Transitions

I can hardly believe that we have been in Boston almost a month. The lease on the apartment expires on Thursday. Where did the time go????

Tom and I will be packing up and heading back to Albany tomorrow. Kelly and Eric will stay a few more days to allow Kelly a little more healing time before making the long car ride home. They have to deal with picking up the dog at Eric's brother's before they can start the 3 hour trip. Even minor bumps in the road cause Kelly discomfort, as well as turns and stops. Thank goodness she is within driving distance. I can't imagine how difficult it would be if she had to fly home.

Just as we have been consciously weening Kelly down on the meds it is now time to step back a little to encourage more independence. There are still so many things that Kelly will need help with for weeks to come. She can't drive yet. Or walk the dog. Or carry groceries or books. She can't push the vacuum or do laundry. It is pretty hard to hold yourself back when you see so many things needing to be done. Still, I think being home will be a boon to healing.

Crazy as it sounds, Kelly hopes to be in class on Thursday. The EMBA program is nearing the end. Even so, the last few weeks involve intense classes that last all day. We will see that she gets to class but we will remain close by to be able to pick her up the moment she says she has had enough. I think it is emotionally necessary for Kelly to join her team and do whatever she can do, as long as she doesn't jeopardize her recovery.

Tom and I will be staying with Erin and her family during this transition phase. Erin lives only about 20 minutes from Kelly and Eric so we will be running back and forth. We are looking forward to finally celebrating Olivia's 8th birthday (April 18) and participating in a special Grandparent's Day at her school. It will be a bit more hectic juggling all these roles. We are grateful to be able to help our family in any way we can.

It won't be long before we are planning our trip back to Georgia. Our friends at Sun City Peachtree have held us up through this time of crisis in our life. Mary and Jack have looked after the plants and birds. Barbara and John have collected, sorted and forwarded all pertinent mail. Barbara also picked up my responsibilities with the Paper Arts Club activities. Dave and Barbara have documented the first blooming of the cherry tree we planted last summer. Others have covered our scheduled work time at the Amenities Center. Pam is responsible for prompting so many people to sent cards, flowers, prayers and well wishes. Our family, too, has been extremely supportive calling, sending cards and messages. I don't know how I will ever thank everybody.

I hope that you all have been following Kelly's story here as I have not had the time to answer every e-mail. Just know that we appreciate each and every one of you. We are truly blessed.