Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Voila

Joel just lifted his forearm and rotated his wrist! So wonderful! He said he has to concentrate and give himself instructions and voila! It was the first time he's seen his hand.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay Joel!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME JOEL!!! That's SO great!!!!

I'm relaying the message to Danica in her car on her way home from Moose Jaw - she's so excited for you!!!! (and no, she's not driving and talking on her cell -- she's the passenger today!)

Love Deb

Anonymous said...

Awesome News!!!!!
Glad to hear you are making awesome progress buddy. Don't worry about the Hospital Grub, as once you are out of there I'll treat ya to a Farago feast. Keep up the good work. See you in a few days.
Phat Farmers 4 Ever,
JP

Anonymous said...

Hi Joel
This latest news has not surprised me in the least. Of all the people I've met in my life you are one of a handfull who have the natural ability to gain the respect of others through your zest for life and the tenacity with which you face obstacles.-----like the time at the 2001 Canada Cup where your crew were underdogs after the heats and you took the gutsy 'let's put it all into the first 500 meters and see what happens and you ended up winning. That victory goes down as the most gutsy racing I've ever witnessed. (Garrett is still smiling!) This current obstacle is somewhat different in form but I have no doubt that your spirit and tenacity will prevail and I look forward to your speedy recovery.
John will be in touch when he gets home and Ann sends her 'positive thoughts for a speedy recovery'
Give em hell
Bob Haver

primaDonna said...

Great news, Joel!

I have been thinking about you since I heard. I'll keep you in my prayers and know your love of life will pull you through. The progress you're making is very encouraging. Stay strong.

Donna in Winnipeg

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,

I am super happy to hear/read all the awesome things that you are accomplishing in getting yourself back up and at'r!!! Im thinking about you lots and I will see you soon!!

Love Jaylyn

Eoin (Owen) said...

Good on you mate!!!!

Great news my friend, keep up the strength and positivity. I'll be waiting with a pint for you at O'Hanlon's whenever your ready.

My love and best wishes, always,cheers.

Eoin

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel... Im sure you are enjoying all the attention... and I hope sensation returns to all the best parts really soon...I never thought of you with a halo... but I can try hard to imagine it.
Hang in there dude... Im cheering for you... With that kind of responses you are showing, its a really good sign for excellent recovery. You are lucky.
Cheers brother
Johann Wessels

Anonymous said...

Yay! keep it up :)

Brent said...

Good on you Joel. Everyone at the carp shop is pullng for you and all know you wont give anything less the 110%. So really we arent the least bit surprised at the strides you've already taken.

Anonymous said...

hey Joel, i don't really know you, but you're in the rowing club, and you seem like a really nice guy, so i'm hoping you get better really fast. I'm cheering for you!

Unknown said...

Hey Stud,

That is Awesome! And by Awesome i mean Dynamite! Keep it up. I hear my Dad went to see you today but only talked to your Dad. You were obviously in physio doing all kinds of crazy stuff. See you soon shooter!

Jules said...

Holy Crap. So proud of you boy. Keep going. Told the fam and they are so proud. I hope to see you before I leave for Moosomin..but I am letting you get your strength up for now. I will be in there as soon as the nurses ok it. You are wicked. took JD out twice today..we both miss you-ju

Anonymous said...

Good Job! Get Better soon Joel!! -Jaime

Anonymous said...

Go Joel!!
I just heard the news and I will be thinking about you and praying for a speedy recovery. You will overcome this.
Take care and keep up the great work
lots of love
Allison Jones

Christie Speers said...

Joel
You don't really know us, but we know of you. Know that our thoughts are with you. Stay strong.
Love the Doris's

Donna & Janice, and all the family, Hope you know that we are here for you all. If there is anything we can do just call. Love Doris, Doris & Doris. ( Christie, Cindy & Dawn)

Anonymous said...

Joel,
Congrats! Your progress puts a smile on my face… and I know that you are only going to get stronger as time passes. Know that everyone is thinking of you… wishing you well. You’re in my thoughts…
- Laura Rhead

Anonymous said...

Way to go Joel!! It's great to hear about your progress!
Just wanted to let you know the Liski was out on the water today during rowing league and it was all over the lake. Dawn and Steffa thought the fin had come off again but I told them that it was solid and there's no way it would fall off unless it hit something. They went and checked and... it's still on! The crew just can't row straight!
I'm keeping you in my thoughts and
wish you a speedy recovery.

Jenny

Jenn Stewart-Mitchell said...

Way to go Joel... You're a real fighter! You are in our thoughts.

