Another fine day in a great community

Tim has completed his first four days as an outpatient, and they were a collective success. After doing the family thing for the first two days, he hung out with friends on Saturday. The "Fun Raiser," organized by Henry Baldwin was absolutely wonderful for all of us. We've been laying kind of low for the last four months, and this was a great opportunity for Amy and me to catch up with many of our friends. Tim and Jancy had a great time hanging with Monument grads and current students enjoying the end of the long weekend, as well as the adults in the community that have been such an important part of their lives.

I reserve the right to amend this post, because Henry needs to get me a full list of the folks who helped to put this all together and bolster the "Butters Fund." Here are a few things I know, and please forgive any omissions. Pam, Ron and Nick greeted us when we arrived and said goodbye as we left, and they weren't just hanging out. Of course, Lisa claimed that Henry did all the work, but I'm guessing she did a few things to assist. The images that follow, by the way, are courtesy of Lisa. Lakota Barbecue - Amy and I were just in Kansas City, and Mark's ribs and chicken were better than what we enjoyed in that capital of BBQ - hire him for your next event. Joe and his staff had everything running smoothly at the (East) Stockbridge Sportsmen's Club.

Tim had an absolutely great time, we could see it in his eyes and smile. He has been waiting to be out of the hospital and get back to living the life of a 19 year old. We're grateful to all of our friends and neighbors who came out to welcome him back to the "real world." For those who stuck around 'til late, Tim broke out his walker and gave a demonstration of his current abilities (camera was already packed away). Things are looking up.

After the community gig, Tim went to his first party since July (yesterday's outing never materialized after I posted his plans). Brigitte picked up T & J and took them over to the Yarmos, where he had another great time (and that's all I know).

After sleeping in today, Tim headed off to his new studio apartment near Spaulding. Amy and Jancy took him out to Boston, and they'll help him get settled in - shopping for some groceries and other things, tying up some loose ends. As of Monday afternoon, Tim will be on his own - responsible for making (or otherwise procuring) meals, taking his medications on schedule and getting to his outpatient therapy sessions on time. He'll also be managing his free time and finances, and I think he's really looking forward to it.

So, enjoy these images from last night (sorry I couldn't use all of them), and look forward to reports on the next phase of Tim's recovery.