This is a long one, and it’s a couple of posts I didn’t get to finish tied together. Sorry if it’s confusing.
I stumbled on this clip earlier Thursday morning and I think I must have watched it 100 times throughout the day.
That’s my Anissa. She’s intelligent, beautiful, vibrant, quick witted, well spoken and funny. She’s a writer. She’s the life of any party. She can thrive in any situation not requiring heavy math.
My kids just call her mom though.
Yeah, last night, I was definitely missing my wife. We generally finish up the wrapping on Christmas Eve, together, munching cookies and watching Randy Quaid and Chevy Chase ramble off some of the all time best lines ever on the TV.
It just wouldn’t be a Mayhew Christmas without the phrase, “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?”
Because that’s how we roll: Generally inappropriate and built to stay that way. 
At times throughout this journey, I’ve felt like the last idiot who refused to admit that the ship was sinking.
Other times, most of the time really, I know, without a doubt, that we’re going to do this.
Because, that too, is how we roll…and we don’t roll alone.
Friends and strangers alike have been helping my family throughout our time of need. Team Anissa is in full swing, evident by the mound of freshly wrapped presents under our tree. I only picked out a few. The majority were provided by great friends and family, both old and new. The kids helped me wrap them. There was enough that we can open some presents here at the house, and some up with mom. I made sure to tell the kids where the presents came from.
The gifts were dropped off late Wednesday, and my mom, niece and I went through them to see who was getting what and making sure things were balanced. The girls were asleep, but the cats (yes, we named them Puppy and Kitty) were bugging Nathaniel while he was trying to get to sleep, so he came down for a drink of water. I was in “sort mode” and asked him what was the big thing he wanted for Christmas, worried that a late night Walmart run would be necessary. His reply was simple, “Dad, the presents are great, but I just want mom home”.
Thursday morning I got the kids in the car and asked them what they wanted most for Christmas.
All of them just wanted the one thing I couldn’t do…yet.
Get mom home.
Today, we celebrate the birth of Christ. I think I saw once on the history channel where they figure that it probably didn’t happen at this time of year. That’s fine. The important thing is that we celebrate his birth. Not just one time a year either. I try to teach my kids to be Christian not just on Sundays, but to live it Monday through Saturday too. It’s not always easy, and we fail. But the cool thing about Christ is that’s why he was sent here. Because He knew we would stumble and need to be picked up occasionally.
So, the dry run went well.
After 35 days of separation, the Mayhew’s were reunited once more as a family.
I got my hug.
That’s the goal in all of this really: The reunification of my family.
When we got to the rehab center Tuesday, Anissa was sitting up in a chair out in the hall way. She could see us coming down the hall. The kids approached her cautiously at first, but just couldn’t help but run up to her and assault her with hugs and kisses. It was a little much for Anissa, so we wheeled her into the room and that’s where we got our hug.
Anissa again put on her mommy game face. She held her head up for as long as we were in there. Talking to the kids some, and interacting with each of them. Towards the end, she was too exhausted to speak, but kept trying to keep her head up.
What we didn’t know at the time was that they had stood her up for the first time earlier that day.
Wednesday, the girls got their hair cut and Nathaniel got some awesome boy time with some great friends passing through: The Williams’. These were Nathaniel’s best buds in kindergarten, and he still talks about them. They took him to see Avatar. He needed it. Didn’t stop talking about it all day. While the kids were occupied, Traci Williams and I headed up to spend a few hours with Anissa. Anissa struggled mightily to keep her head up for the whole 3 hours we were there. While Traci was there, I slipped out and went to talk to the therapist team. Apparently they had worked her pretty hard earlier and had actually been impressed by her. One of the therapists said something that caused me to break down a little. “She’s doing very well. She’s in good hands Mr. Peter. We’ve got her covered.”
After 30+ days of being in that hospital where it felt like the doctors and therapists were working against us, giving us such horrible reviews that we were being turned down for nursing/rehab centers, she’s with a team that actually believes in what they’re doing and, more importantly in her. I now know I’ve got her in the right place for this stage.
Christmas Eve morning was interrupted twice. First off, the girls went to the walk-in clinic. Rachael has some infection and got some antibiotics. Peyton had leg cramps the night before. That one scared me. This is why. That’s how this whole thing started: leg cramps. Her color is good. It was only one leg. There is no bruising. A warm soak in a bath made the pain go away. It still terrified me to no end. I’ll set up an appointment with her oncologist Monday or Tuesday for a cbc.