Jenn and Ian Mitchell (and Taylor)

S Keys Gawl said...

Joel. Well wishes to you all the way from South Korea. I will dedicate this weekends trianing to you. I'll work extra hard :) Keep fighting and ill send you some endorphins by UPS.
I hope it doesn't hurt to laugh cause here is a good one.....
Q - What did the man with lepersy say to the prostutute.
A - Keep the Tip.
Well wishes Joel!!!

S Keys Gawl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jimaline said...

Wonderful news ..
All here in Calgary thinking of you
Keep the positive going

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,
Keep up the good work! We miss having you around the rowing club, and you better hurry up and get back here cause next thing you know, they might have JP and Garett fixing our boats!!!

I missed seeing you today but of course you are always in my thoughts and prayers! See you soon...

love you,

Dawn
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel!
I am so happy to hear you are making such great progress!! Danica has been my messenger for the past few days, keeping me up to date with the latest status report. You're such a strong-willed and determined individual. When she called today, I knew it was with good news!! You've been, and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong!! See you soon!

Luv,
Kim Brodt

Anonymous said...

Great news Joel! I am thinking about you daily and keep hoping for your speedy recovery. Can't wait to see your smiling face down at the boathouse again!!

Kel!

Anonymous said...

Dear Joel, My Mom phoned me Momday morning and has been calling me with updates ever since. I am thinking of you everyday! I just got this link to your website so now I am more informed on your progress and I am so happy to hear that you are getting better! You are a strong wonderful person and I know it will only be a matter of time before you are back home with your family.
I am sending you and your family all my love, positive thoughts and wishes.

Robin

Danette and family said...

Hi Joel! Sorry to hear about the accident but I know you will pull through this stronger than ever. You have lots of love and support around you. My family and I here in BC are thinking of you. You know when you are strong enough you will have to come out here to the Shuswap and show us how to wake board...haha or you could probably teach me how to waterski all over again.

And of course I see that my sister thinks that she is the favourite one again. But come on Joel, like really... who was the one that looked after you and changed your diaper...lol. Take care. You are in our prayers. Love ya lots...Danette, Scott, Brittany, Ashley, and Jordan

Donna, Shane, Kaley, & Josh - We are also thinking of you. Be strong and take care of Joel. Love you all. Bye for now!!

Dave Millar said...

Our family is "pulling" for you with our thoughts and prayers.

Anne, Dave, Rob, Heather, Jeff, Viv, & Lindsay

Anonymous said...

good night joel --- kk and i are thinking about you --- we're such huge fans of you.

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,

I heard about what happened through all angles of your support group: rowing, friends, and work. There are so many people that are thinking, wishing and praying for you and I justed wanted to let you know that I'm one more thinking about you lots and wishing for the best recovery. Sounds like you've been having some good recovery each day, and I'm so happy for you that you felt your hamstring today.~ Heather Whittick

Andrea said...

Hey Joel - I just found the blog but Brenda and Chad have been keeping me posted and I've been thinking about you lots these past couple of days. The thing is - when I think of you the first thing that comes to mind is 12 years of you teasing me about my catches and doing that ridiculous imitation of my stroke. So, after three days of spending my rows wondering how you were doing and praying for you, my technique has suddenly changed. I should probably thank you for my two best time trials of the season this morning (my coach thanks you to but he's pretty pissed off that you've managed to do from a hospital bed what he's been trying to do for months). I've always been a slow learner but you perservered.

Anyway - you've always had the most amazing combination of the right attitude and the best luck to pull you through anything and this won't be any different. I'll see you at Northwest (yes Garrett, I'll still come even if there isn't a Bancescue bros 2x this year).

Love Andy

Anonymous said...

Freaking awesome Joel. I saw in your eyes today how motivated you were and I know how this is going to turn out. you're so much stronger a person than I was when I got hurt. Stay strong and don't get discouraged. There will be times when you will feel like screaming and ripping that halo off. Just breathe and you'll be 100% really soon. See you soon bro, right after your surgery when they open the flood gates for your visitors again ;)

Anonymous said...

Too happy for words!!! You surprise me everyday!! Hope to see you tomorrow!...L

Anonymous said...

Waking up and thinking of you and wishing the best for you every second of every day. Party is still on tonight and we will all be thinking of you. I will stop by today to drop off cards, but may not see you. Looking forward to hearing about all the progress you make today. Love-Ju

Anonymous said...

joel -

it was great seeing you yesterday... if i didn't know you were in an accident i'd swear you were just layin' around with a funny thing on your head !!

i am so proud of you - your strength and DETERMINATION (your mom gave me what for for saying 'stubborn' before) amaze me... keep it up!

