Today is the day

Dad and Mom had their combined going-away party at the hospital with Gary & Sherry and Dave (all people they've gotten to know at Craig). Gary & Sherry (Gary was Dad's first roommate) and Dave (another patient at Craig) are all leaving this week so they combined their party. I imagine that it went well and that all are excited and maybe also a bit nervous about going home. Gary & Sherry are the folks that Dad & Mom played cribbage and dominoes with, shared stories and struggles with, and sometimes got take away dinners with. They are at a similar place in life as Mom and Dad and became friends through the course of their time together at the hospital. They will also return in six months at the same time as Dad and Mom for the six month check-up. I am very glad for all of them that they found friends in each other right there at Craig who are fabulous, quality people and going through the same thing. Dad and Mom are not the only ones making the transition home this week, but new friends in similar situations are as well. All the best to Gary & Sherry and to Dave as they travel their paths home this week!

Finally, after over twelve weeks Dad and Mom are returning home to Medford. Uncle Michael is driving their car to the Minneapolis airport from Denver where they will fly in today (Thursday, 30 August 2007). He is then returning to Denver and Dad and Mom will drive themselves home. Those of you who are praying people, please pray for all of these aspects to be smooth, hassle free, and safe! There are SO many more things that they need to consider and deal with than they ever did flying before. This is their first longer trip in the car (nearly three hours). It would just be really great if some guardian angels guided them smoothly from Craig Hospital to their home on Jolly Ave!!

At this stage I cannot imagine the mixture of emotions that they must be experiencing. Probably loads of relief and excitement about finally going home, but at the same time maybe some anxiety about how it will all work out. I know that there is an overwelming appreciation and gratitude for all of the people who have reached out to them in so many wonderful ways!

Those of you in Medford or planning to visit in the future, enjoy your time with Dad and Mom! I wish that I could be there to welcome them home and to see their reactions to all of the changes that you al made! What they have been through this summer has changed the rest of their lives. There will be so much more, I imagine, to adjust to once they are home in their own surroundings. However, what has been really special about the whole thing is the response from friends and family, from near and far! All of those positive, encouraging, helping, practical responses combined with their own attitudes and determination has made a world of difference!!

Much love and appreciation to you all!
Beth (on behalf of the Dixons)