Wednesday night, I had a heart to heart with the Lord and told Him I could handle a war on one front, but historically speaking, wars on two fronts rarely end well.
The other interruption we got on Christmas Eve was a car sick Rachael. Yep. It was all over the place. Good times. We waited in the parking lot of a Chick-Fil-A for my mom to bring us up a change of clothes for Rachael. She handled it well, and barely mentioned it the rest of the day.
We got up to the rehab facility and hung out in the room for a good 2 hours. The kids and Anissa got to open up some gifts. I told them the gifts were from mommy. Nathaniel put together the Legos he got, the girls squealed with delight at the make up/spa stuffs they got. Anissa got some flowers, and a Yoda, her favorite Star Wars character. Basically we turned her room into a little hotel room for a few hours. The nurses and techs graciously worked around us. Anissa was pretty talkative the whole time. Toward the end, she was again too tired to speak.
The key is that she held her head up and sat up in a chair the entire time we were there.
In other words, she’s getting stronger.
Today, she won’t get any therapy. We’re going to go hang out all day with her. I’m praying that the lack of therapy today means the kids get the best response yet from mom.
If I haven’t said it enough, thank you all for everything.
I pray you all have a Merry Christmas and laugh a little louder, love a little deeper and hug a little longer…just like what we’re going to be doing.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Thinking of you all today! Enjoy that hug.
Much love.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
What a wonderful gift for Christmas, hearing Anissa has such a great team working with her & you have had great family visits is great. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas day.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Bless you and the entire family. I don’t ever read a post without tearing up! I pray that your Christmas is peaceful and relaxed and Anissa gets and gives all the hugs one person can manage.
Love and hugs from my family to yours.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Merry Christmas, Mayhew family!! Go Anissa!!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Yay for Christmas!
I mentioned a few weeks ago that Anissa and I briefly discussed “Christmas Vacation” on Twitter the day before her stroke. She told me she loves it “moar” than I do. Based on the Christmas tradition you have, I’m thinking that’s right.
Glad your visits went well, and I hope today is a good one.
I’ll be praying that Peyton’s o.k. Most likely she is. (Still, I’m a little terrified on your behalf.)
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Thank you for sharing with us once again. What a wonderful Christmas gift. I am so glad she is doing so great! Give her kisses from us 2.
What a wonderful Christmas gift for the kiddos! Some one on one time with mom.
We’ll be praying for Peyton too!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
You don’t know me…but I know about you guys through the whole web thing and have been following your journey – and i just want to say, merry christmas from my family to yours:). and i hope you have a totally lovely, boring;) christmas day:))
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Thinking of all of you today, particularly Peyton. I hope everything is okay with her and that it’s nothing more serious than ‘growing pains’.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Merry Christmas, more prayers from this family as well!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Beautiful, Peter. I can’t begin to imagine the strain of worry and effort on behalf of your wife and children, but along with so many others, I know – I am so encouraged by this update.
From another Christmas Vacation-quoting family to yours, “Mele Kalikimaka” and may Anissa continue to tell this stroke to “smell her dust and eat her rubber.” (And I mean that in the most inspiring way possible.
)
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Praying for you all. Don’t lose hope!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
So glad to hear that Anissa is doing so well. What a fighter she is. She totally has this one. Great report. Keep ‘em coming.
I’m sure Peyton’s just got some normal 6 yo growing pains. But that won’t stop you (and complete strangers like me who know her story) from worrying. Good idea to check with her doc. Keep us posted on that one.
Merry Christmas, Peter. Bless you and your family.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Merry Christmas Mayhews!!!! May God bless you today and you have a wonderful Christmas with Anissa! Praying for Peyton as I do every day. She’s a tough cookie just like her Mom =) I believe that God has great things in store for her. Thank you for taking the time to update, it’s really appreciated. Love you all very much!
♥
Desera
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
This all sounds so beautiful and hopeful. Everyone is thinking of you. One of the first things I did today was come to this blog. We’re all on your side keeping you covered on all fronts.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Merry Christmas and God bless the Mayhew family – all my love to Anissa~
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
It’s all such a juggle. You must be there for Annissa. You have to be an advocate for her care (and up until now in somewhat adversarial conditions). You have to handle your own emotional response to what’s happened and what it means for you as a couple and a family. You have care for the kids and manage the rest of your life, which must go on. You’re handling a lot, and then writing it all down for the rest of us. (thanks for that) I hope you have a moment this Christmas day to take a breath and realize what a fantastic job you’re doing. It may seem like a no-brainer to you, but not everybody has the stamina and courage to do it.
