Everyone has busted out!

Free at last!! Mom and Ashley are both resting wonderfully at the hotel and extremely glad to be out of the hospital! For the first time in 10 days, we were able to be together as a family on our own terms, doing what we wanted to do. Its a great feeling. And frankly, I am looking forward to eating breakfast together tomorrow....even if it is the free Continental breakfast served at the Residence Inn with probably 20 other individuals spending time in Charlottesville, VA.

Dad and I went to the hospital this morning to pick up Mom, and after spending about 30 minutes with the discharge nurse going over medication, lab work schedules, vital signs, and many other things we should be mindful of from now on, we were able to leave. On our own. Normally a nurse or an orderly escorts you out, but we got special treatment. Carrying Mom's belongings, flowers, and box of meds, we gave our thanks to the wonderful team on 5West and continued on our way!

We will all spend the weekend together here and sometime next week I plan to take Ashley to the lake for a few days to enjoy some sun, more rest, and much deserved relaxation. Mom and Dad will follow shortly after to join us!

Our mission is near completion here, but the journey is far from over. Mom will have to get used to a new regimen of medications, regular blood work, and a tweaked diet, but I don't think she will have any problems adjusting :)

More to come...as always!