Stroke Survivor Blog

The day has finally come! Steve left the nursing home and came home after 6 wks. of hospitalization and 9 wks. of skilled nursing care…15 wks. altogether.

We took one last tour of the nursing home to say good-bye to residents and staff. It was a bittersweet day…glad to leave but sorry for those who had to stay. The hardest part was saying good-bye to Maria, the nurse’s aide who made Steve’s stay bearable. He said when she entered the room, she brought the sunshine with her. When she was on duty, I knew Steve would be well cared for in a prompt fashion. She always went out of her way to make things more pleasant for us. Whenever we had visitors, she brought us cookies or ice cream from the kitchen to treat our guests. What a sweetie she is! She has so much love to give. Everyone loved Maria. We wish her well on her move to Milwaukee.

After everything was packed up, I wheeled Steve down to the aviary to play the “bird poop game” one last time. Steve made up this game to add some fun to the place. That’s where we’d each pick a bird and watch it, and whosever bird pooped first became the winner. The grandkids got a big kick out of this game.

When we got home, a big ”welcome home” sign made by the grandkids was posted over the garage door to greet him. Oh, it felt so good to have him home! I know Steve will do so much better in this surrounding.

Although the responsibility seems scary to me at times, I have assurance from God that it won’t be as hard as I think, because His grace and strength will help me. I believe God has entrusted me with this opportunity to be an instrument of His love and grace.

If you’re reading this post and facing an equally difficult situation, you can call out to God for His help. Nothing is too difficult for Him. His grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in your weakness. If you want to know how to get this kind of grace and strength, please contact me and I will tell you how to receive it.

Love, Kathy