Day 40: Scott's Return - Sunday, April 22, 2012

The guard changes once again and Scott is excited to see his mom Patti.  Like everyone else, I am in awe with Scott’s progress and have full confidence that he will be returning to Med School this year.

I have been spending the day attempting to put into perspective the past 40 days.  They unfold something like this...

• March 13th, the day of the accident and a phone call that no wife or parent wants
• 8 days in ICU at Flagstaff Medical Center
• 9 days at Select Specialty Long Term Care Hospital
• 5 days at St. Joseph's Hospital Neuro Care Unit
• And next Friday he is scheduled to be discharged after 23 days at Barrow Neurological Rehabilitation Hospital

In retrospect it is phenomenal that Scott has progressed this far so fast.  We have all been witness to an unbelievable example of physical, mental and spiritual strength in action.  Scott's future is once again his and we will all continue to support him in every way possible.

The new phase of Scott's recovery has already begun.  No longer is it Scott's Recovery, but now it is Scott's Return.  Return to home.  Return to church.  Return to school.  Return to athletic activities.  Return to the Air Force.  Return to LIFE.

This new phase will also mean a change with this blog in that the majority of entries will now come directly from Scott and Ashley.  It has been a special honor and unbelievable pleasure for me (and I'm sure for Patti as well) to contribute and share these posts over the past 40 days.  But this is Scott's story and we know his and Ashley's voices will be the best going forward.  And we are so blessed that Scott is able to directly contribute!  I certainly am looking forward to every future post.

Lastly, I leave everyone with this picture of Scott and Ashley dropping me off at the airport and picking up Patti.  And yes they are dressed for Scott's Return to Church.  Indeed, Scott is returning!

Joy!
-- Mickey Moore


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Ashley here, I just wanted to add a few notes to today before bed.

- A huge thanks to Mickey for all his work this week!! Thank you also for all your contributions to the blog!


- Church went very well and Scott was able to interact and remember almost every single smiling face that came to greet us today.


- After church we stopped by the house to change and eat lunch. It was such a wonderful moment to be at home together. My heart was smiling I think.


- For those of you who don't know, Scott loves to eat popcorn! Scott eats about 1-3 bowls a day when he can. (We like to air pop our own as a healthy snack) As soon as we sat down at the table I pulled out a big bowl of popcorn for Scott and suddenly life felt a little more complete.




- Scott was able to have a few visitors after we returned to the hospital. He played one of our favorite games (7 Wonders.) He was able to keep up and remember all of the complex rules. He even tied Kenny for first place!


- I also failed to mention yesterday while Scott was eating his Thai food he wanted to use his chopsticks... and he was successful with his right hand!!

 Much love to you all!!

Ashley