Mary Elizabeth made it through the weekend with her tracheostomy tube firmly capped. She had no problems breathing, eating or sleeping. This is good news, as it is a very good indication that she will do fine without a tracheostomy tube all together. Decannulation here we come!
I rang this morning at Stepney as usual, and then instead of going to Southwark, I rang at St. Vedast in Foster Lane – right behind St. Paul’s Cathedral – and also designed by Sir Christopher Wren. After ringing, I headed off to the hospital, stopping along the way to pick up a mother’s day card and flowers for Mary Elizabeth since today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK.
I spent the afternoon and evening today with Mary Elizabeth, chatting, reading a book and generally hanging out. She spent the entire time seated in a chair, except for a short nap when she retired to the bed. We were joined by Ellinor and Jon later in the evening, and they were amazed by her progress since last time they saw her. They had never met her before this whole thing started, and it was an emotional experience.
We are so eager to come home, but are cognizant that it represents a change. In over three months of living here, we’ve established routines and patterns in our daily lives. And while we’re thrilled to be leaving this behind, we are in fact leaving the familiar and entering into the unknown. And I must admit that I am a little nervous about what lies ahead. Of course we are going home, so there’s the comfort of being close to friends and family which cannot be under-estimated, but there is a lot that we don’t know – in the short-term as well as the long-term.
But when all is said and done, I draw on my faith and confidence that Mary Elizabeth will recover fully from this stroke. She’s come so far, and continues to build momentum with each passing day. With the help, support and prayers of our friends, family and colleagues, Mary Elizabeth will continue her recovery when we get home to the open arms of those who love her.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Your faith and love has brought you far and will continue we are sure. Your posts over the past few weeks have been so positive. Each one brings a sense of relief.
We look forward to your reunion with the children and Lucille. Mary Elizabeth while you may feel your progress is slower than you would like is is glorious to read each day remembering the posts of early December.
Best wishes for the coming week. With much love,
The Straub Family
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
We love to hear of your continued improvement, Mary Elizabeth. We are praying hard that you will be coming home very soon. One good thing that has occured over the last 14 weeks is that our girls are becoming quite comfortable with each other. We drove your family to church today. The primary choir sang beautifully and all the children did a charming production of the story of Stone Soup. Tomorrow we are off for a little vacation. We are on Spring Break for the next two weeks. I pray to learn on our return that you have returned as well.
Love,
Adrienne
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth, Open arms is right; we will all be here for you both. I think of you as the wind rings my wind chimes (not the full sonorous beauty of your bells, Scott, but nonetheless a happy sound). I hope the sound waves flow across the pond to you both bringing good cheer, hope and love. Hugs and love, Noelle
Dear Scott,
I picked up Michael’s ‘thundersticken’ voicemail on Saturday after his visit to Mary Elizabeth and was overjoyed. In fact when I announced news of Mary Elizabeth’s progress at church on Mothering Sunday (we have a brief slot called ‘Fingerprints’ where people can share how God touches our lives), I confess I blubbed like a baby, so overwhelmed was I by relief and gratitude! Of course, I know that your journey is not over and we will keep praying for you and your loved ones waiting in NY, but for now I just want to say, ‘Well Done!!”
Mel
Mary Eliabeth and Sctt
We love you dearly back at home and can’t wait to see you and spend some time together. I am so proud of you for how far you have come. I’m sure you must be so excited at the thought of being home with your children and your mom again and I am soo happy for you! Keep up your strength and your courage and you will be back here in no time. I for one will be waiting with open arms!
You two have shown all of us what love really is all about. I am inspired by what you share with each other, that has helped you through this difficult time.
Hope you have another great day in London!
Takegood care,
Theresa Koubek
Amazing progress. That’s all I can say….amazing. So do the English know a bit more about running a health care system? Please bring any of the “best practices” back here.
Whatever they did and however they did it speaks volumes about how the health care systems — probably all over the world — speak a common language. The language of care, empathy, creativity, flexibility, diligence, respect…..and of course incredible intelligence and integrity.
I so hope things continue to move forward and that the family is reunited soon. Spring will so beat this awful winter and be even sweeter.
All the best, Debby Perelmuter
Every day brings more exciting news. Mary Elizabeth, please be patient. This is no minor illness. We feel you are progressing beautifully. That was not the news that long ago.
I went to see Kristy and the kids this weekend. We went to the museum to see the Terracotta Warriors. It was very impressive. The kids were great. I was surprised they had the patience to see everything. After I got home I called Kristy to let her know I had arrived. Claire answered the phone, told me they were playing on the computer and said “please call back after 6:00 to speak to mommy”. It was about 4:00. Needless the say she never gave the message to mommy. Grandma had to sleep with Claire the first night and with Reid the second night. Of course, Reid wanted me to sleep on the top bunk, however, even I draw the line at that.
You and the family are always in our thoughts. Can’t wait for you to be back home.
Love Rita
Scott,
Your apprehension is well described and understandable, but as General Patton said, “Do not take counsel of your fears !”
Can’t wait to have the famiy reunited on this side of the Atlantic.
as ever,
B
Scott & Mary Elizabeth,
It will be a long road there is no denying that but one that will be shared by many, you two will not be alone in your journey towards a full recovery. If you need anything to prepare for your travel home please let us know.
All our love and always our prayers for a full recovery.
Suzy & Bob