We had an unbelievable happy weekend. Rob was finally able to come home for a long weekend. To say that this was a special moment would be a huge understatement. It was absolutely fantastic!
Everything was arranged rather quickly and we had a delay because Rob had a bad reaction to antibiotics — the reason for the skin irritation to his face in the photo’s. Ultimately everything worked out great and Rob came rolling up to the house on Friday late in the afternoon. Just seeing the look in his eyes when he saw his house for the first time is something I will never forget. We were both overwhelmed with happiness.
Rob immediately settled in and enjoyed every moment of being home again. There is just nothing like being at home and in familiar surroundings. He had a warm welcome from Jansen, who followed his boss around all weekend. He really enjoyed seeing the new things we had done to the house to make it more comfortable. It was very nice of our neighbours to come help me on short notice to get things ready for his arrival — many thanks.
He was thrilled with his new TV, the painting of our house, and the red reclining chair, among other little things. 
As soon as he saw the chair he wanted to try it out, and did great with getting in/out of it. I also think it proved to be good therapy with having other positions he can stretch out in. Rob really enjoyed being around all our furry friends. All the cats came in one-by-one to greet him with loud “meows”. There was a competition all weekend between Jansen and Sally the cat over who got to sit closest to Rob. Rob is having various therapies at Heliomare, but I think a little “fur” therapy will also help him a lot in gaining some motion back.
He really loved the renovated “winkel”, and I don’t hink he could believe that it was the same room. We had to improvise a bit this weekend, but he really enjoyed being able to use it, and could really move around easily in it. I’m hoping we can give it the full work out on his next visit, and we are both absolutely thrilled to have it done, and can really see how helpful it will be in the coming months. Rob was stunned when I told him about all of the donations to the project, and he is looking forward to thanking you all personally soon.
All of the small things about just hanging around the house, outside of a medical environment, were wonderful. We had a few quiet visits with nearby friends, which Robert had not seen in many months. He was so happy to see friends again and be around people who know him. It was also helpful to have all of their support and knowing they could lend a hand if needed.
We were also able to go out in the garden and Rob could enjoy being around some greenery again. We were laughing at our vegetable garden because it kind of went wild this summer and I haven’t had the time to do much with it. It looks like “garden cleanup” therapy will also be high on the agenda in the coming weekends.
Rob also had a chance to be in his shed again, which is one of his favourite places to hang out. I’m in the middle of a massive cleanup there, but was able to clear enough space that he could see his old Daf car and check out all his tools. I think over time it is going to be a good place for him to get back into doing things he likes and also getting away from me for a while too!
We also did a bit of strolling around our neighbourhood and we made a quick stop at the local pub so Rob could say “hello”. I think people were surprised to see him because we had not let many people know in advance that he was coming home. He really enjoyed being there and seeing some of his friends again.
The last night was very quiet sitting around a nice fire and chilling out. Rob kept monitoring the time, and it was clear that he did not want the weekend to end, and neither did I. It all felt so normal again to be back home and together again. After all of these terribly difficult months, it was a slice of nirvana.
It was hard for him to go back on Monday, but we both know that the rehab at Heliomare is the best way forward now. We are hoping that he will be able to come home every weekend now, so that will make rehab a lot easer to handle. We can’t wait for his next visit and are counting the hours until his return…
Hey Guys,
It is so lovely to see my uncle getting back to his old self, slowly but surely!
I can only imagine how it must’ve felt for him to be back in his own house
and for you, Ellyn, to have your household complete – if only for a weekend
He seems to be making fantastic progress, i am utterly amazed at the difference from when my mum, the boys and i were last over!
Rob is definately a “Stubborn Pit” and making sure he wins every battle that heads his way! hehe..
It has been great chatting to Rob on the phone, my mum loves hearing the old Rob coming out again. We cannot wait to see you both in person again soon!
Whilst Rob may be a “Stubborn Pit”, Ellyn you are definately a “Strong Larson” and to be honest one of the strongest women i know! (I don’t mean heavy lifting wise
..).
You have both dealt with a heck of a lot over the last few months and you are true fighters, and a true inspiration to everyone.
Lots of Love,
Your Niece.
xx
Hi Rob and Ellie,
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before but I am moving to TX to be near Nils, he is growing up so fast. Anyway I am thrilled at your progress Rob, I know how much work you must do.
Perhaps when (much later) you guys are inclined to visit the States you could come through TX and see Rams, Nils and I in the same place (well almost). We spoke tonight for an hour and I am so excited to be a part of his life.
Anyway, I have been thinking of you, Rob so much, it is awesome to get such good news from you and Ellie.
–
Love Brad
Dear Ellyn and Robert,
It was great to see you Robert after all these months and we hope to see you both next weekend in even better shape!
Groetjes,
Anneloes & Koen.
Great news for both of you! Good to have Rob home again on the weekends, and permanently in the near future…after all you’ve been through, it’s heart-warming to read your last log!
Rob, keep it up!
Wow, what a wonderful post. So so happy to hear that you had an amazing weekend together at home. Home is where the heart is and as you said El it’s just so healing to be in a familiar environment, it also brings a sense of normality back into life. The pics say it all really. Great big hugs to you both xxxx
Great, fantastic! And with no tubes attached?
Great, fantastic you guys! And I didn’t see any tubes attached…
To Remco and others wishing to add an avatar — you need to register and then login and add an avatar to your profile.
Wrong end line. supposed to be a Beatles line.
Hello Rob and Ellyn,
Hey there back again.
Also give my regards to his sister, maybe she remember me.
How do i put my image on the page?
Here from you.
Well that’s really great and also for the pets
congratulations Robby & Ellyn!
Hello Rob and Ellyn.
So good to hear that Rob was over for the weekend in his own habitat.
Hope he will put strenght out of this.
Lots of luck and hope to hear from Rob soon.
My English is not 100% but i hope you both know what i am trying to say.
Greetz remco.
How wonderful to read this!! I am so happy for you two!
Wow, what a great feeling I get reading your words and seeing the photos. It seems like such a giant leap forward. Congratulations and keep the forward motion. Peace and Love.
Rob – Words cannot express how good it was to see you smiling and back home with your furry friends! Hope to see more and more photos like these!
Keep up the good work!
Love you all
Ruth >^..^<
This is really fantastic! So good to see you all so happy on those pictures!
Congratulations and big hugs for Rob, Elly, Janssen and Sally!
Love,
Tanja
Just great!
Gosh darn!! It does ones heart good to see Rob at home with you, Jansen, & all the homey stuff, including that ancient car in the shed. He seems to be getting around pretty well in his 4-wheeler!
Yay!!
It was just great to see Robert where he belongs. The joy you both radiated could not be overseen. See you both soon!!