Joanne, I someone who answered a call, on I can't remember whom's site, to pray for you when you were dangerously ill after your stroke. And I've been following along ever since. God Bless you, your parents and your friends. As a Mum to two children, both of whom have disabilities, my mantra is 'It is not the hand of cards we are dealt. It is how we play them that matters. AND I will smile regardless'. You embody my mantra. Thank you for sharing your story - particularly your life up until university - which was all new to me. God Bless xx

Great to read a wonderfully written and thought provoking Joanne blog post. Keep them coming!

I remember reading about John the nurse when Joanne was in ICU. I can remember sitting here at my computer and literally begging God, by prayer, that she would pull through so her girls wouldn't have to grow up without a Mother. As my Mum did when she lost both her parents at a young age :( I thank God for answering my prayer for your family and thank you for continuing to update the blog. May 2013 be a year of great health and much happiness for you all. Michelle from Australia

p.s. As you live no where near a cruise port (I think? Being Australian, American geography isn't my forte!!), this might be a useless idea. But what about a cruise? We have TWO kids with special needs. And they are both very different in their needs, abilities and what they can cope with. Cruising for us is one lot of unpacking, no food to worry about, they can be as involved or not as they want with kids club, the scenery changes daily. And I feel like I get a break. I am a holiday-a-holic. I need my next adventure to look forward to. I can understand how Joanne feels with needing a vacation to look forward. God Bless you all. M x

I answered a prayer request last January for prayers for Joanne. And I've been praying for you all since. God Bless all of your family. And prayers will continue to come from our family here in Australia for you all. Michelle x