Spring is surely on its way here in London. Although it was very cold today, with frost on the grass as I walked to St. Dunstan’s for ringing this morning, it was sunny and the sky was a clear blue. After ringing at Stepney, I got a ride to Southwark for more service ringing. The 12 bells there are very heavy, and because many of the regulars were away this morning, I got to ring the tenor, which is the heaviest bell at 48 cwt, which is over 5,000 lbs. and it was quite a workout. It’s the heaviest bell I’ve rung, and it was quite an experience. I didn’t do the greatest job, but the other ringers were patient and forgiving.*
Because I had 4 hours to fill in between the end of ringing and visiting hours, I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a long walk through London. I made it as far west as Hyde Park, and then turned around and headed back east towards the hospital.
While the crocuses and snowdrops have been in bloom for a few weeks, it looks like the daffodils are just about to burst out. Everywhere I looked in Green Park and Hyde Park, the graceful green stems of daffodils were grouped in immanence, on the brink of blooming.
In many ways, I feel like our current situation is like these flowers. We are so close to getting to where we need to be, but we’re just not quite there yet – but it feels like any day now. And when it comes, there will be a rush of joy and a surge of hope. And I for one cannot wait – but wait I must.
When I got to Mary Elizabeth’s bed, she was impatiently waiting for me – even though I got there a few minutes before visiting hours started. She was quite eager to see me because I think that Saturdays and Sundays are very quiet, with no physical therapy or other distractions to fill up the day. She continues to do well, speaking with the special tracheostomy tube, and engaging in conversation. I read more of The Incredible Lightness of Scones which she is really enjoying. She fell asleep before visiting hours were over, so I sat with her a little while longer in case she woke up, and then slipped out.
As I turned to look at her, sleeping soundly in her bed, I was overwhelmed by a variety of emotions: Hope, that she’ll soon be ready to go home and enjoy a full recovery; Sadness for all that she’s had to go through; Admiration for her strength and cheerful attitude and most of all, a Love for her that is celestial in its magnitude.
*A lot of you are curious about ringing. I recommend typing “change ringing” into a search engine, or youtube.com to learn more and see what it looks like.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth, I am full of hope, also. Today on my walk I thought of you both. There is an old house here which has an ancient apple tree in the front yard. Nestled under its trunk was an array of tiny white snowdrops, the shyest of all early spring flowers. Their delicate cheer does so much to remind us of brighter days to come. Sending them to you, with hugs, Noelle
Bell ringing is a gorgeous form of music making. In the last few years, I learned about it by going to a conference to learn how. I brought the set of chimes owned by the school where I taught music. I thought what we had was bells, but quickly learned the difference. Still, I saw, heard, and felt the power and beauty of the bells (and chimes), and learned how to make music with the group (I was the merest beginner, but thoroughly enjoyed it.) I brought back this experience to the school and made good use of it with the choir and the older music students in class.
I think your bell ringing has buoyed you up; if you had to undergo this difficult time, how fortunate you were to have found yourself in a place so steeped in this wonderful tradition. That, at least, has been a tremendous blessing for you.
Regards and a hug to Mary Elizabeth!
Hi Scott and Mel-You answered my query on bell ringing and I will follow your internet advice. It surely seems to have been a quality way to spend the limited free time you have and to meet new friends. I will ask you more once you two are back. Am glad mel is begining to be able to enjoy more and more of the things we take for granted and your descriptions are so well written I can almost feel her eagerness to improve coming through the computer. Go Mel!!! Hope maybe this week the tube can be removed -we had a springlike weekend here and although not quite ready to stay, I feel it is close. Scott-you’ve been able to enjoy some London scenery – through all the stress of this situation you have remained grounded for Mel and she seems to have rewarded you as only she could!! xxoob
Scott and Mary Elizabeth: Janice and I just returned from Australia, great time, but little Internet availability. It was wonderful to read the progress being made. You both are constantly in our thoughts and prayers as are the children and Mrs L.
Hope the tube comes out quickly along with a return home to follow.
Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
It sounds like another great day for both of you! We too prayer every day for a full recover and I am sure with Mary Elizabeth’s drive and sheer will power that certainly will happen. I hope we read soon that the tube has been taken out! Keep up the great work!
All our love,
Suzy & Bob
Greetings from Seattle. So thrilled to hear of Mary Elizabeth’s progress, and delighted at the promise of continued progress. We hold your family in our prayers, and hope you’ll soon be updating from your own home with your lovely wife at your side.
I just did my homework on ringing. And I am enlightened. I watched a few youtube videos, but the one I most liked was http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bix3S52VHsE&NR=1
It wasn’t really for the video, but the comments.
I enjoyed reading how the folks knew if someone was “over ringing” or what type of ring would be best.
It’s amazing that this hobby (is it even called a hobby?) is so complex. There was a woman on one of the videos that I watched describe it as “intellectually stimulating, physically challenging, all done with unbelievable team work.” she said that the video didn’t capture the ringers looking at each other as if they are dancing without leaving their post.
I’m very impressed Scott! Thanks for turning me on to this. I love the sound of church bells, but truth be told, never thought much about what/who was ringing them. Now, it’s a different story.
I hope that all goes well with Mary Elizabeth today, I hope that today is the big day with perhaps her even getting a new trach! Ok…keep us posted, I can’t wait to hear the good news of the day!
Sending good vibes from Mulberry Street!!!!!
Nat
You go, girl. Hope you are up and walking soon. The frustration of wanting to do more, but having to wait until your body is ready, must be extremely frustrating. I know you have the right attitude, though, and that goes a very long way in making you heal faster!!!
I was at the house on Saturday…took Kay and Charlotte on a run to the grocery store while Lucille stayed home under strict orders from Kay as she took a little spill earlier in the week. Lucille looks good, though, and is anxious about her next hair appointment which means she’s definitely better and ready to roll!! Just a little sore, I believe, no big problems.
Charlotte is starting to sound just like you, Mary Elizabeth – her voice and her diction. It was fun to spend a little time with her, even at the boring task of grocery shopping. We rewarded ourselves with a trip to Dunkin Donuts – donuts for all the old ladies and a vanilla bean icy beverage for Charlotte.
Before I left, Clark returned from a laser tag birthday party. He had a great time and was amazed that a water or nerf (I’m not sure which one) gun that he has at home was just like the laser gun he used at the party. I feel sorry for his sisters because he looked like he was going to have some fun practicing…without ammo, I’m sure!
Be good, enjoy your time together healing and getting stronger, and get ready for that trip home. We all can’t wait to see you!!!
Love, Jane and John
Scott,
I’m so glad to hear of Mary Elizabeth’s continued progress and I’m sure her bud of recovery will blossom soon. I can’t wait until I read the email which details her next major triumph. I will be so filled with joy. I hope the playoff games went well for your kids. My boys were so happy to be outside this weekend and it was glorious today too. We miss you and can’t wait to see you both soon when you are able to return to the US.
Emma