An old friend found the finished video I was watching on her itouch the other day. Thought I’d share it with you all.
Patience.
Dedication.
Enduring faith.
Unstoppable hope.
Strength.
Determination.
Perseverance.
Grace.
An advocate.
Courageous.
Devoted.
Compassionate.
Conviction.
Generosity.
Committed.
Tenacious.
Inspirational.
Extraordinary.
THAT is my wife.
I’m having a rough go of it today.
The Wednesday after this happened, I prayed for the strength of Samson, the wisdom of Solomon, and the courage of Daniel. If I get a couple of others in there, I’ll be Shazam.
So, this morning, I woke up needing some encouragement. I was looking for a particular post Anissa did about me. I just spent the past 20 minutes or so scrolling around her website and can’t find the one I’m looking for, but what I did find was laughter. It was like scrolling through a scrapbook, and I could hear those words coming out of her mouth.
Yesterday they turned the breathing machine down to its lowest setting. A good sign. For about 10 hours, she was essentially breathing on her own, and was just exhausted at the end of it. There were some moments of encouragement. I’m 100% positive she saw us and was trying to communicate with us. She kept her eyes open for a good 2 hours. We THINK that’s because she was uncomfortable and unable to sleep. We gave her some meds for that. I was hoping for fireworks. I told her that we were going to get up. 1-2-3, get up. She tried. Lifted her head, arched her back and pushed with all her might.
Not yet. Not even close, but the encouraging thing is she’s trying.
Today, I’m making videos of the kids to take up. They want to help. Peyton’s having the toughest time these days. She misses her mom. She used to sneak her way into our bed and crawl in between us. As a parent, you sometimes turn a blind eye to things…this was one of ours. Last night, I got to hold onto Peyton for most of the night. Not as good as her mommy, but it got us through.
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
You’re right she is all those things but you are also described in all those words. I’m praying for strength for you and determination for her. She’s in there AND she’s coming back! Hold the kids and let them hold you. She will be sooooo proud of her family when she wakes up!
Hugs and Prayers
Shelley
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Encouraging news!
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
All of you are making me cry…I mean all. Anissa. Peter. All of the Kids. And the rest of you…commenters, friends, family….making me cry out of hope, love and support. Wow, just wow.
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
We met Anissa at the HP/Aiming Low event in Boston last month, and we immediately fell in love with her personality, kindness and sense of humor. She’s an awesome person who constantly poured out positive stories about her loving family, and she was a fantastic host at the event to boot. We’re sending all of our love and prayers to you and your family! A speedy and complete recovery is on it’s way. XO
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Thank you for the update! Those are great signs. Praying and waiting along with you…
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Praying for Anissa and your family. Keep strong and be fearless. His strength will get you thru.
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I came over for an update. Thank you for letting all of us know the status.
Wow, those sound like wonderful signs. She’s aware & making an effort. Very good. It must be all of those prayers. I’ll keep it up and pray for her to return home healthy.
on Nov 24th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Keep fighting. We’ll keep praying. May you be Blessed this Thanksgiving.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I don’t know you or your family, except what I’ve read these past few days. When you wrote your first post, I thought it was Anissa writing, or that I had an old post… but no, you write with the same voice and perspective. She is obviously remarkable, and I imagine she would choose no lesser partner for herself. I am a stranger holding you and your family in my heart, and I look forward to getting to know Anissa (and you) better.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 1:52 am
You are doing such a fabulous job. I can just imagine the posts Anissa is going to write about you when this is behind her. AND she will be so proud of you for blogging while she was “taking a break.”
BTW, both of my kids still need us to snuggle them in the night. So you just keep snuggling sweet Peyton! 🙂
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Peter – I am amazed by your strength and your honesty. You are clearly the ‘other half’ of your spectacular wife. Love to hear how hard she is working to come back to her family. I would expect nothing less from her. Prayers and love.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Oh, if only we all strived to be all those things like Anissa, like you, Peter.
Thank you.
Many prayers for Anissa, you, and those precious children.
Steph
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 6:32 am
hi
i just wanted to say… i know she’s had a stroke before but.. this year my sister had a brain injury and went through recovery and rehab with stroke patients.. and.. these first few days.. first couple of weeks are looking just like how my sister was… no recognition, high need for support for breathing and tons of lines in… but… she broke out of it… i cried my eyes out for ten full days… and a couple days after.. she made one glance and one word … “hi” at me.. and i knew she was back.. it’s six months later and she’s still recovering.. but those first couple of months were the most stressful and horrendous of my life.. and until i heard that recognition from her i thought i had lost her forever.. but it sounds like your wife’s brain is trying to recover from the damage it suffered from the stroke… she’ll get there.. hold in tight
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 6:41 am
You know, you can do it. Some days will be easier than others. My Gram had two strokes before she was 45- in the days they sent you home to vegetate.
