Almost 15 weeks after her stroke, Mary Elizabeth is finally ready to come home.
Our good friend Gary will be arriving tomorrow afternoon and will travel back to New York with us on Friday morning. Although Mary Elizabeth is well enough to travel, she still needs a lot of help transferring from wheelchair to airplane seat and back again, so Gary generously volunteered to help. You may recall that Gary helped us in December when he came out to London to fetch Charlotte and escort her home. He is a true friend.
Gary and I will spend time with the physios tomorrow afternoon learning the ropes and practising with Mary Elizabeth, so when the time comes, we’ll know what we’re doing and can be more of a help than a hindrance. We have a lot of loose ends to tie up, and there are still some arrangements to be made, so the next few days will be a whirlwind.
When we arrive in New York, we’ll be met at the airport by an ambulance, which will take Mary Elizabeth directly to New York Presbyterian hospital where she will resume her recovery. We’re not sure how long it will take for a full recovery, but have faith that she will recover fully.
Our odyssey of fear and despair has gradually turned into a journey of hope and faith. And while it’s far from being over, this experience has taught us so much about grace and gratitude, and about trust – in each other, our friends, the amazing caregivers and doctors at the hospital, and in God – because what has happened to us is truly a miracle.
It’s miraculous certainly because we went from the worst possible prognosis to a recovery that’s stunned even the doctors, but miraculous as well because in the midst of uncertainty, we found certainty; in the midst of fear, we found comfort; and where there was loneliness and despair, we found love, fellowship and hope. This is the amazing part of the story, which still overwhelms us.
So keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare to come home, and as Mary Elizabeth continues to make progress, this time in the company of our friends and family. And think of us on Saturday when Mary Elizabeth and I are reunited with our children. I don’t expect that there will be a dry eye around.
I’ll keep you posted – now and after we move back to the states. As ever, thank you for all your support, warm thoughts and prayers and for giving us the hope and courage to keep going.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Oh I know all about what a true friend that Gary is! I’m smiling and crying for you already in anticipation of Saturday. Love to all and safe travels.
I am crying as I read your post – elated, relieved, ecstatic that Mary Elizabeth is coming home where she belongs and where you will be together as a family again. Scott, your constant hope, love, and endurance through all of this, in the depths of despair and in the heights of progress, have been truly amazing. And, Mary Elizabeth, you are a miracle, a bright, wonderful, shining miracle. I am so thankful that God has given you each other. And I can’t wait to hear about more miracles…we will pray for you so that your trip is as painless and easy as possible. New York Presbyterian…look out…because here she comes.
With much love, Jane and John
Dearest Scott and Mary Elizabeth, Your post has just stunned us all with joy. Here’s to a safe and peaceful journey, and ME, you will be in one of NYC’s very best hospitals upon your return. Your patience, courage and faith are inspirational. I love you both so very much, and when the time is right, I will come down to NYC and tell you so myself. Happy Spring indeed! Hugs and love, Noelle
Scott & Mary Elizabeth, Although I haven’t written since the early days, Rick and I have been thinking of you and following Scott’s updates for the whole 15 weeks. We’re so delighted that you will all, finally, be together in New York. Mary Elizabeth, your remarkable recovery can’t help but progress even more quickly once you’re back with your children and your many friends, who I now almost feel I know through reading their messages to you. Very, very best wishes to you both.
Pat McSweeney
Great news! Cant wait to see you and it is a miracle!
Dear friends,
The name of your blog has been truly prophetic. Realizing this just brought tears to my eyes, as I read that you have gotten SO much better and are going home! It reminds me of a terrific song that I would like to share:
How great is our God! How great is His Name!
How great is our God! Forever, the same!
He rolled back the water of the mighty Red Sea,
And He said, “I’ll never leave you; put your trust in Me.”
I know you believe in the love and power of our really GREAT God! He has been with you, every minute!
Blessings, happiness, and health to you, Mary Elizabeth and Scott and continued prayers,
Maria in Annandale
Mel and Scott-this is wonderful beyond words and that Mel is able to make the trip now is fantastic-Gary truly is a special friend. Scott -I know the logistics must be daunting, but hopefully the rewards and future goals will carry you through. Mel-The welcome home will be amazing for sure!! much much love, b
What wonderful news! We’ve been waiting for a “We’re Coming Home” post and so happy it has finally come! There’s no place like home (or New York). 🙂
Woo hoo! It is really just so fantastic that it’s worth screaming about! I am so thrilled that you will all be joined together as a family. Mary Elizabeth has made miraculous strides, but I do not believe any of it possible, without your love and devotion and the prayers and thoughts of many.