I’m sure every reader of this blog is grateful to your friends on the ground, who’ve pulled Christmas together for you. Those friends are precious.
In the meantime,
Strange acts of kindness can occur on Christmas, especially at hospitals and rehab centers. Beware the joy that might fall upon you when you least expect it.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thinking of you, Anissa and the kids today. Merry Christmas!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas is being had by all. Not necessarily the one you expected. Or ever, EVER wanted to have. But better than what you were thinking 30-something days ago and every day from here on in is just going to get better and better…which is the best Christmas gift y’all can have.
Thinking of you all today, with cyberhugs from this virtual stranger….
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Merry Christmas to the Mayhews! Enjoy the day, enjoy the gifts! Thinking of you all today…
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
May the Lord bless you and keep you…
Merry Christmas.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Merry Christmas to you- an entire family of miracles.
Good to hear (read) every step forward, no matter how large or small. You’re in my thoughts today- and every day- Rock On, Anissa!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Merry Christmas!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Merry, merry Christmas to you all. So good to hear she’s getting stronger and I wish you a 2010 full of joy for your family.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
You have enough on your plate, I won’t burden you with details of mine. I have been telling God for quite some time that I can’t handle the war on two fronts. He doesn’t seem to be listening, however, He is giving me the strength, wisdom, and grace to handle each situation. I will pray that Peyton’s bloodwork looks good and I will continue praying for Annissa’s recovery. But I will also pray for you that God will give you the strength, wisdom, and grace to handle everything that is coming at you. May God abundantly bless you and yours. Merry Christmas!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Merry christmas Mayhews! We love you guys.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Anissa: your own Christmas miracle.
Love, love, love to you all, this most precious of days. Blessed be our Savior!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Praying for you all, especially for Anissa’s recovery, Peyton’s leg cramps being just that and nothing more, and for your strength. Merry Christmas, and a Bright and Happy New Year ahead!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Much love and strength to you and yours. You are full of the spirit that will see you through….
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
It is so heart warming and wonderful to her Annisa is doing better and getting better. I know when she stops talking she has not stopped listening. She is just taking it all in.
God has some some very special blessing in store for you and for your family, but they are in his time and not hours but they are coming and they will be big!!!
May you have a Merry Christmas and a huge New Years and blessings and mircles and joy as you go thru this season.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Merry Christmas! I’m glad you got your Mayhew Hug!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I love you all!
Tell Anissa she is my Christmas miracle!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I’m so glad Anissa is doing well. She is such an inspiration.
Merry Christmas and my prayers go with you.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Go baby go. You can do it. The whole Mayhew family can! Love you all SO much.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful day together. Sending peace love and prayers to all of you every day
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Glad I didn’t bother to put makeup on today because your post has me dissolved into tears. Merry Christmas to you and your family Peter. I’m still praying every day.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
So exciting to see how well Anissa is doing, so cool that the therapy team is working so hard and is so positive.
Merry Christmas to you Peter, and Anissa and the kids. God bless, and I’ll keep the prayers coming.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Love the post.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Merry Christmas, Peter. And yes, that last thing you said–absolutely. Consider it done. Much love to all of you.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I love your family.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
We’re praying for you here in Utah.
Tammy and Parker
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I am so glad the holidays are bringing you signs of hope. Although I am a new reader to aiming low, I pray for y’all every time I read an update. I’ve become a big fan!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hearing about Anissa’s positive strides is the best Christmas present anyone could get. Sending love, prayers and good wishes to you, her and your family. God bless you all! Merry Christmas!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Merry Christmas to you and the rest of the Mayhews, Peter. Enjoy each other! (I’m sure I didn’t even have to say that, huh?)
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Merry Christmas, Mayhew Family! Thinking of you today and always. Praying for a peace-filled day with lots of hope and love!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
A Christmas miracle, if there ever was one. Blessings to you all, Peter.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Merry Christmas to the Mayhew family. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers. May things be easier in 2010.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Merry Christmas to your family! I hope today brought lots of smiles and hugs…
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Merry Christmas! That video was wonderful to see, fills me up with the Anissa we’ve been missing around here… love her. Love your family.
