I've been wanting to start a blog, I so much enjoy keeping up to date with everyone by reading their blogs. New years day seemed like a good day to start. So, here I am, although I really don't have a lot to say.

Today has been a very good day so far. We both slept well last night. I slept in until 7:30 this morning! We are still on schedule to move in 9 days. Dan's not been in the hospital for one whole week now. He was in the hospital three times in three weeks. Sounds horrible, but it's almost old hat now, no big deal, as long as he's breathing and can complain, then I know he's ok. He's doing much better. The back pain seems to be under control and he's got a doctor appointment on Monday.

Almost two weeks ago I went to Indiana while Dan stayed in Ohio with caregivers. I closed on our new home and got all of our belongings delivered from storage. Our best friends were there to help me direct traffic with the movers. I slept one night in our new house all by myself, no TV, no phone, no computer. I woke up the next morning in a bed surrounded by boxes and listened to the heavenly quiet. I got up, walked into the great room, still surrounded by boxes, and all I could think was "I DID IT!" I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I actually started to relax a little. I am very proud of myself. We're not living in our house yet, so I'm not quite finished yet. The hardest part is done. Now I need to pack up the apartment, clean the apartment, pack stuff to take with us, and drive us to Indiana one last time. Two of Dan's brothers and their spouses will be traveling to Indiana to help me get the house together. We'll only be 150 miles from each brother so, hopefully, we can get together more often. I could not have done any of this without their help. Dan's family has been there for us since his stroke in May 2009. We are very fortunate to have loving families to support and help us through the bad times as well as the good times. I thank God every day for what we've been given.

I keep reminding myself that this house will not solve nor cure anything, it will, however, make life easier for both of us, I hope. Dan will be able to get his wheelchair through the whole house. There are no steps into the house from the garage, the microwave is under the counter so he can use it, and the shower is a roll-in shower so all we have to do is transfer him to a shower chair. Now I need to cajole, convince, and encourage him to use these features to help himself. His logic deficiencies still stymie me sometimes.

This will be a good year. I know it in my heart. No matter what happens, it will still be a good year. The following quote is from a friend in my Caregiver Support group: "Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there"