holding pattern

 

That's sort of where we are - a holding pattern.

There is a slight increase in Rico's slide toward dysphagia.

He's able to transfer to a wheelchair, so we can occasionally get into an accessible bus.

He's mostly in bed, but still loves visiting.

I love spending my days with him, hearing his stories, feeling his hand in mine, watching him smile. He was worried that any type of brain damage would make him "mean" - but I was pretty sure that wasn't possible (it's not). He is still all love and snuggles.

But he also needs a tremendous amount of care. We can't leave the house - at least not all at once.

Blessedly we have people like Kelley (my cousin) who flew in from California to show us how to clean an axolotl tank; help do some of his heavy lifting (to give my back a break; take a turn sleeping in his room so I can get an actual 8 hours of rest; take Neeks and her cousin to MOA and swimming; and basically just read my mind by making peach sun tea and washing dishes and letting the dogs out before it's too late. She left this morning and we miss her already.

Our neighbors are the absolute best - gathering outside when they can so Rico can join them when he's able; sharing snacks; checking in on us; and making sure we feel loved.

My brother is still the GOAT - from 2000 miles away he's working on getting our roof fixed; checking our car engines; working on maintaining Rico's business; and just making sure we're doing ok on a daily basis.

Thank you to all of you who continue to send cards, bring food, send bagels, bring rocks for Nika's garden and shower us with love that we never feel we quite deserve. We are humbled and so so grateful.