The Daily Hailey

We’ve been anticipating Brady’s home visit for a while now, and yesterday was the day! He had a very busy morning at the hospital, and at Sask Abilities, and then after ALL the rushing, the taxi was late picking him up. But lo and behold, he was finally on his way!!

Brady was about 45 minutes behind schedule, so the community occupational therapist and the two guys with the wheelchair lift were there long before he was. I have to say, though, those guys were all amazing men! They felt comfortable and safe, and like they truly cared about Brady. The OT took some quiet moments with me to offer his feelings and care about what we’re going through. Meanwhile, the lift guys put a seat attachment on the lift and offered the kids RIDES up and down the stairs!!! It was UNREAL!!!

Everyone had so much fun, and joy was in the air as we eagerly awaited Brady’s arrival. Which FINALLY happened!!!

The celebrations were pretty raw. Everyone was SO happy to see him. As soon as Brady was up the stairs, the OT and accessibility guys went outside so we could all take some time to get reacquainted.

We took our time, got in LOTS of hugs and kisses, and then let everyone back in for the rest of the… appointment? Session? Visit? Visit. Sure.

The occupational therapist discussed what he figured we’d need, and the accessibility guys had some input on our options and what was most feasible in our home. It was expressed, though, that all the measurements and pictures that had been taken would go to Brady’s OT at the hospital, and she would really lay out the possibilities for us. The OT did want to see how Brady could transfer from his chair, and the main concern is that the main bathroom is small. However, because Brady’s transfers are SO strong, they were able to formulate a plan that will work in the future when Brady is able to come home 🙂

It happened pretty quickly, but the OT was done his work and was ready to leave. Then the lift guys super lovingly told us they would happily come back absolutely any time Brady was ready, but that there was no rush. All three men walked out of the house.

Except the taxi was gone…

We had NO next move. I joked that we could just clip Brady’s hospital bracelet off and maybe they wouldn’t find him, but then we decided we had to be adults. My mom ran out and asked the OT what to do. He was quick to help, and called to leave a message with the right people at the hospital. It appeared there had been a miscommunication, and instead of waiting like usual, the medi-taxi had just taken off and gone back to Saskatoon.

There could be worse fates 😉

It wasn’t long after the mix up that Brady reached his OT, and she told him, if he wanted, they could arrange for his ride home for 6:00pm. That would make our hypothetical one hour visit into a FOUR hour visit!! With SUPPER!! Yes please! Thank you Lord!

So, Brady hung around.

Just like old times.

It was SO amazing to have him back in the house, my goodness. The kids loved the wheelchair, as you’d expect. Brady was comfy on our couch. He was so happy to have home coffee and creamer again. And to be back amidst the hubbub was just SO good for everyone.

Dekker is a natural in Brady’s wheelchair! He knew exactly how to manoeuvre it!

He even made some popcorn (because his is the best) while fielding doctor calls. Because the man is non-stop.

We still have a meal train going (thank you, EVERYONE, for participating!) so Brady got to surprise someone by being in the house when they arrived 🙂 It was a pleasant surprise, obviously, and the meal was SO good!!!

The taxi and the accessibility guy arrived around the same time, about 15 minutes early. We were a little discouraged, but no one came to the door, so we continued to soak up the last few minutes of time together. I saw the lift guy through the window coming to the door, but rather than knocking, he started laying down plywood. He had brought a makeshift path, as it had been kind of rough getting Brady from the taxi to the house the first time around.

When the time finally came, we were all saying goodbye, and the lift guy came into the house, took off his hat, and very careful asked if he could pray for us. We were thrilled, and accepted, of course. He was SO excited, and asked if the kids would come put their hands on daddy. They did, as did he. And he prayed a powerful prayer for healing for Brady. It was incredible. Its possible my mom and I bawled the entire time.

I’m not using his name in here, because I didn’t ask, but I won’t ever forget it, or him, or his bold prayer.

Finally, Brady had to go.

We took some last pictures all together on the front step, and then he was off.

We waved goodbye, as we do, but then lift guy was back at the door.

He was teary. It was clear he was having a hard time leaving without saying what he wanted to say. He was genuinely choked up for Brady. He told us he had a burden for Brady, even without knowing him, and had been brought to tears many times since he had heard about him. He offered us a couple of things, and gave me his card with his personal info on it. Bottom line – he is available for our family. And that was incredible to know. From someone we literally had just met.

We waved at lift guy when he left. He waved back.

The day was such a beautiful one. We never expected Brady’s visit to last as long as it did, and for that, we praise the Lord! It felt normal. Like home. A TOTAL morale boost. It felt like everyone was in our corner, from the OTs to the accessibility guys, to the hospital staff who let him stay longer.

There is currently NO leeway for ANY recreational home visits, thanks to covid. NO wiggle room for Brady to see his kids in person. NO room to move. Please pray for change, opportunities, and sensitivity. We want this man home again! And again and again and again.

What are you doing, Lord?? What is your plan here?!