Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.
This verse from Psalm 30, which we read in church yesterday, captures so well I think what tomorrow represents for Mary Elizabeth, me and our family. After 137 days in two hospitals on two continents, Mary Elizabeth is at long last coming home.
At the beginning of this ordeal, I honestly wondered whether this day would come at all. But come it has – through the tireless support of our friends and family, the ministrations of countless medical professionals and of course, help from above.
We’ve encountered so much kindness, compassion and heroism both on the home front while we were away, to the unflagging support of new and old friends in London. In so many ways, these 137 days still seem so unreal to me. Like Mary Elizabeth in the back of the ambulance on that first night, I sometimes feel like I can snap my fingers and it will all return to the way it was before. But you know what? In some ways, I don’t want it to be like it was before – because before December 5, I don’t think I really knew the true meaning of friendship – or had an insight into one of the more positive facets of human nature – compassion and help freely given to those in need.
But by far the biggest thing I learned from this entire experience was a startling affirmation of the profound love I feel for Mary Elizabeth. I’ll never be able to express adequately enough all that she means to me, or how we have traveled together these last 20 years or so – with Mary Elizabeth sometimes besides me – holding my hand, sometimes in front of me – leading me forwards, and sometimes behind me, giving me a firm and much-needed shove.
Before I met Mary Elizabeth, I had a very different image of how my life would unfold. I had no way of anticipating the fullness, satisfaction, elation and contentment that our shared life would bring – from our travels together, mutual career counseling, having and nurturing three great children – and now the opportunity to help Mary Elizabeth when she needs it the most.
At one point, after some particularly bad news had been delivered to us, Mary Elizabeth turned to me and without drama or guile said, “I don’t know why you don’t just walk away.” She said this not as a criticism, or not even to be pathetic, but I think because she felt badly at what we were going through.
I told her that it would be like walking away from my heart. I could not survive.
Forgive me for being overly emotional, but I feel like we’ve come through hell and back, and stand poised at the brink of the next, hopefully brighter phase of Mary Elizabeth’s recovery.
Thanks for being a part of the last 137 days, and please stay with us as we venture forth on the next leg of the journey.
Finally – some of you have expressed a concern both here and privately that I’ll stop posting to the blog. Writing blog entries has become as much a part of my routine as reading it has become for many of you. The frequency of my posts has diminished because of my busy work/hospital schedule and I am sure that with Mary Elizabeth at home, I’ll also be time-constrained, but it’s my intention to keep on writing the blog. Thanks for your support and comments.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Scott, I’m not sure there are words that are “good” enough to describe everything you’ve shared with us over the last 137 days. “Inspirational” seems a bit overused, but for lack of a better word, let’s go with that. I’ve read every post you’ve made and I’ve laughed, cried and felt every emotion in between, but the crystal clear theme that carries through every post is how the two of you are such a team and really the two halves of a whole. Ira and I have often put ourselves in your shoes, wondering what it would be like for either of us in this situation, and we can’t imagine it. The thought of soldiering forth alone is unthinkable. It’s been reaffirming to travel alongside you both through this experience and to be reminded of what it means to truly love someone. I want to thank you for that reminder.
I plan to continue reading here and to follow Mary Elizabeth’s progress, especially since I can’t be closer. I hope we get back east this summer because we’d love to see all of you.
Thanks, with all our love,
H&I
Scott and Mary Elizabeth:
It is wonderful news that tomorrow you have a true homecoming.
The love and devotion that you have shared for all of us to experience has been so special. Your choice to continue posting is great news. Writing your heartfelt feelings have inspired us. Janice and I are so appreciative to have shared this as the two of you, the children and Lucile have been so important to me over the years, even though being in that foreign country called Florida.
We are making our plans for a car trip this summer that of course will give us a few days on Long Island. We will let you know when we will be at Carol’s so we can stop by and spend a little time with you.
Our love to you both and the family. Please give a special hug to Lucile.
John
DEAR SCOTT AND MARY ELIZABETH, YOU TWO ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE EACH OTHER.WHAT A LOVE STORY….WISHING YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS ON THIS JOURNEY. DONNA Z.
Scott,
I’ve read all your posts these last 137 days and now have tears of joy in my eyes for this amazing and beautiful outcome!!! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love to you, Mary Elizabeth, Charlotte, Clark, Louisa and Lucille.
What a joyful day tomorrow will be when you are all under one roof after such a long time! I am glad that you will keep on blogging as with everyone else it has become a part of my life. Your actions and words are inspirational. They have helped me put things into perspective as well as impacted my life when I needed to hear words of encouragement, strength and mostly of your undying love for each other and your family. We will be thinking about all of you tomorrow as you journey back home!
All our love and our continued prayers for a full recovery.
Love,
Suzy & Bob
We will be thinking about you tomorrow with wishes for an easy trip home. How nice that sounds…”home.”
With love,
The Mizelles
I don’t really have words that fit…congratulations on making this milestone, and may it be a catalyst on more improvements. Everybody is pulling for you!
What a wonderful summary of what your journey has been like. I have been in awe of your strength throughout the past months. I look forward to reading the posts you make as Mary Elizabeth gets better.
Good luck to all of you tomorrow. You will be in many of our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all you have shared with us on this blog and we all have made this part of our daily routine. As much as you thank the support from all of your friends and neighbors remember that the reason we all want to give you such support, is because the people that both of you, as well as your children and mother/mother in law are. You are so good and kind hearted that the least we can do is try to give you any support we can. WELCOME HOME MARY ELIZABETH, I look forward to coming over and sitting with you outside and enjoying the nice weather. God Bless all of you.
It is very early morning here in Boston and the day looks clear and it is predicted to be warm and springlike. Hopefully New York will be similar in honor of Mary Elizabeth’s homecoming!! Scott’s most recent entry once again very poignantly reminds us of how very much together as one the two of you have been for the last 137 days!! Safe home, Mel, and much love to you, b
Annandale is near to New York today!
May the peace of Christ be upon your home.
May the name of the Lord be praised from the rising of the sun to it’s setting!
Love and prayers,
Maria
Wow, what a ride. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We miss you guys.
Love,
Heather
I am thinking of you both today, as I have every day for the last 137 days. It has been amazing to me to read about Mary Elizabeth’s progress and share in your thoughts and feelings. I have always appreciated her friendship, and now hold it even more dear.
MEB- God has given you the strength to get through this, and get back home to your family and friends. My heart is so happy for all of you today.
I am looking forward to a visit and a chat very soon. I have missed you.
Good luck with the transition today and happy homecoming.
Take good care,
Theresa Koubek
I’m very excited at the prospect of Mary Elizabeth coming home, and relieved that you’re going to keep writing the blog!
Greetings from Seattle. We think of you and your family and send prayers for you all during this transition. Best of luck–Sunny days ahead!
In my excitement last week, I got a day ahead of myself when I posted my last comment – sorry! So now at least I am on track and Michael and I are cheering you on from across the Atlantic as you prepare to return home together!! God bless, Melanie xx
Dear Scott and MaryElizabeth,
I hope you are reading this note from the house, and you arrived home as planned. I will call Mrs. Luebke and make arrangements when you are home to come visit. We are happy to have you back.
Sincerely,
Patty Pugliese
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth, We have been learning along with you both the true meaning of love and friendship, surely the biggest blessings one could ever wish. Hugs and love, Noelle