If anyone were ever in doubt that prayer changes things, or that God is still performing miracles and healings today, you need only to read the pages below or talk to the doctors who were involved in Joseph’s care.  David spoke with two doctors this week who were directly involved in Joe’s care, on separate occasions, and they both said practically the same thing.  “Do you realize how fortunate you are that Joseph is where he is right now?”  God is so awesome!

David and I have had the chance to run into so many of you our dear friends in the Knoxville community who express their concern and interest in how Joseph is doing now.  Many of you have even told us how you had your whole church praying for Joe!  We are also amazed at how many of you are still checking in on this site to keep up with his progress.  I wish you could see the difference!  It brings a tear of joy to our eyes to see him writing a paper or singing with our praise and worship singers at church.  I was expressing these thoughts to Joseph, and he said,  “Mom, tell everyone to come to our play this weekend.  I would love to see them there.”  Joseph is participating in our church summer drama entitled “Esther”.  The performances will be this Saturday evening June 21 at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 PM.  If you have the opportunity to come,  Joseph would love to see you there!

It can never be overstated how much your prayers, love, and support continue to mean to our family.  I know that our Lord has great rewards for those who are His hands and feet in this world.

Today is Father’s Day, and it has been a wonderful day to celebrate together.  First of all, we give thanks to our heavenly Father for His abundant love, mercy, and healing power.  Without our Lord paying the supreme price for our healing and salvation, our lives could never be the same.

I would also like to thank God for giving our family a wonderful spiritual leader in Joseph’s earthly father, David, who I am blessed to call my husband.  He would not want me to brag on him, but he definitely deserves it.  He worked tirelessly in the days, weeks, and months following Joseph’s accident.  On only a few hours of sleep a night, he was in constant contact with doctors and medical staff, working with the insurance company, and was by our son’s side, caring for him, day and night.  He is a rock and doesn’t seem to mind when we lean on him pretty hard.  He’s got big shoulders!

Joseph is doing great back home in Knoxville.  He finished a “fast track” course during the month of May, and has started the summer semester at the University of Tennessee.

Thank God for all of you great fathers out there who are showing your families God’s love and strength through your godly example.  Happy Father’s Day!

Mona Trantanella

The last few times that we attempted to write an update for this site, there seemed to be a glitch.  However, we are so excited to finally be in touch with you all.  So much has taken place these past few months.

Joseph was officially released from Learning Services on February 20.  Since early February, he had been spending a majority of his time away from the center, and was having very favorable results.  He is still working very hard at his physical rehabilitation with a personal trainer, Larry, at Gold’s Gym, here in Raleigh.  Larry called me a couple of weeks ago all excited to inform us that Joe had been able to work out with the maximum weight on a calf machine.  He knew that only a little over a year ago, Joe had a compound fracture of his lower leg and a stroke that had affected the whole left side of his body.  Larry, David and I were so amazed.  Lord, you are truly the great physician and healer.

Joe is enrolled at North Carolina State University this semester so that he could continue his treatment at Learning Services and education at the same time.  When he completes his course work next Thursday, April 24, we will immediately be moving home to Knoxville!  WE’RE GOING HOME! 

Helaine, Joseph’s case manager, came by our home today to give us some good advice for the future.  While she was with us, we showed her a video clip of Joe while he was at Patrica Neal Rehab Center.  Joseph was in a wheel chair, could not walk or lift his left arm, and his speech was slow and slurred.  Helaine cried and said that he has had a most remarkable recovery!  I told her that every day I look at Joseph and thank God.  So many miracles.  Oh for a thousand tongues to sing praises to our King!

Three weeks ago, Joe went through a four hour driving evaluation and passed without having to go through a training program.  Anytime someone has had severe head trauma, this is required by law.  His trainer said that most of the time there a quite a few hours of retraining involved before a person is released to drive.  Joseph was excited to get through it the first time around.  He has been waiting for this day for a long time.  He is beyond ready to have his independence back!

Our love to all of you, for your continued support and prayers.

David, Mona, and Jennifer

A lot has happened in the last two months. Joe finished the fall semester at North Carolina State with an A, and spent the holidays in Knoxville. It was hard to leave family and friends, but Joseph is still completing the program here at Learning Services. On January 18, we gave thanks to God for all the miraculous progress that has been made this year.

