Monday, September 10, 2012

my favorite time of day

When I came home from the hospital, my Mom and Joe T had left a surprise for us by giving our porch an extreme home make over...

complete with cozy chairs, end tables, and even flowers!

We've always loved our porch for the beautiful Ivy and view of the neighborhood, but it was in dire need of places to sit!


Now, we have just that place. We go there in the morning sometimes to get a bit of fresh air. We go there just before the sun sets for a short while and Neil will read to me. But my favorite time of day is right around 6 pm...

Every day we go for a walk together. Its just a few blocks and I inch along, taking water breaks and pausing here and there. As I slowly increase my distance it takes a bit longer (eventually I'm supposed to walk for an hour) and Neil is never in a rush. When its over I usually want to rest. Conveniently, now we have seats! 



We always save the mail for this time of day and we open the cards slowly. We read and re-read them. We talk. We relax.

If I haven't gotten to personally thank you for a card you mailed to us, please know it is cherished. It supplies my favorite time of day. In fact, I think the neighbors are beginning to get suspicious of the emotional girl that sits on the porch.


8 comments:

  1. Hey Em! Lookin' good! Finally getting a chance to catch up on your blog posts. I love how awesome you guys are at sharing your experience. I've been thinking of you and it's great to read how you've been improving each day. It's no surprise though - you rock! So happy to see you are regaining your strength. You'll be happy to know that you can make it farther down the street than Milo, mostly b/c he just ends up on strangers' porches - but you've got that going for you :) Maybe you guys can walk together one day.

    Anyway, hang in there - each day will continue to get better and you'll continue to get stronger than you already are. We'll be thinking about you!!

    Much much love,
    Natalie, Trevor, & Milo

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  2. I love your front porch!! It looks so cozy!! I have a back porch that my dogs occupy but I don't have any furniture on it, well, except a picnic table :) You're area looks much cooler than mine!

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  3. I share your love for a cozy porch and now you have the perfect, beautiful spot to relax in! Enjoy!

    PS - Your mom and Joe T. are awesome.

    Hugs,Gabby

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  4. Emme and Neil - one thing about recovery - it allows you to stop and smell the roses. Perhaps if you were rushing to and from work, activities, commitments - you would routinely pass by the porch not giving it a thought. Now you can relax and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and the great view.

    Think I'll have a glass of wine while sitting on my porch swing tonight.

    Love you, Aunt Linda Rad

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  5. Hey Emma and Neil, I've been following your progress on the blog but not leaving any comments because I have terrible blog etiquette.

    Just wanted you to know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    Peace!

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  6. Hi Em and Neil, We have been praying for you daily and have you are our church prayer list. I am reading the book 1,000 Gifts (if you haven't read it, let me know...I'll make sure I get you it). Anyway, I have been keeping a gratitude journal, and today I was asking God what do You want me to see. Low and behold, I was able to catch up with your blog and it blessed my socks off!! You two, are an amazing example of what real love is all about. Neil, you are a wonderful young man that exemplifies what the Bible says about loving your wife as Christ loves the church. How blessed you are, sweet Em. And you, Em, exemplify great courage and strength. I remember years ago you wrote an article about Uncle Greg being your hero. You, my sweet girl, are a hero to more people than you can possibly imagine. I will end this with although we may not see each other much, you are so in our hearts and prayers. We love you and are believing for a complete healing. Thank you for sharing some of the hardest moments of your lives...we definitely know in many ways some of the things you have endured. God is faithful!
    Much love,
    Aunt Cathy

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  7. I want to come and sit with you guys there and just relax and talk.
    You look gorg! Beautiful Emily.
    I miss you,
    Sara e

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  8. Em I know how you feel I looked for my house with a front porch almost two years.. I think it's a city girl thing!! My family would say its because I like to wave and talk to all who go bye. I say it brings me joy and comfort I'm glad it's doing that for you!! Cindy

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