Aloha Ohana,

I just wanted to get on here to update you on Jay’s catheter nightmare. Halloween morning Jay had blood in his urine this time, I called 911 and they sent us to Straub. This time we were there for 5 hours instead of 7 but they were able to test him and see he has another acute UTI and Fungal UTI. They replaced his catheter again, and we were there longer due to waiting for them to find a non latex catheter as now we know Jay is allergic to rubber/latex. No consults form any urologist because technically we still have that urologist who wont call or check in on Jay. There are no words to express the amount of disappointment. Next week will be Jay’s last week of physical therapy, I really want him to be in an outpatient so he can use the machines. But I guess therapy and recovery will totally fall on our shoulders. Which brings me to realizing my real limitations when it comes to going out to work. We are so grateful for everyone’s support and love. Your generous hearts completely have blessed us during the most horrific time of our lives. I have gone through our finances and at the bare minimum I need to at least bring in $2500.00 a month. My goal was to close this page down at the end of the year, but if I could create this to be a subscription base, and in return for your subscription you get art from me, well I would feel like I’m giving back too.  I am asking if any of you would subscribe monthly to this here and with your subscription for $15-$25 a month I will be sending you a monthly print of my art,

a subscription of $50- $100 a month I will send you a mini painting original.

Any subscription over $100 a month you will receive monthly print, original paintings, access to my online paint party classes, and 50% off any other artwork or commission. Just make sure when you subscribe you have an email I can contact you with for your address. 

We have truly been so amazed at how much you all have loved us.

Attatched is a photo a day after Halloween, Jay called Emma in the room so he can collect “TAX” on her candy loot! Lol

Mahalo Nui and May Gods favor and love follow you the rest of your days.

Jodi, Jay and Ohana

Friday Date Night! (I[m being sarcastic)

Since Jay came home on October 8th from the Hospital, there has nothing but issues. He came home with a catheter to help drain the urine (something I dreaded having done to him)

On the 9th he had a silent seizure ( that’s like staring off in space with no movement and was not able to snap out of without me calling his name out for a minute) Saw the Nuerologist, there is not much she can do because I did not film it! I told her my first instinct was to get him to be alert again, not grabbing the phone to film, but because it was a one off occurrence it was not enough to justify a sleep study.

October 10th I noticed swelling in the foreskin area, I took him to the ER, they talked to his urologist and they is its normal as long as I can move the skin up and down. They did not say he had phimosis. Or did they give me verbal instructions. The ER discharge had all the basic care of catheters but nothing specific. I will get back to that in a moment.

October 11 we started having a nurse to come check on the care of the catheter. She saw the swelling and said this is not normal so she said she would call the urologist and I told her my issues of him not even calling to check in or calling because back. So she reached out and she got the same treatment as me. Tuesday I talked to his PCP and we did a video call he saw what I was talking about and he said its not normal, I told him my issues with the urologist and he said he will look for another. In the meantime he prescribe some creams for the infection and skin. Thursday we have another video call with PCP I tell him really think my husband is allergic to the rubber catheter, he agrees and I call the nurse to change it. Yesterday around lunch time she brought another non latex catheter. Everything seemed ok until about 4 o’clock as I checked him again for any changing and that’s when I saw he was filled with blood down there on the sheets. I called the nurse and she said call 911. I told her I was gonna clean home to find out if he’s still bleeding, so I cleaned and yes he was bleeding from the tip of .

So the ambulance came picked him up and I followed in the van. We were sent to Staub and not Queens were he usually goes. There the Dr and nurse asked about the swelling, they were concerned because I let it go for so long. I told them how2 days after him coming from hospital I noticed the swelling so I called 911. They took him to Kuakine ER, there the dr consulted with the urologist and said its normal but I should see the his urologist sooner than the initial follow up appt. 

The doctor last night told me in the ER notes that the nurse wrote she went over his phimosis and how to care for it. I told her not one staff told me anything. Doctor said it was normal and gave the orders to discharge. Looking back at the discharge on reading through the paper I finally found the Phimosis diagnosis. Well any way this Doctor gave me instructions to keep it elevated, to make sure it does not get bigger because it can cause damage, and that my husband will most likely need to be circumcised again!!

We got discharged around 8 and decide to pick up dinner. Waiting in the drive through I looked over at Jay and said “well at least wee got to eat out” lol

I am seriously losing any faith in the medical field. They are no longer healers. 

But with all that said we got his physical therapy back!

I am still unable to go out to work:( 

Please continue for Jays Healing and Provision.

Love you all

Jay and Jodi

Micah 7:7 the message translation

“But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.”

‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I saw a post today with this translation. Right away I knew this is me. This is the place He has me/ us in. 

I can’t describe the inner fight with in me. As my spirit battles all the natural things with Gods word. 

Carrying the weight of my husband’s health, my family’s, and finances can get overwhelming. Living month to month, trusting God for provision, wisdom, miracles, to make things right again, is at times easy and hard. As I work all my shortcomings with Jesus and try everything with in me to leave it at his feet. 

You know 5 years ago as we trusted God to give up everything and go to a place so far, that only by plane or ship could we get back home. Let left our adult children , family, and friends. Started from ground zero and slowly, organically witness God do so many things with us here. We trusted God sent us here to Oahu for his reason not totally knowing his plan but trusting it. Seeing a side of our Father we didn’t see or was taught it was conditional. God is a good father, he wants goodness to follow his children, he wants his children to thrive in his goodness. God gifts good things, not things to harm us. I know things change and circumstances create decisions we might not have had to make. But God does not change. 

What has happened to Jay our family is not something God created because he knew we could handle it, that goes against who God is as father. But what I do know is He uses everything that was meant to harm us, He turns it around for His good and His glory!

These last couple of months I have been all over the place in what our next step is. From fighting to get his physical therapy started , to getting his Medicare reinstated, to getting real answered from doctors and balancing life and finances it all feels like a jumbled mess sometimes. 

Praying whether to start the transition to make the move back the states or wait … 

I seriously don’t know exactly what this plan is, but I do know I put my trust in Jesus, and I will wait on Him. Waiting for Him to make things right, waiting for Him to hear my prayer.

update on Jay: 

it's hard to think it’s almost 2 weeks since he’s come home with a urine catheter. just one more to add to my list. I will be honest I do not like it, I don’t even like being a caregiver, but it’s those crazy things we do for love. Jay has been doing Ok since being home. The hospital stay was a good thing though, because it got therapy back in and a nurse to visit 2 times a week. 

Pray for miracles, pray for provision, pray wisdom , and pray for healing!!

love you all and I will continue to pray Gods goodness over you all!

love

jodi abs Ohana

Well we are back home. Jay did very well in the hospital. He slept alot. He had to come home with a catheter.🤦‍♀️ This is as one of those things I had been dreading. I was not happy with non communication style the doctors have. They keep referring to bacteria in the blood as bacteria in the blood and not sepsis, which it clearly is. 

Pray for miracles, I really need some miracles from Jesus. Pray he regains bladder control, and complete healing. Trying not to worry about his health care,and finances is really hard but I put my full faith and trust in Jesus for it all even when I don’t feel him. Hope is all I got and hope it what I won’t let go of.

praying Gods goodness over you all. 

Jodi and Trujillo Ohana

Aloha Ohana 

just a quick update Jay is back in hospital. We had been in ERs last week. And Saturday they called me to bring him in due to he has sepsis. They don’t know where the source is. Just keep him in prayer. He has a very good disposition about being in hospital. He’s not refusing food, or complaining much. That’s good! Pray he regains the ability to completely urinate without being chathed. He will be in hospital for a few more days. One positive thing is he does get physical therapy back! 

Pray for him, pray the infection is completely gone, pray for his kidneys and his appendix. 

I know God has a plan , just being patient to see it through is what’s hard. 

Thank you all for your love and support, we pray Gods goodness and grace over you all❤️

love 

Jodi

Aloha Ohana,

a little update

Although my bday is not how’d I’d like to spend it, at home😂 I’m grateful for friends and family making me feel special. My daughter , mom , Godson and his GF flew that night to spend a week with us. The night was almost perfect until I woke up 2:30 am to Jay with a high fever and vomiting. We spent 6 hours at Straub ER, abd they sent us on our way home. Came home for a few hours only to go back to queens ER for jays high fever, chills and shaking. They got him stable another round of antibiotics. We were in the ER for another 7 hours. But Jay looked alot better, and appetite came back. Pray this bladder infection gets healed, he actually has bacteria in his bladder. We need tgat to be healed. We need a total body healing in Jesus name. While in the ER, he looked at all the wires and ivs hooked up to him and said” I’m tired of all this crap on me, I’m tired on coming here to the hospital “ he missed his dialysis so today I have to take him. Pray it goes smoothly for him. 

Mahalo Nui for all your prayers and support.

love 

Jodi 

Aloha Ohana 

Well, I want to share and update on Jay and a little from my heart. 

Last month we got notice Medicaid was dropping my husband. Which I’m in the process of appealing. But without Medicaid we have no ⚧️ for his rides to dialysis. There is the handi-van but it’s very inconsistent and my husband gets carsick in it. Have had some milestones though. Jays fistula on his left arm is in full use for dialysis now. This past Thursday he has the chest stint they used for dialysis removed, that same day he had a proved up his urethra to check out his bladders for any abnormalities, what it shows is his bladder is full of bacteria which means frequent UTIs. Jays chest wounds are healing up better than i anticipated Praise God! 

Honestly I have struggled emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Especially since we have hit 1 year mark. I believed from day one that I would bring him home from the hospital walking on his own two feet. That’s still my prayer that he would be back 💯! It’s gonna be a journey. We have had do much stolen from us, time, our finances, our personal freedom, our future plans. I started to feel uncertainty set in and let me tell you , that is the most unsettled feeling. Why? Because if I have Jesus than there is only certainty in him. So going through that was not fun. I’m sure there must have so many moments in our lives where there should been uncertainty, but my trust has always been in Jesus, and my certainty is in him. 

Today a friend shared a worship song, it was so perfect as I had already been reflecting on all the times God has come through for us, but in his timing which is perfect. I know God still has good plans for us, but it will be in his time, no matter how many times a day or week I cry out save from this, Gods mercy and grace takes over and carries me through. So if your struggling with uncertainty know that in Jesus there is only certainty. 

Today was my first day taking Jay to dialysis, me and Emma loaded him up and took him together. Honestly getting him in was easier than getting him out, but the Dialysis staffed helped us. 2 days a week will have Emma and her BF helping me, but Saturdays I will have to hire transportation. 

So I would like to ask if anyone felt led to give toward me being able to afford at least transportation 1 day a week that would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

May Gods goodness follow you all your lives!

love

The Trujillo Ohana

I swear I feel like I’m living a ground hog day raising my kiddos. Those days of them waking up before the sun and telling me they are hungry!😂

Jay woke up at 4am hungry as heck, asking for me to make homemade tea and crumpets. 

Then he asked if I knew of any good Greek hamburger joints😂😂😂 I’m like that’s one restaurant that’s not here on island. 

As I’m trying to go back to sleep he begins to reminisce. First he asked what was my favorite Greek greasy spoon. Jay and I grew up in our teens years in Moreno Valley and the place we loved to go was called The Lucky Greek. Now it’s 4 am and he’s getting me hungry, and he begins to go down memory growing up in Lakewood. He remember going to Dukes with his family. Dukes was a restaurant that @johnstamos family owned. Before John became Blackie on General Hospital, he was his dad’s cook! Jay talked how even while John was on General Hospital, he would still help out and cook for his dad.lol

As annoyed and tired as I was I really tried to be present and in the moment. The fact that he is recalling such detailed memories a year later after his horrible stroke is truly a miracle and I’m so grateful to Jesus for the little miracles I allow myself to recognize. Because honestly it’s not easy, especially after a year. I’m my heart and mind I had ambitions that Jay would be back to himself by now, and enjoying all the good things of God. I find myself getting swept up in all the insurance crap, fighting to get his rehab going again, and trying to make a living. So even though right now my eyelids are arguing with me lol I’m truly grateful for this morning’s moments. He was so grateful for his homemade crumpets he cheered with a toast! 😂 he’s a charmer, now I know where my boys get it from! #lifeafterstroke #wifeofstrokesurvivor #fulltimecaregiver

9-11-24

I can’t believe we have survived this whole year. Starting out Colettes freak accident to finding she has cancer( thank you Jesus She’s healed!), to literally the next day Jay having a stroke. We are so grateful for all our family / friends that flew out immediately to be our support and for my friends sending food to feed everyone! I was like the little lady in the shoe with everyone in the house. 

It has not been easy AT All!! And as I share from the perspective as the wife of a stroke survivor, I guess you can say I am too a stroke survivor. 

I look back and think of all the information family would research and send me about Jays type of stroke and all though the information was not at all encouraging I know they were trying to help. 

Reading my prayers and updates the first couple of months all I wanted to focus on was what my husband can do, and the possibility of him making a full recovery.

I simply had faith that my husband would have been walking out of that hospital fully healed and restored. I still have that faith, just waiting for it to happen sometimes wears on my hope, trust, and faith.

Jay is recovering just as the neurologist had explained. There would be huge growth and some dips and growth and then plateaus. 

The stress she says would be unreal, almost a never ending feeling. And it’s exactly that! 

But Jay has come such a long way! 

He’s had 3 strokes and 1 seizure. 

The first 2 happened in the beginning, the seizure and the mini stroke. 

We had great therapist and nurses very uplifting and encouraging, but the doctors sucked! Some even speaking a hopelessness over him.

But he’s overcoming it! He’s talking, eating, he’s regained interest I. The things he had before, still gots his sense of humor. 

He spent a total of almost 5 months in hospital and rehab facilities. And had more infections in facilities. He’s survived wrongful medication,

A fall during OT and at dialysis.

I had to fight for him to be sent to a stroke center.

He remembers the Stroke but not the recovery. His memory gets fuzzy between September and December. But he’s doing really good now. Thank you Jesus!

I don’t know how we are making it financially because the numbers don’t lie, but Gods getting us by, I know He has more for us. 

This whole process is the opportunity for us to put our faith and hope to work. 

Grieving is such a process. I know one day rejoicing will replace grieving. But for us it’s a process. 

I not saying we haven’t rejoiced, but I know there will be a time where it’s nothing but rejoicing! I can’t wait til be sharing when Jay walks! 

Thank you all, to our kids , our parents, our siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers, the list goes on! Mahalo Nui For all the love!! Thanks to my momma for staying with us for 7 months!

Thank you Jesus for caring us through this year!!

Aloha Ohana, 

I have just been sitting here amazed that in one week, we have reach one year since Jays stroke. 

To share that our lives have been flipped upside down is an understatement. I can honestly say I did not start truly realizing the degree of change happening until this summer. 

There have been times of laughter and lots of crying this season. How can we live in a paradise but experiencing a desert? The waiting sometimes feels like you’re treading in the desert. Looking for something to refresh you. The only thing that refreshes you is Jesus, my faith, my hope, he is where I find my rest. Some days it’s easy, somedays it’s not. I wish I could say we have tackled this tribulation with perfect faith and poise. But I have fallen short with bouts of tears and questions, anger, frustration. And then after my little tantrum to God, he sends his Holy Spirit to comfort me. And poor Jay as he watches his wife trying not to crumble, he has no words but to grab my hand in comfort. He reminds me that God has got us. 

The last 2 months have been emotionally exhausting. As women our natural tendency is to make everything better, we want to be in fix mode. But this is way above my skill level lol.

So we wait on the Lord, we for the biggest breakthrough miracle turnaround ever!!! It’s not easy. It’s feels like I’m walking in the dark and each step is a step of faith because I don’t know where I’m going. I could hear fear whisper in my ear , just don’t move, stay here. 

I know more than anything the devil would like for us to give up. Go back to where we came from, it’s too hard.

As I sit here typing, I look up at this scripture sign I bought to remind me.

Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible. Luke 1:37

With that said I would like to announce that I will be running this campaign till December and then I  will officially close it out. 

You can still donate until then, we would gladly appreciate your donations as it helps us immensely. 

Thank you all for sticking with us, and for your generous hearts. We love you all. 

Trujillo Ohana

Aloha Ohana

just wanted to get on here to share again. 

So lately I have been massaging jays legs and arms. He is getting more feeling in his left foot. His right arm a little too but still can’t move it, until the other day i held his left hand and asked him to squeeze. And I saw his fingers try to curl around mine. Praying for more bigger miracles as his 1 year is coming up. I can’t believe it will be one year, and this still feels very foreign to me. But we are trying to continue to live and make the best out this time right now, because I know God has greater for him and us. 

I was able to finally go to the movies with him. But we didn’t get to stay for the whole movie. The handi van ride to the movies was terrible, it had no air and the driver was a rough driver. It was bumpy and both of us were getting car sick. We finally made it to the movies. We saw Deadpool but we didn’t get to see the ending. Jay was not feeling well so with the last 40 minute we left early. Then we ended up waiting 2 hours for handi van to pick us up, because they forgot about us. 

He was so hungry while waiting there was a Mexican restaurant next to us, he wanted a burrito. Well this restaurant has no burritos or rice! They make only quesadillas with your choice of meat!🤦‍♀️😂 so we got carne asada quesadilla. It was basic but at least the meat was good quality. I bought guacamole and chips and that was good. We finally got home, the ride was better and air conditioned. Poor Jay he was bummed we didn’t finish the movie, he just kept saying it was the worse date. lol 

I guess we will have to wait to stream new movies online. But at least we got out! 

