Home Sweet Home

Mom is home again.

Dad called yesterday afternoon and let me know they were on their way home. I packed up the boys and headed out to meet them at the house. When we pulled into the neighborhood, Dad's car was just up ahead driving very slowly. I figured that each bump and turn must have been hurting mom. It's a good thing Dad doesn't drive a pickup or a jeep.

Anyway, we got her in the house and in her chair. As soon as we figured out the right combination of pillows, she was fairly comfortable. In fact, as she sat rocking in her chair, smiling, and even laughing a little, it was very easy to see how much improvement has taken place since she last left the house... and a little harder to see that she had been so sick.

She probably didn't walk more than 10 steps the whole time she was in the hospital, but Dad is reporting that she has probably walked half a mile at home so far. (and most of that was during the night). Apparently, she had a hard time getting comfortable, and switched from her bed, to her chair, and even tried out Mamo's bed. (Mamo is my grandmother who is staying with Mom's sister, Brenda, during this time.)

Speaking of Mom's sisters, I realize I haven't written much about some the people who are so much a part of this story.

Of course we have our heroine, our damsel in distress, if you will. That would be Mom. Then of course, the leading man, the Knight in Shining Armour, as played by my Dad. More on him later...

But I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful Supporting Cast we've had. And when I say support, I do mean support.

As soon as my mom was diagnosed, her sister, Joyce, wasted no time in traveling from her home in Texas to take care of any need Mom and Dad might have. Joyce is a veteran in the fight against cancer... having fought for her husband just a couple of years ago. I believe they won that battle, since Charles is now in Heaven, completely whole and cancer free... and even sending Joyce little signs of how he is still watching out for her and taking care of her.

My dad has said many times over the past few days that he didn't know what they would have done without Joyce there.

When my mom went into the hospital, her other sister, Brenda and my grandmother, came all the way from California. Brenda dove right in, spending several nights up at the hospital, helping Dad help Mom. In fact, at one point, while I was helping Mom, she told me she would rather have Brenda help her. So I immediately got Brenda who was in the hallway. Of course, I understand why Mom said that. I think to her, I am still a little girl. She is still the Mom. It's her job to take care of me.. and I'm not thinking she's ready to surrender that role.

Of course, Mamo was a trooper as well. I'm sure being at the hospital all day each day was hard on her, but she is, after all, still the mom too, and that was her baby hurting in that bed.

Joyce, Brenda and Mamo all had to head back home a few days ago. They had jobs and family that missed them... and we all hated to see them go. I'm thrilled for my mom that she has improved to the point that they were comfortable enough to head back home.. but we will miss them and all their help. I know they are only a phone call away from heading back here should we need anything.

As for now, Mom and Dad have the MMMM Brigade (and their families), ready to wait on them hand and foot. (MMMM brigade = Mark, Mike, Melanie (me) and Megan. Throw in some of their Sunday School and High School class mates and you find the the Lord has many hands down here helping Him help Mom.