Sunshine

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
It’s not warm when she’s away
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And she’s always gone too long
Anytime she’s goes away

Wonder this time where she’s gone
Wonder if she’s gone to stay
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away

And I know, I know, I know, I know… (Bill Withers sings “I know” a total of 26 times before moving to the next stanza)…

So, I find myself singing that song. Not all of it applies. Truth is: It was warm and sunny the other day when I was outside singing it, but metaphorically a lot of it is true. Thankfully, I do know “where she’s gone,” and I don’t “wonder if she’s gone to stay.”

Four more weeks of rehab. That’s how long they’ll be gone. That was the projection made this past Tuesday. So, (drum roll) the tentative discharge date is May 24. There is some sunshine from the light at the end of the tunnel!

In the meantime, trying to make this house a home. Getting some projects done (not just fiddling). And what Joan is doing is super important. I know where she is and why she is there!

I’m including two pictures, to convey a couple of things (besides the fact that you are telling us that you like the pictures). Matthew is working hard and he is enjoying the love showered on him. In OT he made brownies today. On breaks he enjoys gifts he has received (the binoculars are from one of his “buddies” (Travis) at Calvary Church.

Have you noticed how nicely his hair is growing back already?

Many of you have been touched by the roommate story. Here is more from Joan over the last few days (the sunshine Matthew and Joan are bringing)…

Wayne story

I think I scored a homerun today. Before his procedure (and again no parents) he said to me, “Are you Matthew’s mom?”

“YES, we got to adopt him!”

He said, “You adopted him???'”

He kept looking at me and after another minute he said, ‘You the best mom in the world!”

Now mind you, I haven’t always had the best thoughts about Wayne. He is a rough one and apparently the staff have all talked about how these two in this room are about as opposite as you can get! They come for Matthew’s bubbly personality, they run because of Wayne’s cursing and downright meanness.

But Matthew and I keep praying for him and telling him Bible verses and stories. Matthew even tried to play a video game with him – that was a disaster, but it gave me a chance to tell Wayne how good he is and how he could teach Matthew. And Matthew shares some prizes with him and calls him his friend. Wayne said one day, “Man, you don’t even know me and you call me friend??” Today Matthew called him his best friend 😌

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He just fights them on everything and is so depressed. I am not convinced he is going to do well. He needs to start radiation but I think they thot his rehab would be quick, but Wayne has no motivation. I wish I could help him more, but they are so strict about staying 6ft apart in the room. So I have to encourage with words only. He has been much nicer to Matthew and I and today we heard no swearing. Every time we meet up with him in the gym, we always cheer him on. Matthew always gets so excited for him even though Wayne has been rather nasty towards Matthew but I am hoping we are turning the corner. He didn’t make neg comments today towards Matthew 😊

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Footnote: Mom has been showing up recently. Joan has had a chance to connect with her and build some bridges to deeper conversation.

PS Compared to one a day, the posts have been getting sparse. Joan and I are both very busy, but Joan told me this evening: You’ve got to keep the posts going. I need the prayers! Thanks again for being part of Team Matthew.