It’s a New Year!
We had a relaxed week between Christmas and New Year’s, fitting in some physical therapy appointments for Mary Elizabeth, some significant snow frolicking for the kids, and a lot of Wii usage for everybody. However, there was a lot of sleeping late, watching movies and peaceful hanging out as well.
We had a mellow New Year’s Eve with some bowling for the kids in the early evening (it sounds hokey but was fun) and then some low-key celebrating at our house to usher in 2011.
It’s been very easy to make comparisons between where we are now, and where we were a year ago. Without checking, I think that a year ago Mary Elizabeth was fighting both a bacterial and a fungal infection in her cerebro-spinal fluid, and was rarely conscious. I remember that it was both frightening and devastating since she had started to be more consistently responsive right after Christmas.
Today of course, Mary Elizabeth is actively participating in all our activities, and is fully a part of family life. There are of course limitations – she uses a wheelchair outside the house and still requires 24-hour support. But as she is prone to say now when things get a little frustrating – “I’m alive!” Very much so.
But if I am being honest, I will tell you that life can be pretty challenging and poignant at times. On New Year’s Eve, somebody asked what our resolutions were and amid the expected “get organized” and “exercise more” was Mary Elizabeth’s quietly serious pledge “to stay alive in 2011.” It reminds us of how close we came to losing her and of the tightrope walk that life can be at times.
So yes, we struggle sometimes to stay positive – especially when there’s so much institutional and commercial jollity around. But we must continue to accept those things that we can’t change and to navigate towards a future that remains uncertain. But for the time being, we’re trying hard to live at the corner of Grace and Fortitude.
Moved in Sundry Places 
I think at times we all forget the simplest things during the busy Holiday season and ME’s resolution to stay alive this upcoming year shows her resolve and strength, something that has kept her going throughout this ordeal. God Bless you and your family this upcoming new year!
Love,
Suzy & Bob
Mary Elizabeth and Scott,
Here’s to seeking fulfillment and discovering appreciation as we start a new decade. My hopes and prayers continue for you and your family.
All the best,
Kevin
Grace and fortitude defines your family. Happy New Year to you all, and look forward to some time together in 2011. love, bambi
All the best to you Scott and Mary Elizabeth!
So happy for you that your posts are about regular family-type stuff like relaxing together, bowling(!), and making New Year’s resolutions. How the Lord has cared for you in 2010!
You go and live life to the fullest – you are a great inspiration to many, me included.
God bless you in 2011,
~Maria in Annandale
Scott,
I’ve been thinking about you and your gang a lot lately. I want you to know that you are STILL in my prayers and even my family still asks about you guys.
Happy Belated Holidays and I am SO happy that things are working out. I can still remember the fear and anxiety in your posts not so long ago. I still feel it fresh in my mind and heart, so I can imagine that it will take twice as long for you guys to recover as well, BUT even with everything that has transpired this past year, your “voice” is uplifting and warm. You are an amazing man. The woman of the house is one lucky lady (and in return I know YOU know how lucky you are).
Believe it or not, I only got to the Island of Long twice this year BUT I still hope to have a visit someday. I see you come into the city for Mary Elizabeth’s hair (when your not taking side trips to the hospital for your back), maybe we can meet for lunch?
So, as always….Sending good vibes from Mulberry Street.
Nat
Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
Am wishing you all the best for the New Year! Mary Elizabeth’s simple and poignant resolution reminds me yet again of the gifts we take for granted, and the inspiration you both are to all who know you.
Best wishes,
Tim
Well, Scott, this is to wish you and ME and the family a GREAT 2011 – you deserve it! I’ve had a complicated Christmas (I’ll explain another time) spent in South Africa (swimming in a cold sea on Boxing Day…) followed by skiing in the French Alps and then next week I’ll be working back in Sri Lanka via India, but it is simplicity itself compared with the daily and weekly challenges facing you and the family. All I can say is: we think of you; we believe in you; goodness is on your side. All your friends just hope that our vibes of goodwill help you all get through the hard days so that you enjoy the increasing good days. Love for this next year from rather cold London! Greg (Stepney Band)
Thank you for maintaining the world informed on all the progress you guys are making – both physical and emotional. Yours is a very inspirational tale, even to a stranger. Best wishes from Seattle for many wonderful blessings in 2011, and may your posts continue to demonstrate positive news!