Yes, today has been a whirlwind. From not sleeping at all last night, to pulling our lazy bodies out of the bed and recliner chair, to packing up and saying our good-byes, to heading home and then to work; it's been busy and rest is sweet.

BETHANY IS FINALLY HOME!

It feels so good to be able to actually lay on my bed, and I'm positive Bethany feels identically, if not even moreso. Ha. It's just great to be home again and to be eating home cooked food--from the Bursons, Szymanskis, Walshs (twice), Mannons, Deals, Shermans, etc. We can't even begin to thank you enough. It was so nice to be able to go to the refrigerator and actually have some edible food. Bethany had specifically requested that Joy and Jonathan do NOT eat the Potato Island dish that Kathleen Walsh made, because she wanted it. Sure enough, the kid without absolutely any appetite, just ate two bowls. Woo Hoo!

We want to say a special thank you to Bethany's cousin, Heather, who stayed with her through thick and thin, and was such a blessing to our family during this time. We love her immensely. Also, a huge, huge thank you to all of the nurses and surgeons and doctors at St. Vincent's for all of their expertise, kindness, compassion and care that they gave us. It made all of the difference between surviving and thriving. We were actually able to thrive knowing that the medical staff were 'on our side.' Thank you. You are all truly credits to your professions.

Lastly, thank you to the Geography and Planning Department and to the Urban Affairs Center,for so graciously accepting that I needed to be away from the University for an unspecified time. Their compassion and support has made our lives much, much easier.

I will continue to update this blog daily. Thank you again, everyone.

Love, Shari, Joy, Bethany and Jonathan