I know it seems like bad news but I am grateful we got out. He slept all night too!😄

Thank you guys for all your prayers and staying up to date with us. Have an awesome Labor Day weekend!

love 

The Trujillo Ohana 

Aloha Ohana,

     I got some updates for you from the last I updated you. Jay had the ultrasound on his thyroid and bladder. 

God is so good, I had prayed over Jay and the ultrasound and prayed let it be nothings.

First result came back that there are no signs of cancer, and the nodule has not grown. Praise God!

Second result on his bladder showing very little urine retention. So that is very good!!

The doctor did add a binder for him to take while eating, to help with phosphorus levels. 

The only thing is it makes him a little tired. So I’m starting him off at half dose so he can get used to it. 

Jay has been asking for the new big iPad , so he can used to read Gods word and research. His old one was up small. I don’t have that kind of money, so took my Mac Book I use for editing and traded for the new big iPad. So he’s officially an IPad kid. Lol

He has been stable for a while now. Thank you Jesus. Keep praying for miracles everyday. 

All you prayers and support mean the world to us. 

I hope and pray Gods goodness and favor over you all. 

Love 

Jodi and Jay

Aloha Ohana,

It’s been a hot minute since I have given an update. For the last month or so I have been battling shingles, and with that it triggered my eczema. Lots of tiredness and cloudy brained with that, along with lack of sleep due to full time caregiving. But my shingles are gone and my eczema is almost cleared. This made it really hard caring for Jay but we got through it.

Jay has been doing good. Been stable for a long time now. We started to do some standing exercises of with me holding him up. Nothing really major, just trying to build his leg and core strength. 

I had been in the process of applying for Long Term Care for him. But we got denied and with that it made his Medicare get terminated too. It’s been stressful trying to get the right person to talk to. They make it really hard to try to get any help. 

I told my husband I’m almost tempted to say i identify as an illegal alien so I can get all the resources they get with no issues😂 

But today I finally talked to a very helpful social worker and she got his insurance all taken care of phew!! Yesterday he has an ultrasound on his thyroid finally. I’m praying the nodule is nothing. 

I don’t know how we continue to survive out here but God is our provider, with having all of you who have given so generously with love. Thank you!!!

Everytime I get an email alert it’s always a surprise! And I’m reminded of a how uses each and one of you to remind us of his goodness and faithfulness. Tuesday we got a surprise letter too with a little gift that definitely came at the right time. Things have been tight and I needed to get new tires desperately, now my van is safe to drive. 

Always when we are going through the thick of it, it’s hard to see anything else and only thing left to due is look up. Fix your eyes on him. He’s the way out, our refuge. 

We have many of these moments, to many to count in this past year, but Jesus has never left us.

thank you all so much for continuing to love and support!

love 

the Trujillo Ohana 

I was so frustrated on Monday, it was a tough night of my skin in pain due to shingles on and having to change Jays bedding because he had soiled them. This was like 1am. I was tired of crying so I wrote what I was thinking. 

I share to be transparent and to encourage others going through tough times, that there is always hope. Feeling abandoned I wrote out my thoughts, then in the morning my good friend sister in Christ sent me a text, a prayer over me and Jay. Honestly I knew God was saying I’m right here! And so I worshipped and praised and prayed. 

Monday night after changing Jays bedding at 1 am:

I feel sucky sometimes, mostly they are just moments in a day, when I’m frustrated, when I’m my skin in inflamed from stress, missing my me time, missing the opportunities to sell art, just missing out, wondering when will I see my husband walk and do those things he used to. Then I feel really guilty for feeling that way because it’s not all about me. I mean at least I can walk , talk, use both hands to do something, while my husband is at my mercy to help him do all those basic things. Thoughts run through my head.What did I do wrong?What do I need to prove, I mean I have been faithful, I forgave and stayed with my husband after all his unfaithfulness before we knew you Jesus. I don’t know what more you’re asking of me. I’m tired. Where are you?

God had me write this after reading my friend’s prayer for me and after I listen to Worship music

Just hang on..

I’m working on your behalf.

I know where you’ve been 

and where you are going..

So just hang on to me.

Let me be your peace your comfort 

Don’t worry about the place you’re in

Just hang on to me

Here .. take my hand 

And I will lead you to a place of rest

So just hang on to me

I am your comforter 

I am your healer 

I am your conqueror 

So just hang on to me

I am your provider 

I am your shelter 

So just hang on to me

I am your comforter 

I am you healer

I am your conqueror 

I am your friend

So just hang on to me 

I just want to say we have many family and friends that reach out, check in, and love on us. I am so grateful for you all! 

Update in my shingles. 

Well, thank you Jesus for my brother Ken. He reminded to take my oregano oil because of it being a natural antibacterial. So I took one Monday in the day and at night, yesterday I wasn’t in as much pain as in Monday. Again I repeated my dosage and today my lips are not on fire and my skin feels calm. God is so good! 

Mahalo Nui for all your support, love, and prayers.

love 

Jay j and Jodi

Aloha Ohana,

Today is 10 months since Jays stroke. If you haven’t seen my posts on 9/11/23 while sitting and breakfast at the Pancake house in Kalihi I witnessed my husband have a hemorrhagic stroke. Something I will never get out of my memory. Since then he’s had a stroke more in the back of the brain which consisted of multiple blood clots bursting like firecrackers. We had a great team around him that encouraged us that although it would a long trial, he could regain his movement and ability to talk and eat. Jay was determined to eat and drink again so he began training and by mid October he started talking and swallowing and progressing from puréed food and feeding tube , to chopped and the removal of g-tube. From the beginning I have continued to believe that this was not the end game for Jay, and I will stand on that God will complete the good work in Jay that’s he started. He’s made it through a horrible seizure this new year and another mini stroke. I’ve seen my hubby fight through the depression that comes after a tragedy like this, honestly Jesus brought him through it. 

Jay spent almost 5 months In hospitals and nursing and rehab facilities. Bringing him home was not and still not easy. Seriously surrendering all of me to Jesus so I can do this. It’s not easy, fun, not my preference, and a lot of the times tired, lonely, frustrating, and angry about it all. But when I feel these Gods holy spirit comes and comforts me, brings me joy through mourning. 

I was asked recently if I see a light at the end of the tunnel, honestly while deep in this tunnel I don’t, but I believe and I know it’s there, waiting for me to see it, but then I do see the light when we wake up in the morning and I look like I haven’t slept in years, but my husband tells me how beautiful I look this morning, I see the light when all we have is to talk sweet nothings to each other, or we start cracking jokes on each other, I see the light when he pushes through when he doesn’t feel like it. I see the light as somedays all I do is silently cry, tears dripping down my face and as I’m changing or tending to Jay, he will grab my hand and pray for me. I see the light when I take Bob to the park and the suns ray’s gently warm my face and body, and God reminds me He Never Left Me. 

Jay has been stable for a couple months now. Thank you Jesus! 

Becoming a full-time caregiver was not even in my line of site, especially to my husband. But here we are He still alive, I’m still alive lol. Emma has been a great help and comfort. We are so grateful for her. We are so grateful for all of you, all you love, prayers, and support. Thank you! God is in our story, I will let him write it. 

Aloha Ohana!

I just wanted to get on here and share a bit. 

Jay has been stable for sometime now, he’s been doing good. We are still waiting for the approval of more physical therapy. 

We did have 3 days of help but the caregiver quit the agency , while we wait for insurance to bring in another, it’s back to being me, which I am used to. 

I wait patiently for the days of sleeping through the night, no more changing diapers, and hearing my name being called every 5 minutes from the room😂. I close my eyes and envision my husband walking around our little home. Sometimes when I’m sitting in the living and I hear him moving around, from the corner of my eye I see him walking out, I do a double take and there’s no one. 

I’m still working on getting that chair mobility transfer lift. Jay wanted to research and watch videos on it. And he has, he’s just afraid of it working it not for him. He doesn’t want to buy something he’s not going to use very long. I get it, but I told this could help us get out of the house. So hopefully we can get one soon. 

This past Saturday I was able to get out and do a pop up market. I had hired the caregiver to come stay with Jay. I was nervous, although I I planned for over month in having care for Jay, leaving him was hard. I felt like a first time momma leaving their baby. But we know the caregiver and she knows what to do. I just wanted the pop up to be worth it. It was, I made back the money I spent to have care for Jay and 6 hours to myself. I was exhausted when I got home but thankfully he had dialysis and that would give me time to rest. 

July 11 will mark 10 months since his stroke, only 2 more months and it will be a year. I still feel like such a newbie at this, part of me wants it to stay like a newbie, I don’t want it to be like a seasoned pro, because I’m praying He will be healed. When all this happened I remember praying and my heart was set that he would walk out of the hospital. I still can’t accept all this over him, this is not the rest of his life. I know God has more healing and restoration over him. My prayer over him daily is healing and restoration in Jesus name!

You all have been such a wonderful gift to us. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. 

Have a blessed 4th of July.

Mahalo Nui,

Trujillo Ohana

Finding Joy

I feel led to write about finding those joy nuggets is hardship, in tragedy, and loss. 

I was talking to a good friend the other day. We were sharing what God’s saying in the midst of both of us going through some tough times. 

I shared that I realized the hard days I tend to make harder by counting the cost instead of focusing on Jesus. And I’m trying to recognize this before I go down that rabbit hole. We had a very Jesus filled Conversation. We prayed over each other and I felt my cup filling up! 

I forget that joy is a choice and not all the time do I feel all that happy go lucky person. Lately I have felt very unlucky. Especially when I see others doing life and right now my life is been at home. Definitely having FOMO. 

But, I started to read all my past post and saw Wow! God has truly come through!! And although caregiving is extremely exhausting, these are my joy nuggets.  

. Seeing God come through for Jays Speach and eating. 

. Witnessing Jays goofy side even goofier than before his stroke.

. His extremely gratitude is truly humbling even when I’m not in the mood. 

.my family becoming stronger in the Lord. 

.jays compliments 

.I’ve always wondered what he was like as a boy. Now I do ! His humor and no filter is like a 9 year boy.

He’s sweet and I can see where my boys get those puppy dog eyes as they look up at you. 

. He wakes up at 4am to tell me good morning my love! 

.he tears up because my dinners are so good!!😂

I know there’s a lot more, but I just wanted to share with you. 

Sometimes you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death, just know there is joy at the bottom of that mountain, as you build momentum to climb through to your breakthrough, make sure to find those joy nuggets on the way!

Praise report - we saw the Cardiologist today and he doesn’t need heart surgery.

9 months ago today our lives changed. Jay has made such progres I still find myself grieving the life we once had, I once had. We’ve lost and gained during this journey. We’ve lost income, and gained generously from our family and friends, we’ve lost our plans, but gained Gods, we’ve lost our independence, but gained more dependence on God. I think the hardest thing to lose has been time, I find myself coveting time sometimes and I’ve had to make an intention to not waste what little time I have now. (For Gods word says those who are trusted with little will be trusted with much!) Luke 16:10. 

This journey comes with ups and downs, but I believe it can be more ups if I (we) continue to surrender ourselves to Gods purpose. It hasn’t been easy and I would not wish this on anyone! Lack of sleep, changing diapers, feeding, that was my life with kids and I never expected that I’d be doing this for my husband at this stage of our lives. We were entering the empty nesters life and that’s completely changed for now. I know Jay never expected or wanted this for him or me. These past 9 months being so far from our family and friends in Cali has been hard. But we have received so much support in prayers, finances, and help from our Cali family and our Ohana here on Oahu. We are deeply touched everytime I see a notification of a prayer or gift. We even received a gift from people we don’t know! Just this Sunday as I finished a small mural for a church, they gave me a gift to help buy a transfer chair so I can easily transfer him to our car. Although sometimes I feel alone and far away from family. Gods reminds “you’re not alone” we are so grateful to God and his faithfulness. Jesus knows exactly what we need. I saw this post today and I want you to share it, I thought it was perfect for today. 

“But the thing is, I still choose God. Even when it’s hard, even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it takes longer than expected. I still choose him. All I know is that I would rather go through all this with him than without him.” We are looking forward and surrendering more to Jesus. 

Jay is victorious in Christ and this new season has healing for him!

Mahalo Nui for all your continued support!

Praying Gods goodness over you all

Jodi, Jay and Ohana 

#praybigbelievebigseebig

Yesterday was a really good day, despite Jay fighting a really bad bladder infection. He had been looking forward to his Uncle Nick and cousin @nicocaddy visiting us yesterday. Jay had started urinating blood yesterday morning so our deal was after his visit then we will access how’s he’s doing and possibly call to go to the hospital. Jay took a nap and I woke him up to check in. I asked how he felt and he said go ahead and call an ambulance. 

The ER experience at @queenshealthhi was so good. It was not packed and he got a room right away. They were gonna admit him, but the hospital doctor that it was best to treat during dialysis days. So they help get Jay in our van we were off to come back home. Jay slept really good. 

This journey to healing has not been easy, it will be 9 months soon! Still no movement on the left. His primary wants us to put any traveling to the side for a while until we get all his appointments and check ups squared away. Praying for what the next season will look like for us, I’m believing for healing, restoration, being a testimony of Gods faithfulness, provision, art business booming online and in person, Jay creating with me, healthy for me and my family, seeing our children overcome and thrive. Bringing others to Christ by our life story. 

Praying big, believing big, seeing big!! 

Mahalo for all your love and prayers

#strokesurvivor #allforgodsglory 

Aloha Ohana!

Here’s an update on Jay. He’s been doing good. He fought off an UTI. 

 Monday we had a zoom check up with jays primary doctor. He's very impressed on how much progress Jay has made since the seizure. We have a lot more check ups like his thyroid, heart, and sleep apnea machine. 

We asked about traveling and he said for us to put a pin on it until we get everything out of the way. So that's were we are at right now. Jay just finished all his antibiotics and is doing well

heres what we need prayer for

his thyroid ultrasound 

his kidneys 

his upcoming cardiovascular appointment regarding the PFO in the heart. 

For feeling to comeback to left legs/arms

for brain to completely heal 

For complete healing and restoration 

and our finances.

my hopes is to have a good online shop for my art and lessons, maybe even sell art kits, and subscription. My dream goal is to be able to create and make income where we are. 

These last 8 months have not been easy in every way. Finding my self surrendering everything to Jesus and just when you think you got no more to surrender, there’s more! It’s not easy, especially when the surrender is for someone else. 

I know I’m doing a good job, but I miss the mark many times. And sometimes surrendering feels like failing. Feeling like you missing out on what should have been, missed opportunities, trying to focus just on 1 thing is so hard. But  I know Jesus is with me. 

I was feeling really sad about a business collaboration, then all of the sudden they ghosted me. Seeing post of them doing events and not even reaching out to me hurt the most.  

But God heard my cry and on Monday I got a call from a pastor asking a quote for a mural for his church. I was kinda scared. In the past church pastors always tried to low ball me in the worth of my work, but not this one. I gave him a quote and he said Ok when can you start! It’s a small mural but it’s worth it. I know God is our ultimate support, our provider, making a way where there is no way.  I know he did not bring us to Hawaii to desert us. This is not our end game. 

Things I miss:

I miss my hubby’s real voice!

I miss him singing!

I miss him holding me.

I miss him taking me out on a date. 

I miss seeing him and Emma go do their shopping therapy.

I miss him walking  

I miss planning a future.

I miss him golfing

I miss going to church with him

I miss having his help. 

There’s more but here’s are what on my mind most. Well Jay woke and it’s time to make him breakfast:) we really appreciate all your prayers and support. May God continue to keep you in favor, love, hope, and peace. 

Mahalo Nui for reading,

Jodi, Jay, and Ohana 

Aloha Ohana,

Last week was a whirlwind of blessing and stress lol. First of all thank you to my son Bobby who came to stay with for 3 weeks. He hadn’t seen his dad since the stroke, it was much needed time. It was really great to have the help. Then Nano came, Jay’s parents, his sister, then our daughter, son in law, family friend, my mom and Tia Bonnie. Phew!! It was great having them visiting. We have such awesome kids and family. Jay still talks like they are here lol. Jay developed a UTI toward the end of last week, but he did great! Although I was worried due to his blood urine, he’s now on the mend. Last week for me was definitely trying, as I wanted so much to be present in everyone visiting, I was caring for Jay. Here are some things in background that happen. 

Jay threw up on the way to graduation ( thank God I brought extra clothes)

Thursday night the transportation company forgot to pick up Jay from dialysis he was waiting for and hour and a half! Thank God my boys were with me because I able to pick up Jay myself and bring him home with their help, my boys even made some awesome adjust to the wheelchair ramp and it works so much better! Saturday came and Alyssa, Mike, Nicole, my mom and Tia Bonnie were still here. So after Jay went to dialysis , we went to the coffee farm and we all drove in the van I had purchased for Jay. And as I stopped for gas on the way home the battery died. We were lucky enough to have some local jump start us and we got home. Just as I was thinking our evening of excitement was over, I go to talk Bob our dog potty at the park. Well, I loose my balance, and begin to fall. In the process I pulled my hamstring and popped my sciatica. Mike was able to help get Jay and put him in bed once he came back from dialysis. I slightly rested from lifting Jay for 2 days. I’m still very sore and limping but I’m back to caring for Jay. And can move more than before. 

Emma had her orientation for Windward jr college, she starts in August!