Through this experience, we are all learning so much about you, your family and ourselves...

big hug - joanne (and glenda)

Anonymous said...

GREAT NEWS BROTHER!!!

We'll be golfing before the summer is out!!! Take care, stay positive and see you right after the surgery.
My family and Everyone at CUETS is rooting for you and a speedy recovery.

Shaun S

Ally B said...

HOLLA! Joel wish I could be there and would love to catch up. I am in Nelson working, but took you for a swim last night in the Kootenay lake can't wait to hear on today's progress. I love you

Anonymous said...

Morning Joel,
I'm sitting at work on a FIT ball and everyone is laughing at me. But i figure if they have me working this front desk for 6 months and for 12 hrs a day i am sitting on my ass then i should at least get something out of it!
Kick some ass today again in physio!

Sue said...

Good morning Joel....just got back from Chicago but have been following your progress since I heard. We are thinking of you and anxious to read about your progress each day...It is obvious that you have an amazing family and large group of very close friends who are behind you...small blessings come at the strangest times!
Our thoughts are with you....
Sue, Jenna, Connor, Mack, and Terry Burns

Anonymous said...

Great news to hear this morning Joel - I'm sure we can all look forward to such progressive reports on a daily basis! Keep up the great attitude and perseverance!

Thinking of you always - B

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Joel! I was planning on coming up to visit today as we are leaving on vacation tomorrow but take seriously the note that you need your rest so trust you will get this note of support. I am thrilled to hear that the swelling is going down and that you are getting some feeling back. Be patient, big guy, you've had a bad knock but you will come back from this. I am so looking to seeing you out for a walk and having your dog attack mine, just like always. I will keep up with the rowing community while I'm gone so I can continue to hear good news of your recovery. Take care, Joel! Bryan Hillis.

Anonymous said...

typical Joel

fastest on the water
quickest recovery

stay strong

Anonymous said...

Good morning Joel! Hope you have a great day and make even more progress today. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to seeing your smiling face back at the boathouse soon (and your little doggy, too!)

Take care
Therese

Killer said...

Yo Joel,

Just got the news yesterday. I have faith that you'll pull through this in no time. Perhaps you can use some of this time to think up ways to try and beat my "Glove hand"? Zing! Jacqui told me you had a dream about shinney. Roofing shot after shot on me, no doubt. I can't even stop your shots in dream world, let alone reality. Dang!

Anyways, they probably aren't feeding you enough Vitamin P (Pilsner) in there, so say the word and Benoit and I will smuggle some in for ya!
I'll see you when the visitors get the green light

Cuyler Wainwright

Anonymous said...

I was just informed about your accident, and wanted to wish you the best. It seems like you're doing GREAT so far! You're a tough guy and I know you'll overcome this. Keep your spirits up and know that you have a lot of people rooting for your recovery!

Amanda Bily

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,

Sorry to hear about your accident. It sounds like you're having a strong recovery though. Keep up the positive attitude.

Graeme Cowie

Garett said...

I'm really happy to hear about the great progress you are making buddy. Stay strong and rested. Good luck with your surgery - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joel,

Awesome news that you're able to feel your hamstring. Keep going buddy. Keep a positive attitude and I'll hopefully see you and your Dad sometime after your surgery.

Mike Mattern

Anonymous said...

Hello! Hope you are having a great day! We are so sorry about your accident and so happy that feeling and movement are returning. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are for a speedy, complete recovery. Attitude is everything , so stay positive.

Allan and Carrie Lozinski
(Debbie's parents)

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel, I've been thinking about you all week and it's so great to hear about the progress your making, stay strong and fight it out buddy, everything will be fine.
Justin Butler

Anonymous said...

Your Awesome Joel!!! Keep Up The Good Work! I'm rooting for ya!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome Joel!! Glad to hear your making so much great progress...You know we all love you, Stay strong and we will be there to see soon!

Love the Zurowski's

Susan Weir said...

Focusing your energy (and of course positive only) is very powerful...glad to hear that you "saw your hand"...or maybe it's the fruit you are eating...hahaha...those blueberries are "special". Have a wonderful day (loved the comment about your halo). Love to you, your mom, dad, kaley, josh, janice, erin, extended family and friends...all that love really helps one heal.

not quite (but getting closer)"dr. weirdo" (aka Weiner [for Shane)]

Anonymous said...

