Sandy Beardsley
Living with a Brain Tumor
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05/26/06
Homecoming…
Filed under: General
Posted by: Dan @ 10:09 pm

Yes, we’re home.

We arrived today, Friday, to our home which has never seemed more beautiful.

Leaving the San Francisco bay area and heading north on May 23…
 

To the view of the mountains from our “Garden of Friendship” on May 26…

A short version of our journey home… it started off a bit rough, to say the least. Monday afternoon, the day before we were going to get in the car and start the 1,000-mile drive home, I think my body just shut down - I had severe muscle aches, intense chills for a few hours and then a fever and sweats all night. Needless to say, I didn’t think we would be packing up and leaving the next morning. But somehow Tuesday morning I had just enough energy and coherence - and some coaxing from Sandy that we’ve got to get out of Palo Alto before we’re both too weak - to somehow throw everything in the car and get on the road.

We made it to Ashland, utterly exhausted and spent - I’m still recovering from what had nailed me and the drive is very rough on Sandy - and stayed at the same hotel as on the way down. Wednesday we made it to Portland and fell into the welcoming arms of our friend’s - and LiveStrong Ride teammates - Don and Deb (D2), in their wonderful tree house haven. After an evening and following morning of delicious food and loving encouragement, we reluctantly bid them farewell and got back on the road.

We got to Sandy’s parents home (about 50 miles from ours) and fell into their welcoming arms to stay the night with them. Later in the evening, about 9pm, we were sitting in their living room, which has large windows looking out over the town and college campus below, when a huge fireworks show started up - and we had the best view possible. It was amazing. We joked with Sandy’s parents that they shouldn’t have arranged it just for us - but it felt that way. Our own personal homecoming fireworks show.

And today, Friday, we got home… and, again, like last November’s surgery homecoming, we marveled and cried at the wonderful way our home had been made even more special by our friends…. flowers planted everywhere, flowers inside, new patio furniture, a huge banner across the kitchen signed by coworkers, cards, signs, and more than our eyes could take in… we are overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. And overwhelmed by all the love and friendship that pulled us home. There are no words to express our love and appreciation for all of you. All we can say is thank you… And please, feel free to stop by - or send messages. We are definitely up for visits. Sandy would love to see everyone. And if she’s not up for it, we’ll let you know. Don’t bother calling (since we rarely answer the phone), just come by.

The Garden of Friendship is always open.

