We’ve had a busy few days as we try to lead as “normal” a life as we can given the circumstances. Friday night, Mary Elizabeth and her mother went to a bridal shower for a young friend who’s the daughter of Lutheran High School’s headmaster. I dropped them off and picked them up later and…
We’ve had a full week since the last post as we continue to adjust to our new life. Over the weekend, we socialized with friends, went out to dinner and lunch a few times, and hung out at home, enjoying the great weather. Two of our kids marched in the Locust Valley Memorial Day parade yesterday –…
During most of the last 6 months, I’ve been able to avoid asking the question, “Why Me?” I’ve been able to focus on the positives, and handling our challenges with grace and with hope. But occasionally I despair (etymologically speaking, from de “without” and sperare “hope”) and spend a little while having a good wallow. Those of you…
Mary Elizabeth has hit her stride again after a few days in the hospital. She’s back to her routine of physical, occupational and speech therapy. It’s been a beautiful weekend so far on Long Island, and we took advantage of the lovely weather yesterday by spending as much time as we could being out and…
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…
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…
I’m noticing a subtle change in Mary Elizabeth. While she’s always predicted a full recovery, she’s now talking about it with more certainty and conviction. I knew that this was only a matter of time, but I think it’s also due to the strong support and positive reinforcement she’s receiving from friends and family who…
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…
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…
Mary Elizabeth made it through the weekend with her tracheostomy tube firmly capped. She had no problems breathing, eating or sleeping. This is good news, as it is a very good indication that she will do fine without a tracheostomy tube all together. Decannulation here we come! I rang this morning at Stepney as usual,…
Moved in Sundry Places 