6 replies to this topic

[The Wife]

So today was Chris' first wedding post-stroke, and it actually went really well.

He's been very anxious the last few days, but tonight he's very happy he went. Happy and tired, but really freakin' happy.

It was our friend, D's, wedding. Chris and D have been close friends since high school, so I wasn't about to let him miss it barring any sudden sickness or injuries. He's made a lot of noise the past few days about not feeling ready to go out, but I told him it was either D's wedding or spending the weekend with his mother.

So, he started getting mentally and physically ready to go to the wedding.

His biggest worry was having an accident during the ceremony, so we did his normal program this morning then did a full enema mid-morning, and cath'd literally right before we went out the door.

Because he has feeling, most of the time he can tell when he needs to use the toilet, but he still has accidents about once a week, normally because we weren't close enough to get him to the bathroom in time. Not knowing how close we'd be to the nearest useable bathroom I kind of agreed we needed to ere on the side of caution, especially this first time out.

We got to the reception and immediately D, and the third member of the musketeers S, showed up to help me get him out of the truck and into his chair. (Greatly appreciated, because The Wife was looking, pretty damn, good and not sweaty for a change.)

They helped us inside the church and both sat down to talk to Chris before the wedding started. Chris hasn't really been seeing anyone or accepting visitors so at first I could tell he was a little overwhelmed, but within a few minutes and one or two dirty jokes I could tell he was happy to see them.

About five minutes out I excused myself to visit the little ladies room and powder my nose, and for the first time out in public The Husband told me to, "Go ahead" and just kept on telling the boys about the colt that almost bucked me off last week. Normally he frets and worries about being left with anyone else, but this time I was clearly dismissed. (Yay! I think.)

When I came back they were already seating the family, and, to my shock and amazement, D and S had convinced Chris to "stand" up with them. (Pretty good for someone who didn't even want to come. Who knows best? The Wife knows best.)

After the wedding, Chris stayed and actually, willingly, let the photographer take his picture (another first post stroke) with the rest of the groom's men (and one of the bride sitting in his lap).

We went to the reception, and made one quick bathroom stop to cath because he felt like his bladder was full. Then the rest of the time I may as well have not been there, D and S chris-napped him from me and they all hung around and ate peanuts and told bawdy stories and jokes.

After the cake and the first dance I could tell he was getting tired, so I pulled him away and we said our goodbyes and got ready to go. The guys helped us in the truck again, and nearly scared the heels off of The Wife when they picked Chris up, chair and all, and tried to put him on the flatbed. To my eternal credit I did not kill either one of them, but only because they'd proven themselves so useful at loading and unloading The Husband.

By the time we got home Chris was already pretty much asleep, and I don't think he even remembers me taking his pants off, which is kind of insulting, because I was looking quite fetching.

I'm pretty sure he's going to spend most of tomorrow "resting his eyes", but I think it was more than worth it.

[wheeliebear75]

Sounds like fond memories for all! Sounds like his pals may have helped bring out some of the old Chris?

[The Wife]

Most definitely. Now if we'll see it at home, too, is the big question.

*fingers crossed*

[MTB John]

That's great news!!

Maybe you need to invite the lads around for a play date soon..

Give Chris a home territory advantage.

[goose]

Glad to see Chris was still comfortable with his friends and vice versa. He's still brand new to this and he'll get back into the swing of things with a little more time. This was a great start. Why not have a BBQ and invite some buddies over? Let them do the grilling.

[isobar]

Sounds like a nice time was had by all.

[The Wife]

I think I will invite them over soon.

K and I'll be at a rodeo all next weekend, and B, our main nurse will be husband-sitting for us so I may ask the boys if they'll come over and cook him dinner one night. My only concern is they might scare away my nurse. Also, that they might end up in Mexico (wouldn't be the first time), but much more that they would scare away B.