Our Visit With Tyler

Good evening!

We had dinner with Tyler tonight.  There is nothing like a little Mexican food to fill the belly and soul!  

Our goal tonight was to expand our role without confusing him.  We wanted to try picking him and his staffer up at the house instead of just meeting them at the restaurant.  This would mark the first time since November of 2015 that he would ride in our car.  Perhaps a more nervous thought was this being the first time we would transport him back to his house since the very first day he spent there. There is no way to tell how he will interpret things, or what emotions will hit him.  We kept our fingers crossed and picked them up.

We could tell that Tyler was very happy to see us.  He was smiling, and we each got a nice hug.  He had no problem marching right out to the car and climbing into his normal "shotgun" seat.  As soon as I got in beside him he wanted to do all of his old happy mimicking and happy sounds, just like he did for 25 years before.  

We arrived at the restaurant and the four of us were seated in a booth.  He had a great time throughout the whole meal, giggling, smiling, and enjoying his food.  It was also a great opportunity to spend time with his staffer, who is very kind and loyal to Tyler.  We are so lucky to have so many wonderful staff members caring for him.  

    

He looks healthy and happy.  He had no problem having his staffer beside him in the booth, cutting his food and helping him with his coat.  In fact, he likes her, and he welcomes her providing for his needs.

I was a little nervous about the ride home.  We loaded up in the car and suddenly Tyler grew quiet and deep in thought.  I feel pretty sure he realized it was time to go "home" and that he wondered exactly what that meant.  We tried to keep him relaxed, and he went back to being chatty once again.  We pulled in to his home, and he hopped right out and accompanied his staff right in.  He headed for a bathroom break, got his Wii controller, and came out to say "goodbye".  He was still smiling, and seemed to be absolutely comfortable with watching us go so he could get back to his routine.  

My biggest reaction is how thrilled I am with how comfortable he is with his life right now. His cheery attitude and good health is undeniable.  I'm also very excited that this means we can now consider taking him out for dinner without staff, and not risk him being upset or confused, especially returning home.  I also get a little sad to say goodbye to him and walk back to our car.  But I know what a blessing his new life is for him, and that he is right where he needs to be.  That means the world to us.

Be well and God bless.    Tom