Afterwards, David and I (mom), took Joe to a favorite local steakhouse for dinner. When we walked to our table, Joseph was shocked to see Jennifer, Elaine, and Ashley jump up to greet him. We all cried and rejoiced over the Lord’s mighty work in our lives over the past year. Joe is currently completing senior level courses at NCSU for the spring semester. We are so proud of Joseph’s effort.

He has made remarkable progress, and we are grateful to all the staff at Learning Services for their hard work and support. We are continually thankful for the love, care, and prayers of all our friends and family this past year. God has truly ministered to our family through all of you. The Lord is truly our strength, our fortress, our healer, and He has carried us every step of the way.

Our love to you all! David, Mona, & Jennifer

Today we met with Helaine, Joe’s case manager, Brian, the director of Learning Services, and Joe’s neuropsychologist,  Dr. Jacobs.  We discussed the amazing progress Joe has made recently.  There have been major improvements in sleeping patterns, alertness and overall behavior.  Possibly because of seizure medications being reduced, Joseph has become increasingly aware, and has been working extra hard.  Dr. Jacobs feels that Joe has made remarkable progress. 

We have so much to celebrate this Christmas season.  Because our Savior was born, lived, and died for our redemption and healing, we are able to enjoy another holiday season with Joe.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support and prayers.

David, Mona, Joseph and Jennifer

Joe will be getting to come home for a few days at Thanksgiving.  This Thanksgiving will be the greatest Thanksgiving Day we have ever experienced.  God has given us the greatest of gifts this year in allowing us to spend this holiday together!  No holiday could ever be the same without Joseph’s excitement and enthusiasm.  It is truly contagious.

We would like to thank our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by remembering the words of an old Andre Crouch song:

How can I way thanks for the things you have done for me.  Things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove your love for me.  The voices of a million angels, could not express my gratitude.  All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Joe will be getting to come home for a few days at Thanksgiving.  This Thanksgiving will be the greatest Thanksgiving Day we have ever experienced.  God has given us the greatest of gifts this year in allowing us to spend this holiday together!  No holiday could ever be the same without Joseph’s excitement and enthusiasm.  It is truly contagious.

We would like to thank our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by remembering the words of an old Andre Crouch song:

How can I way thanks for the things you have done for me.  Things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove your love for me.  The voices of a million angels, could not express my gratitude.  All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Joseph spent his first night at Learning Services in the Raleigh house last night.  In preparation for returning to Knoxville to continue his education, everything that he worked on in Creedmoor will be taken to the next level.  The transition has been very exciting but at times bittersweet.  All of the staff and residences in Raleigh have been so warm and welcoming, but we will really miss all of our great friends in Creedmoor.  The staff in Creedmoor have been amazing through the past few months.  Joe has come such a long way.  Thanks to all the staff at LSNI for working so tirelessly, and never giving up.  Joseph is going to be better than ever!  

God bless you all,

David, Mona, & Jennifer 

Joseph, David, and myself (Mona), had our weekly meeting today at Learning Services with Dr. Harvey Jacobs, Neuropsychologist; Shani Cohen, Case Manager; and Natalie, Behavioral Analyst.  In the meeting, we discussed the possibility of Joe leaving the Neurobehavioral Center in Creedmoor to go to a transitional program in Raleigh.  The transition would take place slowly over a 2-3 week period.  This would be an exciting step forward to Joe coming home to follow his dreams.

Dr. Harvey Jacobs gave Joe some wonderful words of encouragement today.  Over the weekend, he ran into two different women who had suffered head traumas.  Each one shared with Dr. Jacobs that they had completed their doctorate program in their respective fields since their accidents.  Dr. Jacobs also stated that he has taught doctorate level courses, and told Joseph that he had read Joe’s paper that was recently written for the class he is currently taking at North Carolina State University.  He thought Joe’s work was better than some of the papers he has had turned into him in doctorate level courses!

We thank God that He has blessed Joseph, and allowed him to keep his intelligence.  What a blessed miracle!

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Life for Joseph is becoming more routine.  He is still easily agitated, but he is definitely becoming more and more controlled in his responses as time goes on.

Two weeks ago, Joe enrolled at North Carolina State University to continue his education in Psychology.  He will be taking one class, so that he can keep up with all of his therapies at Learning Services.  He will be able to transfer college credits earned here back to the University of Tennessee. 

