Monday, April 26, 2010

Day + 14 - Home Sweet Home



I'm home. I am overwhelmed in many ways and can't really adequately capture all the emotions I've been through in the last 24 hours. Mostly I am grateful - to all the people and processes that brought me safely here. I am especially grateful to the extraordinary effort of my "A" team that came through Saturday and so thoroughly and lovingly cleaned our house. It is so sparkly and clean and - safe - feeling. I can't thank you enough. And, kudos to the "garden" group who completely transformed the yard with new plantings, triming and a fresh bed of compost all around. You guys just overwhelm me with your love and support.

When I was released from OHSU yesterday, I was given a "duckbill" mask and told to wear it when outside - so my experience of much longed for "fresh air" was pretty compromised. Sunday was a perfect spring day - and leaving the hospital Kelly drove the scenic route - past the lilac garden at the bottom the hill in full, spectacular, peak plumage. We drove slowly through downtown and across the Steel Bridge - just to reacquaint myself with the streets and the city. And when we turned the corner to our block, I caught site of the lovely dogwood in front of our house - again - at its most perfect point of bloom-age - it was just lovely. The charge nurse who let me out warned me that I could go outside, but not to walk around if there were lawn mowing or yard work going on that might kick up dust or pollen. So, of course, EVERYONE on my block was out on this beautiful Sunday morning - mowing and doing yard work. So my arrival home was a little awkward and strange and overwhelming - I felt like I had to just duck into my house and hide.

So again, I am grateful and humbled and happy. Thanks so much to everyone who helped deliver me safely home.


Funny, I'm somehow reminded of a song:

This must be the place: Naive Melody

And another much loved version by Shawn Colvin

6 comments:

  1. ¡¡¡¡Fantastic Mark, absolutely fantastic!!!

    Minott

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  2. So great to hear about that drive home, my man! If you or yours need anything in the coming days or weeks (dinner anyone?), just give me a shout.

    Brian

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  3. Such great news!!!!!
    Oh, Happy Day!!!!!!!

    helen

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  4. It was so wonderful to see on Sunday. I wish I could have stayed longer. I look forward to the next time and hopefully being able to give you a real hug and play some music. I'm so glad that you are home and doing well. Keep your spirits up and I will be sending you lots and lots of positive energy from Tacoma!!!

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  5. Fabulous Mark!
    Here is some early morning musical inspiration for you in this new day!
    Let us know if you and Julie need anything.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvyCQTDxpBc

    Blessings abound, Sue and the choir at Grace

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  6. Welcome home Mark!!!! You're an inspiration in so many ways. Hope to see you very soon!
    xo Jessica

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