My goal is to save a for a transfer lift chair so I can safely transfer Jay to wheelchair to car. I will be selling art prints and homemade organic chocolate chip cookies to raise money. If you’d like me to send you my link for you can email me. 

We are so grateful for all your love and support! 

Blessings 

Jodi and Ohana

This has been an emotional week, month, year, but we are here and are so blessed to be celebrating Emma’s hard work. Her senior didn’t  go according to we hope and planned. We spent most of our energy and attention on her dad. Praying that he would be able to attend. 

So much this stroke has stolen from us as a family and individually. For Jay his freedom to do all those things he did before, especially working. He took pride in providing for us. For Me time! My desire was to really be in the moment and relish Emma’s last year in school, to be totally involved. And for Emma this stroke has affected her whole year, just being in class and not having to worry about anything else but the class itself. She would text at least once a week. Is everything ok? I’d respond yes why? She would say the principal walked in and talking to the teacher. She was worried she was gonna get pulled out because of her dad getting sick again or something. And my kids in California worrying from afar, when they want to be here next to us so bad. But we all have pressed through these last 7 months. Emma’s graduated and Jay got to see her and be there! Most of all our family came out. Alyssa, Mike,Bobby, Nano, Yaya Betty, Granpa Robert, Grandma Yolie , Tia Bonnie, Auntie Colette, Tio Joey, cousin Izzy, and family friend Nicole. We are so grateful they were all able to make it. 

Jay did amazing and hung out in his wheel chair with everyone. He cried the whole time during her graduation, completely and totally grateful for being able to see her. We are so proud of her!! 

Thank you all for your love and prayers. We are still praying and believing for his healing. 

Jodi and Jayj

I hope you all had a blessed Mother’s Day weekend. All though my Mother’s Day was spent not all how I pictured my Mother's day, but it never is.lol I’m at grateful for having our oldest son with us, and Emma! I have special visits from friends and family and that’s a blessing. We are gearing up for our last kiddo’s graduation! And next week we will have a house full of family. 

Jay has been doing really good. He had the arm fistula put in and recovery quite nicely. We are trying hard to create some normalcy even if it takes a lot of work. He is a picture of Jay and Bobby sitting on the couch. He looks so good and almost like before the stroke. Sitting there took a lot of work for him. I’m very proud of him. 

We are still believing for his left side to wake up, so he can get his movement back. He’s graduated out of home therapy to outpatient therapy , just waiting of referrals to go through. 

God is good, I’m amazed with all the set backs that could have been so bad, Gods has brought Jay through and to me he’s even better. 

Next week I will more to say! 

But for now Mahalo for all your love and support.

love 

Trujillo Ohana 

Aloha Ohana, 

I’m trying to stay on top of updating you all. 2 Fridays ago Jay has a permanent fistula place on his left arm for dialysis. Everything went well, Jay did great and didn’t even experience any delirium. Praise God!

This past Friday we did an at home sleep study. This was not easy as Jag was so annoyed by the device I had to attached to him. I kept praying hoping that they got a good reading. I received the results and they did get a good reading. It shows he does have sleep apnea. So now we just  will need to see his neurologist about the CPAP for him. Hopefully that will help him get better sleep. He also has an appointment consultation for the little hole in his heart. They will be testing it to see if it needs to be closed. All his doctors are trying to eliminate any causes to more strokes. 

We finally are getting a little help from home health. They come for a couple of hours 3 days a week to help with Jay. 

We are coming up on 8 months since his stroke. It’s feels like it went fast, but also feels longer than 8 months. Emotionally we are hanging in there trusting and leaning on Jesus. Jays come along way, I see him connecting emotionally, which helps for me because lately I’ve been emotional. I think just exhaustion plays a key part.  But really missing the life we had before his health started to decline. I’m able to share with him my thoughts and he listens. Slowly I see my husband (my sounding board) coming back. God hears the cries of my heart and I know he’s answering them. 

Please continue to pray for more healing, for him to feel his left slide again, and to walk! He wants to travel so bad. Just to get in the car and go grocery shopping would be huge for us. But like before I’m praying for big healing over him. 

Thank you all for your love and support. You have no idea how much of a blessing you all are!

love 

Trujillo Ohana

Good morning ☀️ 

its 5:30 am here on Oahu. At 7:30 Jay will go into surgery to have a permanent fistula placed for dialysis. I’m still standing in faith God will still restore his Kidneys and body. Pray there’s non serious side effects. We appreciate you all! Praying Gods goodness over you all. 

Blessing 

Jodi Trujillo 

Doing normal tings!

God is definitely walking Jay and I through this “I don’t know what to call it” We are definitely experiencing his goodness in the midst of all this______(fill in the blank) lol 

Jay has out grown his home therapy and they are referring him to out-patient. Which is a really great sign! His last home OT therapy was last Wednesday and she just gushed over how impressed she is at his improvement from when she first met him in March. We have been been blessed with really awesome therapist Ot and PT. They listen to him and me. Trying to help him during his really bad delirium episodes when he referred to me as Kathy Bates in Misery😂 They worked together to show him his real limitations and it wasn’t me keeping him caged up. But they were committed to making him stronger so he can break those limitations. Little by little we are seeing real improvements ( or little miracles) as I refer to them. 

Anyone who really knows Jays, as loving as he is, he is not easy. And is definitely more work than having little kids. But after his last therapy session, he was so encouraged at what his OT had to say. Then he looked at me and asked.

“When am I going back to stay at rehab?” I looked confused, “stay at rehab ?” I asked 

He said “yes is that what she recommending that I stay at the rehab?” I was like. “No, she’s recommending out patient, like we did before, “and then I added “why would I fight for you to be at home, and then to send you away?” 

He was like “oh ok good, out patient is good.” I walked out of the room and then he called me back. He reached for my hand and said “Thank you for fighting for me” 😭😭😭 oh my heart strings!! As frustrated and tired as I am, hearing that made it all worth it. God knows when we need to hear him and need that extra jolt to the heart to keep going. 

This past Friday we saw his neurologist and she was very impressed to see him doing so well, she ever referred to him as “still recovering “ I know that, but it’s great to hear when the medical part is matching with what I hear from God. Then I asked if he had to be on the anti seizure medication, and she said Yes. Then I asked if the Bacoflen was prescribed to him was the trigger for seizure, and she said no. I was not at all happy, I just feel doctors are so careful at acknowledging another’s negligence. It’s frustrating. So after she blah blah blah, because that all I heard after that. I decided to take the out of that appointment. That He’s still recovering! So I’m purposely trying to the “normal tings” we once did. Like go out to eat, drink a cup of coffee together. 

Yesterday we ate lunch outside, it felt like we went out. lol And this morning I made decaf coffee for us so we can sit and have a cup while watching the news. These are little tings, but I know it means a lot to him to feel normal. 

Keep him I. Your prayers this Friday, he will be getting his permanent fistula for dialysis put in. He has to go under, so I pray he doesn’t have any serious side effects and recovers normal! I dare to pray that as they insert the fistula on the left side that it would wake up his brain to connect to his left arm in Jesus name. 

We love and appreciate you all!

Trujillo Ohana

Aloha family!

    I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a while. Part is because you know life, and the other is I found myself afraid to share in fear of any immediate set backs. I know it’s silly. But it seems just as things calm down and we get in a rhythm, then it gets all disrupted again.  But that’s how it feels and I k ow it’s not the case. Since Easter Jays mental health has increased and improved. Thank you Jesus! He’s working hard to recover fully, and at the same time wait on the Lord. It’s not easy to wait, we want to do things and we want to do them Now!😂 This past Thursday marks 7 months when our lives shifted and changed. As I choke back my tears of the life I can hardly remember we had before all this, I still grieve it. But Gods word and faithfulness has never been so evident as we walk through this valley. Being my ever present help and comfort in times of trouble. Both of us learning to wait, we have lost the same is different ways and together. 

I learned that the Hebrew word for wait means to be intertwined. Like a 3 legged race, you tie your legs together and get in-sync with each other.

That’s what it’s like waiting in God. You get intertwined and in-sync with Jesus. When he runs ,we run, when he pauses, we pause. And in turn those who wait on the Lord with renew their strength and they will soar of the wings of eagles!!

I can’t say have my timing or sync locked in with Jesus, but as I surrender more of myself, the more intertwined I become, and I move when he moves, I stop when he stops. In all this we still see God goodness. 

Last week we tried to go on a date night, we got rained on and went back inside the house and had date night at home, Friday I had a travel groomer come and clean up my husband’s rough look.😂 Omg what a difference a good haircut and face trim does! He’s a new man!! lol 

We are in the works in creating some digital art for stickers and t-shirts. Trying to create income from home. Hopefully we will have a shop up by June or July! It would be great to have all your support when that happens. He really wants to work, and this is probably the only he can. 

He’s graduating out of home health therapy and being sent to out patient therapy. I’m so proud of him and grateful for God faithfulness. 

Until then I pray more of Gods love and light in your lives! 

Love 

Jodi and Jay

Keeping steadfast 

Aloha Ohana 

I know it’s been awhile since I updated. I hope you all had a blessed resurrection day. So the last time I updated I shared Jays PCP suggested placing him in a foster care home due to his delirium behavior and health issues. But I prayed and I know that's not what he needs. I talked to Jay about it, he was quiet. I told him I wanted to keep him home, but if I can't keep him safe then the foster care home would be the next step. 

I cried to Jesus just asking for breakthrough. 

I kid you not 6 days later Jays mental clarity improved. He apologized for his behavior and acknowledged everything we do is to keep him safe. 

He's doing better mentally now. 

Physically he's working hard but he's been tired a lot.  

He has a great physical and occupational therapist. They are very impressed at Jays desire to get up and move again. 

Every morning and night I try to make a point to pray with Jay with all our gratefulness to Jesus. 

Staying steadfast in all God, in all that he’s called us too, and keeping an open mind and heart for what he has for us next. 

March 30th was my last day teaching at the Marriott. It was bittersweet, but my heart knows God has more. Trying to figure out how to work from home, I keep praying God help me sell my art from home. So, I’m just trying to create a plan and bringing it at his feet. 

Jay has always been a hard worker, he delights in being the provider. Poor guy asked the doc when he can go back to work, and the doctor told him probably never. :( So jays head has been filled with trying to find jobs he can work from home. He wakes up in the middle of the nights and talked to me about options, I’m so sleepy and trying to let him get it off his mind. I told we are in the greatest position to create our own job from home. Then I pray for Gods peace over him and he goes back to sleep. He’s always been wanting to create T-shirt’s, stickers, and do photography. So I’m trying to figure how we can do that. 

We are getting ready for our last baby’s high-school graduation. Jay is so excited for her, he’s also excited to get all our children here on island at the same time!! 

I just want to that everyone for their generosity, I have been very frugal using what been raised. 

We stay steadfast in our faith, knowing Jesus is our source. Remember when we said Yes to Jesus about moving to Hawaii, and all the financial concerns. Jay would say “where God guides, he will provide” so that’s my prayer. Continued provision over us and our needs even our wants. 

God is good and faithful, we go through troubled times but God always provides, and brings us to our next blessing in the valley. 

Praying my next update with be a breakthrough in Jays recovery, and finances. 

Blessings over you all!

Trujillo Ohana

Aloha Ohana,

So much seems to just keep coming. But I’ve come to realize that I’m not in control of any of this. I will continue to bring my prayers of heart to God and surrender to his will! 

This past Thursday was packed with some sad news. One I was kinda sensing in the spirit it was coming and the other I felt side swiped. 

So I will start with the one I felt side swiped first. 

Thursday I went to pick up a new BP machine so the Dr. can monitor from his office. 

His assistant said they also need to talk to me.

So I go in and get the machine, and his assistant talks to me about the Dr.s recommendation. He recommended I put Jay in a foster care home, where he can get the round o clock and assistance as he gets at home, but it run by an actual nurse. The recommendation came because of all these sets backs due to seizures and the side effects. That was a hard pill to swallow. They gave me a number of the nurse and the next day I called her and she was really nice, a good listener. As I unraveled with emotions over the phone, she reassured me that if I feel he needs to be home, then keep him home and leave the recommendation of the Dr as a last resort. Please pray for Jay to have breakthroughs and miracles.

So to my next thing I was kinda sensing in the spirit, but still not easy to accept. That same day as I left to pick up the BP machine, I got an email from the Marriott ( where I teach paint parties). It was not a good email. The email states they were letting me go and hiring a different artist. This sucks as it was my main income. But I know God has greater things in store when it come to the creative gifts he’s given me. 

Like I said things feel piled on, but I do have this peace of God that fills me. Just more to surrender to Jesus.

But I want to end with a really good praise report! 

You know I’m still believing for miracles of Jay and everyday I ask God for us to see them in him. 

So yesterday was a different day of things, I 

went grocery shopping and as I’m trying to load my car of groceries, this other car was totally blocking my access. So I had to load from the other side making a little more challenging. All of the sudden I’m crying, I’m crying God why does everything have to be hard, can I just get a freaking break. I’m crying and loading my car, and I get ready to drive home. I have worship music on and one song is singing about the blessings of God. And immediately I’m like crying again, because in all this mess God still blesses us. So long story short . I get home, get Jay ready for dialysis pick up. We are outside and he has his earphone and music playing. All of the sudden I hear Jay, I thought he was crying, he wasn’t! He was singing!!! My heart sank with gratitude to have heard him. He hadn’t sang in 6 months. All you know him, know he’s a singer! It was so adorable to hear him just singing out loud unaware of who’s hearing him. So, even though I got difficult news, God gave me my miracle of the day!! 

Thank you all for reading my long updates. But I really am trying to keep you all apart of this journey, because I know one day my update will read He is Healed!! Until then I pray blessing upon blessings upon you all!

love 

Jodi, Jay and Ohana

Well, although I feel safer when Jays in the hospital, his stay was short lived. I know , that should be a good thing, but I was hoping to leave with answers, there really isn’t any. The bleed they saw, either his body absorb it or it was never there. Answers to why seizures are happening, they will not put a complete contributing factor to that. The attending Dr was really great. He took his time talking to us, but the neurologist talked fast and very a matter of fact like, although she had no specific facts to what she was telling me. 

But nurses and staff are were amazing, what was cool is alot of the attending staff that were there in the beginning of his stroke recognized us and came to say Hi. 

As they were preparing Jay for discharge yesterday I was waiting with him, and his delirium is back and he starts with accusing me of not paying attention to him, not acknowledging he’s walking, and why can I just celebrate with him. I started crying and was like Lord I can’t do this again with his delirium. The nurse overheard me and called the dr. He came and did a mental check on me. I told him I’m frustrated we have no answers and how I felt rushed by the neurologist . And how now he has delirium again and that’s really hard. Long story short, I didn’t get answers but at least he heard me. Jay came home last night after dialysis. He was so hungry he was light headed. But after he ate he was better. He slept good, even with me waking him up every 2-3 hours to change. He asked when he can go back to work. I had no answer:( his delirium comes and his and this afternoon he was upset I was keeping him from walking. Emma was trying to help and talk to him, he was told her to get out of his way. He didn’t want to raise his voice at her. So I switch places with her. After about 10 minutes of him trying to get out of bed. He remembered he was hungry. I fed him and he’s all better.

As we as a family continue to wait on the Lord, trusting him in every situation that comes our way, believing he will use this for His glory, we still appreciate and need your prayers. 

What to pray for?

1. Gods wisdom and solutions.

2. To continue to trust Him

3. To all his good when we get overwhelmed with the bad.

4. For home health support to give me rest or away to continue creating and working.

5. Continued provision 

6. to complete all my ideas to help other in my situation ( journals, books, illustrations) 

7. and always complete healing over Jay. 

Thank you and many blessings over you all!

jodi and ohana

As I walk through the lobby of Queen’s again, I’m greeted like Ohana here from all the staff. I feel comforted here with the treatment Jay gets here. Although I hate having to be in the hospital at all, I’m truly grateful. I only wish he could stay for his duration of recovery. As you can see we definitely serve a big God and he’s turn our sorrow into dancing so quickly! Jay is making strides with this latest bleed. My prayer has been that God uses this to catapult his recovery or reverse the damage to before he even got sick. This stroke hasn’t not done anything to his humor . All who know him can say “Yes that Jay!”😂😂I’ve been reassured that he will not be released until they have the right dosages that work for him. But I’m still standing and believe that he will not need any of the meds or dialysis, he will be restore to his youthful health. My prayer will remain the same and I refuse to bargain my husband’s healing, Jesus wouldn’t want me to do that anyway. Brings me back to Jacob and Esau and how Esau bargained his inheritance for a bowl of soup!! And then Jesus in the wilderness and when Satan tried to bargain with him, but Jesus gave him the 🤚🏼 and pretty much said (to get out of my face, my father is Greater!) I’m paraphrasing 😂😂 It’s hard as we are so far away from family literally in the middle of the ocean. But Jesus has been and will always be our lifeboat. I will keep my eyes and mind on Jesus, so as the waves and storms of life come through we will not be tossed, we will rest next to Jesus. I was reflecting on this and the last 6 months. It sure feels like we are literally in this lifeboat with Jesus, at time my eyes, my faith are in point with Jesus. But as soon as my gaze starts to focus on the waves and storms surrounding me, I start to get sea sick, a panic set in of the what ifs, I’m focusing on the past of what was, those waves feel really big, and then I’m feel like I’m drowning. I call out Jesus where are you? And he says I’ve been right next to this whole time! You know if you find yourself doing this it’s ok! Because at least you’re still calling out to Jesus! He will answer! #strokesurvivor #jesusheals

Please Pray 4 Jay

I had been wanting to update you all the last couple of days. Sunday ,Monday, and Tuesday aside from having a bit of diarrhea, Jay was doing good. He had his first home therapy with Ot,and PT back to back and did very well, to therapist he did more than they expected and were impressed. Jay was really encouraged. Monday and Tuesday were really good because he was able to wake up early to have breakfast and meds by 9am. Then Tuesday he practiced putting on his pant by himself. 