It has been a difficult road, but we are proud of all the effort Joe is making.  God has been, and continues to be so faithful!

With our deepest love to you all,

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Last weekend was a very exciting trip to Charlotte, North Carolina for Joseph.  He had been anticipating going to Youth Congress for several months, but we were unsure if Joe would be ready to make the trip.  Learning Services was kind enough to allow him a three day vacation, and we were finally on our way.

There were young people from all over the country in Charlotte for the conference.  As the Charlotte Observer stated, “While many youth were out partying this weekend, over 25,000 youth were gathered together in Charlotte worshipping God.”

Joe was thrilled to see so many friends from the (865) Clinton/Knoxville, Tennessee area, Indiana Bible College, and other parts unknown.

Joe is now back in Creedmoor, North Carolina continuing to progress under the expert care of Learning Services.  Thanks to all of you who continue to keep Joe in your prayers.

With all our love,

David, Mona, & Jennifer

At Learning Services, each resident can earn 1-5 points for each activity/therapy/chore in which they participate.  With Joseph’s new attitude, he always strives to do his best to receive five points.  We are thrilled with the progress he is making, and appreciate all the hard work and effort of the Learning Services staff and therapists.

One of the behavioral sessions that Joe participates in is entitled, “Emotions in Motion”.  His instructor told me that Joseph was able to get clients to talk who had never participated before.  Last Friday, his instructor asked Joe to be her substitute instructor for that session.  Joseph facilitated the class for residences from all three of Learning Services area locations.

We are grateful to God for all of the progress Joe has made, and we are so proud of you Joseph for working so hard everyday, and doing your very best.  With the Lord’s help, it’s going to be worth all the effort.

David, Mona, & Jennifer

What an unforgettable time it has been in Joseph’s life.  Two weeks ago, Joe’s behavior was spiraling out of control.  It seemed that between his injury and his anger, that Joseph was determined to get more outlandish with each outburst.  Our family was aware of Joe’s situation along with our church family, and were praying with us on Joseph’s behalf.  On Sunday morning, July 8, my sister Brenda called me.  She felt that God was going to do a miracle that very day.  We prayed together over the phone.  Our church was praying in Clinton, dad was standing in for Joe in Maryville.  I felt a special presence and touch in service at Pastor Wayne Huntley’s church in Raleigh.  When I arrived at Learning Services, all of the staff was excitedly telling me about Joe’s complete turn around that day.  Joseph related to me that he felt like God had ministered to him the night before.  Joe has had a complete change in his focus and attitude.  We are so proud of him, and so grateful to the Lord for yet another mighty miracle!

Six months ago today, we didn’t know whether Joseph was going to live or die.  But today, he is walking, talking, and getting stronger everyday.  When we first arrived in Raleigh, Dr. Gualtieri, Joe’s neurophychiatrist, tested Joseph, David, and myself.  After the test, Dr. Gualtieri came into the room and announced, “Joe, I am happy to tell you; you are smarter than your mom and dad.”  Joseph hasn’t let us forget it! 

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Our apologies again for this post being so belated.  Right now we do not have direct access to a computer, and much of our time is spent with Joseph’s care.

Joe is going through a very difficult phase in his behavior.  It is extremely painful at times to see someone you love so much, behave in ways they would never have thought of before.

We can however, encourage ourselves in the Lord continually.  God has done so many miracles for Joe since that fateful Thursday in January.  We continue to thank God for his life, and the progress he has made up to this point.  We take so much comfort in knowing that God will continue the work that has begun in Joseph’s life.  Joseph is such a fighter, very bright and has always been a strong individual.  With God’s help he will come out of this with even more strength, compassion, insight, and a tremendous testimony of God’s miraculous power.

We are also so grateful for the strength and the peace that God gives to us through this storm.  Thanks to all of you for your continued support and prayers.

David, Mona, & Jennifer

We are so thankful that God continues to hear and answer the prayers of all of you, our dear friends and family.  Joe has had a truly wonderful week.  When we first arrived, things were definitely bumpy, but now he has settled into a good routine overall.  We really feel that Joseph is exactly where he needs to be, and is responding well to his therapy.  The staff here at Learning Services are doing an outstanding job.  We are grateful for all they are doing to help Joe continue to heal and develop more beneficial behaviors.

