Thursday, December 24, 2009

Going on hiatus..

Well to get right to the point, I will not be blogging for a while and this is why:

Joseph and I paid a visit to the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) on Tuesday. Joe was diagnosed with partial blindness, or visual impairment, due to nerve damage, and probably caused by his MS. Since it is nerve damage it is medically irreversible. This new diagnosis has been a shock and been pretty devastating for the both of us. As of yesterday he is no longer able to work at Toyota. We are seeking out help and resources from Blindness centers and vision rehabilitation services, also unemployment and we already have an appointment for disablilty.

So I will be leaving my morning job (keeping my teaching job if possible) for something more full-time while we work things out for Joe. We have already hit the phone lines hard talking to state foundations for the blind and we will be in touch with a vocational and rehabilitation counselor, from the Department of services for the Blind, soon after Christmas.

Joseph and I have already received priesthood blessings from my grandfather and from the sounds of it he will not be regaining his vision, but things will somehow work out. We were comforted by the blessings but that does not take away the hurt or difficulty of the situation we are now in. We have also been fortunate enough to be able to visit with our wonderful bishop last night and he is on board and ready to help with whatever we need. He has been a great support for us.

The timing is awful but good at the same time, I am on Christmas Vacation from both from my jobs and so I have the time to dedicate to contacting everyone we need to, and accessing the help we know we need.

**Disclaimer*** we are not looking for pity, or unsolicited advice, however we are looking for prayers and words of comfort from our family and friends during this difficult time. Thank you for understanding.

14 comments:

Briana said...

I'm so sorry to hear about that - it must be a huge shock to you both. I don't really know that I have any advice to give, but you guys will definitely be in our prayers!

thebean said...

I will be thinking of you. You're such a strong couple and I know you'll be okay.

Anaise said...

You will be in my prayers. I'm sorry that hard things have to happen. You will be in my prayers.

Niki said...

I will definitely pray for you two. I've never met Joseph but if he's anything like you, Shaylee, you two will be blessed for your faithfulness and hearts of gold. God bless, you are loved.

Jessica said...

I love you so much!! I hope all goes well!!

Abe n Linz said...

by the way annabanana was me. I was accidently signed in under my sister

Ashley said...

You guys seem as though you have gone through so much in just a few short years! If you can go through all of this then you're definitely one of the strongest people/couples I know! You're in our thoughts.

The Graham Family! said...

I'm so sorry Shaylee! We will be praying for you and Joe. You must be extremely strong people because the Lord only gives us trials that we can handle.. and he loves us each so much and he'll help us through any trial that comes our way. I know you two are strong enough to make it through! You both are amazing people and I know the Lord is going to bless you beyond measure for your enduring so well to the end. Love you! Wish we were closer to help with anything you need.

Breanna said...

We love you. We'll be praying for you. You two are the strongest people we know! You can get through this and anything else! The Lord is always watching over, giving you what you need (even if you don't think you need it!). Don't be afraid to lean on your friends and family! WE ARE HERE! Let us know if you need anything!

Things and Stuff said...

I have been sitting here for a few minutes trying to figure out what I could say that would be comforting. The truth is, I have no idea what to say that would be comforting, since I have never been through anything like this. All the things that I thought of that I could say seem so... trite... or cliche.
Just know that we are here if you guys if you need us. Joe is a really awesome guy, and I have always cared a great deal for you, which means you both fall in that 'family' type category. Let us know if you need anything, even if it is just a game night or something!

Good Luck.

-Adam.

Lindsey said...

Wow what a shock! We will continue to pray for both of you! I really have no idea what else to say!

Sierra said...

We will continue to pray for you!

Jeff said...

Life can be so rude. Our family will be praying for you. Let me know what we can help with. The big or the little.

Hailey said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Please let us know if there is anything more we can do. We love you!