Alan update: October 1, 2017

It is almost six months since Alan's surgery, so I thought I'd bring you up to date on how he is doing.  He has made remarkable progress.  Although his energy level and voice aren't completely back to where he was, he is doing really great.  The big thing for him is that he has been cleared to drive, so he and Tillie 2 have been happily back to driving normally.  The huge thing is that the headaches have stayed away, so his mood is so much better than it was for so long due to living with pain.  I feel as if I finally have back the man I married over 25 years ago.

Harry, Charlotte, and Alan at Auburn

In order to give me some concentrated time to work on some of my long-delayed Imagination Library president stuff, Alan went to Huntsville to spend a week with Charlotte, Harry, and their family.  Charlotte was a real trooper to take him in, since they are in the process of renovating their kitchen, which had been completely gutted.  However, he had a very enjoyable time playing with grandnephew Logan (Charlotte babysits for him a few days a week.), seeing the new houses that nephews Brian, Andy, and their wives have gotten, and going to Auburn's Homecoming game.  All the Spears are rabid Auburn fans/alumni.  So Alan got to take in the traditional papering of the trees and lemonade at Toomer's Corner.  

Alan's dad has been back in the hospital and out to rehab since I wrote last.  He is back in rehab again now after having a spell that may have been a slight stroke.  He was only home for four days before this happened.  Not sure about next moves.   Anna has been Bill's primary caregiver for so many years, giving so much of herself to him.  But love can only do so much, especially when you are not young yourself.  They are at an important transition point right now.  

Freddie the trailer hasn't been out of his parking spot since last fall.  It has some cosmetic structural issues that will need to be fixed before we can sell or trade it. Then, we will probably buy a new trailer and begin to travel more.  Alan's near-death experience has renewed our resolve to enjoy the years we have yet together.  You never know when they can be snatched away from you.