There are so many friends and family that have shown us great kindnesses during this difficult time, and there have also been folks that we would never have met or known before the accident, that God has placed in our lives to help us.  One of those very special people is our case manager from our health insurance company, Teresa Lilly.  Teresa  took on Joe’s case like we were her best friends.  She has fought with great tenacity to make sure that Joseph received the best of care.  Whenever there was a road block, she would  search for a new avenue of health care.  She simply has never given up no matter what!  Yesterday, our health insurance company flew in for a special filmed interview of our family.  They are making a video for their company employees, and wanted Joe’s story to be a part of their video.  Of course, we had do some major bragging on Teresa for the video, but I am sure that Principal Financial Group already know that they have one fine case manager in Teresa Lilly.

The folks here in North Carolina remind me so much of Tennesseans.  People are so friendly and genuinely nice here.  If you must be away from home, this is a great place be.  Joseph and I (Mom) are a little homesick still, and miss all of you in the Knoxville/Clinton area!

God bless all of you,

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Since Memorial Day, we have been getting Joseph settled into the center here in Creedmoor, North Carolina.  We apologize for not posting an update sooner, but coming to Learning Services has been another big adjustment for our family.  Since the accident, we have been used to being together as a family 24/7.  Now that we are here, we have been asked to keep our visits to evenings and weekends.  This is all a part of the process of Joe becoming an independent adult again.

Joe is starting to adapt to his new environment.  There is another young man in the facility who likes to play alot of the same games as Joe.  His favorite game is Monopoly, so they have that in common, and can spend their free time hanging out together.

Since we have been here, Joe has been angry with Dad and myself for bringing him here.  Every night when it is time for us to leave the center, Joe has become angry over some issue, and became very aggressive in his behavior. His behavior is due to the head trauma and is the reason he needs professional help.  We feel that Learning Services is the right place for him.  All of the staff have been working hard to help him learn new coping strategies for his anger.  I (mom) told Joe that this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do; to tell him we had to leave him, when he wanted to leave with us.

Last night seemed to be a turning point for our situation.  Instead of refusing to give a hug or act out when it was time for me to leave the center, he played some songs that told the story of his heart and walked me to my car.  When I left, tears of joy were streaming down my cheeks.  That is the Joseph I remember.  I am so proud of Joe.  He is such a fighter, and with the Lord’s help, he is going to accomplish his dreams.

God has brought us a mighty long way, and we just want to worship and thank Him every day for His mighty acts. 

My thoughts,

Without sounding too cliche, I guarantee that had I ever pondered the idea of going through an ordeal like I have, I do not believe I could have anticipated or imagined the outpouring of love, care, concern, thoughts, support, and prayer that has lifted me up out of the suffering and trial I have been through. I just wanted to share these and other thoughts with you. I decided since you are receiving other messages of my progress authored by members of my family, I felt it was time and appropriate that I now share my thoughts and some of the finer details that I feel are so very significant and even landmark in my recovery. In order to further explicate, several of the significant events and things that I have achieved or things/states that have been restored are items that many of us take for granted; however, are so pleasurable or imperitave to our everyday existence, for example: taste or buttoning clothing. First of all, I would like to share that my motor skills and simple coordination skills are beginning to reveal themselves and become more evident. For example, I am mostly buttoning all of my clothing and cutting my steaks and other meats. Next, I would like to share how my mouth and things related have improved so much. For one thing, simply the return of saliva production has been a monumental restoration all together in taste, in general chewing of food, and digestion. Furthermore, I am speaking and singing much more at the vocal quality level I once did. In a related issue, I am likely to very temporarily resume my tenor Praise Team position for my final Sunday night service, May 27, 2007, at my church, just prior to my departure to the NC. This event, is something that I believe I shall internally and exhuberantly celebrate and is also very much a milestone in my recovery and restoration of my former lifestyle. In addition, during my stay in Denver, while in swimming pool therapy, I was thrilled to preform a few tasks, which I had completed with relative ease prior to my accident. First, I was able to do a hand-stand. Second, with the assistance of goggles, which also offer protection for the nose from liquid interference, I was able to accomplish seven underwater flips. Finally, and to me possessing the most significance, I was able to swim the length of the pool up and back underwater without coming up and taking or releasing a single breath of air. FAC of Knoxville has the privilege of hosting NACSC, which is a national competition. On Thursday night of this competition, May 24, 2007, the basketball team from ACS of Knoxville sealed and achieved their 11th year of consecutive gold medal championship victories. By the way, Congratulations to Coach and Reverend Gino Magdos for another smashing victory at the beautiful courts of the FAC and ACS gymnasium. But that being perhaps a more significant victory, it was not the only victory achieved on the floors of the ACS gymnasium that night. For following the exciting basketball championship victory, I was privileged and thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in some very informal volleyball pick-up games with a group of my peers. I did not go into these games with any high expectation of my preformance, and thus left fairly pleased with my level of play. My play was compromised by my vision, and as a result of my stroke, my left side was weak. In contrast, my right leg has strengthened; and therefore, relative to my injuries and impairments, I played well. I would also like to declare my appreciation for the kind support of those individuals who were also in attendance. The successes I had were very much enhanced due to their support and assistance (you know who you are, thanks!). This last full week in May 2007, has been wonderful, for I have made the return to two of my favorite activities, volleyball and singing at church! In conclusion, as I have already mentioned, I am grateful for all of the concern and support I have received. I would like to use this statement, to via WWW, announce to everyone all my thanks for the love, concern, support, and prayers!

