Homecoming Weekend

The three of us joined the throngs of travelers headed over the rivers (Housatonic, Connecticut, Chicopee, maybe some others) and through the snow (especially in Otis & Becket) to visit grandmothers', siblings', cousins' and friends' houses for Thanksgiving weekend. Traffic wasn't too bad until we reached Framingham and it took over an hour to cover the last 15 or 20 miles. But no complaining from the folks in the car - our destination was worth any inconvenience.



Arriving at Spaulding after visiting hours, we spent a little time catching up and reviewing plans for tomorrow. There were a few last minute glitches that looked like they might throw things off a bit - Tim's power chair was missing, the order for his manual chair had been screwed up and it wouldn't be ready on time, and incorrect equipment had been delivered to our house. On the plus side, modifications to our house were proceeding on schedule and the stair lift was on set to be installed in time for Tim's return. Figuring "that's life" and that there wasn't anything to be accomplished at night, Amy packed up a few more things and we headed up to the apartment for a few hours sleep.

****

Wednesday morning was a little weird for sure. We made our last trip down Beacon Hill to see Tim on the ninth floor. We're still not sure what our role is going to be, although Boston will surely be part of it, but this walk down had a different feel to it. We arrived with the morning shift and started to put together the pieces for discharge. Kevin was working to find the missing power chair and get the overdue manual chairs shipped. Rachel touched base about the incorrect equipment and let us know how that was going to be straightened out. Tara told us how to and where to get Tim's meds and gave us the details about the apartment, Tim's outpatient schedule and other details. Brief greetings to the many staff and floor mates we had been so close to - Matt, Ed, Tammy and others - filled out the morning. After four months, Tim's care would be in the hands of new people starting next week, and Tim would be largely responsible for his own well being. Long story short - power chair tracked down, no foul play; expedited order should have the manual chair here in a week and Spaulding loaned us the chair Tim has been using; mis-shipped equipment will be replaced by end of business today. After a final talk with Dr. O'Connor, we packed two wheel chairs, one walker and the last of Tim's possessions and off we set for the Berkshires.



An uneventful (thankfully) drive brought us home on schedule to see a van from the stair lift company in our driveway. Steve was just finishing up, so Tim was able to test drive it immediately, as well as simply spend some time in the house - newly widened door ways making life a bit easier. Some of the new equipment arrived and Tim, Jancy & I headed to Stockbridge for a cheeseburger at Elm Street Market and then down to Barrington for meds and other things. Jancy drove the round trip and did a nice job, despite Tim's constant instructions. Both stops were great - good food from Nick at ESM and some chance run-ins with old friends Joe, Hillary and Jeremy. Steve Bannon and the staff at Bill's Pharmacy had everything ready for us and helped us find a few loose ends.



Back home, Tim had a nice visit from Tyler and Matt. They hung out in Tim's "new" room - he and Jancy have swapped spaces. After that, a nice evening together watching TV and talking. It's good to have Tim at home.