It was a good day!

Then Tuesday evening when he came home from dialysis something wasn’t right. He was confused, could speak clearly or even make sense. He could tell who he is. So I called 911, he had another stroke, it’s a small bleed on His right side. He’s been in ER room since Tuesday night waiting for a bed in the neuroscience wing. He was not responding as of last night. I was with him all day and night praying, playing worship music . I went home to sleep and So I called the hospital this morning to check to see if jay was moved yet, no not yet . He's still in ER. Then i asked if there any improvement on his cognitive and speech. She said yes. He was able to answer questions and he's alert! Praise God!! 

We still need your prayers we are believing big for him. 

Update on Rob ( Jayj)

It’s been 2 weeks since the seizure. It’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions. Seeking God in the mess. 

All those fears pop up again on his recovery, how much was he set back, and what does recovery look like. Sleepless nights due to the withdrawals of the first medication that triggered the seizure, and now his anti seizure medication has the same side effects regarding sleep, sleepless, delirium, verbal combativeness, frustration. He’s very aware of all this but he has no control. I had to wake him up in middle of the night the other day to change him, and he was not happy. He looked at me and said “I’m gonna make your life a living !” He had the mischievous grin. 

So I snapped back in “Jay form” and said “too late!” and I’m still here!with a giggled in my tone. 

I know he’s frustrated in the place he’s in, even more so since the seizure. There’s been a shift in his personality, he’s still Jay, but it’s different. 

Trying to build his strength back in his right, and believing to see movement in his left. 

So many setbacks in his progress. 

1.cognitively set back a bit

 2. He was getting outpatient rehab but now he’s not strong enough to go back. 

 3. Doing home health therapy. He got assessed but because he’s so sleepy if he doesn’t improve they will discontinue and train me to do what I can at home. 

I’m trying to get him reassessed if he really needs the seizure medication since it was triggered by meds. Talked to his PCP and he agrees with me. 

Doing a heart monitor study. Trying to find the source of second stroke still. 

As I write these updates, I know it doesn’t sound good, or even hopeful. But I tell I rest in the hope of my Lord Jesus! Even though moments whet I feel hopeless, but then I’m reminded of Gods love, and he brings hope to the hopeless, and that God has never left us or forsaken us, but though his Son Jesus he’s with us, and he goes before us and establishes our steps. I was listening to a worship song and in it there’s a verse that’s sings “You never change, but you change everything!” I have just been meditating on that and it’s been such a comfort of truth. So as we continue to surrender everyday our own will and thoughts, and trust God that as he remains the same, that He will bring the change we are believing for. 

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. We are overwhelmed by all your love! 

“When I’m afraid , I put my trust in you.”

‭‭Tehillim (Psa)‬ ‭56‬:‭4‬ ‭CJB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1275/psa.56.4.CJB

Exploring scriptures on trust led me to the frequent mention of hope. This prompted me to revisit all my prayer updates during Jay's illness, filled with hope and trust. This led me to ponder what it takes to trust.

Here are some reflections:

Trust forms the foundation of any relationship.

Strengthening our bond with Jesus nurtures our trust.

Trust entails being vulnerable, which involves taking risks and surrendering our thoughts and ways to another.

Accepting Jesus into our hearts is a vulnerable step, confessing our sins to Him in exchange for a better path through Him.

As we deepen our relationship and surrender to Jesus, we witness His work in our lives, fostering trust and replacing negative emotions with peace, confidence, hope, and comfort.

Are you feeling afraid? Have you entrusted your entire life to Jesus?

“But those who put their hope in Adonai (God) will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

‭‭Yesha 'yahu (Isa)‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭CJB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1275/isa.40.31.CJB

When we divert our focus from Jesus, fear can overwhelm us as our attention shifts away from Him, leaving us with a sense of hopelessness. Reflecting on past challenges, I intentionally ignored worldly perspectives, choosing to trust in God's greater plan. Despite medical opinions, I believe in a higher purpose, knowing that the current difficulties are not the final outcome. My trust and hope rest in Jesus for our entire lives.

Where do you place your trust when fear arises?

Returning to church after a long absence was daunting, especially as we prepared to move Jay into our van for the first time. Despite the valid concerns, we knew the importance of being among fellow believers. Shifting my focus back to Jesus, we overcame our fears and attended church, a decision I'm grateful for.

Father God, forgive us for losing sight of You and succumbing to fear. In moments of fear, we will realign our focus on You, where we find hope, peace, love, confidence, and faith. Amen.

below is a picture of Jay at church last night! 

It wasn’t easy transferring him into the van, but God was with us every step of the way!

first time back to church and we went out to dinner too!

“What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

‭‭Romans (Rom)‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Reading this scripture I question why if God is for us, then why do we fear, doubt, complain?

I sit here reflecting on “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

This verse names who’s for us, but doesn’t call out all those that will oppose us. 

Why? Because through Christ we are victorious. Why give attention to everything or everyone that will oppose us, because he’s already conquered it! 

I reflect on all those big things God called us to walk in faith in, there were so many what ifs! But God did not fail us. He brought us through to the other side victorious and with blessings. All we are required to do is to trust him as we walk in faith to and through those things before us. 

I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count on all the times God has proven this very verse to me and my family. We find ourselves more grabbing ahold of this truth even more this season as we walk through faith believing for complete healing over my Jay. 

When reading this verse can you reflect on all the times God has proven his word to you?

When finding yourself in a trial how can you keep from doubting his word?

”so is my word that goes out from my mouth — it will not return to me unfulfilled; but it will accomplish what I intend, and cause to succeed what I sent it to do.”“

‭‭Yesha 'yahu (Isa)‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭CJB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1275/isa.55.11.CJB

Don’t focus on the doubts but focus on those breakthroughs (Phil.4:8)

Take this moment to write down what you’re believing for in this season. 

Then recall all those times he’s come through on your behalf, even when you didn’t ask!! 

Because He is for you!!

Father in heaven we thank you for all you have done in our behalf. Sending your only son to save us from death, so that we can be reunited with you! Thank you for being a good father who is always for us. Forgives us for doubting, for even giving up on what we have been praying for out of fear of never seeing it come to pass. Today we pick up those things we stopped praying about and bring them back 

And put them at your fear. With we stand and believe your word. And everytime doubt creeps in we will sit recall your goodness over our lives. In Jesus name Amen!

A little update on Jay, I think the medication and withdrawals are out of his system. Yesterday he wasn’t as combative with trying to get out of bed himself, or convince that he did walk we just didn’t notice him. 

But!!! Yesterday he came home from dialysis and as we rolled him to the room to transfer him to bed, he wanted to get up and walk. 

So, I said ok show me you can move your left leg out of the foot peddle. 

Me and Emma witnessed his left thigh muscle contract and his left knee raise just a little. We praised him and Jesus! But said he needs a walker first. He agreed and we transferred him. God is so good. 

Love you all!

Jodi

the picture is from a video: Jay and Emma were playing a game and he won. He raised his arm and said “I win!” Praying this over him!

Aloha Ohana, 

It has been a very stressful couple of days. The seizure did cause lots of regression in his progress. Friday night he started talking like before the seizure, he’s remembering and comprehending. But as I have researched the medication has neurotoxicity residual and today I got a call from the nurse for help. Jay was confused and thought he was at a cousins house. He was refusing to eat and take his medicine. 

I rushed over and fed him some food, calmed him down and got him to understand why he’s in a hospital. 

He confused on time. He’s also had lack of sleep which is adding to his delirium. 

They wanted to put him back in a skilled nursing facility, but I refused because he only has gotten worse in those. I requested out patient therapy at the rehab he was at, but he’s regressed in strength and don’t think he’s a good candidate. They will be sending home health to see him. If feels like we have to start all over now. 

I need help in finding an attorney that specializes in malpractice. This was something that could have been avoided. My hopes is that I would be able to make sure my husband will get the best care and opportunity to recover and be provided for. 

Thank you for all your prayers and help. 

We are truly grateful for all of you. 

I know and trust God will turn this around for his good! 

Blessings 

Trujillo Ohana

Well we almost made it to a whole month being home. But last night on Valentine’s Day, Jay had a severe seizure, mostly cause by a medication. prescribed wrongly by the DR. from rehab. This was the worse I have ever witnessed, more worse than the stroke and that was bad. But hearing him this weird noise then seizing, I was beside myself. I truly thought we lost him. All progress he made has now regressed, he’s back in the care at Queens hospital. Where we see familiar faces of nurses and therapists. So once more we need your support in prayers! Pray for a healing miracle, pray for wisdom, and pray for peace of mind. I can’t tell you much we appreciate all of you! I know God is completing a good work in him and I’m gonna stand firm in faith to see it through in him. 

Blessings to you all

Trujillo Ohana 

19 days & counting

When Jay first came home I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t see past 3 days. With no supportive care I found myself kinda of winging it with my mom and Emma. The first ten days was a hot mess, not having all the medication, no sleep, going through all the supplies the rehab sent home with him, to learning to make all his appointments, and care for Jay. 

The sling they ordered for him is completely different than what I was trained with. So we are manually transferring him. 

Since he’s been home, he was dropped by a therapist , I had to call 911 twice, 1st time because he lost right leg power as I was transferring him to chair and he slid down to his bottom. 2nd was recently and as he was being unloaded from the van coming from dialysis he started committing. The memory of his first stroke at The Pancake house flashed in my head and immediately my heart sank, is this a stroke again?

That was this past Saturday. Just as I was thinking we survived 2 weeks this happened. The paramedics were awesome and came immediately. You know every medical staff that has come across Jay has said I can tell he’s a good man! ER was great and he got treated right away meaning we were only in there for 8 hours this time😂 so I learned just as dialysis can level out your electrolytes it can also disrupt them. And in this case, that’s what happened. Low in Phosphorus. 

He got treated, as the nurses were cleaning him up, she checked for bed sores. She gave me props for his bottom looking so good. 

Jay was so proud, he kept saying “good job ” “I knew you could do it” although I felt good, I still wished we didn’t find ourselves in this place. 

Jay has been such a trooper, he’s seen me cry as I change him for millionth time in the day, or be short because lack of sleep, or get so annoyed by his many reminders and asking the same question more than 4 times! But he still melts my heart. Every time he comes home from dialysis he grabs my hand and says “I missed you so much!”

I don’t want to jinx myself and say I’m getting a rhythm in all of this, but my perspective is definitely different. 

 I do talk to Jay about things Gods showing me for us. 

I’m so grateful that’s Jays heart for God is still as genuine since the day he revived Jesus in his heart. 

I’m grateful he can talk and remember. I’m grateful He’s a fighter!! He’s a man that’s a doer, so finding himself in a place of stillness is not easy. 

But as I continue to seek God in all this, I would ask , what could I possibly learn from this? Haven’t we gone through and given up a lot to know how to trust you? If we must walk through this valley in this season can we do it with your peace. Gods been showing me a lot. I’d love to share I’m here. If you’re interested for me to write in the updates let me know and I will. 

 Here’s are some things I believe: 

There’s still rest and blessings in “the valley”

I will not bargain with God,because what I’m believing for is the Whole enchilada! Complete healing! 

Because of Jesus we are victors!

Thank you all for all your love, prayers, and support. Honestly this has been such a humbling experience to receive . 

There are not enough words to describe the emotions I experienced, almost overwhelming. But nothing can compare to how my husband must have felt and continues to feel as he experiences my roller coaster of emotions from fear of what the heck am I going, to the confusion of how the heck am gonna do this, and just exhaustion on every level. My husband has always been a man with very many particulars and let me tell you, that has not changed. I look back at the first day of him arriving home and I wish my brain wasn’t so full of stress that day. But days leading to him coming home I was literally in tears with insurance , transportation, treatment , getting more things finished, and really accepting how much my and our lives are changing. I watch the video and I really wish in that moment I could see the prayers God answered these last 4 months and continues to answer. But all I could see was what was changing for me. So after day 2 I decided to take him outside and read. I joined a Christian writers group, and one of our group members got his book published called “dirt in all” by bill winn. I read the first 3 chapters to Jay and he loved it! Although it’s a fiction book it shares a lot of truth, and pricks at your heart. Right there I decided Lord I don’t want to give my joy away the season. I love my husband, and although becoming a caregiver sucks, or I suck at it 😂 I decided to even find the joy in that. Last night he come home from dialysis so hungry, I had his dinner ready to go. I cleaned him up and set up his table and he scarfed down his tamales. As I came in with my plate, he looked at mine and said who’s is that? It’s my plate I answered and he said oh. I started to eat and just like one of kids when they were little, I could feel him watching me. So I gave him my plate, at first he was reluctant and then he scraped it down. After he was done eating he started cracking jokes and we laughed for like 5 minutes. I don’t remember what the jokes were but it was good to smile and laugh just like we always have. I suck at being a caregiver but because I love him, and trust God with cover the rest. Emma is so happy her dad is home, she couldn’t wait to greet him with all her stuffed animals lol. Today Jay had his follow up with his neurosurgeon, after she explained to Jay the procedure, she added how amazing it is to see how far he’s come in 4 months especially for the type of brain injury he endured. She said he’s pretty far in recovery. Jay do so good too, he spent almost 3 hours in his wheelchair. God is so good! 

So here are to miracles and answered prayers, here’s to seeing Jays full recovery and God getting all the Glory!

love the 

Trujillo Ohana

Aloha Ohana,

So many changes it’s hard for me to update because there always another. Jay was set to come home January 12, but there was a set back due to his equipment he needs at home. So tentatively it’s January 24th or 26th. 

I had to complete a 2 day overnight hands on training caring for Jay. 

We had a great visit with our son Nano. He flew in from California on the 12th and went home on the 16th. 

Jay has his own room so visiting was easier. Nano got to spend a good chunk of time and see his dad in action lol. 

Jays is working really hard at all his therapies, And just as I’m writing this update, the rehab called and they are gonna send him home possibly tomorrow with a wheelchair rental. Lol 

Life has changed definitely. I let questions like are you ready? How do you feel about it? 

So the answer to those questions are No, and not good. I’m mean are you ever really ready? No matter how much you train and prepare? And how I feel about it? Being caregiver was never in my mind for this stage of life. Im just being honest here.

The fact is I love my husband and I’m going to care for him. I know God is with me even when I feel unequipped or not ready. My strength is all from Jesus, calling on him and the Holy Spirit. 

I truly appreciate all the check ins and concerns, all the advice of what would be better. Many will read this and out of genuine care suggest we move back to mainland. Theres so much to think and plan about that suggestion. But honestly getting to this very point of where we are at has been a lot of work. Dealing with insurances, therapies, disability payments. Dealing with transferring all that to another state across the ocean is more than my brain can handle, as I prepare again for Jay to come home. I’m dealing with all kinds of nuttiness, so much I can’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. 

 Trying to separate all the business and care is hard. Because caring for my husband I don’t want to think about the business part. 

I know God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, but I’d rather not go through it truly lol. Gods with me every step of the way, as I pray and declare healing over Jay, and as I kick and scream at all the changes. But still My God reigns over it all.

So tomorrow for-sure Jay will finally be home. I hope and pray this is the place he needs to get to the place where so desires to be in his recovery. 

I will try to update more.

Mahalo for all your love and support.

Trujillo Ohana

A New Year!

I had so much anticipation for the new year, but honestly I’m just super tired to even think. 

I’m not saying I don’t have hopes, dreams, or expectations, I do, I have so much I’m praying and hoping for, but my husband has taken a lot of headspace. 

Running around washing his clothes to take to the rehab, to bringing him homemade meals, to talking to social workers, drs, keeping Emma on track for school, and keeping my business afloat. 

So I decided that I’d start the New Year making time for myself, I woke up early to watch 2024 first sunrise, after I hung out at a local cafe to do some painting of the sunrise. As I was just getting in the zone, my husband texted me to call him.

And I had to talk encourage to do the therapy they were doing to help him go potty. At first he was reluctant then I reminded him that the very same method they are using for him, we implemented for the kids. He remembered and we talked about why he is in this rehab, and I reminded him of his goals. I told him I love him and will see him later. 

So as I start this new year my goal is to rest, to rest in the Lord, to spend some quiet time reflecting with him, crying or just talking, and to let God do his amazing work in Jay. 

I will still continue to stand in complete faith for Jays complete healing. I’m not even gonna bargain with God, because I know he can do it all!! From the beginning I knew this stroke was not the end game for Jay. I tell you it’s not easy especially when you get discouraging reports from rehab hospitals, but I realized every-time I’m given news that makes me question what I’m believing for, God send 3 people in the same industry to encourage us not to stop. 

So tomorrow I restart my fast for 

Jays complete healing:

Kidney healing 

Brain healed 

Sound mind

Healing his body to move

Healing the growth he has on his thyroid

To see him walk, run, hug his family, dance, swim, golf, drive, and work again.

I want to see Jay 3.0!! lol

Enjoy my pic of 2024 first Sunrise!

