A Taste of Freedom

Marlene got a taste of freedom and good Arizona sun this weekend. After therapy on Saturday, we escaped (with permission) to Jamba Juice and got smoothies and drank them out in the sun. The weather was absolutely perfect. Then we went to a flower shop that was more of a novelty shop than a florist shop, so Marlene was disappointed. (So was I, but don't tell anyone!) Then we went back to the hospital.

Sunday was a good day. Marlene had the day off from therapy so we got a pass to go out for a bit. We went with her mom to a barbecue place just down the street. It was really windy, but Marlene had a blast. The food was excellent and we had a good time away from the hospital. After lunch, we went back to the hotel and let Marlene take a nap in a real bed. When she got into bed the first words she said were "oh, soft and fluffy!" It was the funniest thing. It was just a small moment to treasure and another reminder of how great Marlene is and how enjoyable she makes my life. Even during these trying times, she lights up my soul and makes me the happiest and luckiest man in the world.

Today, she continued therapy and is doing tremendously well. She is making great strides every day. I love being by her side throughout the day to encourage her when therapy is tough, but she is handling it well. Her smile is still beautiful and is present throughout each day. It's amazing how much more I fall in love with her each day. Everything I do is for her and makes me happy.

So in summary, Marlene is fantastic (as if everyone didn't already know that :) ) and is continuing to improve on a daily basis. The baby is well also. We have taken to calling him Nolan. We like that name and have been trying it out. So far we like it, but who knows what Marlene will say when the baby is born. But whatever his name will be, we love him and love to hear his heartbeat everyday. I can't wait to hold him and smile at him. He will be just another source of happiness in our lives. Life is great, even during trying times because the Lord is always with us. Thank God for that!

~Stephen