I anxiously await your arrival in NY. I know it won’t be an easy trip, but so worth it!
Safe return.
Janet
Dear Mary Elizabeth and Scott,
Hooray! Mary Elizabeth’s recovery is truly a miracle. Thanks for letting us witness it through this blog. We’ll all be praying for a safe flight and continued recovery. I can’t wait to hear about the reunion with the kids.
Alexa
I knew it! I knew the weather cleared up for a reason. It will be sunny days ahead for the next few days, and now I know why. Your coming home. Even the weather is preparing for your arrival.
Will she be in NYP here in NYC? Or is there one on the Island of Long?
I’m so happy. Come on’ home gang. We are all waiting.
Sending good vibes from Mulberry Street….
Nat
AMAZING!!! What absolutely fabulous news. So many prayers offered in these past 15 weeks have been answered with a resounding YES she will recover.
Congratulations to all of you. Your faith, dedication and love for each other, your family and our God is bringing you through this tremendous ordeal.
We wish you a continued recovery and a wonderful reunion with your family in NYC.
Much love,
The Straub Family
Dear Mary Elizabeth and Scott,
Truly, truly a miracle! We are so ecstatic to hear this wonderful news! I wish we could all be there to give each and every one of those people who took care of ME a huge hug. What a fabulous job they’ve all done.
I can’t think of a better time for ME to come home. As I watch the first shoots of the spring flowers rise slowly from the ground and notice their slow, methodical progress into beautiful flowers, I can’t help but think of ME in the same way. Slow methodical progress, day by day, until she is well and voila! a gorgeous flower! Maybe one of those showy, spectacular peonies.
May you have an uneventful, safe trip home. We can’t WAIT to see you both!
Love, the Fixes
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth-
Prayers get answered, I am elated that you will be returning home this weekend and get to be with family and friends.
Your timing to come home to some lovely weather is perfect too. The Spring a time for renewal and rebirth and so it will be.
Safe travels and keep the great news coming.
Kerri
Dear Scott & Mary Elizabeth
I cannot find the words to express my happiness at reading your post “We’re Coming Home”. My heart is smiling and there are tears in my eyes. The news is just wonderful. God has heard and answered our prayers. We trusted and had faith in our Lord and with Him “all things are possible”. May God watch over you and keep you safe as you journey home to your children, Lucille, Kay & many friends.
God is good, God is great, all the time.
God Bless you both,
Bob & Carol
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
This is such wonderful news. It brought tears to my eyes. The progress has been amazing. I am so happy that your family can all be together again. Our prayers have been answered. We will continue to pray for a safe journey home and a full recovery. Thanks so much for all the posts. You are such an inspiration to us. Good luck with flight home.
Sheila Ruhl and Family
Yes, a miracle! We are soooooooooooooo happy, and we can’t wait to see ME!
Have a safe trip home–
Hugs & kisses,
Robin, Errin & Callie
We are all overjoyed by the news!
Prayers for traveling mercies,
Dorothy
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth
The progress the last couple of weeks has been so exciting to read. We know she will continue to improve everyday and I am so happy for the kids and Aunt Lu. We will keep reading the blogs and watch for more improvements.
Love,
Whitey & Susie
Fantastic news! Go Mary-Elizabeth!
best regards,
David
So incredibly wonderful!!
Yes!!!!! The post we have all been waiting for! What wonderful, wonderful news! Give Mary Elizabeth a big hug from us, we are so proud of both of you and I am so sure the kids and Lucille can’t wait to see Mary Elizabeth. As always all our love and our prayers for a full recovery!
Suzy & Bob
MEL and Scott
When I opened the blog tonight and read those 3 wonderful words – “We’re Coming Home” I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy! I don’t know Gary, but he is my hero – – – how special he must be to make 2 incredible journeys!!!! Wishing you a safe journey back to the states and looking forward to MEL’s continued progress.
PS – when all is said and done, you must turn this blog into a book, Lifetime Movie or at the very least, an interview with Oprah (I have visions of the 2 of you on Oprah’s couch recanting this journey – with all of us blogger in the audience :>) – Much Love – Faye
First write the book, then send a copy to Oprah – now that would be a witness to many who need to hear the good news of the Gospel! Good international relations, too. ~Maria
What joy! We are so thankful and full of happiness for you two. Safe travels. Looking forward to hearing all the news that this next journey brings.
