Devondancer update

[Denny]

I feel I should have spotted that she was ill earlier. She is good at convincing me that she is well, though, and her personality, her Lesley-ness, is so strong that I don't notice how frail she is. It is hard to give her her freedom and independence and to keep an eye on her, as it does not take much for her to overdo things.

Ask Leslie "As your devoted and loving husband what questions should I be asking you so that I am able to monitor your well being."

Or something like that. You know that she knows how to weasel answers out of her patients.

Leslie: sorry, learned it from my wife.

[devondancer]

Brilliant, Denny! Lesley may of course think otherwise, but will answer, if she can.

And thanks, all!

Azalin, Lesley hasn't forgotten your lovely playing for her. I don't know what the secret of staying together is. Love is a big part, but respect for each other, accepting the things you don't like as part of the whole "package" that you love, trust, keeping your independence - still being a person in your own right, not just half of a couple, compromise, big sense of humour, saying sorry when you know you are in the wrong - and sometimes when you are right! So many things. I think, in the end, Lesley is more important to me than I am to myself, so I think about her first. Not always! We argue and disagree, but usually agree to differ. I do not expect her to agree with me about everything and I do not always agree with her. We are different people. But our basic "life values" are
the same, which I do think is important. I forgot - you must like as well as love your partner! At times you will not like them, but the love stays.

I'm sure other people could do better than that at explaining. Lesley could, I know. But from the point of view of this mere man, these are important.

Ro

[cowtime]

I think you did just fine summing up "togetherness". (veteran of 37 years married and counting..)

[devondancer]

HOME TOMORROW!!

They need Lesley's bed, and she is well, has been checked, poked and prodded all day and passed fit to leave! I cannot believe it! Nor can she, I think.

Devon here we come.

Ro

[Denny]

congratulations to the both of ya!

[gregdidge]

Great news!
Back to being a boring couple.
I'm so happy for you.

[Cork]

With great relief, I'm glad to hear the news.

[Doc Jones]

Fabulous.

Doc

[anniemcu]

Home... ah, the loveliness of that simple little word.

Enjoy! ... but not too much! LOL! No stress related relapses!!!!

Hugs to both,
Sarah

[brewerpaul]

Great news!
Back to being a boring couple.

Yeah, sometimes boring is wonderful. Savor it!

[devondancer]

We are home! We revert to being a boring middle-aged couple with great pleasure - or Lesley will when she wakes up! I am already there (or possibly past it!)

We had a good journey and did not need to stop overnight anywhere. Lesley is so pleased to be home, and so tired that she cannot appreciate it tonight. She is having supper in bed, if she hasn't fallen asleep in her tray, and will stay there until late tomorrow, I hope. Then she can start exploring again.

She looks so fragile, now we're here. She is so small in our bed, makes so tiny a lump under the covers. Bear is almost as fat as she is, and you haven't seen Bear! He is very old and worn - thread"bear"! And little stuffing. I shall take great care of her and try to fatten her up. Ice cream will help. My cooking skills will not, but I am learning.

However, Lesley remains quite convinced that she is not going to die, and I trust her. She has been right so far, defeated so many odds, that I can only trust her. And love her, and be with her, my beloved wife and my best friend.

Thank you all.

Ro

[anniemcu]

May the days prove lovely and uneventful.

[mutepointe]

There's no place like home. NOW STAY THERE.

[izzarina]

YAY!!!!!! This is most excellent news indeed! I am so excited for both of you!!!

Now make sure you do TONS of "boring couple" stuff. We'll all do your happy dances for you for now

[peeplj]

I'm so glad you are home!

Take things slow and easy. I think you're starting to see the pattern that rapid recovery isn't recovery at all, so don't try to shoot up like a rocket.

Slow and easy and gradual increases in activity. Remember to enjoy being together and take each good day for the gift that it is.

For folks I've never met face-to-face, I spend a remarkable amount of time thinking of (and worrying about!) you both.

May the best times still be coming, and may you have smoother sailing getting there, and always know that I am and remain

Your friend,

--James