As we approach the two-week mark of being home, we are settling into a routine which includes a lot of home-based therapy, some relaxed hanging out with friends and family, and some trips out of the house to church and appointments.
There are a lot of logistics involved in moving from one room to the next – not to mention getting into the car and going someplace, but we’re beginning to get the hang of it. And everybody is getting in on the action, including the kids who are learning valuable lessons in providing help-unasked-for and taking some significant challenges in stride.
If I’ve learned anything in these last 2 weeks, it’s how to laugh at our challenges – and I’ve learned it primarily from Mary Elizabeth. We laugh at everything – from some of the more earthy aspects of her physical care, to the quixotic way that Mary Elizabeth has of expressing herself.
Rather than getting frustrated, angry, sad or frightened at some of the new challenges we face, we have rather miraculously figured out a way to find the humor in a particular situation – for example when I’m trying to help Mary Elizabeth transfer from one seat to another and we find ourselves with arms and legs hopelessly tangled, at the brink of falling over, in a crazy topsy-turvy dance. The Transfer Tango we should call it.
One of the things that gives us the freedom to laugh at our troubles is a deep-seated faith that we’re being looked after – by God, our friends and family – and that at the very least takes the edge off our worry. Now, that’s not to say that there aren’t moments of quiet desperation – and believe me that there are – it’s just that we’re able to find a balance between worrying and enjoying what we have. And I have to attribute most of this to Mary Elizabeth, who throughout this ordeal has maintained her characteristic positive attitude and cheerful demeanor. I am so thankful for that because it takes a huge burden off my shoulders.
And lastly, I think the kids are benefitting from our ability to laugh at our sorry state. They see us laugh at what’s going on and I think it makes it easier for them to see beyond the strangeness of the situation and see us as normally as possible. I think they’re so resilient and that helps tremendously as well.
So we carry on, the tenor of our lives bubbling quietly on – enjoying a slow and steady progress without too many ups or downs. And just learning to live with what we have and take each day as it comes – with gratitude and grace when we can .
Thanks to one and all for your support, good wishes and prayers – and next time you have a good laugh, think of us.
Moved in Sundry Places 
What a timely note! I just visited with the all the girls at the house for lunch today…and we had a great time. I think Mary Elizabeth is looking very good…and we shared some fun stories over take out burgers and fries.
Her positive attitude is so helpful to those around her…and, I am sure, to her continued progress. Keep up the good work. I’ll be back for lunch again in a week or two! And I promised her a milkshake when they change her liquid restrictions.
Much love,
Jane
Scott this is a really beautiful post.
Scott, you should know I think of you all often — but how will you unless I tell you? So here you go. Tell M.E. it’ll be nice to see her NOT in a hospital one of these days.
love, n
Scott, I really enjoyed our phone visit the other day and your post epitomizes the anecdotes that you shared with me. It sounds so simplistic, but sometimes the best thing you can do in challenging situations is just what you, ME and the kids are doing — and that is finding humor in the absurd and sharing a good laugh. As you have pointed out so elegantly in prior postings … we may not have choices in the hands we are dealt, but we do have a choice in how we handle things. I know that has helped me immensely this past year and I am glad to see it is helping you as well. Hugs to ME and glad we had a chance to catch up. XO, Abbey
Scott and Mel–What an amazing connection you two have, and even more so in adversity. To be able to have humor during the tough times is truly a wonderful thing. Having visited with you a couple of weeks ago, and knowing the kids from the past, I am not surprised they have also risen to the challenges. The “transfer tango” – it can only get better with each passing day!! Thanks for continuing to share in such a caring, honest and passionate way!!! xxoob
This is the Mary Elizabeth we know & love. You both make an excellent team!
Love to all, Lisa
Love to all and don’t stop laughing. They don’t say “it’s the best medicine” for nothing. And to help you along: Where do the bacteria go to work out? To the germnasium. And what do you call your kitten singing a song? An itty bitty kitty ditty. No I won’t give up my day job but admit it, you smiled. xoxoxo
So great to hear all is going as well as can be. One thing my husband and I have very much learned from our twins is that when all hell breaks loose with them you have to laugh about it because the other alternative is too depressing. I’m sure you have loong figured out that sense of humor is key from having children/twins. So we look like lunatics giggling over our children freaking out in protest over naps with limbs flailing in every direction but heck it is making the best out of a bad scenario. Keep on laughing it is a lot more fun! Life would be too boring otherwise.
I can’t get the words together today to properly express my feelings and thoughts about this post. All I can muster up is ‘you are amazing’. Take that, please, and know that there are countless layers and depths of emotion and feeling behind it. Your profound wisdom and strength have not only served you and your family well, but have also brought me in my struggles much inspiration – and I suspect have accomplished this for countless others also reading this blog. Look at you! Living with dignity and grace through a tremendously frightening challenge in your life – and all the while your generously shared experience has also been positively affecting so many others ! God bless you and your family.
Mary Grace Roach
NCMOTC
It’s wonderful to see how you’ve been able to turn this tragedy into an amazingly positive time in your lives. It’s been good for you you but it’s been really good for others — me included.
During your ordeal I’ve often wondered how I could help. I came up with an idea today. I’ll call tomorrow to see what you think.
Much love to all,
The Straub Family
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth, You two continue to amaze us all with your courage, love and good hearts. May all go well for you, may you continue to laugh and know that we all love you very dearly. Hugs, Noelle