* * Recovery * *
The following Thursday Sheri came home!! She was up and walking every day. She finally had her bath, then a shower when deemed safe. The surprise Teresa had prepared (sandwiches) was greeted with yips, hugs and tears of joy. Physical therapy was working with her to regain full use and strength in the affected muscle groups, bringing her slowly back to normal. That would continue, for some time, after her release. A schedule had been laid out. Home health would visit for a week or so. Nikki had been bringing homework every day or two. We would bring Sheri's computer home so she could get online updates and send in homework.
The softball season was winding down. It wasn't clear how the team would fare in the conference tournament. Sheri was not only captain and catcher but a key contributor on offense as well. She was missed. I returned to work this past Monday. Half days - but at least I was back. My days would get back to normal now that Sheri's home. It wasn't clear when she could return to work. She, too, would start back part time. Whenever. Mr. Watson and his wife came to the hospital the night before Sheri's release. We were both stunned. Apparently Maddi had been getting updates from Linda. I hugged the man and thanked him for his kindness. I gave his lovely wife Sharon a hug as well. She smiled warmly and wished us well. They would both get an invite!!
Teresa and I spent time figuring out how to get the house ready for Sheri's return. This would be her home from now on; all three of us had agreed on that.
That morning, before I headed upstairs, I made sure to stop into ER to find Renee. She smiled her greeting. We hugged. I told her Sheri was going home; apparently the hospital grapevine had given her the word. I told her of our plans and asked for her contact information. She looked at me in shock. I told her I was serious, that I did, indeed, wish for her to come. Tearfully, she thanked me. Hospital personnel came to say goodbye as we packed up to leave. Flowers were donated to whatever patients needed them. Staff thanked us both. I told Erica of her invite for Memorial Day. She cried. I asked her to have Catherine stop by before we left. She did. I introduced her to Sheri. I also spoke of our Memorial Day plans and made sure to get her information for the invitation. She was stunned, gracious and thankful.
I did pull Erica aside in the hallway and whispered a most important question: "Is it safe for us to make love?"
She smiled, kissed me on the cheek, and said, "Honey, the two of you are such a happy, beautiful, loving couple. I urge you to spend the night, for as long as either of you can manage, resuming your romantic intimacy." I blushed quite completely and thanked her. I assured her I would pass her message along and that we both looked forward to seeing her in May.
Randi was waiting as the wheelchair brought my honey to the car. The day was crisp and bright. Sheri stood up as soon as we exited, hugged Erica, said goodbye, kissed me hard, and walked to the car. Randi hugged her. We sat hand in hand in the car. Sheri was glowing. I leaned and whispered, "We have clearance from the tower for tonight." Her eyes gleamed. I caught a glimpse of Randi. Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. Was our lust that obvious? Apparently!! I caught a whiff of Sheri; I was sopping wet as well. At this rate, I might have to ask Randi to drive a while!! I'm grinning. She slid up the privacy screen; I
think
it was a tease. Sheri and I both giggled.
We got to our place. When Randi said goodbye, she kissed and hugged each of us. She actually said this: "Don't stay up too late you two. It's a school night." (Pinky swear) I thought we might fall over laughing. Ain't she the bee's knees?
Teresa is close to a full foot shorter than Sheri. I was a bit worried she might squeeze her into next week. She fawned over Sheri like she might if she had grandchildren. She barely let her carry anything heavier than a spoon for god's sake. Heads of state are treated with this sort of deference. Sheri giggled, I smiled, and Teresa fussed.
Oh yeah, I forgot. Teresa knew that today was the day Sheri was coming home. I had instructions that Sheri was NOT to have a hospital breakfast. Teresa insisted that the first meal be hers. We had a giggle about that Wednesday evening when I told her. In fact, I was to call home when Sheri was being discharged so she could have breakfast ready. Jawohl!! We were told, "Sit, sit." We did. The feast that masqueraded as breakfast would have made Wolfgang Puck weep. Neither of us could finish it, try as we might. Teresa mother-henned us as we ate and glared at all that was left. I was sorely tempted to call Randi back so she could have some. And so the glaring would stop!!
We headed upstairs, as much to get away from the glare as to ... umm. We lay together on the bed, face to face, arm in arm. No lovemaking this morning!! Nope. This would be kissing, giggling, welcome home soft whispers, touches, and the like. Many hours later, we awoke. The sun's glare had dimmed as night had begun to approach. We started up again. This was soft, intimate, slow, thorough loving. There were tears this time – both of us, thinking of what had nearly been lost. The way our bodies moved in synch, the cries as places that had not been touched in so long were caressed and loved, the kisses, the joy of looking into each others hearts as we reveled in the furious ecstasy of our pleasure. After, as we lay, body to body, arm in arm, we both cried at the beauty of it all. We were quiet for a time.
I whispered, "Do you think we should venture downstairs for dinner? Or should we shower first?"
Sheri giggled. "I think Teresa might not speak to us for a week if we were late for her dinner. I would very much like to shower with you, lover. And that could be our prelude to later." That deal was sealed, as they say, with a kiss. I am a puddle; you melt me. We didn't pretend at modesty; we padded downstairs in robes, hand in hand.
Dinner, as I suspected, was waiting. My wine was as well. Teresa came from the kitchen to ask Sheri what she might like to drink. She looked at me and asked if there was champagne in the house. I laughed out loud!! Scamp! She asked Teresa for a glass of water with ice. That sounded good; I asked for one as well. Dinner was heavenly. Lord knows we needed fuel, umm, after. We ate slowly.
Nikki was coming by at 7:30 with someone else from the harem (oops) to bring Sheri's computer and homework as well as team updates. The visit would be short; I would see to it.
Mine
! Homework would be done in Braille later!! Hmm. That could be a fun evening some night! The teacher teaching and the student teaching the teacher!! How could I be so wet after the afternoon we just had!! This is me, not complaining, complete with shit eating grin. Thank you all very much. Please drive home safely. Five lip-smacking words.
Thanks to, umm, earlier, we finished dinner just before the door bell rang. Sheri rose to greet her sorority sisters. They fawned over her, cried, hugged, and kissed her. I smiled. Nikki did come and give me a hug and kiss. I think the other one may have been Mary Jane. Sheri asked them to sit; I fumed. The team lost in extra innings in the first round of the conference playoffs. Everyone had cried; Sheri was missed. Oh please! The sorority goings on were discussed. Me: bored. I yearned for Braille. Sheri smiled at me; my eyes spoke to her. Homework and classes were discussed, in depth, briefly. Sheri stood. They didn't understand 'corporate-speak.' She finally said, "Thank you both for coming, bringing my computer and homework. Tell everyone hello for me and let them all know I'm doing well. I'm looking forward to being back in class and seeing the house." That makes one of us. Julia, stop yourself!!