Blessings 

Jodi

God makes everything beautiful for its own time!

Here a devotion I read this morning, it ministered to me and I hope it ministers to you! 

I can’t deny that I have not experienced Gods power and blessings over 2023, even through much heartache, and hardship. His love and grace has never left. 

I’m grateful for all of 2023, and I look forward to God making 2024 beautiful and filled with breakthrough and blessings! Thank you all you have given so generously here on this platform or any other form. We are truly grateful. 

Blessings 

Jodi and Ohana 

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

The author of Ecclesiastes spent a lot of time exploring the meaning of life. This “Teacher,” a king of Israel in Jerusalem (traditionally identified as King Solomon), tried it all in his quest for meaning—power and prestige, wealth and women. And, yet, still, he observed that generations come and generations go, but it all seems to be an endless cycle…

We work hard, but we eventually die.

We acquire things, but we eventually die.

We have families, but eventually we die.

Whether we spend our lives doing good or evil, we all eventually die.

But he goes on to say:

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When you gaze up at a star-filled sky, hold a newborn baby in your arms, or hike through a field of wildflowers, you are meant to be reminded of something greater—your Creator. 

When you study what’s been recorded in human history or even process your own life, you get glimpses of the bigger picture—but you can still only see so much.

It’s not your job to know everything, but it is your job to trust God. 

At the very end of the book, the Teacher shares his final thoughts: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬).

When you look back on this year, what was beautiful? Even if it was challenging or excruciating, what did God teach you through it? 

Regardless of the past or what the future holds, you can trust that God is working—from beginning to end.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We are truly blessed to have of you praying for us. This is definitely not the Christmas I pictured, but I’m so grateful to celebrate Jesus no matter what season our lives are in.

5 days in RHOP

Update on Jay

Today RHOP had their first care meeting about him. 

As of now from input of the therapist, he needs maximum assistance. They don't see him progressing further than he has, but that could change. Is estimated stay is until January 12th. 

I'm praying Jay makes some huge gains. 

I'm going to fast and pray and if you guys want to join in you can. I will break the fast Dec 31, and start back up on the 1st of January and continue to fast till his next care meeting In January 4th.

Things to pray for

mobility improvement 

Able to know when he needs to use the restroom and let the nurses know.

For his brain and muscles to activate on left side. 

To continue cognitively progressing 

Complete healing of Kidney’s 

Update on Jay

Wells he’s scheduled to come home December 21st. My biggest battles right now is making room for him and getting a med bed, which the insurance says won’t be here in time.  

I called and talked to Rehab of the pacific, I told them all my concerns about feeling jays not getting all the care and opportunities he needs, especially regarding qualifying for the stroke rehab facility. 

She is coming to meet me and him Wednesday. I’m hoping for more hope to be shined on tomorrow meeting and his orthopedic meeting too, they are looking at his dislocated shoulder. 

I also talked to the insurance liaison to get a health coordinator for Jay. She’s asked lots of questions and is requesting more home care support. Hopefully that goes well. There are still lots of odds and ends for me to go through. 

Jay is doing well, he’s a bit spoiled, but he’s eating a lot when I bring him our kinda food. 

I know God has healing for Jay, but right now my short term goal is for him to be able to get strong enough to help move him from bed to chair and chair to car. That way I can take him to work with me. He has been diagnosed with End stage renal disease. Although it’s not what I was praying for, that diagnosis will help him get more help to recover! 

Pray I need someone with a truck and many guys to move a med bed to us.

I will be updating soon again! 

Blessings 

 Trujillo Family

Ok here's my official update 

Last week we had his care meeting on the discharge plans. The Maunalani staff told me that if Jay does not improve by the 21st he will be discharged to my care. 

 Thursday we had dialysis care meeting. Jay's kidneys, although improved, but not good enough to work on their own. Jay will be getting a permanent fistula in the arm for dialysis. 

It's not what I have been praying for but it's a blessing in disguise, this will hopefully get him more services especially now since he will be coming home December 21st. I kinda figured that the care meeting was just a formality, and they really already decided to discharge him. 

It was obvious as they have ramped up transitioning him off feeding tube and training me. Then the physical met with me yesterday asking my plans for the 21st. I just wanted to slap him. Sorry but they are the ones discharging him, my plans? Well anyone I told him I thought the discharge was dependent on his improvement or lack of? 

And then I told him, I know they already decided to discharge him regardless of improvement or lack of. And he admitted yes. Then I said I’m sure the discharge coordinator was blowing smoke up my skirt when she added that my husband would still be a candidate for RHOP if he is treated at home. 

His response was “ in my experience I have never seen RHOP receive a patient from home-care.”

He made the mistake of asking how I’m doing, because I went off on him.

I told him this is unfair! My husband is allowed 76 rehab days and he’s being released at 50! 

When this all first happened RHOP suggested that he get stronger in a skilled nursing home. But has yet to be seen, since he’s been getting hurt and sick since being in nursing home care. I don’t understand how they don’t take his setbacks into consideration. 

The therapist had nothing to say. I just walked away. 

So I'm getting ready to get a storage unit so I can pack a lot of our stuff up since the house I'll be overrun with medical equipment and such. 

Will update more as things get closer.

Aloha family and friends, 

a quick little update on Jay. 

So two days ago we were told he has another infection. So he going through another round of antibiotics. It’s a vicious cycle because he has no gut bacteria to help. So they are giving him probiotics. Please pray his body builds the right bacteria to help fight off infections. 

The rehab is already preparing him to be ready to go home if they do release on the 21st. 

I will be honest, I’m scared of him being released home too soon. I’d have to be the one to flush his feeding tubes, insert catheter, and I don’t want infection to happen again. I know God doesn’t give me more than I can handle and part of me thinks He might even improve more being home. But all the other stuff I’m not so confident in. 

My prayers are still for complete restoration and healing, my prayers are that God places Jay exactly where he needs to be so he can improve and get the rehab that will help him recover. 

As I read this scripture, this is exactly what I needed to remind me that God will not abandon us. 

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some praise reports 

Jay has been trying to text, lol it’s cryptic but we can figure out what he’s saying. And he’s answering his phone!  He’s feeling pain on his left side too!  These are huge for him, I’m so grateful for these praise reports! 

 We are so grateful for yours prayers, please continue for Jays healing and health. 

Blessings 

Trujillo Ohana 

Update 

First I’d like to give God all the glory and honor for he has done this far and will keep doing for Jay and us.

So Jay fell on Thanksgiving, his head and neck are fine. It his lower back gets aggravated when he’s sitting in the wheelchair. They asked him if he’s had back problems and he said since he was little but doesn’t remember why.

I explained he has a slight sclerosis, but it never kept him from doing anything before he had the stroke. That he hasn’t complained till the fall at dialysis which aggravated his issue. 

So today was the day we had a meeting regarding his therapy and future discharge plans. 

He’s made small improvement, due to lots of issues, but mainly was in physical therapy, sitting tolerance, and also eating enough. 

I did reiterate that his progress has been detoured due to illness and the fall. But he’s still come along way. And even in the hospital he was standing with assistance and sitting in the chair for long periods of time. 

But in short if he doesn’t show any progress by December 21 then he will be released to me. And I will need to care for him 24/7. I will have to get rid of my bed to make room for his and I will camp on the couch. 

I don’t know what kind of home care help will be available, figuring that out now. I don’t have any answers, there a couple of programs that are trying to see what kind of assistance they can find me, but that can take months. 

There lots of programs but that depends on income. :/ I know God will work all things out for his good. 

It’s hard to hear all these things at once, but I know we have a bigger God than all this. 

List of improvements to pray for: 

Tolerance to do each rehab: operational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy for at least an hour each everyday. 

Tolerate sitting in a wheelchair for more than 45 minutes . Eating his full meals and taking time to eat. 

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Danny and Vivian ( his cousins) are visiting and Jays been in rare form cracking is up. He is so happy to see them. Seeing Jay laugh, like really laugh is such a joy! 

I will update more soon.

Jodi

Aloha Ohana!

I just want to say how grateful I am for all your prayers and support. 

Update of Jays fall. 

How he fell, He was in his dialysis chair and the had the side arms down, getting ready to transfer him to the gurney. They left him alone for a second, but in the time he slid down hitting his lower back and left side of head.

He was rushed to ER at Queens and they did a CT scan, no serious injury to head, neck, or back, just a little bruised. The Ct scan did catch a nodule on his thyroid, we will have to follow up with his doctor.

Thanksgiving was packed full of blessing and stress. But in the end Jay is ok and to that I give all Glory to God. 

I can sit and have a pity party of all the things that are piling up on me, and not having my other half to go to just to talk things out is hard. Yesterday as I running on 3 hours of solid sleep, and feeling the the pressure in the very thin line I'm operating on, I jumped into my truck and the first thing I heard was a worship song pop on called "Come to me" Exactly what I needed to hear. So I repositioned my heart again! as I have done so, even more so the last 2 1/2 months. And just gave it to God, and instead of relying on my own strength I tapped into Jesus'.  And Off I went to work and then to got see Jay after. 

Let me tell you how much I love God's love notes, and reminders because what happened after work if I had not stop to recognize what God was telling me, I probably would have responded differently. I left work and went to buy Jay Albondigas, as I got to the rehab home my truck start to steam! I turned it off and then turned it on again. It started so I know its not to bad. I decided to just go visit Jay eat soup with him. I called AAA and they towed my truck home. There is a leak for the coolant somewhere, so I gotta take it back to the mechanic.

You Jay has a motto "Jesus heals, and Jesus is life"

My motto is "Living on a wing and a prayer" yeah I know that's a phrase form a song but it reminds me of Isaiah 40:31 (those who's hope is in the Lord, will soar on the wings of eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and grow faint" 

I running a mile a minute since 9/11 and as I look back at all these added stresses I cant help but think maybe God's telling me to slow down. Trust that God has Jay even when I am not around. So, as I know I need to fix my cars I also need to fix my trust in God and stop relying on myself. As I keep saying I know God is doing a good work in Jay, he's doing it in me too.

There is a big testimony of God's love and faithfulness I know satan does not want out. 

But I will continue to Praise Jesus in all seasons and circumstances!

Jay is gonna make a mighty recovery, taking all those negative words spoken but doctors and therapists and proving to them there is a greater physician then they, greater than the books they studied. Which is Jesus! 

Because Jesus is Life!

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

love the 

Trujillo Ohana

We have so much to be thankful for! I’m truly grateful for Gods favor and love over us. Every morning I pray for a miracle and we get to see them unfold each day. 

Jay is recovering from an UTI , but making strides as he slowly regains left side feeling. Yesterday he moved his left leg in command.

Today I was able to make a homemade Thanksgiving with all of jays favorite side dishes. Our meal had a great view too! 

He was so grateful and couldn’t stop thanking us for making it so special for him.

I then sat with him for 3 hours in dialysis and then went home. Around 7:45 the dialysis place called me to let me know Jay had a fall and hit his head. They sent him to the ER. 

Please pray protection over his brain as he is recovering from his strokes still. 

I know God has him in his mighty hands and will work all this for his good! 

We are very grateful for you all!

Trujillo Ohana 

Update on Jay

So he’s been fighting a fever, blood in his urine. He has a small cough and check his lungs and found a little rattling in left side. 

They took a sample of urine and did culture test, shows no bacteria, but still waiting on other test and X-rays. 

I saw him yesterday morning, he looked good, fever was down and he was eating bacon and eggs! His fave!! Still not completely full plate , but he’s eating. 

Nurses came in to do another evaluation on him , the check his wounds, heart, and lungs( found the rattling sound) 

They are checking his ulcerative colitis. And have given him antibiotics shots. He said that hurt! :( 

I asked the nurses to please make sure he doesn’t get sepsis again. I don’t want it going on long before they treat him. 

Me and Emma came back last night after work to see him. 

He was tell us his left leg has been moving and then asked us to work out his legs. And we did. 

I notice his left looked a bit swollen so I called the nurse and she look at it. She said he’s resting water for some reason, and will tell the doctor. 

Jay asked about the fan they were supposed to bring , and then she told us about his bed. He’s been put on an inflated mattress to help his bedsores heal. But the bed broke and is deflated . They are supposed to bring a new one in today. 

A memory on FB popped up of Jay and Bobby practicing worship in our living room in chino 😭😭😭 I played it for him and he smiled. You know he’s been referring to his left side as dead but last night He told Emma he has a new mantra he said God told him not say his left side is dead, that Jesus heals, and Jesus is life and He is everywhere because life is. So his new mantra is Jesus Heals, Jesus is life!

Been praying for Jay to hear God and that’s is a miracle. That with brain injury he’s endured that he still knows and hears Jesus! 

It’s funny because I literally was talking to God about how Jay and I we either were on the same level or we would be the uplifted of one another. And how I miss that, and I was questioning all I have been standing and believing for if I was just not living in reality? Lol well then this happened last night and God gave me exactly what I need to hear! I am shooting for the stars baby! I don’t just want one part of Jay healed I want to his whole being healing!! That’s what I stand and believe for!!

Isaiah 40: 31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint

 know yesterdays update I felt really frustrated especially with all crazy miscommunication with the hospital, but Maunalani is really nice and update me. Jay ate all his breakfast and lunch, he got reassessed by his therapy providers like OT, PT,ST. 

They called to let me know he did great and what their plan and goals are for him. 

Then they called and said the hospital switched his dialysis provider, so I called the social worker for US Renal and told her. She said I have every right to refuse the change. So she got him back at US Renal. I saw him before I had to work and reassured I'd be back after.

Then while I was teaching I get a call from him to pick him up. So know was kinda freaking out on the inside worried if he was trying to get out of bed. I told him I will be there after work. 

I called the director and asked if he was ok, and that he called me. She said he's doing great and eating dinner . 

So I finished work and rushed there after. 

Omg ! I didn't remember calling me! But as I walked in the nurse was picking up his dinner plate and jay was giving rave reviews to the chef for his dinner.😂

He was so happy and encouraged by his therapy providers that last night was the first time he has ever proclaimed he wants to walk, and that he's gonna do whatever it takes to do that, because he wants to take his best girl out (that's Me!!😂) and go walking the farmers markets with me❤️❤️❤️

And then he started talking about his dinner again😂 they place lets me stay until I feel he's ready to sleep so that's good. I'm going to have dinner there with him on Friday so we can watch our favorite tv show. 

We prayed last night and he was content. 

His neurologist did not lie when she told me this will be a roller coaster of up and downs and stress. 

He has 50 days left of covered facility rehab, my prayer is that he gets strong enough to get to RHOP to finish the rest of his treatment. Thank you everyone for your prayers. 

The verse "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12: 8-9). Came to memory this park week and now I know why! 

Thanks for letting me vent while I update, just trying to be transparent through this journey. 

Yesterday was a cluster %!$!

The night before Jay was transferred on to the 7th floor at Queens, then yesterday he was in dialysis all morning. When he was done he finds out through listening to the nurses talk he’s being, his belonging are being packed, and had to do another Covid test that he’s being released to a nursing rehabs. One of the ones on my list called Maunalani. The hospital did not reach out to let me know, but Maunalani did. Facility is way up in the hills in Kaimuki, older buildings but nice staff. I followed Jay there and were greeted so warmly, he was so tired he fell asleep so that gave me the opportunity to go home pick up his clothes, because he can wear clothes!

But the Hospital didn’t feed Jay and when he got to the facility his dinner was left over of lunch, which he did not like. When I came back in the evening Jay was not the nicest patient. He was trying to get out of bed and leave, I never saw him so upset over his food, the nurse was gonna tube feed him, but he was so hungry. 

I asked if I can go buy him dinner. She said yes. So I went to Jose’s Mexican restaurant in Kaimuki and ordered albondigas and Jay loved it! He calmed down and was happy. The staff was so nice and understandable. 

I really hope and pray this is where God wants him to get stronger. 

Just to note: I did give the hospital a call and complained. 

So far this morning Maunalani has checked in with a phone call. ❤️

I didn’t realize just how tired me, Emma, and my mom are. After hosting family at our house and going back and forth to Jay ,home, work , school I think we over extended our capacity. I tried so hard to get my hair cut yesterday but had to cancel because of all the miscommunication with the hospital. As people keep telling me to take time for myself. I’m realizing time for me may come in small 15 minute moments for now. Honestly all this super sucks. That just how I’m feeling at this moment, doesn’t mean I lost hope or trust, it just super sucks. But I press on through Jesus giving him every thought, every tear, every worry. 

Woke up this morning giving God all the Glory for today as we stand and believe for more progress more miracles. 

From the caretaker/ wife point of view this has not been easy, lots of tears, questioning, frustration, anger, fear, and simply just missing my husband being home, missing him watching Gold Rush on Fridays nights and Expedition X on discovery channel . Emma misses her dad, Bob misses his pawpaw. The house is just different. 

What I know!! God is bigger than all this!

He has this and working it out for all his Glory. We trusted God when we said yes to moving here to Oahu, and we trust him still as I we pray and keep our in eyes on Him as he heals and restores Jay to wholeness

As you all know his stroke was severe, and then had another stroke while in hospital. 

Prognosis of recovery 2 months wasn’t the best due to the brain injury. But we all kept praying and soon he started talking and swallowing better! 

He was sent to a skilled nursing home and there he was for 20 days. That’s where most of his improvement on speech and swallow happened. But the physical therapy wasn’t as intense as here on hospital. On October 20th he was admitted back to Queens due to infections. But here is where the physical improvement happened. Our prayer is for jay’s endurance during his therapy so that he could be a good candidate for RHOP. 