I’m so encouraged by the progress you’re all making.
Prayers.
Steph
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Glad you all got your hug! I’m sure that was the best present. Hope the new year brings more great progress.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Peter~ I thought about you and your family as I went to bed last night and again when I woke up this morning. It makes me feel giddy to picture you all getting the hugs you need. I am hopeful today is merely a continuation of the Christmas miracle we have been witnessing.
Much love to all of you – special hugs for Anissa!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Peter, what a wonderful way to spend the holidays. Anissa must have been so happy to have the kids and you with her. Love and hugs to all of you. You are always in my prayers. Merry Christmas.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I am lifting up prayers for you and your kids today!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Continuing to pray for your family, everyday!!!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Merry Christmas to all of you and you are in my thoughts on this holiday.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I have thought of your family so often throughout the day today. Thank you for this beautiful post to remind us all what Christmas is really all about. *prayers*
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
wow, no one could possibly be doing more for your wife than you and your kids are. she is clearly a very special woman. I keep you all in my prayers for a smooth recovery and continued signs of progress.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
God bless you all. Please give a hug to Anissa for me and know that you are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Love Cindi
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Fantastic news! My family just left and I couldn’t wait to log on to see if you had an update. I’m so glad you’ve gotten her out of the hospital and into a facility that seems to know they are dealing with “Anissa Freakin’ Mayhew”!!!!
Keep on fighting Anissa, it would seem most of the free world is pulling for you!
Love to all of you from Texas,
Mary Anne
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
<3 <3 <3 and happy tears
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I’m so excited by 1) your amazing outlook and attitude. I’m sure it’s far too easy to fall into despair, but I just get all kinds of good, strong gut feelings from your writing. You CAN do it. 2) the fact that you’ve got a team of doctors who believe in your wife and her recovery. The belief, the attitude, the love probably has more of an impact than anything else!
Merry Christmas to your family. I don’t know you, but you’re frequently in my thoughts.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Merry Christmas to y’all! I’m so glad to hear Anissa is doing better!
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Merry Christmas!
I am praying for Anissa’s continued strength, YOUR continued strength and for the therapist to continue thinking and working so positively with Anissa.
You are most definitely in the right place.
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Amazing Anissa! She’s everything you say she is. I keep praying and it’s always heartwarming to know we’re getting there. God is good! He knows before we ask and he knows what’s going to happen. I believe with all my heart that he has amazing plans for our Anissa. Merry Christmas to all the Mayhews. We all love you!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope the day without rehab saw Anissa even stronger and more rested.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 10:39 am
So happy to see the strength & good spirit in you guys!! Mostly thinking of Peyton at this moment so please do keep up updated with how her cbc goes Peter.
Hugs to you all……
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
You can do it Anissa!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Keeping all of you in our thoughts, with hopes for the best Christmas gift to come.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Back in November I trusted that a miracle was coming. God is at work here. Bless you for keeping us posted on progress, allowing so many to witness these miracles as they come.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I think about you guys all the time. I’m so glad to hear things are getting better, slowly but surely. Just remember, every day is a new day.
Take care, and Merry Christmas!!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Merry Christmas. Yay for the hug! And Oh My God standing! She is incredible. You all are.
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Merry Christmas to you all!
on Dec 26th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Merry Christmas.
I have told so many people Anissa’s amazing story already. What I think is cool is how it is going to keep progressing. I have to say that at least twice when I have told others about her reaction to her children and saying “I love you” for the first time…I cry…and the other several times I have told the story …at that part I have to stop and control myself from not crying.
Strength and love to all of you.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Peter:
I know how hard these days are for you and your family. Just keep believing in the miracles that you are witnessing. It is all going to be all right! That’s the way you roll!
Merry Christmas, God Bless you!
Thank you God for the miracles, keep em coming!
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 4:01 am
good things happen to good people.
With the limited information I have had from Sandi and Traci
You guys are frankly amazing so I think it only reasonable that
amazing things happen to you all.
Hang in there..Im sure the last 30+ days have been perhaps the longest time you have ever experienced but the progress Anissa has made in that time has been nothing short of awesome.
When I say awesome I mean it in the true meaning of the word.
I am in awe at just how well and just how quickly she has got to the point she is at.
I truly hope that 2010 will be the best year for you guys.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!
Blessings, blessings, blessings!
on Dec 29th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
SO SO SO glad you got your hug!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!