Thats amazing Joel! i am so proud of you. your progress is incredible, because you are a very driven guy! this is fantastic news, and i bet your pretty pumped to see your hand again! i'm still pretty ill today, so i'm glad people are keeping me posted on you!

lots of love Joel.
Breanne

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel - just wanted to let you know how happy I am to hear that you are one step closer to wandering the hallways of the soundstage with me again! My thoughts are with you during this time and look forward to the updates on your progress...stay strong!
Holly Baird-Pinch

Unknown said...

Hey Joel, it's one of your awesome Buffalo friends. We're all keeping you in our prayers and thinking of you. I know we aren't that close but everyone who met you got a phone call when we found out, so feel good knowing there's people all over the continent praying and thinking of you.

get better so you can go to the ice bowl with us! i know you will!

-Bethany (and Jay, Rachel, Mike, etc)

Anonymous said...

The SMPIA staff wishes you the very best!

Anonymous said...

Hi Joel,

It has been a few years since I have seen you. I wanted to come chat with you at my brothers wedding but when I came to chat you were already gone...Too bad! I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you all week and it brought tears to my eyes to hear you were injured. I wish you all the best in your recovery and I was stoked to hear you were already moving your writs!!! Keep your spirits high, you have a wonderful group of supporters that are routing for you. Your strength and endurance is admirable, my whole family has you in our thoughts!

I wish you a speed recovery and all my positive thoughts!

Have a good day,
Jill Gawley

Anonymous said...

Yay Joel!
Good to hear that things keep progressing!
Glad that I can read the updates on here until I'm back in town and not so sick -- although everyone else seems to be enjoying the fact that I have no voice, I am not!
Keep up the positive outlook and get lots of rest!
If your family needs anything just get your sis to give me a call.
Hoping to see you soon.

love jenna

Anonymous said...

Ata Boy!!!!

Super stiked to hear your progress. My thoughts are with you man.

Shaun Ekert

Anonymous said...

HI Joel
We are so happy to hear of your progress and send you tonnes of well wishes. We know you are going to continue to improve each day and in no time be back at the boat house!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
The Ell Crew

Anonymous said...

Joel,
I'm on my way back to Sask from Brazil and I found out about your accident
In all honesty, your are mentally and physically the strongest guy I know; I've thought this from the first time I had the privilege of rowing in a boat with you.
On a side note, I would like you to know I have two rowing idols, Derek Porter and yourself, mainly because I admire the passion you have for the sport. I would like to think of you as one of my greatest mentors; and for this I am forever indebted to you!
Take this one stroke at a time (make them good ones!) and you will end up on top.
One of your biggest fans!
John

Anonymous said...

just thinking about that time i kicked your ass in golf....or was that you kicking my ass?

Anonymous said...

Right on, man. You'll be able to rock the reward pints for a year - and that's just from this guy.

Also: the blow-gauge news = pure Bancescue. Lungs of terror. Yes.

Make it happen. Don't be shy.

Ben Barootes

PS See you in three weeks.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joel. One of my good friends (another sarah) works on neuro and she is awesome, I called her to tell her that you would be gracing the ward with your presence so she will be able to take extra special care of you.

On another note I have looked up some jokes for you because having spent lots of time in the hospital I think that humour can sometimes be lacking... I found some really good your momma jokes but I will save those to tell you when I come visit just to make sure I don't get overheard and end up in trouble.

Okay i had a really hard time finding a funny joke, so i hope you like it.

What is intelligence?

Two men were digging a ditch on a very hot day. One said to the other, "Why are we down in this hole digging a ditch when our boss is standing up there in the shade of a tree?" "I don't know," responded the other. "I'll ask him."

So he climbed out of the hole and went to his boss. "Why are we digging in the hot sun and you're standing in the shade?" "Intelligence," the boss said. "What do you mean, �intelligence'?"

The boss said, "Well, I'll show you. I'll put my hand on this tree and I want you to hit it with your fist as hard as you can." The ditch digger took a mighty swing and tried to hit the boss' hand. The boss removed his hand and the ditch digger hit the tree. The boss said, "That's intelligence!"

The ditch digger went back to his hole. His friend asked, "What did he say?" "He said we are down here because of intelligence." "What's intelligence?" said the friend. The ditch digger put his hand on his face and said, "Take your shovel and hit my hand."

Anonymous said...

Best wishes from the Graham family. Delighted to hear of your progress. Needless to say we are praying for your best.

Anonymous said...

Joel... Its Nikki. The Strip-o-Gram is on its way after your surgery! Hang in there!
Nikki Walters

Anonymous said...

Joel!

Hey man! Lots of love coming at ya from Michigan. We are behind ya all the way.

Ryan