December 7, 2005 - Mid-Morning

Mr. and Mrs. Bethke on the move! As with all travel plans, we're having some hiccups but nothing so far that will prevent Kurt from sleeping in his very own bed tonight again for the first time in over 6 week. We were originally scheduled to leave between 9 and 10 AM EST. The ambulance is ready to go, but the airplane has run into some delays and they've pushed us back to 11 AM. This should get us back to Dallas around 2 and hopefully see the Princess settled into the step-down unit at Baylor well before early evening. We were happy to put regular clothes on her for the travel (sweatpants and a Brinker T-shirt of Kurt's) and we have to believe that it feels good to her too.

As good as it feels to head for home, we'd be remiss not to thank the people of Savannah. Bear with us if this is repetitive. First is the unbelievable medical team (her neurosurgeon, Dr. Suh, all of her docs and especially those amazing critical care nurses are all the shizzle in our book) that never gave up on her. They responded to every twitch of her nose with new and cutting edge technology. You all told us that the body heals itself and medicine just helps it along, but we know that we are able to take her home today because of the long nights and sometimes longer days that you gave to her. Gerry, Diane and little Alex - your generosity makes us speechless. Savannah would have been a bitter and dark place if not for you. To all the other families we met during our time at the hospital (most especially Reggie's family), some with family members remaining and some with family members that have moved on. You are warriors. You fought with us and beside us. Be strong for your loved ones and know that we are still thinking about you. Never give up hope; semper fi. And lastly, to all of the nameless strangers that surrounded Brenda with small and large acts of kindness during the first incoherent 18 hours after the accident. The hospital is a terrible place to be alone and feeling helpless. She wasn't able to properly thank you then, but hopes each of you know that you taught her a lesson in compassion and love. You haven't see the last of us Savannah, we hope to bring our girl back when she's walking and talking so you can see the results of our miracle.