Mary Elizabeth is on her third day of doing better. I’ve learned the hard way not to look for trends, but I’m just enjoying her responsiveness and awareness.
I spent a few hours with Mary Elizabeth this evening, telling her stories about the kids and reminiscing about “old times.” While she can’t respond too much, I’m pretty certain that she understands everything that’s being said and done around her. Smiles and nods come sometimes – along with random movements, and blank stares – but she knows what’s going on around her.
Her movements tend to shift her diagonally in the bed, so her legs are dropping off the right side and her head is at the edge of the bed on the left side. Tonight, when leaning over to help her shift in the bed, her left arm shot out and grabbed me tightly. I held her tightly in my arms and she didn’t let go – in fact she held on even more tightly. We hugged for a while and I think we both enjoyed every minute of it.
This whole situation is so surreal and alien to us, that we have to grasp on to things that feel normal to us, like hugging and kissing, and enjoy those familiar activities – vowing never to take them for granted again – ever.
We don’t know what the future holds, and even contemplating it makes me queasy, so instead I draw solace from the here and now and accept each gift as it comes – remembering if I can to be thankful and appreciative for what we have.
And that of course includes the kindness of all our friends and family who hold us in their hearts – no matter how long it takes for Mary Elizabeth to get better.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Dear Scott,
We are pulling and praying for you and your family. I am full of hope and optimism about Mary Elizabeth.
You and your family are blessed in many, many ways. I know you know that. It’s so hard to think of what all of you are going through. As you say it is “surreal” and unimaginable.
Many full hearts are following your posts and sending good thoughts your way.
Dear Scott, Hold on for all you are worth! The sense of touch is so precious, and we little understand its full impact. Thinking of you both with much love, hugs, Noelle
Scott—-xo will never be the same again -that’s for sure!! A belated Valentine’s gift!!! Your emotional strategy is right on and I truly believe that you have the strength to stay the course with Mel no matter what!!!! You are amazing and mary elizabeth knows that and when she is able is telling you that!! b
Dear Scott,
I haven’t read the blog for a few days until yesterday. I caught up on alot of things. But now, MaryElizabeth sounds as though she is “getting better”. Her response time is faster and she really knows you are there. Keep up the great work. You are terrific together.
sincerely,
Patty Pugliese
I teared up at this one, Scott. Certainly not a first, but it is truly a reminder to cherish those we love. You are such a true inspiration to so many of us and I know I do not stand alone, in my devotion to your blog and daily updates.
Love and prayers,
Janet
Dear Scott
I hope we have all learned from you not to take life and love the granted. A kiss, a hug, a smile are so wonderful everyday from those that we love. I pray that each day you receive a kiss, a hug, or a smile because that will mean that Mary Elizabeth continues to get better. May our Lord continue to bless you with a patient heart, a caring soul, and the strength you need to continue travelling this journey.
God Bless you,
Bob & Carol
OH, WHAT A BLESSING!!!! your family, as always, are in my prayers. Laurie
Sorry I haven’t posted anything in a few days, but have been reading each evening.
Pulling for both of you, little baby steps are progress each day. She’s doing great. Enjoy every moment with her…
Dear Scott,
I think those hugs should be a daily dose of ME’s medicine. A great big, long, strong hug from you and from all of us. Those baby steps will help ME get well! May those flowers of spring you saw be a constant reminder of rebirth and growing, a little bit at a time.
Love, the Fixes
One day at a time and take from that one day what is given to us and be grateful. Your blogs are a reflection of how we all should be living our lives, the small things that one day didn’t mean that much mean the world now and why did we then take such small actions of love for granted. This situation with Mary Elizabeth has changed us all, reading what you have gone through has changed us all. Our thoughts are with you and our prayers for a full recovery for Mary Elizabeth…and thank you for giving of yourself so freely.
Love,
Suzy & Bob
Scott,
Just to let you know that many, many people at Lucille’s church, Trinity Lutheran are praying for Mary Elizabeth.
Your blog is full of love, tears but most of all hope.
I pray each day for Mary Elizabeth but also for you and your children.
I have a back like yours so be careful! You don’t want to end up not moving for a few days, you are too busy.
With prayer, Lynn
Scott you are a strong reminder to me that ‘our home’ must be in the present moment. Thich Nhat Hanh – “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on this green Earth in the present moment.”