Today was a day of final preparations and goodbyes to all the people who we’ve come to know and appreciate over the last three months. And while we’re thrilled to be leaving, there is a lot of wistfulness for those whom we leave behind.
All day in the ward, nurses and others whose paths have crossed ours came by to say goodbye and wish us well. As I know that many of you are now reading the blog, I have two small words for you that cannot begin to express the depth of feeling behind them – Thank You.
The ordeal we have gone through would absolutely not have been survivable had it not been for your compassionate, committed care of Mary Elizabeth – and me at times – as we struggled to comprehend what was happening to us 3,000 miles from our children, our home and our friends. What happened of course, and one of the reasons that this departure brings a certain sadness with it, is that through your ministrations and care, this has become a home for us, to the extent that a home is where you are welcomed, cared for and appreciated. Again, I say thank you.
Mary Elizabeth, Gary and I said repeatedly today that we can’t believe that our departure is finally upon us. We’ve hoped for this day for so long, that it does seem somewhat unreal. But our preparations help us to grasp the reality of our departure and with some trepidation, we are looking forward to our flight tomorrow and all the reunions which will follow upon our return.
Mary Elizabeth is doing very well, and I watched her walk back and forth today down the corridor 8 times. Her can-do attidude that so many of you have commented on over the months is evident here. No matter how tired she is, if somebody asks her if she wants to walk or to practice transfers, she’s up for it. And not only is she up for it – she’s cheerful about it! And I think that’s one of the reasons so many well-wishers have come by – because no matter how incapacitated she was at times, Mary Elizabeth’s bright personality shone through. It’s what makes her so popular, and what makes me the luckiest man in the world.
So think of us tomorrow as we are homeward bound and looking forward to seeing our friends and family once Mary Elizabeth is settled in her new digs.
With gratitude and anticipation in our hearts, we embark on the next leg of our journey.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Ok, the red carpet is rolled out, the band is ready to play! Come on home!
In a few hours you will be home…real home.
I can’t wait to hear about your safe arrival!
Sending good vibes from Mulberry Street!!!!
Me
Dear Mary Elizabeth and Scott,
Whatever I write will be inadequate, but please know that you have been in our hearts and prayers and tomorrow will be a banner day for prayers at St. John’s. We look forward to thanksgiving upon your arrival back to our shores. I know work lies ahead, but based on the amazing grace both of you have demonstrated, you are up to the challenge. You have given the richest gifts to so many; your courage, generosity of spirits and love for each other are beacons for everyone at St. John’s. Thank you and Godspeed.
Trudy
Safe home, pray God. We will be with you all the way. We are all praying for a safe and uneventful flight home and the most teary-eyed of reunions with your children.
All of our love and best thoughts.
Janet, Pete and the girls.
Mary Elizabeth, Scott and Gary,
God Speed tomorrow and know as you are traveling tomorrow there are many, many people on both sides of the world praying for your safe return.
All our love and continued prayers for a full recovery.
Suzy and Bob
I wish you a great flight. London took good care of you but we will be glad to have you back!
Love Germaine
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth, Safe journey with love and family and friends awaiting you here in the USA. We, too, are grateful for the help, encouragement, love and friendship you both have found in the UK throughout this time. Of course you are two extraordinarily beautiful people so it does not surprise me at all that you have touched hearts in London. Know that you are always in my heart. Come home to us on wings! Love and hugs, Noelle
Wishing you a safe travel back to New York. Will be in touch with you when I can come visit. So happy you are both coming home.
– Dina
Hi Mary Elizabeth and Scott:
I’m so happy to learn that you’re going home tomorrow. It looks like a lot of folks are awaiting your return. That must make you feel very good!!! Thanks a lot for all of your posts. They’re all very well written and kept me well-informed, so I didn’t have to bother you. I read almost all of them, but this is the first time I’m leaving a comment.
Safe Travels and Talk Soon,
Henio in Chicago
Happy news, happy day.
Try to get a good night’s sleep for the big day tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you as you make the journey home.
Take good care,
Theresa Koubek
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
Travel safely. Hope all goes well. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We have good news to share. Today Julie gave birth to an 8lbs. 14 oz. baby boy. His name is Declan Thomas Cox. He is awesome.
Janet and David
Have a great trip!
We are so looking forward to your being home–
Robin, Errin & Callie
Scott & Mary Elizabeth:
May angels perch upon the wings of your plane and bring you safely home. So thrilled that you are coming home to your family and friends! Look forward to seeing you after you get settled.
