Dear family and friends:

It's already Thanksgiving week, no better time to bring these updates to a close.  And yet, it's difficult to do so since I have felt connected to so many people, many of whom I do not personally know, who have been so supportive and praying for my recovery. To all of you, a heartfelt thank you.

One morning I was trying to move from my wheelchair to the therapy mat.  At that time, my legs and torso were still totally paralyzed, and any movement was very painful.  I was struggling with the task and initially didn't want to put much effort into it.   Then the thought of the people who wrote to me through CaringBridge popped into my head and I remember thinking "You have so many people believing in you, come on you can do this!" and then the task didn't seem as formidable.  For the encouragement that you provided to me that day and many, many other days, thank you all so much.

And of course, none of this would have happened if my younger, smarter sister Michele, hadn't thought of the idea of starting a CaringBridge correspondence, and without her and Paul's daily updates.   Paul is my youngest brother and obviously has a wonderful way with words (and action).  Paul and his wife Lorrie, or Michele who was often accompanied by her daughter, Aimee, would come to see me every night to read the day's postings from you.   Although I could not speak to respond, I loved hearing your comments.  With time, I was able to hold the printed updates on my own, and would often read them before going to sleep at night - it was like a warm blanket of comfort.   Paul and  Michele, thank you for the time you dedicated to this website, for the wonderful party you planned, and for all the support you have provided me.

Foremost in deserving thanks is Dan, my husband, who unfailingly stood by my side from early in the morning until late at night.  He was stalwart in his approach to this ordeal, even during the most difficult times early on when my prognosis was not good at all.  Love isn't communicated so much by words, but more so by actions, especially through extremely difficult times.  Dan and I have been married for 30 years, and it's mainly due to his patience... Lord knows that one has to be very patient to be married to me! A simple "thanks" and "I love you" seems so inadequate, but the sentiments behind the word are very special.

Five years ago, Dan and I added a small apartment to our house so that my parents, who are both in their 80s, could come live with us. The apartment was built with extra wide doors to accommodate a wheelchair, hardwood floors rather than carpeting to prevent trips and falls, first floor bedroom, walk-in shower, etc.  Who would have thought that I would have been the one to need these special features first!  My parents graciously moved to the guest bedroom on the second floor of our home so that I could come home eight weeks ago when  I was still so limited that I needed a wheelchair or walker to get around, couldn't climb stairs and needed to take naps every morning and afternoon.  Among many other things, my mom cooked all the meals, and my dad doted on me.  They came to CMC Rehab unit every day to keep me company while I ate lunch and often brought me a surprise... No matter how old we are, we still love a surprise, don't we?  Thanks, mom and dad.

Dan says that the turning point in my recovery occurred when I received a surprise visit from my daughter Anna and her husband, Aaron on the Fourth of July.  Anna and Aaron live in Seattle, Washington on the west coast.  This surprise was made possible by the employees of NAS who raised money to pay for their airfare and land transportation.   As if that in itself wasn't enough, the NAS staff also paid for  second trip for them to attend the welcome home party that Paul, Lorrie and Michele organized for me shortly after my release from the hospital.  What generosity!  Again, a huge thanks is warranted to Bob Solitro, "the grantor of all wishes" and the very special NAS staff... you are superb!  A heartfelt thanks goes out to you, to my colleagues in Human Resources and to the supportive people at Swiss Re.

There are so many other people who need to be thanked, and yet I fear that I will sound like an annoying Academy award winner.  There are simply too many to list them all here, but know that I am grateful for the visits, cards, e-mails, phone calls, gifts and prayers you sent to me.  And of course, to those of you who have volunteered to provide me countless rides to doctor appointments, for tests, orthotic fittings, etc, thanks so much!   I have re-read your guestbook entries and so appreciate your concern, prayers, and yes, even the jokes!  As you have kept me in your prayers, I have also been praying for you. 

I also want to mention how unique the nursing and general staff of the CMC Rehabilitation Unit are.  Whether I was dealing with an administrator, nurse, aide, maintenance worker, doctor or therapist, none of these people ever left my room without first asking "Is there anything else I can get or do for you before I leave?".  Their patient focus was exceptional;  The care and dedication remarkable.  I arrived there on a stretcher, still paralyzed from the waist down at that point, and left there six weeks later walking with the aid of a walker.  I am so thankful for those in the health field who have such a great impact on patients and their families.

Now to my progress - last week I wrote that my face and mouth were still crooked.  Well, this morning my eye is significantly better, and my mouth is straight.   I can also move the left side of my face more than I cold just a few days ago.   I am continuing to gain strength.  In therapy, and on my own on the days that I do not have therapy sessions, I am continuing to work on gaining flexibility in my ankles and feet, and strengthening my legs.   With Guillian-Barre, the feet are always the last to regain full function.   The doctor constantly reminds me (the inpatient one) that I still have another six months to go before I am fully recovered.  So I figure I'll do it in four to five months.  

I am returning to work on December 1, on a part-time basis.  I am looking forward to resuming a more normal life.  I can't wait to see and/or reconnect with all of my Swiss Re colleagues.... watch out, here I come!  :-)

This is my last update via this forum.  Should anyone wish to remain in touch, do not hesitate to do so through my personal e-mail at Marysewrites@gmail.com   

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and this year is even more special.   I wish you all a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  Again, thanks so very much for your support!

Much love to all of you,
Maryse