It’s been a week.

It has been a week since Erica has been home from the hospital. But there’s been enough activity for a month. Saturday, Erica attended a baby shower for our niece. She enjoyed the family, friends and food very much, but was pretty disappointed with the outfit I picked out for her. How was I to know that ladies like to wear girly summer dresses to a baby shower? At least we know that Erica is getting her fashion sense back. 🙂

Sunday, our oldest son and his girlfriend came to visit. Monday and Tuesday Erica’s mom stayed with her while I worked. Wednesday, the physical therapist, occupational therapist and refrigerator delivery all showed up at the exact same time. Yes, I said refrigerator delivery. Ours died the first day Erica was home, so we’ve been scrounging out of the mini fridge and coolers for nearly a week. That was super fun while we have also been re-learning how to live in our house with a rollator, wheelchair and safety fixtures in the bathroom.

Erica is doing very well when PT comes. They are still in the process of assessing the home and her abilities, but I can see the difference in the way they work with her and how she responds. I am hopeful for her to regain the ability to move about the house with limited assistance. For now, she needs someone with her at all times. Just a hand to steady her or a simple word or two to reminder of what she needs to do. I have a bit of work to do around the house to make it safer and easier for her.

I’ve been trying to monitor Erica’s friend channels and respond to personal requests. This lead me to discover that a former neighbor recently found that she also has a brain tumor. I invited her and her husband to stop over, which they did. Erica and I both felt blessed to be able to share our experiences as a patient and caregiver. Although sad that this young couple is facing this scary situation, we were inspired by their confidence and faith. I was able to pray for this couple, knowing exactly what they were feeling. To hear Erica talk about her situation to someone facing the same fears helped me better understand what Erica is going through.

I can not give proper thanks to the friends that have given up their days to hang with Erica, for the meals we’ve shared with family and friends, for the laughs and good conversations that help us feel ‘normal’, and the long letters of helpful advice and encouragement (thank you, Kristin). You all are a blessing.