Kathy
Dear Scott, Mary Elizabeth and Gary,
Best wishes for an uneventful trip home. So exciting that you are finally coming home. Mary Elizabeth has of course charmed everyone at the hospital with her special way. Your journey has been a long and tough one – I know that I speak for all of your friends and family in saying that we can’t wait to see you and welcome you back home.
With Love,
Lisa
Dear Scott & Mary Elizabeth
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey to New York. What a journey you have been on. Continue to keep that wonderful I can do attitude Mary Elizabeth!! We are all counting on that! May God continue to bring you the strength you need for each new day.
God Bless You both
Bob & Carol
Vaya con Dios!
WISHING YOU A SAFE TRIP HOME. DONNA Z.
How wonderful that this day has finally arrived! I saw Mary Elizabeth at the very beginning of her ordeal when (Rev) Pam Barz sent me an email asking if I would visit Scott at the Royal London Hospital in early December. My visits have been few, but what went from a dire diagnosis to one of resurrection is wondrous. Mary Elizabeth has become an icon of faith, a true miracle, now finally after almost four months of an enforced stay in a London hospital, far from home, preparing to fly home to New York tomorrow to be reunited with family and friends, and above all her children and her mother. I left London myself, after three years, to have some minor surgery in Boston last week – which was successful. In my brief hospital stay at Beth Israel, I thought of Mary Elizabeth at the Royal London hoping she would soon make the journey home. I will be in Boston until 15 April and then will return to London. Before I do, I will be in New York and I hope to see Mary Elizabeth once more – totally unlike the same person I saw in early December. I am really looking forward to it. Travelling mercies and welcome home to the States, to New York and to the adventure toward total recovery! God bless you, Mary Elizabeth. You too, Scott. -Jim
Am hoping this note find all three of you safely back in New York. Although you left wonderful friends behind, you have many more here ready to embrace you and help on the next leg of this journey. I look forward to hearing about reunion with the kids and lucille -it is wonderful and makes me smile to just think about how grateful they will be to have you back and in their arms. Lots of rain here again, but maybe it is just to get us caught up with the flowers you left blooming in England!!! xxoob
You are probably traveling now…we are thinking of you and wishing you an easy journey. (When Mary Elizabeth is ready of course) we can’t wait to see you.
Goodbyes are always hard when they are truely given, but the incredible hellos that await you from the kids and Lucille will be wonderful–not to mention the welcome from rest of the Mary Elizabeth fan club (proud member since 198?). 😉
Kristy
scott and mary elizabeth i am so happy you are finally coming home- i know the children are going to be over the moon and so happy to see their mom- wishing you a safe flight home and hope to one day meet you mary elizabeth. God Bless
I know I never really met you except through this blog but I am desperately going to miss you. I feel like you have been my family too. I hope Dear Scott, will write when you get home and will let us know about the reunions, esp. with the children. I am so proud of you Mary Elizabeth, a true hero. Please give us an update when you can. You can always reach me through my blog here if you decide to stop posting on this site. Love and prayers, Laurie Fessler
Godspeed! You are in our prayers…and we can’t wait for your feet to touch down at home. I can’t imagine the reception you will get from your kids and your mother!
Love you all, Jane and John
Welcome Home Mary Elizabeth & Scott,
We are all so very glad for this happy ocassion.
Looking forward to seeing you when you get settled and saying hello to you. I have the Girl Scout cookies ready for you and your “autographed” book by Monica Randall, The Mansions of LI’s Gold Coast.
See you soon,
Carol
Scott,
By now you are on your way home. We are thinking of you and can’t wait to see you and Mary Elizabeth sometime soon in NYC.
Best,
Emma
I was unable to read the blog for a couple of weeks–so imagine my surprise to have “caught up” just in time for your home coming!How wonderful. All that hard work, perserverence, faith and love have paid off. You all deserve it.
MEB, it is good of you to come home in time for the budget vote 🙂
Debbie
Dear MaryElizabeth and Scott,
By now, you may be home. I hope your trip was safe and happy. Looking forward to a visit with MaryElizabeth soon. Best wishes to the family. We are glad you are back.
Sincerely,
Patty Pugliese
Dear Scott and MaryElizabeth –
All of the family sends you wishes for safe travel. You are traveling on my father’s birthday and we know he is proudly smiling down on what an incredible young man Scott is as a friend, husband, father, son-in-law. You are an inspiration
And MaryElizabeth you are to be admired for taking this journey and letting Scott know all the way that you were two were going to encourage others with your strength and faith.
We send all our love on this truly beautiful day and it bring tears to our eyes to think of your children and MaryElizabeth’s mom reuniting with you tonight.
All our love
Joan and Bill Hearst and the whole family