Home Sweet Home

It has now been four days since our Mom returned home.  We have been excited to have her so close and we often find ourselves gathered around her bed competing for her hugs and kisses. She has dedicated her life to making sure our home is a place filled with love, faith, compassion, and service. As we start this new chapter we are trying to replicate what she has done for all these years. Although I'm sure we will fall short of the lofty bar she has set, we are determined to continue to make our home a place where she can relax, recover, and continue her journey.

We are so happy to have her home, but we are still getting accustomed to the new daily routine and all that it entails. We often find ourselves looking at the clocks making sure she receives the correct drugs, vitamins, and food she needs at the right times. My Dad and Brittney have been stalwarts in leading these efforts. I'm amazed at their tenderness when working with my Mom. Seeing my Father lovingly wipe her mouth or sing her a song has had a profound impact on my siblings and I. We all hope we can emulate the love that Mom and Dad have had over the years in our own marriages.

So far I believe that Mom is enjoying her knew digs. We have converted the basement bedroom into her new sanctuary. The carpet has been removed and replaced with a hard floor, doorways have been expanded, and all bathroom appliances have been changed so that she can access them in a wheelchair. We will continue to try and make her as comfortable as possible so she can feel at home and progress. I'm sure the grandkids will all be busy drawing her pictures so they can put them up on her wall and share their love.

This comes at no surprise to those who know her well, but she loves getting towel baths and having her arms and feet rubbed with lotion. We love to see her close her eyes in relaxation as we do our best to pamper her. She continues to get stronger and move her extremities more and more. This has made the feeding, bathing, and therapy a little interesting. She is constantly moving and very interested in grabbing her feeding tube or anything else we place in front of her. It is exciting to see her progress and we know this comes as a direct consequence of her hard wok and the many prayers by family and friends.

We can't thank you enough for all of your support. Please know that we receive great strength from the kind words and prayers by so many. We have made it from the Dominican Republic, to Miami, to Northwestern Hospital, to the RIC, and now home. The journey is still far from over, but there is no place we would rather nurse her back to health then within the walls of our own home.

With Love,

Tyler and Family