Good night,
Dan

16 Responses to “Homecoming…”

  1. Caryn O'Connor Says:
    Oh, that is wonderful to hear that you are back home where you belong! I have to say, I must have checked your blog a hundred times throughout the week and was getting a little worried….but all is well! I hope you feel better Dan…..and I would like to say thanks to all those wonderful friends in Leavenworth and surrounding areas that made your homecoming so special!! You two have some amazing friends who love you dearly! Be STRONG! Love you bunches!! Your sis.
  2. jkw Says:
    Welcome home!! Enjoy the beauty of your home and being with each other and friends in your own space. Heaps of good thoughts and prayers on you both!!
  3. Caryn O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Says:
    Yes, what a relief that you are home. I am still in awe of two fantastically wonderful and amazing people who meet challenges with such grace and optimism. Am learning so much from a younger generation. Am certain that Glenna and Eric are as proud of their children as I am. Much love and many blessings to you both. Mom in Waldport
  4. Susie Archuleta Says:
    Happy home comming to you both! Your friends sound so wonderful Sandy and Dan. We plan on visiting soon anyway but please let Wally, the girls and I know when the next big garden bash is. We would feel blessed to meet these amazing folks. We are on our way to the bay in a few minutes. I will miss seeing your mom and dad, but am glad they spent time with the two of you. Oh you and the gnome look beautiful in the SF picture. Talk with you soon. Love, hugs, faith, and never ending prayers. Susie , Wally Rylee and Hailey
  5. Tina Rieman Says:
    Sandy and Dan: Welcome home to your little corner of Paradise in this crazy world. Hope I will soon see you two strolling up Icicle Trail (with the gnome perched on your shoulder, of course). Lots of love to you both, Tina . . . and Dick, too
  6. Susie Archuleta Says:
    Sandy and Dan, See how you have touched so many thank you. You are an inspiration beyond belief……………………………. http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=juddbrown Love, From all those you have touched. To numerous to ever be counted.
  7. alex m and jo r Says:
    Welcome back! Get some rest. Lots of Love and Prayers…
  8. Ann F Morgan Says:
    Sandy, sending you well wishes from Florida. you are an inspiration and only the almighty knows why you were chosen to share your journey with so many. all the best Pat’s sister, Ann
  9. D2 Says:
    Hey Sandy and Dan! We were so overjoyed that you took time to stop by! We know how anxious you were to get HOME! And what a homecoming! I’m so happy you had a nice visit with your parents and what a wonderful thing your friends did to make your arrival special! See how much you are loved? :) You are welcome to stay in our “tree-house” anytime. And it was wonderful to meet the gnome! Did he eat the cheesecake or were you able to share it with your family? Keep your Lance faces on and rub the gnome every now and again! And, as always, we send you our love and hugs. D2
  10. HAM Says:
    Loved seeing you fresh home on Friday night; hearing the stories; seeing the scar - first hand;petting Mr. Gnomie; looking at and hugging you both (what a good feel); along with pk and all the rambunctious doggies. We look forward to dropping in and seeing the garden PJs up-close-and-personal :o ) We thought we would be such piggys to just drop in and eat our Heidleburgers “at” you, but you graciously welcomed us into your chicken and wine dinner on your new patio furniture. Last time, we were all trying to be so respectful of your peace that NO ONE came to visit for a few days, so we decided to change that. As did PK. Welcome Home our dearies. With love and prayers and blessings upon you - H&P
  11. HAM Says:
    PS - in pictures above, I see Susan Carter-Craig’s flowers and Bab’s container plantings at the edge of Mr. Gnomie’s view up to the mountains. I see Chester’s weed-wacking and wheelbarrowing of debris. Lots of garden gnomes were all over your place, it was fun seeing the effects.
  12. Leda Says:
    Wish I were with you in your friendship garden even if I know you are in very good company. You’re great!
  13. Millie Watkins Says:
    So glad to hear you are home. We were thinking about you for every mile of the long journey. Millie
  14. Christy Price Says:
    So glad to hear you are home in beautiful WA. And it is beautiful on this Memorial Day. My stepdad is playing bagpipes up your way, you might even hear him from your house! It won’t be the same tune he played at your wedding, but he is still in good form. Enjoy these fine spring days, and thank you for bringing such joy to our lives.
  15. Anonymous Says:
    There are more than twenty angels in this world. Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are playing. And one is reading her email at this moment.
  16. Susie Archuleta Says:
    Hi guys, We Had a nice time at the sound. I sure hope you two have a chance to visit this summer with or without your parents. Our beach is so beautiful. Maybe I’m partial, but I really think ours is truly the most beautiful around. The last time we were there the tide was out so far, all the sea creatures that you could imagine were out. Actually some were kind of creepy. Gooey ducks would squirt up and get you between the legs if you didn’t watch out. We always get a big laugh out of this one. I bet you can remember this Phenomenon from when you little. You probably have already shared this with Paris. Tomorrow is back to reality. Oh my chickens are getting so big. I couldn’t give them up last Friday so I am keeping them in the classroom for another week or so. Who would have thought I’d fall in love with some silly little chickens. We put them in a horse trough because they are getting so big. Yes they are still in my class. I think I mentioned that I will be moving to 1st grade next year so the family that is adopting the chickens will be with me another year. Well, we are holding you both in our thoughts and in our prayers. We ar looking forward to seeing you both soon and meeting your friends and Mr. Gnome. Love Susie, Wally, Rylee and Hailey

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