It was really because of her that I had such an interest in medicine, health. She had a great life, despite that sentence. A person’s will is the key and Anissa more so than anyone, has enough to go around and then some.
Hang in there!
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Our prayers are with you.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Thanks for taking time to update us on such a stressful day. None of us out in the Internets can take your place by Anissa’s side or snuggling with your daughter, but please know we are there with you in spirit. You have a family of fighters. My best to you all.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Thinking of you, Peter, and your little ones. You are an amazing husband and father and I can see how you and Anissa are made for each other. Sending the best…
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 10:03 am
My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for updating us on her progress. Its great to hear that she is fighting!
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Michele from Omaha. Peter you are an amazing husband and father. Keep strength. She NEEDS you more than you need her right now. She needs your love, strength, FAITH, endurance….the whole nine yards. Those kids need you, they are missing part of their world too. I’m going to email everyone I can think of with this site, prayer is amazing in numbers. One day you were a stranger and un-none…today, you and yours are a part of my life forever. Give the scary stuff to God, he can handle all the un-known and known. Give it to Him. I will pray for you and yours. And thank you so very much for keeping your site going even when you have little time or energy. Your family has touched me in a way I never thought poss. Amen.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Sending big hugs, warm thoughts, and lots of prayers your family’s way. I hope you get some good news today.
I always try to remember….if God brings you to it….he’ll pull you through it! (Sometimes is easier than others!)
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 11:17 am
thoughts are with you.
please go here and read the book: http://www.mystrokeofinsight.com/
she has amazing info on stroke recovery. much of this would have helped my father who had three massive brain bleeds in 1978, long before the MRI.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Sending love and prayers from San Diego… thank you for the updates. It means everything to all who were touched by Anissa. And now we’re all touched by you. . Hang in there, Peter… we are all behind you!
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Praying for you guys. For strength and healing.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Wow. She really is fighting. Stay strong, Pete. I know its hard, but all of Anissa’s bloggy friends are with you in spirit! Thinking of you and your family.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Thanks so much for taking the time to update us on Anissa’s condition and how your family is doing. I thrill at every mention of movement and communication, and my heart is with you.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
What Schmutzie said! Breathing…check. Awareness…check. Movement….check. Good thing you are both fighters! We are holding you close in prayer.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Your updates are so comforting and so hopeful.
Your words on pushing Anissa reminded me of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor who I heard speak recently. http://drjilltaylor.com/about.html
Discussing the early days after her stroke, she mentioned how important it is to get sleep and rest in order to make progress.
I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to be so patient.
I hope writing is helping you— as much as it is helping the rest of us following your story.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Sweet Peyton. You all are in my heart and mind. xoxo
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Still praying! Thinking of all of you often.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Anissa is a true “superwoman”!
I was overcome with emotion while watching that video. To imagine all that Anissa and your family has had to endure already and now to have this mountain to climb… it just seems so unfair.
But at the same time, I think the tough terrain before has built up her strength and will help her pull through this.
I am keeping praying. We all are.
Your family is well loved.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
you’re an amazing husband and father.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
This is all very encouraging. What fighters you are! I’m praying with so many others for more good news.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Praying for you all. Hang in there!
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Praying for your wish that she’ll wake tomorrow.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Thank you so much for keeping everyone updated.
I hope you and the children can feel all the love that is being sent your way. My son’s (Coston and Caden) went to Central with Nathanial and Rachael, they love them & Mrs. Anissa and have been praying for her and you and the children. I would like to share a bible verse with you that I came across this morning as I read my bible…..
Psalms 61:1-2
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
We know that the Father hears our cries….keep crying to him…he will comfort you and meet your needs.
We love you all and are praying daily.
Stanley and Stacey Bryan and Children
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Anissa is so amazing and so inspirational. I’m continuing to pray for all of you and hoping you continue to get the signs from Anissa that she is there and fighting to get better for you guys.
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
staying strong for you. -x-
on Nov 25th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I pray for you all every night.
on Nov 26th, 2009 at 1:17 am
Praying. Praying. Praying.
All the time.
on Nov 26th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Wow, it sounds like she is really trying hard! She’s there. She knows what’s going on. No doubt. And she WILL get better!
For her- I can’t imagine how it would feel to have your brain know what s going on, but then your body is just on a completely different page. We’re praying hard that this is over soon! You guys just stay strong and have faith in God that He is hearing all of these prayers.
on Nov 26th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
A teeny tiny step, but still a step
on Nov 26th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Tenacious. Without a doubt. He can move mountains and you both know it..thank you for sharing all this Pete..Anissa, One day when you’re feeling up to reading all these posts..I hope you’ll remember I love you! Hugs..Melanie
on Nov 28th, 2009 at 10:20 am
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