Sincerely and with love,

Joseph (Joe) Trantanella

Day 118-124

This week has been spent making a decision regarding a transitional living program for Joe.

Thursday evening, I (Joe’s Mom) drove to Learning Services in Creedmore, North Carolina (Raleigh/Durham area). Friday afternoon Mike Weaver, the Program Director gave me the grand tour. The facilities are located on a beautiful wooded cul-de-sac on a large plot of land with two homes and a rec center. All of the facilities have been built in the last six years with plans to build a new home. Each home houses six clients. There is 24/7 professional supervision.

Therapy is ongoing and community oriented. It could include anything from taking a course at a community college, to delivering meals on wheels for the disabled. Learning Services was highly recommended by the professionals at Craig Hospital in Denver. The center will have an opening for Joseph on Tuesday, May 29. We plan to leave for Learning Services Monday morning, May 28. The focus of Joe’s therapy will be on behavior. His injury has made reasoning and judgment difficult. Learning Services specializes in helping those with head trauma to learn new coping skills

Many of our friends and family said they could see a difference in Joe since they had last seen him in Knoxville three weeks ago.

Philippians 4:19-20 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

David, Mona, and Jennifer

Day 111-117

Joe has spent his last week at Craig Hospital finishing up therapy evaluations. Tuesday, we were in conference with Joseph’s doctors, therapists, case worker, and head nurse. Dr. Weintraub viewed Joe’s records before he came to Craig, and stated that Joe was doing much better than he had expected. However, Joe is still in the early stages of his injury and still recovering, according to Dr. Barry, and there will be a variety of changes neuro-chemically and physically. Dr. Weintraub also informed us that with Joe’s injury, he expriences problems with attention span, reasoning and problem solving. Both doctors highly recommended a transitional living program where Joseph is safe, and will have professional help with dealing in real life situations of functioning and problem solving.

Joe’s physical therapists recommended that he have special insoles that would give his feet the proper support. His occupational therapist felt that he needed separate glasses for reading instead of bifocals. Dr. Weintraub stated that another piece to the puzzle was having surgery to put cartilage together in the right ear which would help with balance. We were thrilled to hear that the hearing in Joe’s right ear was almost perfect. (The ear he was not supposed to hear out of because all of the bones were broken.)

We met with representatives from Learning Services in North Carolina and the Centre for Neuro Skills in California Wednesday and Thursday. Both centers seem to have excellent programs, but for us all signs seem to be pointing towards Learning Services. We are still praying about this matter, and plan to make a final decision within the next few days.

We arrived in Knoxville late Thursday night, and we were greeted at the airport by Jennifer and Joe’s cousin, Ashley. It was great being at our home church Sunday for Mother’s Day. Pastor Triplett and his wife had just arrived Saturday evening from their missions trip to Russia. There is no better feeling in this world than worshipping in your home church next to the folks who stand beside you in good times and bad. We give thanks to Jesus Christ who is our strength and refuge.

Jennifer boarded her flight Sunday afternoon for Rome, Italy to study abroad for the summer. Jennifer had been very apprehensive about leaving, but Joseph constantly encouraged her to keep her plans.

We are continually grateful to all of you, our wonderful friends and family, for all your kindnesses, love, support, and most of all your prayers.

David, Mona, & Jennifer