WILL IS HOME!!

Will came home today, complete with a certificate saying he has graduated from the UWMC Rehabilitation Program.

He's walking independently with a cane, which he's using lightly for balance. He walked up our front stairs with Cory nearby for backup Though Cory and I keep an eye on him, he's able to walk from the TV room where he spends the most time to all the first floor rooms.

He is still a bit shaky, but has a home exercise program to follow, and will begin outpatient  PT in a few weeks, or sooner if there are cancellations. 

Will's mood and spirit are excellent. He's determined to continue his recovery, and thrilled and grateful to be alive. 

Most striking, for both of us, is the support we've received from our community of friends and family. Will says he didn't realize how many friends he had, nor how deeply they care about him. Throughout, I knew that I could call on people, and knew they'd help.

And you did.  In no particular order,  here's what you did for us:

Brought food. Juana and Cesareo brought food to the  hospital on Christmas and New Year's Eves so we weren't alone. Jennifer brought food for me so I didn't have to cook. Lisa and Kat drove Cory around for shopping and cat supplies, and did so much more.

Had Cory over for Christmas, continuing his tradition of 15 years plus. 

Cleaned my house. And then: The Big Clean!! 11 of you came on a Saturday and SCOURED the house. It was a day of hard work, but also laughter, friendship, and connection. I cannot express how loved I felt, and feel still. Then Todd came the next day and did what remained, and did a dump run, AND added oil to my car.

Yard work. Our beloved neighbors Rich and Randee cleared the walk way, raked ALL  the leaves in the front yard, and mowed.   Leslie cut back ferns and shrubs back so they don't ensnare the unwary on our walkway and stairs.

Mailed Christmas packages. When Will was still intubated, there was no way I could stand in line to get packages mailed. 

Picked up and returned my library books.

Visited Will and called him, and kept his spirits up. Brought Will gifts, and milkshakes. Sent him cards. It all helped.

Moved furniture out and back in for rug cleaning. (Risa, you are stronger than you look!)

Put up a new hand rail to the upstairs. My intrepid cousin Kathy drove back and forth from Puyallup THREE times, and provided all the supplies to complete the job.

Lorrie and Ron squeezed us into their rug cleaning schedule and made my carpets look actually civilized again. The carpet no longer embarrasses me.

Remembered my birthday! And brought me really excellent treats! (Shawn - that lava cake!)

And you talked to me,  over and over, so many conversations to keep me going. Uncountable words of understanding, support, and love.

Not everyone is listed here, and I've probably forgotten some of what you did. Looking back is a fog, a haze of days and hospitals. But through it all, I, and Will when he came back to the world of consciousness, felt held and comforted by all of you. Our gratitude is deep and endless.

Unless there are big developments, this will be the last post here.

Will is still open to visitors and calls. He's not quite ready for stereo room get togethers, but believe it or not, the house has other rooms now fit for guests. You know how to reach us!

Love, Nanette and Will