Today was a beautiful day in London, made more so by the rain-soaked day that preceded it.
The beauty of my flat is that it is walking distance both to the hospital as well as to the office. So I had enough time this morning to walk to work. As I passed St. Anne’s Limehouse I noticed that the churchyard was filled with snowdrops and crocuses – yellow, purple and white, coming up in between the monuments and headstones. These early spring flowers, braving the uncertainties of February weather, echoed my mood this morning. I was still flying high from the wonderful time with Mary Elizabeth last night. Her intelligent look, the gentle caress and the sweet smile put a spring in my step and provided the momentum to propel me through my day.
Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday and despite the snow, my kids made it to church for the annual pancake dinner, thanks to our intrepid friend Melissa. Clark was pressed into service to help prepare the ashes for today’s Ash Wednesday services – a duty he apparently took very seriously. I love hearing stories about our kids that I’m able to pass along to Mary Elizabeth, because I know she loves them too.
Tonight I arrived at the hospital and found an old, bald man in Mary Elizabeth’s place. I spent a few minutes wandering from ward to ward in search of Mary Elizabeth and finally found her back in the Gloucester Ward – the stroke unit – where she had been until late last week when she developed breathing problems. She was alert and aware – a little more distracted than yesterday – but still as happy to see me as ever. I brought with me a handful of photos of our kids at various ages which I thought would be helpful in giving her something to look at – and to show the nurses what beautiful children she has to return to. I filled her in on the emails and posts to the blog that I’ve received and she enjoyed hearing about it.
After visiting hours, I headed to St. Dunstan’s for an Ash Wednesday liturgy, in which our friend Mel was performing as part of the Thames Chamber Choir. It was a somber service, marking the beginning of Lent, but a service nonetheless filled with the hope of resurrection and redemption.
So ranging from this morning’s spring flowers to the message of hope from this evening’s service, I saw reflections of our situation – looking for hope amid somber, sometimes grim situations. These inspirations make it a little easier to keep the faith and think positive thoughts.
I pray that these positive signs continue tomorrow and each day after that. Thanks again for your kind thoughts, prayers and positive vibes.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Dear Scott, I am glad again that Mary Elizabeth was responsive tonight, and glad again that you are able to take small happiness where it presents itself; in photos and news of your children, in the snowdrops, in your brave and kind heart. Love to you and Mary Elizabeth, and hugs, Noelle
Happy to hear such good news. I feel like I know you’re family my whole life .I keep you in my prayer everyday. .
Scott,
I agree with you about the snowdrops. Small as they are, when you put a crowd of them together, they are an impressive, joyous, and encouraging sight.
Sort of like all the little ways that your Mary Elizabeth is improving bit by bit.
So keep seeing healing and inspiration all around you – gifts from our Father in heaven!
Cheers! ~Maria
Hi Scott, we had prayers for all of you at Ash Wednesday services and we also have a prayer group that precedes the evening service meeting weekly – The people all pray to God for “Mary Elizabeth”- they don’t even use a last name anymore because she is part of our family here (as are you) and we figure the Almighty knows who we mean even if we don’t use last names. Blessings always, Tim
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
How wonderful to hear that Mary Elizabeth is making her way back to you. Just when you are feeling very down and out, Scott, Mary Elizabeth has a way of coming back to comfort you. I spoke with a very happy Lucille yesterday, and she sounded simply elated to hear such happy news from across the pond. We are praying for you and better days ahead.
Best,
Adrienne
Dear Scott,
I am heartened by your news. When I saw the title of your most recent missive, I recalled the appearance of this spring flower in winter…first time I saw a crocus in Feb was in London, over 20 years ago. That they keep coming back, braving the elements, is a comfort. They never give up, and the hope they bring for sunnier, longer days is encouraging. For Mary Elizabeth’s recovery and wellness to travel to the USA…the crocus reminds us to remain hopeful.
Do take care of your dear self and give a hug to ME for me.
Warm regards,
Cath
I am glad to hear that Mary Elizabeth is keeping up the upward though sometimes stable road to recovery. It is amazing when you see the crocuses coming up in between the snow mounds, you see how beautiful their colors are after a long white winter and that it gives you hope of good things to come.
As always our thoughts are with you both and always for a full recovery for Mary Elizabeth!
All our love,
Suzy & Bob