On Our Own

You may be wondering what has happened in the Tripp household, since there hasn't been a posting for several days. No need to worry...all is well. The "writer" is on the road and I will try to fill in with a few details. Paul is in N. Ireland this week and our son, Ethan, went in my place. This is a great opportunity for them. I am thrilled Ethan was able to take off a week from his job and travel with Paul. So Nicole and I are on our own and I am enjoying our time together. I love spending time with Nicole and, although I would never choose to spend it this way, it is a joy to be with her and to do whatever is necessary to make her comfortable and help fill her days.

Since our trip to the hospital last Saturday, Nicole has spent most of her days in bed. However, when she moves to her wheel chair in the evening, I've noticed she is becoming stronger and is doing more for herself...looking vibrant and even laughing. We seem to be somewhere between the "light" moments and the "why" moments. There are always the "why" moments.

Each day brings new challenges, keeping her prescriptions filled, learning to keep her pain under control, adjusting to a new wheel chair, visits by the physical therapist and the beginning of some muscle building exercises, scheduling doctor's appointments, paper work for court hearings, etc., besides all the daily routines.

Nicole has always been a night person and for most of my life, until I had children, so was I. She loves watching movies. So in the evenings we are having fun watching movies until 1 or 2 am, when she is ready to settle in for the night.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all who have supported us through this unexpected event in our lives. So many of you from around the world have been praying for Nicole's recovery. Thank you!!! We have appreciated all the cards with encouraging messages, the meals that have been prepared for us, baskets of food and "goodies" for Nicole, beautiful flowers, friends who visit or call, the comments from so many on this blog, the emails, those who have covered the gallery when I couldn't be there, others who have run errands for us, offers of assistance, and the list goes on and on. I would like to thank the members of our church, Tenth Presbyterian, for their support and for the pastors who visited and prayed with Nicole during her stay in the hospital. We are truly touched and overwhelmed by everyone's encouragement and support at this trying juncture in Nicole's and our lives. It is too overwhelming to consider the future and the many details facing tomorrow, next week, next month. God has promised us the strength we need for today. Our plans don't extend too far into the future, since at any given moment, something could change. Tomorrow will take care of itself. We have been dramatically encouraged and blessed by all of you. "Thank you" will never say it all.

Paul and Ethan return on Monday. Paul will resume his morning entries on the blog. Until then, the entries may be sporadic, but I will try to keep you posted from time to time.