John is home. ❤️

We made it home safe and sound today, but not before making one very important stop. The first thing John wrote when I arrived to pick him up was, “McDonald’s Big Mac.” So of course, that’s exactly where we went.

When we got home, the very first thing John did was sit down on the couch to receive the welcome-home he’d been waiting for. Nonnie shook from head to toe with excitement, and Franklin made the sweetest little humming noises as they both covered him with love. They were so incredibly happy to have their dad back where he belongs.

Then John went directly outside to check on his tomato and pepper plants before finally sitting down to enjoy his Big Mac. Priorities, kids.

After lunch, we both took a much-needed nap. I woke up to find John standing in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for chicken tacos. I couldn’t help but laugh. I jumped in to help, and together we made chicken tacos with black beans and the perfectly ripe avocados he had bought just before his stroke.

For a little while, it felt like an ordinary evening. The biggest difference was that the house was quieter than it used to be. But it still felt like us.

We’re heading to bed early tonight because tomorrow begins the next chapter. John’s first outpatient speech therapy appointment is at 8:30 in the morning.

I can’t even describe how grateful I am to have him home. We know this recovery will take time, but tonight our hearts are full. One day at a time, one word at a time, we’re home.