Every once in a while these past 11 months I’ve entered a “new normal” phase of life:

• Move from ICU to regular room at hospital.
• Move from hospital to first rehab.
• Move to Centre for Neuro Skills in Dallas.
• Stop use of Hoyer lift.
• Learn to walk.
• Move from Dallas to Lakeway.

And now I have moved home. This is both a bigger and smaller change than it appears.

It is bigger because I have freedom. Nineteen hours of the day are mine; nobody from therapy is telling me what to do or supervising me. Friday I went for a roll around the neighborhood. Just me, with no companion or supervision, wandering the neighborhood and saying “hi” to other walkers. At night I (depending on what Rachel wants/needs and caregiver availability) decide what and when I do. Wednesday night I was able to attend the Eagle Scout dinner for the BSA Scout troop I have advised and will return to soon (picture is of my virgin margarita that symbolizes this change). Sunday I attended church at Live Oak UU in person for the first time this year Emotionally it is an enormous change even though my tasks are almost the same.

It is smaller because I have done all this before. I have new people helping me and family around to give me community, but we are doing the same tasks. I still have therapy five days a week (four hours instead of five). Transferring is still transferring even when the surfaces are different. Going to the bathroom has only changed in the details of physical arrangement. Eating is largely the same, but with companions. Sleeping is just better; I love my bed. The details of life remain the same, with minor changes of who and how.

As we adapt to the changes, life at home will be my new normal, at first with a power wheelchair and maybe sooner sometimes with a walker. I am so ridiculously happy with my progress and you support. Thank you.