Well to date he’s eating almost all his meals, soon they can remove feeding tube.

And today he was able to endure 1 hour of PT! The therapist said he did so well!

To hear from all the therapist and staff that were with him in the beginning tell the staff that are with him now on how blown away there are on his progress is truly so encouraging to hear. 

Last 12 days have been packed with family visiting Jay and staying at our home, which is not big at all! But I making it work , I feel like the nursery rhyme “little ole lady in the shoe” 😂 I’m glad he was able to spend time with our oldest Alyssa his sister Colette and his parents Yolie and Robert. 

Today he will be transferring to the 7th floor at Queen’s. We are still hoping and praying for Jay to get accepted to RHOP soon. But his stay at the hospital has been so good for him. I’m grateful for Gods faithfulness and provision. 

We continue to trust God and hold on to his hope, his love, and his peace. 

Picture is of Jay and his parents 

Today marks 2 months since Jays stroke. Our prayer life has been catapulted even more. I find myself in this routine of prayer, progress, prayer and repeat with a big up of coffee!❤️

It’s been truly a blessing to get texts from people who read and keep up with Jays updates. 

I read all those encouraging messages to him. One in particular has been really helping Jay realize that through his weakness and trusting God for every thing that his story is still ministering to others. A good friend of our from high-school and former member of our church in Chino, messages me every-time I update you all. He shares with me how this has encouraged his walk in Jesus and in prayer. You don’t know how much this ministers to Jay to hear as I read. His pastoral heart is encouraged and I see that light in his eyes get stronger. 

This past week we have had lots of family here with us. Our older daughter, jays sister Colette and her husband, and Jays parents. My mom has been with us since 9/12. 

We are truly grateful for all the sacrifices our family and friends have made to come visit or even support us during this time. 

Jay still is in the Hospital which is a good thing because he was able to get the care he needs to recover from sepsis and CDiff. We are trying to find a Skilled Nursing home to accept him. The former one refused him, it has to due with finances and his insurance, which I have told them it’s taken care of. But I really think it’s due to my expectations of wanting him to  get the therapy he needs to get strong in order to go to the Rehab of the Pacific. But I will trust God and continue to advocate for him. 

Part of Jay getting stronger is eating enough food. Well he hates the minced diet and hasn’t been eating as much as he should. He’s been a pill trying to get him to eat. For lunch he was refusing to eat and I didn’t fight him. I just kept telling him how much I love him and I understand. So I started to give thanks to God and answering my prayers for Jay to talk, eat, and drinks again. And after I gave thanks he decided to eat his lunch. He said thank you for loving me and all my bull ____.🤣Last night I ordered pot roast for dinner. And as me and Emma came to see him , he hadn’t touched his food yet. He was waiting for me. When we opened it up to our surprise it was not minced. He was so excited to try it, and boy did he eat!! So now we know he can handle shredded food! Thank you Jesus!!

Oh and Jay stood for a couple of minutes during PT!!  Woot woot!! He’s starting to feel his left side a bit. I’m super encouraged, and can’t wait to squash that doctors negative words. 

There is another skilled nursing home looking to accept him, but it’s older, according to the medical rating it’s a 5 star which is good. So I’m going to take a look at it. 

So my prayer is this be a good place for him to continue to progress. To regain feeling and use of his left side, For his brain to recover whole, for his kidneys to recover 100%, and for his bodily function to go to the bathroom independently to return. 

He’s really enjoyed having his family here. He almost sounds like a little boy when he talks about them visiting. 

He was so grateful for Alyssa to come out as he had been missing her so much. 

He’s constantly thanking Emma, my mom, and me for helping him.❤️

I just want to say Mahalo Nui to you all for all your prayers and support. We are truly grateful and blessed.

I am thankful for my family

Mahalo wau i ka ʻohana

It’s been a busy couple of days 

Trying to find the time to post and share our Thankful challenge journey. 

The first day Jay said I am thankful for being alive. 

Day 2 He’s thankful for the Ocean 

(This coming from watching the deadliest catch that morning.😂)

Day 3 He’s thankful for the air 

On the 3rd Alyssa flew and surprised him with a T-Rex hug. He was so happy, he told her to dress like that everyday. Lol Jay cried as he had been missing his oldest daughter. He is so happy his girls are altogether. 

Colette and Paul flew in that evening and surprised him. He loving gave them a warning to watch their health as he shared about his stroke. 

Day 5 He’s thankful for his sister Colette (who flew from Idaho to see him) 

Day 6 He said he’s thankful for Family. He misses all his kids as he went through the list Alyssa, Mike, Bobby, Nano, Emma,Melinda, and Bob. 

You know it’s very common for trials and even blessings to show the true heart of a person. 

And I’m truly grateful to find how much closer we have become, not giving the devil space to come and wreck havoc in our minds and hearts. Together we lean closer to God, standing firm on His love, on His promises , with the Faith He continues to build and perfect with in us. 

Jay memory is in tack praise God and he pieces things together and even remembers his short term memories. I’m amazed just how intricate God made us. 

As jays shared with his sister and brother in law, I was amazed at what he remembered. 

He’s said 

“Strokes are no joke.” He kept saying. “Take care of your health. The stroke came out of nowhere and I couldn’t stop it.” As he recalled remembering it from the start. It was heartbreaking to hear hear his recount and how it matched mine to the T!!

He recalled spoiling the water from not having any grip on the cup, and how the stroke came in waves. “ I tried to pick up the cup and I had no grip, and then I tried to stand and walk it off. I don’t know how o made it to the cashier. As I tried to pull my money clip and the money fell. Then my left side fell, I thought I could just shake it off, but I couldn’t stop it. I lost my left side, there was nothing i can do. The waitress were on it and called 911.” He remembered the ambulance and going to the hospital.”

I’m amazed he remembers this. I’m told most stroke patients don’t even remember it. 

Gods faithfulness and love is true and never ending. I’m encouraged everyday wether it’s a good day or bad day, because my God is faithful. 

Hey guys, just updating on how Jay is is doing. This morning we prayed and gave God the glory, then I said it’s November 1st. Do you remember what November is about? He said Thankfulness. So I said everyday we are going to say 1 thing we are grateful for. Jays responded “I’m grateful for being alive”❤️❤️❤️

Jay is doing good. Some days better than others but we see consistent progress. His memory is intact but his brain is still working on putting itself back together. Many times he asks when I'm picking him up, or how will he get inside since he doesn't have keys. He says he has groceries to buy or something that was in his to do list before the stroke. 

Now when I tell him I love him, his comeback is "you can love me better at home."💔😭

He asked for his girls all day today where Emma, when is coming. I remind when they will be here even when his sister Colette, Paul, his mom abd are coming. He gets excited and always says he needs to go shopping so he can Barbecue. 

Most times he sounds like dad and other times like a frustrated teenager or old guy. 

Lately a lot of F-bombs more than his normal talk. He telling stories of cussing out nurse's aides. He's seeing people we know in the room, and they are not there. Yesterday he asked about Joey and Kenny, but today He thought I was my sister Nikki and asked how her boys are. I said you mean Chase, Chandler, and Liam. He said yes they are my nephews. He said tell them I said Hi!❤️

A lot of times he talks about getting up to walk or go home, today he did that. 

He was so persistent that during his chair time he tried to undo the belt that secured him. I kept trying to keep from doing that , he got frustrated and tried to bite me. He was getting very restless and upset so I called for help. When the nurse aide showed up, he was all calm and chill! Ugh. Well I stayed 6 hours today with him and was exhausted. 

Emma went to see him after rehearsal and he was very happy to see her. He talked about taking out flank steaks and chicken so when his boys get him the can barbecue.😭❤️ 

Please pray for Jay’s state of mind to be protected, and restored. As well as his whole body. 

It’s by Gods Grace and Love that we can continue to press in everyday and see progress of Jay’s miracles. 

Sorry I haven’t updated I have been tired. 

The doctors think it’s not CDiff that it was caused by a bad reaction to the food formula that the Villas had given him. It triggered his ulcerative colitis ( which I did tell them about )

But there’s and infection in his blood caused by contamination. 

Also he has sepsis caused by urinary tract infection. 

Jays Birthday miracle!

The cool thing about bring back at queens is he is seeing the therapist he started with.

On Friday the speech therapist came abd was super impressed at his improvement. I asked her from on the time he first started to now is he on par for recovery? 

And she said he has exceeded it! 

After she left I prayed praising Jesus for all he continues to do for us and Jay. After I prayed , Jay prayed!! He hasn’t led a prayer since 9/11. I was totally surprised! He prayed blessings on all the people that come in to work with him! My heart melted and filled with such gratitude that Jay is still himself. 

My prayer is he stays at queens for a week more, maybe he can get enough strength to get Rehab of the pacific. 

My biggest concerns right now are his kidneys and his left side. 

Since that stupid Dr came in last week and told him he will never get better, the little movement he had is gone. By movement I mean like reflex to pain or discomfort. 

He was responding a little on his left side and even moving unconsciously. All I know is the difference I saw after the Dr talked to us. 

My steadfast prayer has has been for God to continue the good work of a whole body healing in Him, and that Jay exceeds all recovery expectations. That his healing will be a testimony to the dunamis power of God! Oh how cool is this. I decided to do a devotional off the Bible app, and then I chose just happens to be written by someone who had multiple strokes!! God is so good!

Today he has his swallow study to make sure the food is being pushed down the intestine. 

Thank you everyone for Jay Birthday wishes, it was a great day in the midst of challenges. 

Blessings over you all!

Jodi, Jay, Alyssa, Mike, Bobby, Nano, Emma

and Bob the dog. (Jays asks for him daily!)

Aloha Ohana 

I just wanted to update you on Robert Aka Jay j. 

Monday night I noticed I little decline in his speech, he was coughing a little more, he said he wasn’t feeling well, and we prayed for him., then Tuesday morning he had a really bad coaching attack, and he started slumping to the side. I called the nurse and he was able to get a lot of phlegm out. He didn’t look good to me but all his vitals were good. And he perked up a bit. That afternoon he had a little chicken soup but was to tired to finish. He was still aware and sharp. But his speech was still sounding slurred. Yesterday morning I went to see him prayer and worship and breakfast. CNA said he refused breakfast because it tasted nasty. Lol but his coughing sounded worse. Speech therapy came to do a assessment for more treatment. He did well. I called the nurse to come change him, and while she did the CNA also took his temperature. It was 100! Then they told me he had been having a low grade fever. I told them I want him checked out for pneumonia. As I made sure Jay was comfortable and stable, I went home to do some work. On my way out of the facility I saw the head nurse and told him my concerns. He later called me and said he called 911 due to their concerns of his low blood level, and coughing could be because of pneumonia or possible stroke.

Well immediately ER did labs to find out He has sepsis. The origin most likely because urinary track infection or bladder infection. They still got to do a CT scan sometime today. 

Please for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding envelopes him, and for his health to be restored to his youth in Jesus name!! 

I’m sad he going through this, but I know God has bigger plans. He’s a loving God, faithful, and full of grace and mercy. 

The Lord is my strength , the Lord is my hope, and we will soar on the wings of eagles through this and to his healing.

Looking back at last Thursday, Satan definitely used this doctor to bring the spirit of despair over Jay and I. More so over Jay. How do you battle the spirit of despair? By Prayer, Praise, and gratitude. 

There has been such a turn around since Thursday. Jay sounds more like himself, he’s optimistic, and trying 💯. Yesterday he ate so good, he had cream of wheat , diced pears , blueberry muffin, and apple juice.

We start his days off with prayer and praise. Today he actively participated in conversation for 2.5 hours. He misses his kids so much, they come up in conversation all the time. I was sharing with him the huge difference we have seen adding his favorite worship group into his schedule. I told him how my mom can’t believe the huge difference in his speech too. As I share how his story is touching others he’s overwhelmed with tears. He’s truly grateful for all God has done and continues to do.

Today we prayed and listened to worship. And then the NAs came in to clean him up. They know me by name and let me help. Jay has a good report with them and this one NA he nicked named her the Queen , the queen of the ladies on his floor. Lol

We clean him and I asked if he’s cold . He said yes and bring him his blanket. He said “just put it on me” I laughed and said you want a hand full of lint? Jay gave me his side grin and replied “that was funny huh” 

He remembered what I was referring to. It was from Friday when we were in the ER and he “was colder than a meat locker” we laughed and he said that was a fun time. Lol I’m thinking WOW God he referred to the time all day in the ER as fun! 

I was getting him set up before I left and he stopped me and said “I love the way you care for me” ❤️❤️❤️❤️ my heart melted and I said I can’t help it, I just love you. 

So today was a really good morning. 

Family and friends I know a lot of you have been waiting to talk to Jay. I ask him about calling people. He said we call back soon. 

This morning was a good morning with Jay. I walked in he looked at me and he said I'm ready for some miracles and I asked him What did you say? Then he said I'm ready for you to bring me some little miracles. They are going to give me chicken nuggets today. I said oh really? He said yes. I told him well let's practice eating and swallowing with some jello. He said ok. I asked are you ready for some worship music. He said let's do this, so we worshiped and I prayed over him , and then I served him Jell-O. My mom made him his favorite cherry Jell-O and he said it was the most delicious thing he ever ate. 😂😂😂 he did real good with eating swallowing. He had ice chips and water. He ate half of his portion of Jell-O, which is really good usually only takes a few bites.

Then he was done. I cleaned him up and he listen more worship music and fell asleep until dialysis. 

Replaying some old worship has revived his soul and his hope in the Lord. 

31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

Praying for more miracles each day

Good morning? It’s 6:28 here and I wanted to update you all. 

I know my last update was not a good one. As I sat and reflected on the events on Thursday I truly believe that Dr was used to bring the spirit of despair over Jay and myself. That’s why I was so angry to hear those words spoke over him like that. 

Well let me tell you, as I updated my kids they each had a prayer that just helped me refocus by their faith, you know there’s a scripture in the by Bible that describes children as a blessing and arrows in your sack. 

Proverbs 127:3-5

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed,

But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

They reminded me of some worship songs Jay used to sing, so I listened that night to them.

When I woke up Friday I was going to call and request Jay tone looked at by the hospital for his shoulder. But As I woke up my good friend Sue who’s a doctor and believer just finished reading my update. She then texted me confirming my need to send Jay to ER , she encouraged me that Jay is young and can recover and plus Our God is bigger than all this. So called and requested Jay be sent yo ER.

So I decided to walk in first thing in the morning with my full armor of God, my sack full of arrows. I walked in and Jay was fully awake. I asked him does he remember what the Dr said yesterday and he said yes. Then I told him, we have a bigger God, and that we will brr we believe the report of the Lord over him. I shared the prayers of our children and he began to cry. Then I put on those worship music jay used to sing back in the day from his favorite worship group All together Separate. The look on his face as I played it. The spirit of the Lord coming over him. I asked him to you remember this music? He nodded yes and started to cry, do you remember leading these songs in worship? He said yes! Then I said you need to remember who you are in Christ. And we worshiped for a good 30 minutes and I prayed over him, I prayed over the room and rebuked any spirit that’s not if God to leave and I call on the Holy spirit to reside and that anyone that has the opposite spirit will be kept from entering in. 

Then the head nurse came him, he apologized for the behavior of the doctor and how after the doctor talked to us he knew it was something I did not want to receive. He told the doctor that he was going to send Jay to the ER to have the hospital look over his shoulder since they have better equipment than they do, and also request lab work to check on his hemoglobin, to make sure if he needs a transfusion or not. Ambulance came and paramedics immediately asking his history and why he is in the skilled nursing home, very nice guys. They loaded jay on to the gurney and started to roll him out. Jay asked for a blanket and the paramedic went to grab him one. As he put the blanket on Jay, Jay said hey I’m cold do you think we could cuddle? The paramedic laughed and said “I think that’s your wife’s job” and then o walked up and was like “Dude, no body cuddles you, that’s my job!” And jay gave me his side grin and we laughed. And off to Queens hospital.

We were there from 10am to 5pm. But Jay got in a bed right away as there were many ER patience waiting for a room and bed. Jay did not have to wait. They took jays labs, chest X-ray and a CT scan. As we waited he wanted his worship music. My mom and I were in the room with him , and the nurses were making sure all of us were comfortable. 

Jay was a crack up as he listened to the music He told my mom and I some truth/ tall stories of him meaning the band and how this is really good music, he had us laughing so hard. My mom kept asking is this all true, I can only confirm some of his stories but the others I have no idea about. He started to ask for more blankets because he was cold. Emma met us there after school. And just as she walks in to be by her dads side, one of our nurses came up and said “wait your his daughter?” Emma turns around and is all surprised and goes and hugs her. The nurse ended up being Emma’s best friends nurse! I met her before but she had her hospital mask on, so I didn’t recognize her. 

She’s like I’m going to make sure you guys get our VIP treatment. And we did , even we We’re there all day the staff made sure we were comfortable. 

Then he asks for more blankets, Emma’s best friends mom asked are you cold? He starts cracking jokes saying it’s like a meat locker in here. And if you see him on the side of the street don’t ask just through him a blanket. He’s so cold he will even take lint!! I’m telling you Jay was in rare form! 

Labs came out good, hemoglobin is up, and as for his kidneys they are showing some improvement! Praying for complete recovery on this. The CT scan showed no fracture just dislocation. It popped back in and the doctor confirmed it’s caused by the ligaments stretching from not having muscle to hold it in place. He will need a shoulder brace to keep it in. 

