My mom used the time while my dad was in the nursing home to get his room ready for his return, to be prepared for the newer challenges. She got a new hospital bed for him and a Hoyer lift--the days of being able to transfer him from his wheelchair to the bed or vice versa with just a transfer board were well past. She moved some furniture that had been in his room out to make space for a couple of pieces that held necessary supplies.

He came back home on Apr. 25th. Five days later, they had their 43rd wedding anniversary.

What can I say about this time? I remember getting updates here and there. For me it was a quiet but preoccupied time.

The day after he came home, I booked a trip home, flying in on the 3rd and back to to Boulder on the 7th. I never saw him in the nursing home and I can't say I regret too terribly not seeing him there.