He is living proof of the amazing power God can have in our life when we just believe. I know now is a time for trial for a lot of people, especially financially these days. I am asking each of you to reach deep into your heart and be able to give back something big or small to this wonderful man. It is now our time to be the miracle that this family needs right now. We have the power to continue to let God shine, and through your help we can let God work through us to meet the needs of the Hannan family.
The family and friends of John Hannan have set up a raffle and the proceeds will help with mounting medical costs for Uncle John. If you want to buy a chance to win three cash prizes (1st prize - $7000, 2nd prize - $2500, 3rd prize - $500) and help the Hannans, you can go to the link www.hannanfund.org. This link will bring you to a secure site so you can purchase raffle tickets by credit card. If anyone wants a raffle ticket but prefers to pay by check, contact one of the following people.
Margaret Guilday - margaret.guilday@adams-burch.com
Mike Guilday - mike.guilday@adams-burch.com
Mike Harper - michael.harper@summitmarketing
Andy Hamilton - andrew.hamilton@us.pwc.com
Joene Gessner - jgessner@gingery.net
Dorrie Gleason - djgleason04@msn.com
Shannon Elie - shannone6@verizon.net
Bob & Kelly Corbey - starsigns@comcast.net
The winning ticket will be drawn on April 18th. We will sell only 750 tickets, so hurry an buy one today!
The family and friends of John Hannan have set up a raffle and the proceeds will help with mounting medical costs for Uncle John. If you want to buy a chance to win three cash prizes (1st prize - $7000, 2nd prize - $2500, 3rd prize - $500) and help the Hannans, you can go to the link www.hannanfund.org. This link will bring you to a secure site so you can purchase raffle tickets by credit card. If anyone wants a raffle ticket but prefers to pay by check, contact one of the following people.
Margaret Guilday - margaret.guilday@adams-burch.com
Mike Guilday - mike.guilday@adams-burch.com
Mike Harper - michael.harper@summitmarketing
Andy Hamilton - andrew.hamilton@us.pwc.com
Joene Gessner - jgessner@gingery.net
Dorrie Gleason - djgleason04@msn.com
Shannon Elie - shannone6@verizon.net
Bob & Kelly Corbey - starsigns@comcast.net
The winning ticket will be drawn on April 18th. We will sell only 750 tickets, so hurry an buy one today!
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