September 29, 2007

• Saturday, September 29, 2007

  I can’t keep up.  Things continue to improve so much we are beginning to take some things for granted.  I am never sure what we have already shared as a part of her progress, and what we have not.  Right now, Hillary is probably anticipating a visit from a very important woman in her life and ours—Donna Thomas.  We first met Donna through Hillary a little less than a year ago.  While the introduction was through a gift of massage therapy for my excruciating back pain, the relationship immediately became much more.  My back pain did subside.  Paul’s thirty year college football “parting gifts” of aches and pain as well.  But we have received far more than physical relief from our relationship with Donna.  She has prayed with us, over us and in spite of us, and we have been blessed by our relationship with her in so many ways.  

   

  Today, Donna and Hillary are going to be together and we know good things are going to happen in that room.  She will also be meeting some of our other children and will give Vance’s mommy, Ashley, an “Anointed Touch” pregnancy massage that is long over due.  Please remember Donna and Hillary as they try to cross Hillary over the threshold and back to us this afternoon.  We know God is going to be with them but they need you as well.

   

  And one more thing…..my mantra…always “One more thing”:

  I realize how intensely personal these writings have been.  I want to say “…it just happened”. But those of you who know me, (and still love me even though you do), know that is just me.  Our lives have always been “out there” on the streets, wide open for all to see.  That has not been easy for my husband Paul over the years who is an intensely personal and private man.  He should have been writing these updates all along because he is MUCH more open behind written words than he is in face to face situations.  One thing is certain; through this experience, Paul has learned to let people who care about his big ole’ crazy family reach out to him… and him to them.

   

  These writings—this experience—has not been easy for some people very close to what we are living right now.  To the Gholson/Wicks/Davis family…to the Gwinn/McKnight/Fowler/Black family…to the Barker family and so many more:  We are so sorry for the flashback of memories these writings have thrust upon you.  But on another level, we hope you are reminded of how much people care about you and have held you in the palm of their hands and hearts along your forever difficult journey.  You were and are further along the road than us, but no less important to the people who love you…especially to us.  

   

  And speaking of hands… (I know, I know…I said, “One more thing a second ago.”)

  Paul had anticipated a long and welcome night with his “injured angel”.  After all, Hillary has been mixing her days and nights up in tiny rooms while we sleep on chairs that are welcome, but not particularly comfortable.  Of course in Hillary’s NEW room and Paul’s first slumber party with her, he had his own bed in what we now call the Grand Ballroom– complete with what could be turned into a GREAT bar and media room while she slept through the night.  More than anything he wanted her to stay awake with him and it didn’t happen.  She had been no doubt been “partying” with her girlfriends and was worn out. But this morning he asked her to let go of the bed rail and hold his hand.  And she did it!  A little later this morning as she awakened from a nap he told her it was time to hold his hand again; and she reached for him again.  It was well worth the wait for both of them.

   

  Thank you for your prayers and love.  You are shouldering so many “pieces” of this for us and we are eternally grateful to each and every one of you.

   

  XOXOXO

  –Shawn

  • 2:23 pm
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