First off, I'm in a love hate relationship with my computer and blogger.  Blogger autosaves every 30 seconds or so.  My computer sometimes will highlight everything I have typed and erase it.  If the computer saves at the same time that my computer erases my typing, I lose everything.  that is what happened last night.  I was sooooooo mad.  This morning I will start over with an abbreviated version.

Yesterday was my first day back in the office since Marty's parents left.  I am most thankful that they were able to spend about 10 days with us post stroke so I could wrap up some things and prepare to work from home.  I am grateful that work has been so flexible and allowed me to work from home.  This has allowed me to both work and care for the basic needs that Marty has.  Over the last few weeks we have been working toward getting me back to work. That means teaching Marty to be independent and giving him the confidence that he is going to be okay and teaching him how to reach me if he isn't. 

We have taught him to text on his IPAD.  I have set reminders on his IPAD to remember to eat a snack.  I bought easy snacks and easy food for him.  Since he started really talking over the weekend, we taught him how to answer the phone.  We practiced calling me.  We set up a morning routine for him.  We were all set.

He then woke up yesterday very scared.  He cried most of the morning.  He was worried.  He was scared.  I don't understand all his fears, but I could tell it was really hard on him.  When I was ready to leave, he was already off his routine.  He hadn't eaten because his belly was upset from being scared.  I set out some easy foods for him to eat, reminded him he needed to shower and eat.  I told him Eric would be by later to visit, and I headed to work.

Eric came over to visit about 9:00.  Marty didn't answer the door.  Eric was concerned.  He tried to call me, but I was with my VP at the time and didn't answer.  He kept trying, but Marty wouldn't answer.  When I was finally able to call Eric, he was still sitting in our driveway 30 minutes later.  I called Marty and he answered right away.  I asked him if he was okay.  He said yes.  I asked him if he had heard the door.  NO.  He was downstairs napping and forgot that Eric was coming over.  Marty and Eric seemed to have a nice visit.  I will need to get Eric's take on it, but it seemed to be a good visit.

Marty had a nice visit with his primary doctor yesterday.  They were actually able to take him off some of his meds that have some side effects that we don't like.  Marty has just been super tired and having a hard time keeping his blood sugars regulated.  The doctor believes both are from medications, or at least partially from medications.  Hooray for 3 less medicines!

One the way home from the doctor, Marty got extremely emotional.  I had mentioned that I was going to work when we got home.  He became scared again.  The emotional roller coaster began, for both of us.  Thinking a shake might make him feel a little better, we stopped at Braum.  While our shakes were being made, it was apparent that the roller coaster of emotions was going to continue, not just for him, but for me.  I sent a text to my boss and let her know that I would not be working in the afternoon.

We spent the entire afternoon snuggling on the couch.  We talked about all the things Marty has learned to do.  We talked about what he can do independently.  We talked about how easy it is to get a hold of me at work.  We cried, we laughed, we hugged.  It was a nice way to spend the afternoon, reassuring each other that it was all okay.

Brendan came over to read to Marty.  Instead of Brenden reading, Marty read.  He read Dr Seuss's book, Oh the Places You'll Go.  It is so nice of Brendan to come visit.

When Brendan showed up, I realized I hadn't started dinner yet.  The girls are usually 10-15 minutes behind him.  Yesterday was Rylee's birthday and she had requested spaghetti tacos.  Thankfully that's an easy dinner so I left Marty with Brendan and went to make dinner.

I will save Rylee's brithday post for her party day.  Today was just a few gifts and cards.  The real celebration will be in a few weeks.  However, I can't believe that she is 14.  CRAZY!!

Marty had a few firsts yesterday.  He read scriptures with us during family scripture study.  Reading a scripture at Bishop Isabell's on Monday gave him confidence to try it yesterday.  He only read two scriptures, but it's a great start.  Marty also said the dinner blessing.  It is great to have him gain the confidence needed to try new things.  Every day he is able to do more.

Today I will be in the office longer than yesterday.  I can tell by Marty's face and voice that he is worried, but excited.  He was able to show himself yesterday that he could figure it out.  He is worried that Rylee will be worried about him when she leaves.  He will be just fine.  He has the skills needed to make it.  I have food set out for him.  There are a few things he know how to put in the microwave or toaster.  Our venture toward normalcy will continue today.