We’re coming up on a full week of awareness and interaction.
I got to the hospital this afternoon and found Mary Elizabeth sound asleep. I’ve seen this before and usually she’s very hard to wake up and I wind up sitting quietly while she sleeps. But this afternoon, a few minutes later she opened her eye and after a few minutes, she recognized me and began interacting immediately.
I had brought an oversized get well card from the Mothers of Twins Club and read her all the inscriptions from its members. Louisa had also written her a sweet note which I brought along as well. We continued to chat for a while, and she showed me her newest trick, which was to move the fingers on her right hand, along with lifting her arm up.
She was able to repeat this whenever asked. Ellinor arrived shortly thereafter and while they’ve met several times before, they’ve never really met. I was so pleased that Ellinor, whom I have known for 30 years, was finally able to meet Mary Elizabeth – and vice versa. While she can’t speak yet, Mary Elizabeth is an excellent communicator, using hand gestures, facial expressions and nods.
Ellinor stayed for about 45 minutes and Mary Elizabeth actively participated in the conversation. I am, as they say here, over the moon.
It’s an indescribable joy to have Mary Elizabeth back in heart and soul, and I’m looking forward to continued progress each day. I feel like we’re gaining momentum every day now, and she knows it. On Tuesday, we’ll get a clearer picture of what treatment plan the doctors and consultants are recommending, and how soon she can come home. I think that Mary Elizabeth knows that so much depends on her progress and she’s committed to getting well enough to come home.
Thanks for your continued support through the ups and downs – and let’s all pray that she continues on this positive course!
Moved in Sundry Places 
Dear Scott,
As I have been watching MaryElizabeth’s progress over the last couple of days, my daughter, Olivia, just sat by my side to read along with me. My children can’t imagine how Charlotte, Clark and Luisa are managing. Olivia, especially , is very in tuned because she sees Charlotte at school. So the situation could be real for her. At that rate, we are very happy for the progress and are sending our prayers for a good report on Tuesday, and close future plans to come home for both of you.
Sincerely,
Patty Pugliese
This is such great great news-you have been so very patient scott, and mel is beginning to regain the strength to be able to truly let you know she is able to really work with you!! Together you will make the next step which is home-fingers crossed for the tues meeting! xxoob
It’s so great to see you with such promise and enthusiasm in your words. I am so happy that it was a good week for Mary Elizabeth, but for you, too. I can only imagine how hard it has been to remain upbeat and positive. It looks like things are moving in the right direction and to sense the worry lifting from your words is a great relief.
Prayers –
Janet
Hi Scott,
I returned from LuHi’s annual student servant trip today. I left last Sunday with 22 students and 4 other chaperones for a very fulfilling and somewhat shocking experience in two small, poor villages in the very poor country of Nicaragua (incredible heat…dry and dusty…but the experience of a lifetime.). The LuHi kids were phenomenal, striking up friendships with village kids and installing sinks in homes, bringing running water, much awaited by many families. Many tears were shed when they had to say their final goodbyes to special friends made in just a short week.
I wanted to read your posts before I went to bed tonight, hopeful to have some good news on Mary Elizabeth…and I did! Not wanting to skip to today’s news first, I read all of the posts since last Saturday, when Lucille and I talked of you while making a trip to the beauty salon! What wonderful news again…your wife is working hard to come back to you. All of the gesturing and facial expressions is a foretaste of what will surely be coming in the future. Knowing how much Mary Elizabeth loves to communicate, I can only imagine that as soon as she can do it, she’ll be talking non-stop!!!
Much love and keep the good news coming. You are all in our prayers daily…even while I was way down in Nicaragua.
Love, Jane and John
Dear Scott, What a stellar day! Such good news! This post was especially heart warming. We will all continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope for the best possible outcome. Give Mary Elizabeth a hug from me, and here’s one for you, love, Noelle
Brava to the dear patient! I like the momentum you describe. As with any endeavor, practice makes it easier.
Scott, I also like the tone of your hopefulness and positive attitude, your appreciation of each small step. Reminds me how important ‘in the moment’ relations are. Bravo for you, too.
Wish I could hear your ringing, maybe sometime when you return home, I can be among the attendees with Mary Elizabeth and your sweet children, cheering you on and enjoying your sound.
Cath
Amazing, wonderful news. Tell her that we are just pulling for her each and every day. Looking forward to hearing more of her progress this week.
Sunday School for the third graders was so much fun yesterday – your children are just absolutely full of wonderful knowledge and great questions – and that’s because of the two of you teaching so much to them at home!
We are so happy to hear that Mary Elizabeth is getting stronger and that things are progressing toward the trip home. Glad that you are enjoying conversation…even if it is still without words. I can’t wait to hear what her first words will be…if you will be able to share. 😉
You are in our hearts every day,
Kristy
This is awesome to hear Scott!
Scott,
I’m delighted to hear that your perserverance and Mary Elizabeth’s strength are beginning to get rewarded – in mind, body and spirit.
I continue to pray for continued progress.
Kevin
Great news all around! Our prayers will continue for the positive trend Mary Elizabeth is experiencing! Tell her to keep up the great job!
As always our thoughts are with you and our prayers are for a full recover for Mary Elizabeth.
All our love,
Suzy & Bob
We all share your Over the Moon feeling – so excited with the recent updates!!!
Please give her a big hug from me,
Lisa
Scott, tell Mary Elizabeth to keep it up! We cheer for her every day. Also, tell her that the girls and I had a fun time with your kids and Lucille on Saturday.
Hugs & kisses to you both–
Robin
Hi Scott,
Thanks for sharing such great news! I will continue to pray, especially for a fruitful meeting tomorrow.
All the best,
Mel