Catching Up
March 15, 2009
Mariah and Clay (DC, 1/09)
After virtually living with Mariah in Washington and Richmond for most of six months, I’m finding it kind of tough to return to “normal” life. Back in Boston I rely on Clay’s nearly daily updates to keep me informed and aware of what’s going on in his sister’s – and his – life in Washington. (God bless you, Clay. You can’t know how much comfort I take in knowing your sister is in your caring and competent hands.)
She returned to Walter Reed in DC on December 11, and since then I spent a week with her in December and again in January. Then just four days in February, and later this week another four days.
Cutting back has been a challenge. My concern for Mariah and now Clay as well sometimes blossoms into full-blown anxiety, especially when reports are dark with troubles. As hard as it was to sit by her side and watch her struggle, it’s harder to be hundreds of miles away and dogged by doubt and uncertainty for both of my brave, beautiful children.
I pray that Mariah will take heart in the old skills she has regained and the new ones she’s developing, and embrace her life with the commitment and determination that are the hallmarks her amazing story.
In the meantime, more often than not life goes on with plenty of humor and wonder and joy.
Here are the reminders of some of those from January.
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- Mariah and Clay (DC, 1/09)
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- Working Out at Walter Reed (DC, 1/09)
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- The Bridesmaid Tries Her Dress (MD, 2/09)
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- All Dressed Up to Play with Chai (MD, 2/09)
Occupational Therapy (DC, 1/09)
Physical Therapy (DC, 1/09)
– Mark
Mariah's Reemergence 
Mariah–you look fantastic in red! As always, I love you, miss you, and hope that you are happy and being as patient with your reemergence as possible. Happy St. Patty’s Day too. Eat some Colcannon and Soda Bread for me!
Leah
Wow!!
You look beautiful as always in that dress. Thanks Mark for sharing these photos and videos! It is amazing to see how graceful you are on the leg press Mariah…I don’t think I would look nearly so precise or composed if someone filmed me doing the same thing 🙂
I’m working hard to train a relief vet so that I can come up to Baltimore/DC in May. I don’t know yet for sure, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can stop by for a visit. Should I coordinate through Clay?
Hoping to see you soon!
Love,
Elizabeth
Mariah,
You look so strong!!! I am so proud of your continued determination and perseverance. I hope to see you at a Sarge event soon! Thanks for being my inspiration.
Michele
So much grace and strength is evident in both your children, Mark. How proud you must be.
Its a joy to see smiling faces. Mariah — you’ve come so far in such a short time. Keep pushing.
Do well
Shane McNamee
Happy Birthday Mariah!
Mariah: Have been thinking of and praying for you since your mom came to my wedding on Nov. 1, 2008, and told me of your stroke. Was so glad to have her there as Providence again blessed me with a wonderful partner, as happened with my first and beloved husband, John F. Daley, who died on March 11, 2005.
Have been reading this blog and looking at pictures and am amazed at the challenges you’re surmounting. But I knew from the first time we met, so long ago on Chestnut St., that you were an unbelievably strong and gifted person. I am so proud of you, and so grateful to your family and friends for loving and supporting you through your re-emergence. Hope you can feel my affection and encouragement through this note. I want to call Mary-O soon and check in, and try to find out where you are.
Life has brought some unexpected sorrows and blessings for both of us since we met last, hasn’t it? We’re still here. You’re re-emerging. For this I am so, so grateful. Please have Clay give you a kiss for me!
With hugs,
Jinny Daley Wallerstedt
Formerly of 4501 Chestnut St.
Mariah – I wanted initially to tell you that I am amazed at how far you have come, but we all know you better than that. I have been completely consumed with my current deployment that I have failed to take the time to let you know that you are always in my thoughts. It has been a joy to see how you have progressed (Clay – you don’t know me but thank you for the updates). We are about to begin the 6th month of the deployment and I am eager to get back to Molly and Jaime. We love you and will keep you in our prayers. We love you Mariah – Pete