Written September 24, 2010  9:39 pm

Anita and John departed at approx. 10:15 a.m., by ambulance  to the airport.  They then flew to Atlanta, GA by air ambulance, connecting with an ambulance which arrived at the Shepherd Center at 01:00p.m.  The flight was generally uneventful although Anita's oxygen levels decreased and heart rate increased slightly for a short period of time while reaching altitude.  Her oxygen and heart rate levels returned to normal prior to arrival in Atlanta.  Upon arrival at the Shepherd Center, Anita was admitted to the ICU, typical of the Shepherd Center admissions process for ventilator dependent patients.  During the course of the afternoon, a series of examinations/evaluations were conducted by members of the medical team, including Respiratory, Speech, Neurology, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.  Anita was quite tired after the day's exertions and was resting peacefully by evening's end.  Anita and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff at the VCU Medical Center for their kindness and support during Anita's stay over the past weeks.  It was very much appreciated.  Anita now enters a new phase in her recovery, and we look forward to her return home in the near future.

Leaving today.  Not the way I had hoped.  I was holding out for spontaneous recovery.  Walking out the door, surrounded by friends, family and astounded medical staff, squinting in the sun, with a bounce in my step. If only.  My exit happened like a typical medical discharge.  The wait to leave was full of apprehension.  My bags were packed, my ventilator buddy ready for a fast escape.  But there were papers to be signed and docs to find before we were released. Plenty of time to build anxiety.

I was transferred to a stretcher and wheeled out of the hospital.  Outside!  The first time in over a month.  My senses were overwhelmed with the sounds and smells that bounced off the exhaust stained walls of the parking deck.  Not exactly the soothing nature scene I so desperately needed.  After being loaded into the ambulance I could see my mom and sister-in-law on the sidewalk smiling and waving.  I wondered what emotions they were feeling.  I could only acknowledge them with a smile.

The ride to the airport seemed long.  I remember the bright sunlight, the noise of the planes as I was wheeled out of the ambulance.  Helpless.  Sensory overload. 

I was scared.  I like flying, but this was an air ambulance and the sense of urgency was palpable.  I was leaving my past, all that had become familiar in the past month, and jetting into the unknown.  I had no map.  No plan.  The jet was small.  Being on a stretcher, I took up the most room.  John was there.  My eyes locked onto his for assurance, safety. The pilot and 2 medical personnel were the only other occupants.  It was intimate. My blood pressure and vent settings fluctuated with the changes in cabin pressure.  I was anxious.  The nurse asked if I wanted to be "knocked out".  I nodded yes.  The next thing I remember was being pulled out of the ambulance at the Shepherd Center and transferred to a bed in ICU.  My new home.  John is here.  He looks exhausted, but is sitting in a chair in the corner.  I can't keep my eyes open.  We made it.  The next chapter begins.  Now.....for just a little while.