The roller coaster continues around here. Since Josiah has been here in the hospice house, along with everything else, has experienced some severe shoulder pain. The doctor here did not feel like it was anything to do with his shoulder, but refered pain from the pressure on his diaphragm from all the fluid in his lungs. Josiah was taking all kinds of pain meds and it wasn’t even touching the pain in his shoulder. The doctor here wanted to put a drain tube in to relieve some of that pressure and hopefully help with the pain and shortness of breath. After much discussion and prayer, we decided yesterday to go ahead and do it. Josiah was transferred to the hospital for a few hours to have it done and then brought back here to the hospice house. The procedure went well and they drained three liters of fluid off Josiah’s right lung. He had several hours of very intense and exhausting coughing trying to get his crumpled lung re-inflated. Draining off the fluid completely took care of the shoulder pain, PTL! He is having significant pain around the site of the drainage tube, but he is breathing easier and his color is much better. There always seems to be a trade-off.
This procedure was not done to prolong his life. We are NOT trying to play God…I know we couldn’t do that even if we wanted to. We made this choice to give Josiah some relief and comfort. He was in so much pain he could find no relief in any position. We are praying that there are no complications as his lung re-inflates and for more precious, memory-making moments.
Beautiful Things 
Jessica
I have had the good fortune of knowing Dennis for 20 years and consider him both a colleague and a dear friend. Through that relationship I have had the opportunity to get to know Mary, Josiah and the rest of the Johnson family. In fact, Bethany acts as a “nanny” for my daughter Reagan.
Nevertheless, I have had the opportunity to follow your blog for many months and felt compelled to comment after reading some of your recent submissions. Generally speaking, I am in awe of your strength and clarity throughout this entire ordeal. Like many others, I have had to deal with some personal tragedy in my life, and like way to many others, I have often adopted the “woe is me attitude.” Your postings have cast a whole new light on any of my struggles.
Even though you are obviously a faith filled person, your humaness I’m sure leads you to the question, “why?” From a personal perspective, I can tell you that one of the blessings of your journey has been the impact you and your family have had on others. And, you can’t even imagine how widespread this impact may be.
I know that every time that I read one of your updates, I instantly send it along to others, many who do not know you, who might benefit from your thoughts. I have to believe others are doing the same which simply means that your ministry is growing exponentially. God has clearly been with you and Josiah every step of the way and using you to spread his message of hope.
So, while I grieve and cry most days over Josiah’s plight, I am given strength by your strength. I know Josiah will soon be free of all human suffering, and while I rejoice knowing of his destination, I know through Josiah’s suffering God has uniquely worked through both of you to further the perpetuation of His word.
God bless. You are in my prayers.
Dave
Mrs. Johnson, your strength in this very difficult time is inspiring. I cannot imagine watching a loved one, especially a spouse, suffer so much pain. My heart aches for you and all that you are having to endure, for your husband and the pain that he suffers, and also your children. I have been reading through Psalms and praying for your family as I read. I count it a blessing to have met your husband a couple of weeks ago before Christmas at church. I pray that your husband will be strong as God enables him for you and your children, and I pray that God will enable you to be strong for your children.
Trust in the Lord and cleave to Him, keeping your eyes fixed firmly upon your Savior, who’s eyes burn as coals, his skin appearing as bronze, and who’s hair is white and pure.
It seems all the Psalms I read today in my devotions spoke to me about you both. I am continually inspired by the work God is doing in your lives. I am humbled by the love you have for the Lord and His sovereign will. I am also challenged. As the earlier posts stated, you have a tremendous mission field that is being reached by your faithfulness and trust in our Lord. Continuing to pray…
Ditto on the last few posts. I know that sounds so impersonal, but again, they are very well said, and I’m sure most who read your blog would agree.
I am relieved that Josiah’s pain has been eased. You continue to inpsire and encourage us all. The Lord is using you in mighty ways.
Praying for comfort, both physical and spiritual, continued grace, and peace as you continue this journey
Jess-
While I don’t think we have spoken at church, as most of the Saylorville family, my husband Brian and I have followed your family’s journey.
Speaking as one who has had several loved ones in hospice at various times, I totally understand the fine balancing act it is of relieving the pain and making sure people outside of the immediate family understand the different things done are for comfort of our loved ones, not to “play God”.
As I have been reading the latest posts, the song that comes to mind is one that we sing occasionally at church.
“Blessed Be Your Name” Especially the middle verses:
Blessed be Your name
When the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s ‘all as it should be’
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts during this time. With all of us and for your children as they grow.
In our prays –
Carma
Jess, as a nurse who has experience w/nerve pain, I can assure you that you made the right choice. Yes, there is a trade-off. It was definitely the wise thing to do. I’m so relieved for the relief it brought. Good choice! Sheila
We are praying for you and your precious husband, father, son, brother! The strength you articulate in your writings and blogs are so precious—know you are loved and prayed for by those whom you have never met. Words cannot express our love for you at this time.
Praying for you!! So is the rest of the staff at my church!
Jess-
We are praying daily for you all. Nina includes Ava and her Daddy in her prayers all the time:) We love you and lift you all to the allmighty ONE-He has given you so much strength and I know will continue to do so.
2Cor 12:9-10 MY grace is sufficient for you, for my POWER is made perfect in your WEAKNESS. I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness so that the POWER of Christ my rest in me.
You are a great display of thie already, Jess.
Praying….
Hi Jessica 🙂 I don’t know that I’ve ever met you, but I’ve met Aubrie a couple times. Also, you know my sister, Carissa Lahey and her daugher Leilani. I have been reading your updates and continue to think of you and pray for you often!! Through your trials, you are an inspiration and encouragement. I pray that God fills you with complete peace today.
Your sister in Christ,
~Ahnada Stephenson
You are in the prayers of our family many times throughout the day. We are praying that God will provide you and Josiah with an amazing amount of peace as you trust in Him.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
We will continue to remember you all in our prayers in the days to come!
In His Love,
Nathan and Susan Nemmers
Our family continues to lift all of you in prayer! I am continually amazed at the faithful responses you all are having during this most difficult time. Thank you for being a testament to not liking God’s will, but accepting it, and trusting in Him that He truly does know best – even when it is so very painful. My heart breaks for you and I promise we will continue to pray for comfort, peace, and strength.
Much love to the entire Johnson family…
In Jesus’ name,
Shelly, Jon, Spencer, & Jayce Goergen (CWA of Iowa)
i found your blog through an old elementary school friend from FFC. Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for your entire family right now. I don’t know what to pray…I am just praying for more of God’s presence, love, and comfort for all of you right now. I am amazed at your strength & courage.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joisha, you, and your family!
Praying for you today. So thankful that God gave you direction on how to relieve the pain and bring some comfort. He is so faithful.
Hi Jessica-thank you for your transparency in all of your writing and allowing us to come along side you in your journey. I marvel at your strength. I have shared this with many people and pray for you all every day. You are a true testimony of God’s love and provision to everyone following Josiah’s story.
Cheryl
Jess and family we continue to pray for all of you. Norm wanted me to share with you 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but no destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
You both have been a manifestation of Jesus’ life.
Praying
Jan
Bless you Jessica and family…I am glad to hear that Josiah has some relief. I cannot imagine watching a loved one suffer so…
Donna