I am back home.  Home.  One of the loveliest words in the entire English language!

I got home from hospital yesterday.  I also didn't know it, but the staff had been acting so secretly because they wanted to throw a nice "going-away" party for me.  I was so surprised, I cried.  I actually cried!!  And this time not from sadness or frustrtion, but out of sheer joy!

I am back in my bed, in my bedroom.  Funny how mum and pop left it as it was when I left to go into the military.  Now I am getting used to looking at everything; it's like I am getting to know my own room all over again!

I even saw my sister, Charlie.  She had the day off from work yesterday so she could come to the party.  She really looks good!  She didn't want to leave my side.  I don't blame her.  She and I have always been extremely close.

At the party, my nurses, doctors, and even friends I'd made along the way came.  Even saw my favorite nurse, Lousisiana Sandusky; I haven't seen her in a few months.  She still has all those kids, and I met two of them: her twin boys, Ian and Isaiah, who will be three in two and a half months, around Thanksgiving.  They are the cutest little things!

Mum and pop had the house made handicap-accessible, so I can have no problem getting around in my wheelchair.  There's a ramp when we go in, and instead of stairs, there are elevators, so I can get to the second floor easiliy.  They had the windows extended, so I can have a great view of the backyard when I look out my room's windows; that way, I can see the beauty of nature and see all the little critters and birds.

I do have to have physical and occupational therapy four times a week, so I will still have to go to hospital; however, unlike past times, this time I can go home when I complete my therapy sessions.  Hopefully I will be walking on a pair of crutches (or even artificial legs) before Christmas; that is to be my next goal.  Better than spending all my time in bed!!  I am so sick of being in bed I can hardly stand it!

I know people will be stopping in to welcome me home, so I will be very busy.  This will probably be the only time I will have to write until things settle down somewhat.  Still, I am tickled pink to be home; for a while I thought this day would never come!!

I might as well pinch myself, to see if this is all a dream!  LOL

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Abbagale Winslow.  :D