Another day gone by

Tomorrow is the day! FINALLY Hugh gets to come home to his own bed! Today was a much better day for Hugh. A friend, a brother and a brother-in-law all kept watch over Hugh today. He was able to eat a bit and work some with physical therapy. They say that Hugh is getting stronger. It really becomes quite a challenge to find time to sleep while in the hospital. He is very excited about being home. We were visiting quite late tonight. Libby insisted on bringing the dogs. They do allow pets. I don't know why but this surprised me. We determined that we would be pushing our luck by bringing both dogs so we opted for the one we could hide if we needed to.....Milly. She jumped right up on the bed with Hugh with her tail wagging rapidly. I wish I had a camera. It was a "Kodak moment!" I had to laugh because Hugh was a bit sarcastic and grumpy. Libby turned to me and whispered, "I think that dad is back!" Hugh insisted that I go to the Brighton soccer game this afternoon instead of coming to the hospital so I could give him a report. Nothing bothers him more than missing the kids games. The only problem is that I am not the best sports reporter. I never get the details quite as detailed as he would like them! I may have to turn this job over to someone else on the team! Conner and Jerry are spending the night with Hugh up at Huntsman. A little male bonding time. Hugh does not like to be alone and it is fun for the boys. Hugh completes his "total brain radiation" tomorrow while at Huntsman. After that we plan to bring him home. We received an e-mail from Daren this week. He is aware of the situation this past weekend. We all find such strength in his e-mails and letters. I copied a brief part of his letter below. "I was thinking about all of the memories we have (makin' memories!) and the good times and I just felt this overwhelming confirmation that I would never cease to have those experiences with my family, and that even though we have this not so easy, not so happy, not so wanted experience right now, it really is just a SPECK on the globe of eternity. Its moments like that that keep me going! I know everything will work out. Just keep your chins up and hang in there and know how much I love you and am praying for you. Stay strong family. I love you, Daren" It is difficult for Daren to be so far away from his family right now. We know that we are blessed for his service. He worries about us. I have reassured him that we have so much love and support surrounding us. He realizes that now and it has made it easier for him being away. Jerry has been such a support for us as well. He has fallen into that oldest sibling role now that Daren is not home. I referred to Daren the other day as "my rock". Jerry started laughing and said, "what does that make me? Your pebble!" So we determined that when Jerry leaves for the "Y" this summer then Conner will be the "grain of sand!" Every day I am filled with such joy and appreciation for the love and support from so many people. Just know that we could not do this without such good friends and family. We have learned so much from others through this process. From food, helping with laundry, helping with the yard, playing taxi for Hugh's treatments, just "sitting" with Hugh, driving our kids to soccer, driving to piano, cleaning, helping with my "honey do list", sending funny text messages to make us laugh, taking us to lunch, diet cokes, praying for us, kind words, hugs. I could go on and on. I start to think of all the love we feel and it makes me cry. I know that we will be watched over in this difficult time. We are so blessed. We have each other and have all of you as well. Thank you for watching out for our kids. For now, we look forward to days at home together. We look forward to watching more soccer games, even if it is from the car. The journey continues and each day we find joy in some small way.