This morning I read “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let me tell you how I have seen Gods word in full action. All the prayers and phone calls of encouragement from all our family and friendships post have been so encouraging. Truly feeling all your help in our time of need. We are blessed and humbled by all your support and love. From our arrows in our sack (our kids) to our family and friends that have our back in time of need. Jesus truly has kept us close and protected by all you! Yesterday morning before we went to ER he asked why we haven’t taken pictures. So his our picture. 

10-19-23

Today I went to see Jay, he was awake! I asked him if he had eggs for breakfast, he said yes but only ate a little. I I asked him how he was feeling and he kinda winced and said ok. 

Well I started to massage his left leg and work up his left arm. As I got to the top of his arm he said

“Why does it hurt?” 

I was like maybe you’re getting some feeling back? So I checked his arm out a saw he had dislocated it. 

I reported it to the nurse and now I was just waiting for the practitioner to check him out. 

Mean while I am told jay has an infection in his intestines and needs antibiotics. Ugh!!

While waiting I asked Jay this:

Out of all the trials we walked through with Jesus , does he think this one is the hardest? He said not really, because once we figure out what it is God wants us to do then we will do it. 

Then the this happens.. 

So the practitioner comes in looks at his shoulder and takes pics to talk to the Dr. 

The Dr finally comes in, friendly, but straight to the point with a little compassion dashed in. He fist pumps jay as He introduces himself, and he starts to check jay out. He starts to lift his arm and saying he’s a 3 / 5

And looks at his shoulder and confirms it’s dislocated. I have 2 options to reset it or to just leave it.

If they reset it , it will just dislocate again due to there’s nothing holding it in place.

So what’s happening is because jay has lost motion in that arm the ligaments and muscles are very weak and start to stretch (hang) which can cause the should to pop out of place. 

Now because Jay is not feeling the pain the true immense pain that a dislocated shoulder would be, tells the doctor Jays feeling and motion is severely damaged. 

So he said I treat all my patients like family so I’m gonna give this to you straight up so you guys can go on with making the best out of your lives. 

He told us that jay will never regain feeling or movement on his left side.  

He explains the damage of the stroke what it affects(which we all know already) he also said that it has effected his speech and swallowing and that too may never recover 100%. 

The Dr is speaking all this and all I want to do is lung over and beat the crap out of the doctor for saying all this, it still makes me mad. 

He recommended that we X-ray Jay to see his arm, then he can decide if resetting will be needed. 

X-ray shows dislocation and fracture. Idk how the fracture happened so please don’t ask.

Recommended treatment is a sling. 

At the end of Dr speaking he asked Jay if how he was, and Jay thanked him for being upfront. 

I could not speak or look at the Dr. I was truly pissed off. 

Every fiber of my being can not accept or receive what this Dr said over Jay. I kept saying in my head but Dr you don’t know what my Jesus can do. My head hurts from crying about what was said over Jay. Although all this is scary, and sounds hopeless, I choose to trust God and in that there is Love, Hope, Faith, Peace, Patience and Joy! I will continue to praise Jesus with a grateful Heart.

Jay looked good yesterday. He ate mashed potatoes and gravy again. Today he will have eggs. 

The nurse told me Jay touched a nurse’s last week. And when they asked him why, he said it was so big. They told what about your wife ? He said it's not that big. They told him you can't be touching people's butts, that sexual harassment. He said tell her not to bring her here. 🤦‍♀️

I asked him did you really touch a nurses ? He said yes, but I was thinking of you the who time.🤣

I told the nurse that he is not like that at all! The nurse said that behavior is typical of stroke patients . 

Oh geez I hope there won’t be anymore occurrences. 

Continue to pray for complete healing. We are fasting for his healing, we invite you to fast with us for big miracles!!

thank you for all your love and support.

Trujillo Ohana 

Today was a good day. Jay got to see his dog today. This time he was in his wheelchair and we met in the activity room. Bob was so excited to be able to have more access to Jay, and I’m sure vice versa. 

I asked him “how are you doing today?”

he answered “better now my dog is here”

We talked about the past couple of visitors he’s had and he was able to remember.

Some good friends from California came to see us. Bianca and her mom Darlene, we met at the first church we attended after accepting Jesus in our hearts. Bianca was able to come see Jay with me, and of course he remembered her. After talking about that Jay started about his plan for me to break him out.😂

He wants to come home so bad. So he starts out to tell me I need to come tonight to get him out. I asked how will I do that? I can’t carry you out. He asked if I have a wheelchair, and a ramp. I said no. He told me “well you better by them” then he asked if I can have that thing that picks up people. I was like what thing? I couldn’t understand so her wrote on a wipe board Helicopter. Lol 

So his plan is for me to get him in a wheelchair to roll him up the ramp on to the Helicopter to make his big escape!😂

I wasn’t there to see him eat his mashed potatoes, but I will hear about it tomorrow. 

I wish I could just bring him home, but until then. We will trust God and walk faith and patience. 

Blessings to you all

Trujillo Ohana

Aloha Family 

I know it's been awhile, but I have been exhausted on every level. Jay has had his share of good and bad days. But still his personality finds away to bring a laugh. 

He’s seemed a little down lately, I can’t imagine what going through his mind. But lately he’s been talking about food. Every-time me or Emma come to see him he asks what do you want for breakfast or dinner. 

The other day he said to us, they are bringing me breakfast. Me and emma looked at each other with sadness knowing that’s not really happening. 

So I just went along with it. I asked him what are they bringing you? He said eggs, bacon, and potatoes. Emma and I commented that it sounded delicious. He said I’m just so hungry.Ugh our heart strings be pulled.. I told him I love him, and he said “you only love me for my breakfast.”😂 

Everyday he’s asked how do you feel, what’s wrong? I know it must be annoying. So the other day I said to him "tell me something I don't know" 

That's something I'd say instead of what's wrong.

His answer was "I'm gay!"😂 I laughed and said I already know that🤣 (he’s just kidding) 

Yesterday I asked how you doing and he said "just waiting for my hooker!😂😂" 

So I responded “Well what’s her name and number? We need to take shifts because I could use a rest!😂😂😂 but he's referring to Bob his dog. 

Most times my husband sounds himself, but other times he’s sound like he’s been watching to much tv  or like those people coming off the sleepy gas from getting their wisdom teeth pulled out. He telling some tall tales. But at least he’s talking. Over the weekend he said PT came in and dangles him on the edge of a building😳 it was a very elaborate story, talk of being in training to people being undercover.😂 (he has to be going stir crazy being stuck in bed)

Yesterday he was able to eat bananas.Today he gets mash potatoes, gravy and sausage! I'm pray this tube is out by his birthday in Jesus name!

He also gets to see Bob the dog too 

I still believe and know that Gods good work is being done in him. Wholeness, healing , restored health and well-being and Miracles is what God has him. 

He will use His left side again 

he will walk and run again

he Will receive restoration of health to his kidneys 

no more dialysis 

no more diabetes 

no more hugh blood pressure 

his brain will be completely healed 

He will receive full restoration to his body better than before this all happened, back to his youth. and when people see him, they won’t believe he suffered one of the worst strokes that can happen. The only proof that he ever had a stroke will be my account written on here. Doctors/nurses will be baffled and even brought to knees in recognizing the power of God and receiving Jesus in their heart. In Jesus name we proclaim Amen!

My family and I are truly grateful for love and support. This has been such a journey of trusting God on every level. But I know God and I have seen him do mighty things through out our lives.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
 

Yesterday I talked to Jay’s nephrologist (kidney doctor) . He called to give me update on Jays  kidneys. So far there hasn't been any change in his kidneys. He told me that usually takes about three months of treatment to see if kidneys will bounce back to working again, but he thinks that we're dealing with chronic kidney disease. He also shared with me that the nurse told him About me paying $200 a day for Jays transportation and he said there might be another way to avoid the cost and that is to do a kidney biopsy to determine whether dad's kidneys are acute damage or chronic damage. If they find Jays kidneys are chronic damage meaning he's in renal kidney failure then they will put a permanent fistula (mini port )to do dialysis And he will be officially diagnosed with renal kidney failure and insurance will be required to pay for his transportation. The questions I asked was will he get tested in the future to see if his kidneys would be getting better and the doctor said no since he would be officially diagnosed with renal kidney failure. I asked if there are any risks from this procedure and he said there's always risk that when the needle pricks the kidney that they could cause a bleed, or they might puncture something as they put it down to the kidneys. So the question is do I do the biopsy so that we can find out if that is an official kidney failure so that he can be diagnosed and I could save $600 a week or do we continue to stand in Faith and wait to three months to see if his kidneys bounce back and just pay out the $600. Jay is getting stronger everyday, so the need for gurney transport could change a week from now,  This is not about money, but about Jay and wanting Gods healing over him. 

As you know, I have been standing in faith that Jay will be completely healed and I am meaning his kidneys will be healed too, so he wouldn't be dependent on dialysis.

I really feel I need to leave room for Jesus to do a miracle and wait out the 3 months.

My family and I are fasting for breakthrough and we see a miraculous healing in his kidneys as wait out the next 60 days.  I invite you to join in fasting at any capacity your are led to. 

Blessing over you all

Jodi and family 

I decided to post a picture of when we were praying over our church family for healing and breakthrough back in 2014, you see can see with his hands lifted up praying for Gods people. (Elevate Community Church Chino)

I just gotta say how grateful for all your prayers that you’ve sent our way. I truly believe in the power of prayer and I’m seeing my husband become more and more motivated to move in the power of God to his restoration. 

The last couple of days have been a mixture of stress, breakthroughs, and laughters. 

From walking into his room and finding him almost completely naked, to trying to roll himself out of bed. He’s almost ripped out his feeding tube and stint for dialysis. There are times I have to talk in my mom voice to him telling him to please listen and those times he sounds like Jay when his personality pops through, and his sense of humor! Cherishing all these moments. 

Today he was extra sweet as I shared with the speech therapist about us being high-school sweethearts and his chiming in on how wonderful these years have been! He was able to 1 hour of speech therapy, eating ice chips and swallowing. Tomorrow she’s adding applesauce!

Today was also special as he finally was able to see Bob the dog. It didn’t go as planned but we made it work and Jay was happy. 

I’m looking forward to sharing more miracles milestones with you! Soon he will be restored back to his youth and people will have a hard time believing he even had a stroke. 

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make upload known His deeds among the peoples!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

4 Mondays ago!

Wow I can’t believe 4 Mondays ago Jay and I were sitting eating breakfast at the Pancake house in Kalihi. We enjoyed our eats and we’re getting ready to go home, when the biggest crisis ever hit our lives together as a married couple. 

Jay had a stroke right there in the restaurant. Jays life shifted as the cup of water fell out of his hands and everything my husband was able to do without thinking changed. 

I look back at that day, it’s a blur sometimes and I think mainly it’s my brain protecting me from remembering every detail of watching my husband go through this stroke. What I remember clearly is the restaurant staff noticed before I even realized what was happening and were already calling 911, in that instant the feeling alone far away from family became an overwhelming reality, BUT really not alone, it was like God had his secret agents (angels) around us the whole time. Because people rushed to help, I even saw my friend Angela as she rushed to our aid we looked at each other and was like it’s you! 

My poor husband still had no clue he was having a stroke. He thought he could just shake it off and drive home. 

As the paramedics confirmed a stroke I stood there thinking My Kids! How am I going to tell them! 

Well, I called Alyssa and then after that was really a blur. I followed the ambulance to the hospital and sat in the room as they were trying to stabilize my husband. Watching him fade out, I can’t even describe.

Drs and nurses around him, they ask for my consent for this and for that. They had to put a breathing tube in. And there I sat realizing I need to call Emma at school. Her principal was great and let me call her an Uber to bring her to us. 

And less than 24 hours I had a house full with my kids , my mom, jays parents, his brother, and our good friend from Cali. 

Immediately the kingdom of God surrounded us, from family and friends sending $, to groceries, delicious homemade meals, prayer visits, our favorite cafe feeding us when ever we need to eat. My husband’s work gathering around him and us. Getting visits from his golfing buddy, and co workers. 

I quickly realized we were never alone! 

The first 2 weeks was the most scared I had ever been, he gad a series of mini strokes a week after. Hearing all the doctor reports, was overwhelming and not hopeful. 

The 1st stroke effected his left side and eyesight in left eye was gone. 

He wasn’t able to urinate he had lost the function. 

His speech was effected 

Kidneys were in acute failure 

Then the 2nd series of mini strokes 

He lost the function of his right side, it slowly came back. 

Ok so here is what I have been told 

550 chance of surviving any of the procedures like brain surgery, dialysis stint procedure, and dialysis itself. 

Recover could take over 1.5 years.

He will come back different 

He may never see in left eye again

His kidneys may never recover 

He may loose his personality and creative side.

He may not gain the function to swallow.

There was a lot!! My head was spinning from it all.

But I tell you the truth as those were spoken they fell to the floor. I couldn’t accept them. Why? Because My God is bigger than all of what they said, and I know God did not move us all the way from California for this to be the end game. 

God has bigger plans. And so I girded myself up with all the goodness Jesus has showed me and us as a couple and I stand in firm faith that all of this is temporary, and my husbands miraculous healing will be used for Gods glory. 

So to date:

Jay can see out of both eyes

He’s talking more

He graduated to ice chips and water.

His right side is getting stronger

He has some movement in his left

He can PEE!! No more catheter!

Meaning Kidneys are working!

He was able to sit in a wheelchair for 2 hours! 

And Tuesday he gets to see his dog Bob!!! 

I know with my all my heart of hearts that Jesus is in every step of our path.

I see God in every step and detail. As Dr bills come through generous people,family, friends, co workers continue to show their generosity and Aloha. Im grateful that Jay gets to be here at The Villas, and soon he will graduate to the Rehab of the pacific, which I have a friend connection there too! 

It’s not a coincidence that God sent us here to Oahu. Oahu meaning the gathering place. We have and continue to experience Gods people gather and share their Aloha with us. 

Here’s to more miracles, here’s to witnessing God complete his good work in Jay!!

Aloha and many blessings to you all!!

Mahalo for following and reading these updates!

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Huge wins and gains today! 

Today Jay graduated to ice chips and water! He was also able to sit in a wheelchair for 2 hours and they had him hanging out by the nurses station where he actively engaged in conversation! I got there toward the end and I said "Hi. how are you today!" 

He said "good now that your here, you should have been here earlier to learn my exercises right🤣😂" 

Lol I'll take that as long as he's happy to see me. 

I guess pumpkin pie for his birthday is a big motivation.

And I can’t wait tell him Bob got approved to visit! I can’t wait to post their reunion!

Praise God, He is our healer!!!!!

Today me and Emma waited till the afternoon to visit, just because he’s very sleepy after dialysis. Lots of visitors from hospital came through. 

He had speech therapist and he did really good staying up through the session. He chewed and swallowed his ice chips! He might be able to have pumpkin pie for his bday coming up! Physical therapy came through too and he stayed awake the whole time. 

We sat watching our favorite Friday night show “Gold Rush” and we saw that Parker and Tony Beats both recover gold. And all of the sudden jay started to cry. We asked what’s wrong? He was so happy for them! He was really emotional today. 

I’m sure you noticed I raised the goal amount. I found out what our co payment is. At least we don’t have to pay the whole amount of his treatment. But I’m believing for God to continue to provide. 

Each day God showers us with his love grace, and miracles. We are grateful for you a all. 

In full trust 

There’s nothing more frustrating that hearing your husband has a fever , but no signs of infection. Your husband’s blood count dropped, and we can’t find any source of bleed. 

It’s hard to hear what they have say when it comes to recovery. But I fully trust God is doing a good work in him.

As you all know Jay was fighting a fever and he has broke it since Tuesday. But they other concern was his hemoglobin levels. They were getting very close to needing a blood transfusion. Jay had also complained about a headache so the concern for another possible stroke. 

They decided to hold off on his blood thinner medication to see if that helps his blood count. 

Today labs show his count went significantly up. Also jay’s headache is gone. He still being monitored. 

Some good news- the phlegm jay had due to breathing tube is all gone. He is swallowing a lot better.

He’s is using his left side unconsciously. So if he stretches with his right arms , his left arms stretched to sane with leg. I also get to bring Bob the dog to him! Yay!!

And I just found out I have a friend that works at the rehab of the pacific which is the rehab I really want Jay to graduate too. She will help me push for him to get transferred when he is stronger. God keeps making the way, the more I trust him!

Jays has dialysis tonight from 4:30 till like 9:30. Pray he’s not so wiped out from it. 

I am truly humbled by all the love and care we receive from everyone. 

Being so far from family and friends on the mainland, I my thoughts when the stroke happens was “we are all alone”

But immediately God squashed that thinking by showing us the community we have from Hawaii to all over the mainland. I’m so grateful and humbled every day by all the love and support God shows is by all of you!!!!! 

Mahalo Nui 

Trujillo Ohana

 When Jay worked for the school district in Chino, he was part of the ground crew (landscaping). He learned so much about where to plant your plants and when. He applied to the houses we lived at too. Picking plants and planting them in the places they would thrive best and the places they would be helpful. He had plants that warded off cats and mosquitos.

But my most favorite plant were the Day Lilies. I didn’t know much about them, lol just they were so beautiful blooming. 

We sat in the front yard one day I remarked how sad I was to see the Day Lily already shriveled up at the end of the day. 

