Eye of the Hurricane

David has described feeling like he’s in the eye of the hurricane - he knows there is major action happening all around him, but in his bubble, the skies are calm - for which both he and I are grateful. But we know this bubble has the potential to become isolating - especially as I head home on Sunday to be with the boys.

Now is a great time to show him and help him feel the incredible support he’s been getting from all of you since Day 1.  

We’re not going to post this on the website, but did want to share this info with our friends & family. There is a great tradition at Shepherd of people putting any cards they receive up on their wall as a reminder of the love and support from friends and family. He can receive postcards, letters and packages. 

Shepherd Center

2020 Peachtree Rd NW

C/o David Sward, Room 307A 

Atlanta, GA 30309 

Visitors

Tonight David and I talked a bit about visitors, which are also really important for everyone going through this type of rehab program. Recognizing this, the Shepherd Center provides each family a fabulous apartment less than 3 blocks away from the Shepherd Center that is fully furnished and includes a kitchen. Because of the boys, our apartment is a 2 bedroom (one queen, 2 twins) 2 bath - plus it also has a pullout sleeper sofa (I make no promises on its comfort). This place is really nice - newly built, great big windows on 2 sides, and close to some restaurants too so you don’t need to rent a car. There is parking here too though if you’re driving in. 

The goal is that for as long as David’s here that he has visitors every weekend for as much of it as possible.

He’ll have just one work session on Saturday and then Sunday is a complete day of rest for him. Matthew, Colin, and I are planning on a couple of different weekends between now and what we guess/hope/assume will be his discharge date from inpatient in mid-April and we’ve already heard from a few of you that you’d like to come down to visit as well. Guests would also be welcome during the week - you can work remotely from the apartment (if you choose to work - or you could not!), as David would be free from his daily tasks between 4-5 and could hang out until visiting hours end at 8:00. We’re likely to be down here a bit longer but in a different apartment for an outpatient day program, where again, we’d be up for visitors on the weekend (although we don’t yet know about those accommodations). Please contact Erika (erikaehs@yahoo.com or via text) to talk about dates. 

Thank you again for all of your support - the kind texts just letting you know you’re thinking of us, meals, contributions, errand running, London-care, and all of the other ways you’ve demonstrated your incredible support for David and our family.

I can’t wait to come back down here soon and see the wall full of his cards. 

Much love, 

Erika and David