Finding My Way Home

Chapter 26

Ethan

Mid October

The day started like every other day. Patti arrived at our house around eight in the morning and at once went to work. The other nurse, Linda, came ten minutes later. While Patti worked on massaging Diane's arms and legs, Linda filled the basin with warm water. Therapy and a sponge bath are the morning rituals, followed by changing the intubation tube, and replacing the nutrition bag.

As they were going about their individual tasks, they started talking about Linda's upcoming wedding. Linda's fiancé wants an all chocolate cake, while Linda wants something more traditional. While they are talking, I left the room to get a cup of coffee. I am sitting in the kitchen drinking my coffee when Linda runs into the kitchen.

"Patti needs to see you right away. Something's happened with Diane."

My heart leaped in my chest as a thousand different scenarios run through my head. I am almost afraid to walk into the room. When I do, Patti motioned for me to stand next to her. She whispered to me, "Diane made a sound deep in her throat and moved her wrist. We were talking about Linda's upcoming wedding, and how she and her fiancé are arguing about what kind of cake they want for the reception."

I don't think I will ever be able to explain adequately how I feel at this moment. Months of praying, of watching my beautiful wife waste away before my eyes is something that I never imagined I would live through. I'm afraid to be optimistic. I'm afraid to wish for something that may never happen. As Patti continues Diane's therapy, she made a sound deep in her throat once again and smiled. All three of us took a step closer, and when I touched Diane's hand, she smiled again. I leaned in and whispered to Linda, "Keep talking about the wedding. Diane hears you."

Patti picks up the conversation. "So, what did you decide on the cake? Are the two of you still arguing about it?"

"Yeah, we still can't decide. I'm thinking about having two different cakes because Josh will not cave. He want's chocolate, and unless I beat the crap out of him, he won't give up his chocolate. I think he's addicted to it."

I should laugh because Diane and I had a similar conversation before our wedding. I told them so. "I remember a similar argument with Diane before we were married. I wanted a vanilla cake with buttercream icing, and Diane wanted a marble cake with chocolate frosting. We argued for I don't know how long. Neither of us wanted the other cake, and at some point, I threw up my hands and said that she could have whatever she liked. I just wanted to marry her. I didn't give a damn about the cake."

Both women laughed. "What was the final decision?"

"I had no clue what type of cake she ordered for the reception. My jaw hit the floor when it was time to cut the cake. She had the baker make two halves of one cake, vanilla with buttercream on one side, and marble with chocolate on the other. Remind me to show you the pictures." There it is again. Diane smiled and briefly opened her eyes, and everyone saw it. I had to lean against the doorjamb to keep from falling on my ass. "I don't believe it! I need to call Craig Jenkins!"

Within an hour, Craig was in the house. While I was waiting for him to finish the examination, I called my parents. The three of us paced the confines of my home for what felt like an eternity. Finally, I see Craig coming out of the room. He has a smile on his face, and I am almost afraid to ask him anything. My tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth, and I feel like I've swallowed a handful of sand. Once again, my dad bails me out.

"Well, what's going on, Craig?"

"I have good news. Diane is showing signs of awareness. She reacted to several different stimuli, but she had a significant reaction when the nurse gave me a teddy bear that Kellie gave to her mother. I placed it on Diane's chest, and she smiled. Not only did she smile, but she also moved a few fingers and part of her arm. It is crucial that you continue to surround Diane with sounds and stimuli. Carry her out into the living room. Keep her engaged as much as possible. Something is happening to her, and I feel she may soon come out of it. I don't want to get your hopes up because I have no way of determining Diane's mental capacity once she is awake. We need to take this one step at a time, but this is a good sign."

It is more than a good sign. Today is the first time in over four months that Diane has shown any movement, and we are beyond excited. I had another hospital bed delivered and set up in the corner of the living room. Later that night, I skyped Joey and saw him burst out in tears. I wish I could hold him in my arms.

"Oh, Dad, that's great news. I wish I could be there to see this."

"You'll be home in a few weeks for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see you, son."

"Me too, I miss everyone."

"Stay focused Joey. Your grades are excellent."

"Um, Dad, can I talk to you about something?"

"You know you can. What is it?"

"I want to switch my major to pre-med."

I am stunned to hear him say this to me. Joey has never expressed an interest in medical school. "Wow, I'm a little shocked to hear this, son. What made you change your mind?"

"Honestly, it is seeing what Mom has gone through this year. I talked to my counselor and explained everything to him. I have researched a few specialized fields, and I picked Neuroscience."

"Wow, again Joey. You've made me happy, and I am so proud of you. If there is anything that I can do to help you, please ask. I know Uncle Jerry, and your grandparents will be happy to help you study. This is so exciting. There will be three generations of doctors in the Miller family. Your Grandparents will go nuts when they hear this."

"I have more good news."

Laughing, I say, "I don't know how much more I can take for one day. Lay it on me!"

"My counselor suggested I transfer to Temple."

"Are you kidding me? Are you moving back home? Please, don't bullshit me!"

"I'm serious. When I come home for Thanksgiving, I'm home for good."

"Thank you, Jesus, I've missed you."

"I miss you too, Dad."