Jay said don’t be sad a new grows in its place. 

When he said that I immediately thought of this verse 

Lamentations

22 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
    his mercies never come to an end;

23 

they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

With the whole transition of Jay moving from Hospital to Skilled Nursing care it hasn’t been easy. After his first night he was sent to ER for bleeding of the feeding, having to be transported to dialysis, and since Sunday he was fighting a fever. 

Yesterday on my birthday I prayed that I just wanted him to be better. So when I visited him the Nurse told me his fever is better. Jay looked a lot more comfortable and he talked a lot more. We were excited to bring him headsets to listen his music. He liked them and he looked content too. 

His short term memory is getting better. I asked if he had physical therapy or speech and he was able to answer yes or no. He usually says I don’t know..

His kids are definitely the ones to get him to talk more whether it’s Emma waking in or Bobby, Nano, Alyssa and Mike. I see that sparkle in his eye every time he talks to them or hears their voice. 

I love how Gods word brings me such truth and comfort. 

 • Gods love never ends 

 • His mercies are new each day

 • Great is His faithfulness 

Thank you for reading. 

I’m looking forward to posting more miracles! 

Jesus Our Way Maker!

Yesterday started out a little hectic, but I breathed it all in, got it done and then went to see my my husband. He was asleep when I got there. I noticed the staples were taken off his head, he gonna have a knarley scar.

I let him sleep for like 90 mins. Then I woke him up as the nurse came it to do assessment. She said the night nurse said He was awake most of the night. Which explains him being sleepy. 

Jay was wide awake, he saw my brother and did his hand pounding guy greeting.🤣

My brother cracks some jokes and jay did too.

He was up to making a video to say hi to family. 

I shared in my last update about the hospital pushing to get him in a skilled nursing home, I expressed my hesitancy due fears of him regressing. Well, my prayers were answered and a very well known skilled nursing home that is known for it rehab program accepted him in. Our way maker came through! 

Last night at 4:30 pm Jay( Robert) what is discharge from Queens medical Center. He now is at the Villa’s where he will receive his care and rehabilitation. And this place is literally two minutes away from my house. Me and Emma got to take a look around and it’s very nice place,very helpful staff. The Nurses assistants were getting him all settle and showing him the nurse button. He looked at me and Emma, He told Emma he can get in both eyes! We praised God and then we started testing his eyesight after a minutes, he looked annoyed wanted some rest I asked do want us to go so you can get some sleep? 

He responded “do you think it’s possible?” Lol so we said our good nights. 

This morning I got a notice that Jay had been sent to the ER. I met him there and the nurses treated his bleeding G-tube and then we waited for him to be transferred back to the The Villas rehab home. We had been at the ER for 4 hours and he was awake the whole time.

So when he returned to The Villas he knocked out!

He had his first dialysis as an out patient and had to be transported to it. I checked on him and he did great. 

Thank you Jesus for being our way maker. 



Experiencing Gods loving kindness. 

I can’t say yesterday was a bad day at all, even though Jay refused to talk. He did have 4 hours of dialysis, so I can understand his silence of frustration. 

The hospital social worker met with me and the Hospital is getting ready to discharge him either to a skilled nursing home or a rehab facility. 

Depending on what he’s able to do it might be a skilled nursing home. 

My fears, is he will regress if put in a nursing home. So I’m pushing to get him to qualify for the rehab. Most of this really depends on him. 

I hear the doctors reports as they echoed my the hospital liaisons, and I feel like sometimes they drowning my hopes. I know they have experience with patients like him and are giving me their sound prognosis. I keep hearing the phrase the uncertainty of his recovery. 

I really don’t like the word uncertainty, because no matter what as children of God our certainty is in him! 

I guess I’d describe it as the valley of the unknown. We have never navigated in this valley before. I feel as if I’m walking aimlessly for the right path. And I am reminded Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart , lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge me in all your ways, and i with direct your path. 

Trust God for every step we take in him, it’s not easy. I’m reminded of when my husband 29 years ago was in a Christian rehab, the home was led by a pastor who always taught the men how to listen for the Holy Spirit. One day the city hired the home for the men to go and pick up all the politicians signs but they did not have a map of where they were. So the jay and the men in the home would drive around asking the Holy Spirit what street to turn on and that’s how they found all the signs.

So, it’s stories like this that I know I can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead me to the right path for Jays recovery. 

I read Jay all the encouraging words spoken over him. And yesterday as Jay was sitting in his therapy chair, I read one his brother wrote to him. You never know what is gonna resonate in someone to help them fight. But a few minutes after I read his brothers word, Jay straighten his posture and started raising his right leg. He motioned for me to help him raise his left leg. 

Although he wasn’t as active as the day before, I trust the work God is doing a work in him. 

I can’t tell how much more I am aware and experiencing Gods loving kindness for my family and I as we walk through the valley of the unknown. 

Continue standing in faith with me for a miracle over Jay. 

Psalm 31:21

Blessed be the Lord,
For He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city.

Jay (Robert) used to sing the worship song "Oh Happy Day" for church.

I loved this song! 

The Night before last Emma (our youngest daughter) had a dream Jay was walking again. 

Then I had a dream I came in the morning to visit and He was sitting upright and talking clearly saying "I feel much better today" 

on Tuesday morning he looked good, he did speech therapy, didn't clear the swallow test again.

My brother flew in from the 9th island (Vegas) to be with us. When I brought him to see Jay, Jay looked really down. They also shaved his beard. Dialysis took longer so he was not in any mood to talk. We prayed over him to rest and get good sleep. Yesterday morning he looked really good, physical therapy had him sitting up in a chair. I told him about the dream and he perked up. He was actively started sitting up and doing all the exercises to help wake up his left side. He talked more. He asked to see when I can bring him home. He said he misses sitting down and eating eating dinner with us. We had a good talk and he was motivated to do his work. The nurses did mention he asked them to make sure I am the one that makes all the decisions for him. So they had me sign those papers. 

I had to work Yesterday and explained I would be back later. He had the feeding tube in his nose removed and new one put in his stomach and he did great. 

His spirit looked a lot brighter which made me think of that Worship song "Oh Happy Day" But singing "oh Happy Jay" lol 

He told me and Emma we are his best nurses. He had his friend Reid visit too and He talked to him, He talked to Joey, and my mom. So It was a great day!

Miracles to be continued

I just want to say a HUGE Mahalo to those that have supported us through prayer and finances, and to our kids, my mom, my family,  jays family, and our friend who flew out that first week to be here, to my friends sending me groceries that can feed an army, to my friends here on island bringing me meals, feeding us at their cafe and it keeps going.  To my sister who helps me understand all his medical results Thank you! And All you who text and check up on us.

I'm truly grateful everyday. I just wanted to let you know that the money given is being used wisely and is coming handy for jays rehab. I know I can get help through Medicaid and the hospital is helping with that it will just take time a while to kick in. 

I will keep posting updates. Jay has a lot more miracles to share!

Blessings

Jodi and family

So many times we may find our faith tested and stretched by unforeseen circumstances, or even by not paying attention to all the warning signs.

Regardless what it is I Choose Joy in the Valley, I choose to be by the tree planted the rivers of water, that brings its fruit in its season, whose leaf does not wither... psalms 1:3, Philippians 4:4

As we walk through this valley of recovery with my husband, with all the ups and downs I will choose Joy a fruit of the spirit to cloth me, and I sit still by the waters and wait in patience I will let the waters refresh me until we see my husband whole and healed.

Today he had a good morning with the speech therapist, he tried and worked hard, The res of the day must have been very trying as dialysis was delayed , and lasted longer than before, I could tell by the look on his face he was not  up for visiting, So, we stayed for a few and prayed over him. I reminded him that everyday I pray for a miracle and everyday we see improvement. I realize that for now I may the faith encourager for him and that is ok . Its not all sunshine and rainbows each day, but at least he knows I am there for him

Monday miracles 

Yesterday was a good day for miracles. I walked in the middle Jay J’s physical therapy session. He was up and sitting on the side of the bed. He was able to hug me for the first time in 2 weeks! He was able to stay up for another 30 minutes and he talked. He asked for his phone and ear buds.

Emma took the bus after school to hang out with him. He slept most of the time, when he was awake He told her, he’s taking her to a road trip to the North Shore for Jenny’s Shrimp. He refused to do his speech exercises with her until I got there. I made him workout. My Godson Liam FaceTimed me and entertained his uncle by doing wrestling moves on Spider-Man. Jay grinned a few times. 

I shared him scriptures his cousins were praying over him. I was encouraged and reminded him of the great example he led for them to see and all the favor God has been using man to show him. He broke down in a little whimper. I know Gods doing something in him.

Then!!!

He told us we talk to much and that we annoy him.😂😂😂 Glad to see he’s still Jay! 

The kids called to FaceTime him and he asked “why can’t I see them here?” I told him they had to go back to California for work. He shrugged his shoulders in disappointment.

I think he forgets they were here and saw him worse off. 

We did speaker call and he talked to them. It was time to go and he asked for his phone again which I forgot. 

We asked him do you want us to let you sleep. He answered “I doubt you will let me” I said at least I’m not slamming doors at home, he responded “I’d rather have that”😂😂

So we prayed over him and I headed back home to bring back his phone.

When I came back I set him up with ear pods and phone. 

The last thing he said was

“When are you picking me up?” 😭😭😭 

God is doing a good work in him, I know it! 

Saturday morning the nurse called and gave me an update on his dialysis schedule so I can work our visits around it. 

When I got in, Jay was knocked out. I tried to wake him but I let him sleep. It was close to 11 and I tried to wake him up, no response and I started to get scared. I called the nurse and she was able to wake him up.  The nurse told me there’s another Dr assigned to jay. Dr.Patel 

Than Jay said Dr.Patel is a good doctor

he’s talking a lot more. He gave me a list of things to get him. Water, watermelon slices, and a bag of black grapes. 

Jay looked at me and said tomorrow I want to go on a road trip. I asked where?

Hr said to north shore to get Jennys shrimp

I miss my dog, I told him Bob misses you too. I miss you I told him. 

He replied “Get my side of the bed ready”

Emma came into the room 

( just know he gets asked the same questions all the time , so at this point he most likely was fed up) lol

He didn’t remember Emma but after a few he remembered her

He told her tomorrow we are going on a road trip.

She said I love you he said he loved her

I said I love you and he didn’t answer 

Emma asked do you know who’s talking? 

He said my wife 

She asked do you love her and he shrugged his shoulders she asked again and he motioned with his hand a little 

He spoke on the phone with Alyssa remembered her and had conversation with her. He asked her what she was doing. She answered and then Jay said again We are going on a road trip tomorrow. 

I was supposed to teach a private paint party but I felt I needed to cancel. Good thing I did or else I would have missed his OT appointment. 

Today we witnessed jay move his left side. He also attempted at standing up with assistance. We are so proud of him. After OT his hemodialysis treatment came in. We left and came back at 7 to check on him and say good night. He looked so good and was alert! This time he said I Love You 

God is in the miracle business and I’m so grateful for that!! Praying big time miracles over Jay.and that we can take our road trip soon!

(FYI : driving to the North Shore to eat at Jennys Shrimp is his favorite thing to do. He had been talking about weeks before the stroke)

We are so grateful for everyone’s love, prayers, and support. It is truly humbling. 

Mahalo Nui

Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen

I came in this morning and he was wide awake for me, watching our favorite tv show. He won't talk but wrote he wants pepperoni pizza :(

I told him he has speech at 1 so he needs to show them he can swallow. He gave me thumbs up.

He wouldn't talk for me, then I started pretending I forgot the name of the tv show, I called it by the wrong name to see if I can trigger him to talk and it worked!!! I even told the nurses he wrote he wanted pizza, and they started naming some pizza places and he told them one of favorite spots. Lol he even said for them to raise his oxygen a little! 

Things were going good. 

Neurologist came in and explained the conundrum with Jays situation of preventing more mini strokes. 

Doctors found out he has hole in his heart between his left and right ventricle. They suspect the clots are coming from there. But haven’t decided to close it yet, He’s low in his hemoglobin and might need a blood transfusion, and he didn’t pass his swallow test so it looks like a stomach feeding tube will be the next thing for him.

He was so discouraged about that! You know how many times he asks for food, Gatorade, water, Pepsi? It breaks my heart to say I can’t. The hardest was he was so lively in the morning and then when he got that’s news. His eyes shifted to right and had that blank stare in it. 

You know the feeling of helplessness it was pretty overwhelming, but I was not hopeless! Reality is it’s been only 10-12 days since the stroke. I need to keep reminding myself.

Later that day some students from a church we attended came to visit again. They stayed and prayed for like an hour and a half the nurse said. She said it was so refreshing and Jay stayed awake the whole time, he looked very encouraged after. 

Emma and came to stay with him at the end of the night. He was awake and told Emma he loved her. 

The life that I became adjusted to is under readjustment again. It’s not easy. 

Having great talks with the Neuro team has been helpful as this the ups and down feeling continues, knowing that it’s normal and stressful. 

What to pray for? Everything I just talked about. I’m still holding on to my hope and faith knowing I serve a good God! 

Last night I decided to paint. Listening to Oceans worship song, I started to draw this , at first I was drawing me, then I realized I was drawing Jay. I can’t imagine the overwhelming confusion and thoughts that run through his mind, almost drowning in them. I say that because that’s definitely how I feel. When our circumstances seems to fill up like the waves almost over our head. As we try harder to wade in the water to keep it from overwhelming us, thinking we are way to deep, when all we needed to do is place our foot down to set it upon his foundation. I added the rainbow we saw after his mini strokes. I believe Gods word! Jay will be healed!

This morning I talked to the Neurosurgeon and she showed me his before and after surgery scans. The bleed took a big portion of the brain that effects motor skills. 

The estimated recovery is 1.5 years, as what level of movement he will regain its hard to say. 

She did say to prepare to celebrate victories and next disappoints. It doesn’t mean he not progressing it’s just part of this kind of recovery. But she did say the Jay J we knew before will definitely be different. 

I don’t know what our plan is a year from nor let alone next week. 

Just trying absorb all that coming at us. Remembering to set my foot on his foundation. 

With that all said:

He had a busy day yesterday also his friend Reid came to visit. So that was really nice. 

This morning He had physical therapy and tried really hard to stay awake. 

Lately my prayer has been this. 

Lord is see the reality before me and I refuse to accept it as final truth. You are the God of making the impossible possible, the alpha and omega of my faith. You make all things work for your good. And Your good is better than mine. 

Last night Dialysis wiped him out last night, so it was hard to get him to wake up or respond, it was so concerning they brought the neuro team to assist. When they took him to do another CT scan he started waking up. 

We waited to see him and although he was very sleeping he still acknowledged us. 

We went home around 9 and around 10 the nurse called and said she’s pushing for another MRI. 

This morning I met with the nurses and drs to give consent to the Heart scope and the MRI.

 Results: heart scope showed a small hole between jays left and right ventricle. That can be one of the culprits for clots getting to his brain. 

He also had an EEG to see the activity between the left and right side of the brain. 

After the session Jay was fully awake, but I noticed he was not focusing on me. His eyes were drifting to the left! I asked if he could see, he said very little. But at least he can see a little from the left side! We need big miracle but I will take the little ones for now! 

Keep praying healing, restoration, and wholeness of Jay. Although my mind battles with the reality before me , my spirit refuses to accept these diagnoses over my husband. 

We serve a mighty big God who I know loves my husband! 

Thank you all for all you support , we are truly blessed!

Jodi, Jay j, and the Ohana

Monday updates

Yesterday was a whirlwind of breakthroughs for Jay and us. 

I walked into the his room and his eyes were wide open! I finally see that sparkle in his eyes again. 

We finally heard his voice! He’s been speaking more, still hard to understand but we can hear him. 

He was assessed by the rehab team and in order for him to qualify to rehab they need to see a few things. He needs to be ready to eat and drink, ability to pull himself up with help and talk. 

He was graduated out of ICU room to the Neuro care on 5th floor. 

He has a lot less machines on him.

During speach therapy I showed him a cartoon of us. I asked him do you remember this? He said yes, Christmas party, the nurse asked where? He said my work, she asked where is your work? He said Oahu Country Club. She asked what he does there and if he likes it. He answered Locker Room Attendant and Awesome staff! 

He talked with his daughters and joked with them. 

I had an appointment and he kept asking where I was and he wanted to stay up for me. When I got there he said our girls are the best!

He talked to Bobby via speaker phone, and then he asked about our dog Bob. He wanted to talk to him 😂 so I FaceTimed the girls so He could see him. He kept saying that’s my Bob. 😭 Bob lately has been extra close to Robert(Jay J). 

He’s doing his own exercise while in bed. He really wants to go home he said. 

Home is his motivation to recover. I explained that after here he will be living at a rehab for intensive therapy and it’s just around the corner from our house. 

After the night before when he has the mini stokes that little sparkle in his eyes was hard to see. 

But yesterday I could see that sparkle again in his eyes and I knew Jesus revived him. 

The girls and I prayed for a restful sleep, and more improvement over him. As we left our youngest was saying good bye and he motioned he wanted to see her smile. When she gave him her big smile , his face lit up with a smile back at her. He concern more for his kids than himself is why I love him so much. 

We covet your prayers so deeply and are extremely grateful for all the love and support we continue to receive. 

Mahalo Nui and we pray blessings upon you all.

Love 

Jodi, Robert (Jayj) and Ohana.