Yesterday was a gigantic whirlwind of a beautiful day. What we expected to be a one last hour at the hospital, packing up his room and saying some goodbyes turned into a fast paced effort to get Brady a WAY better wheelchair than the one he’s had the entire time he’s been at the hospital. Its a very long story, but the one that had been ordered for him so long ago appeared to not have even been started, the requisition lost, and on top of that, it was clear to everyone around us that it wasn’t a good fit for Brady. So he was swept away with the Golden Mobility guy to have measurements taken and to list his preferences for a number of things for what will eventually be HIS new chair. One of the OTAs worked her butt off for the next while assembling him a significantly better chair to go home in than what he had, which was a huge relief. And while all of this was going on, I was back in his room, trying to pack it up as fast as I could. At this point, we have a really nice relationship with the lady who often cleans his room, so she was in there, visiting with me. It was really really nice.
Before we left, I was able to chat with and say goodbye to Brady’s physical therapist, Kari. I really really like her, and I feel some sadness to now just be gone… I was honest with her about that, and she was SO warm and reassured me that we were by no means “cut off,” though she understood how it could feel that way. She gave me her contact information and told me she would be disappointed if we just left and never got back in touch. I liked that.
After a longer wait than we anticipated, Brady got the loaner chair that fit him SO much better, and we left the hospital!!
It was at that point where we decided we still had enough time before radiation to go out for lunch. And I do mean out for lunch. No drive-thru food in the van for us!
The firecracker burger is just about always the way to go for Brady! We ate and held hands and enjoyed each other’s company. A maybe 40-ish year old man was wheeling out of the restaurant, smiled BIG when he saw Brady, and offered up a “Nice wheels!” I secretly loved that! Yet another community we did not choose to be in that contains warm, understanding people.
After his appointment at the cancer centre, we picked up some iced capps for us and Cher, in honour of her brothers life, and headed home! HOME! Finally!!!
The wheelchair stayed outside, and Brady made his way into the house on his crutches, just how he had wanted.
It was a warm reception, to say the least. 😍
After we all spent some time just sitting together, Brady decided he had enough energy for a photo opp, so we did that!!
We may not have the ramp yet, but the sidewalk is a BEAUTIFUL addition to our home! A confident place to show the kids his wheelie skills.
We tried to get organized for some impromptu family pictures! Only one kid cried.
We finally got there!!!
We went back inside and ordered a feast of pizza. Our first legit supper together in a long, long time.
At the table, we thanked the Lord for bringing Brady back home to us, and for keeping him safe. And if you think the ribbon cutting for the sidewalk was good, this one was even BETTER!
Just gonna say, that hospital bracelet has been on for two months, and it was disguuuuusting, hahaha! Will spare you that picture 😂
We spent the remainder of the evening opening cards, from all of us here at home, as well as EVERY student in Dekker’s class! That was an incredible surprise!
The theme was bang on, if you ask me.
Be srong 🥰
The night ended early, with immense fatigue and total, complete exhaustion. But relief, finally falling asleep in the same bed. I have dearly missed sharing my evening with Brady, and I like to believe he’s missed sharing space with me, too.
There is just such relief. There is SO much more uncertainty to come, but at least I have my partner in crime beside me again.
Thank you, friends, for being so supportive and excited with us as we anticipated Brady’s homecoming. The road is long, and continues to be bumpy and messy, but it is incredibly reassuring to have so many of you in our corner, supporting and encouraging us.
Thank you, Lord, for making it possible that Brady can be home. Continue to grant him health and strength, and for the rest of us, as well. Our hope is in You.
Your story reminds me so much of Mercy Me and their song Say I Won’t.. Thank God and His tender mercies which continue to Bless you and your family daily.
I’ll have to look that song up 🙂 Thank you!
Wow, what a story. I work with your nephew Caleb, and every morning at staff devo’s the question is asked “are there any prayer requests?”, and always without fail, Caleb quips continued prayer for my uncle. Every morning. My wife Rachel and I are good friends with Jonquil and Keith. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I truly do understand the challenge of having your life partner and best friend in the hospital with cancer related issues. Our prayers are with you.
Thank you for following along and for praying for us. As you know, that is the main thing keeping us afloat. I dont know how we’d survive without a strong faith in God.