Today was another quiet day for Mary Elizabeth. Although the nurses said she was responsive earlier in the day, I wasn’t able to get any reaction from her. She was far from sleepy however, spending most of the time I was there moving her left arm around, and attempting to free herself from some of the tubes still attached to her. I was kept busy preventing her from achieving her goal, while at the same time, trying to be gentle and reassuring.
When I returned in the evening, I had hoped to see improvement but found more of the same. In fact, she seemed more remote than ever – unresponsive even to my loud calls for attention. Intellectually I know that she will have bad days as well as good, and that the trend is still positive – but emotionally, it’s hard not to feel dejected and disappointed. Just as I was leaving, however, she perked up momentarily and opened her eye, smiled and gave me a kiss – a simple combination of gestures which eased – at least momentarily – my despondency.
As we move into the final hours of 2009, I can’t help but think about the past year. Mary Elizabeth and I have so much to be thankful for. First off, each other – as we celebrated our 16th anniversary this year, we marvelled at how we’ve grown closer as the years go by. Secondly, our three beautiful children, Charlotte, Clark and Louisa – the light of our lives and the joy of our hearts. And although the last 1/12th of the year was not what we would have wished for – it showed us that we have so much to be thankful for in our extraordinary circle of family, friends and colleagues who have rallied around us during this difficult time. It is both humbling and overwhelming.
So while we don’t know what 2010 holds for us – the one thing that we know for sure is that we’re not facing it alone. And that’s a precious gift for which I thank you all.
Happy New Year.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Dear Scott,
God has surely blessed you both. That will continue despite this difficult time. Our BEST wishes to you, ME and your family for good news and happiness in the coming year.
Much love,
Laurie
No Scott you are not alone in this painful process. The only good that comes out of the pain is that you know how much people care and are praying and pulling for you and your family.
You and Mary Elizabeth are blessed with the grace to know how lucky you have been and the many gifts you still have.
These holidays tend to make things hurt more so just try to think of it as just another day on the calendar which is all it really is.
Thinking of you and praying hard here on the Island!
Lots of love, Margie and Newt
Dear Scott
As 2009 comes to an end here in the states our prayers remain with you. May 2010, with God’s help, bring you peace & understanding. I am a firm believer that faith & prayers can see us through anything. You & Mary Elizabeth are blessed with such caring, wonderful family & friends and that will also see you through. May God bring you the strength and guidance that you need. I am in awe of your compassion & your loving words for Mary Elizabeth. Thank you so keeping in touch with us and letting us know your feelings and Mary Elizabeth’s progress.
God Bless
Bob & Carol
Dearest Scott,
Henry and I are wishing you a year of recovery for Mary Elizabeth and restored life for all of your family. Scott, you are an amazing and giving father and friend and it is because of your selflessness that you will never be alone, through anything. I’m sure all your friends feel privileged to have an opportunity to show you the kindness and compassion you have always shown them. Remember with God all things all possible.
Emma, Henry and the boys
Please know that you are not alone in this process. We are all here for you, every step of the way.
Just spent a few hours with your children tonight. Met Melissa and Chris and the kids at Syosset Lanes/bowling and Charlotte, Clark and Louisa came as well. Charlotte and Clark were having a great time. Louisa came down with one of her headaches and she took easy, with Melissa and I alternating hanging out with our buddy. Charlotte told me all the stuff she got at American Girl doll with Kelsie the other day and was very talkative. Clark was really helpful and gave William a few tips on bowling. (He’s really good with William.) Always appreciative of that.
We’re in the final hours of 2009 in New York and I am so grateful to you and Mary Elizabeth for our friendship after all these years. Here is to 2010 and a wonderful year, filled with good things, including ME’s recovery. You and ME are in our prayers tonight, as always.
Best,
Dina
Dearest Scott and Mary Elizabeth, You are never alone. From all over the world our love goes out to you both, and surrounds you even if we ourselves are not present to do so in person. I am so lucky to count you both as dear and treasured friends; you have both taught me so much about the meaning of courage and love; thank you. All good things come to you all in the new year, fondly, as ever, Noelle
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
We’re thinking of you on New Year’s Eve and thinking of how Lucille, Cathy, Charlotte, Clark, and Louisa are observing the year’s end at home. We’re hoping for much progress and all the best for you in 2010. As always we reflect on all the wonderful times we’ve spent together over the years, and we are grateful for those memories.
Much love always, Lisa (and Elizabeth)
Hi Scott- Our St. Paul’s in it’s New Year’s Eve Services ended 2009 by lifting Mary Elizabeth and you up to the Lord. When Satan tries to discourage you in all of this (and he will, pig that he is) don’t even give the loser the satisfaction! The Lord bless you – Ruth and I keep you in our prayers always. Tim
Happy New Year to you both. I was thinking of you guys as the ball dropped here. I’ve never been to Time Square despite growing up here in Manhattan, but it seemed like so much fun. Maybe next year we’ll have to go as a group, all of us who are keepin tabs on you and Mary Elizabeth. It could be a long year with rehab and stuff, but I’m positive it will be a good one.
Keep your spirits up and know that tomorrow will be a better day!
Nat
Dear Scott and Mel-the new year is upon us with wishes that soon into 2010, Mary Elizabeth will be rested enough to gain back the needed strength to begin longer periods of rehab and work towards returning back to NY, family and friends. Your London team has been steadfast, and as you say you have the precious gift of friends wherever you turn. We will not let you forget that even when things appear to be in a holding pattern. Good the kids are just as you Scott and moving forward as each day arrives. Mel is too in her own way. Snow on the horizon here in Boston -and more predicted! b
dear mary elizabeth and scott,
firstly, happy new year! we’re just catching up on your last couple of entries as we were traveling home from california yesterday. so happy to hear about the improvements, as small as some may be. it’s all a step in the right direction. yeah! keep your spirits up, scott. you amaze us every day. may 2010 bring only the best to you. and as lovely as london may be, may you all be together at your house soon. xoxo jen and steve
As usual – you reveal the depth and beauty of yourself as a person. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. I am confident this year will bring you good things. Your positive introspection, grateful attiude and faith will surely guarantee it.
Scott,
Ellen and I are with my friend Charles, whom you met on Cape Cod two summers ago — the trip where we met Mary Elizabeth and your wonderful children for the first time. We are thinking of you and praying for you and are planning the trip when we all return to the beach together. Warm days and better times are ahead. Happy New Year.
Dory, Ellen, and Charles