We have been keeping Mary Elizabeth and her family in our prayers! So happy to hear this great news! It will be so great for her to be home and see her children. Will keep thinking of you all!
Love Siobhan and Kurt and Family (twins club members)
Yeahhhhhhh ! What wonderful news ! Wishing you a safe journey back home.
Scott,
This is the best news I’ve heard in a very long time. I’m grinning from ear to ear with anticipation of your sweet reunion on Saturday. I know there won’t be a dry eye in the joint and maybe you might consider filming it as I know I would love to witness such a wonderfully joyful and celebratory event. You have such a testimony to God’s Grace in your life. I’m happy beyond words and profoundly moved. I’m also thinking about how strong all your children have been these past 15 weeks and I just so grateful they will get their happy ending this Saturday.
I hope she can have visitors next week as I would love to come see you both soon. All our love and continued prayers.
Emma
SCOTT AND MARY ELIZABETH, WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS! WISHING YOU A SAFE TRIP HOME….DONNA Z.
Hallelujah!!!!
All of St. Paul’s and the Yeadon Connecticut Clan echoes our Scripture from last Sunday: Shout and Sing! (Isaiah 12)
Dear Scott and MaryElizabeth,
This is great news. Reunited with the family will make recovery go so much faster. You have both been amazing. Have a safe and happy trip home.
Sincerely,
Patty Pugliese
great news scott- have a safe trip back- god bless
Yahoo!! Thank you for sharing this incredible experience and journey with your friends and family. And keep the good news coming.
YES! Have a safe and uneventful trip. If there is anything you need, we are there for you.
Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!! Safe home Scott & MaryElizabeth!!!!
WOW! That’s all I can say!!!!!
As my grandkids would say ‘this is the best ever in the whole world’. The next thing would be to put a number on it. 100 is usually the absolute greatest but I think this is worth more than 100. I hadn’t had a chance to read the blog when Kristy called to tell me the great news. I can’t describe the feeling when Kristy said Mary Elizabeth is coming home Saturday.
Thank you for keeping us informed of the progress and please let us know when Mary Elizabeth gets settled in her new surroundings and would like some company.
Love Rita
Hooray!! What a great St. Patrick’s Day gift for all of us!! We are so proud of you, Mary Elizabeth and Scott. You have worked so hard and believed so deeply in your life together. God’s speed for a safe journey home (and that Gary’s a helluva guy!).
Hope the weekend brings a beautiful reunion and smooth settling into the new environment. Can’t wait to see you both.
Much love and prayers,
Stephanie and Angelo
Scott and Mary Elisabeth,
I am an alumnus of the twins club. I remember when Mary Elisabeth use to write for our newsletter (the advise column) – we exchanged a few emails as fellow Brennans.
I have been following your blog from the beginning – I often was nervous to look – sometimes fearing the worse. But what wonderful news I read this morning that you are making the journey home. Please continue to update your blog frequently. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Christina, Paul, Erin and Kelly Brennan
What fantastic news!!!! It has been quite a journey – your strength and faith have guided you through this.
Safe travels – looking forward to seeing you all in NY!
Best,
Wendy
Dear Mary Elizabeth and Scott:
This is fantastic and joyous news!!! Halleluiah!!
Have a safe trip home!
love,
Andi
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
This is the news we have all been waiting to hear, and yes, you brought tears to my eyes. I have followed your journey from the first entry and can’t wait to see the whole family marching up the left aisle of church some Sunday morning.
This is the BEST news of all!! i have tears in my eyes I am so happy for you both and for your family. It IS a miracle. Have a safe flight home. Oh, I am just imagining the celebration when the children come to be with their Mom and Dad. G_d Bless. Your friend, Lauriexoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
I’m REJOICING at your fabulous news and am so anxious for you to get home to New York.
I’ll be praying for your safe and comfortable journey, as well as celebrating your continued recovery.
Fondly,
Angie Kyle
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
It looks as if prayers have been answered.
Safe journey and happy landings.Sighs of relief all around when you are both home.
B
Scott and M.E.
Joyous news! I can’t wait til it’s time for me to be a visitor as well as a blog commentor.
Love,
AK
HOORAY, HOORAY, HOORAY! I am thrilled to hear ME is cleared for take-off! Please wish her all the best from me, and let her know she can expect a visit from me once she is back in NY. I am so happy for you both and for your family, that she is finally coming home.
Take good care,
Theresa Koubek
Hooray! Wonderful news, and safe travels!
Hooray! Such wonderful news! I am so glad for all of you.