Home....Sweet Home...

I ended up sleeping really good that Thursday night in Lusk...and as it turned out, it was a good thing that I got a motel room.  I found out we were in severe thunderstorm watches and/or warnings most of the night.  I slept through everything!

I woke up probably around 10:00 and just laid around for another hour.  I then thought I better get cleaned up and get all my stuff together so that when Riley did get to Lusk, we wouldn't have to waste much time getting on the road again. 

I gave Riley a call around noon or so and he told me that he was in Rapid City....so that told me he'd be in Lusk sometime around 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon.  I didn't mind a bit, as I was still recuperating from the headache the day before.  I ended up going back to sleep and set my phone alarm for 2:30.  
I had everything packed and ready to go before I napped, so all we'd have to do when Riley got here was load the bike onto the back of the pickup.

Riley showed up around 3:30 or so I think...and we didn't waste any time.  Rich (The guy who'd helped me the day before) told me to stop by the shop where he worked and he'd help us load up the bike.  We did that, and I'd say within 1/2 hour or so, we were on the way....

I was a little concerned about getting a headache in the truck and warned Riley of what he might expect if I did...   After talking to my wife about this the other day, I began to realize how uncomfortable people may be when they see me experience a painful headache.

After being back home, and going out to eat twice....and having to leave the restaurant both times, before we could enjoy the meal... I told her that I understood how frustrating the whole headache thing is for her....    As I've explained before the whole headache thing makes life completely different for me...but it also affects her.
Christine explained to me that she wasn't so much frustrated by the inconvenience, but she was more scared....when she sees me in pain...and she can't do anything for it...and she wonders if she should call the ambulance.... 
I guess that makes perfect sense and it helped me to understand what others might see, when they see me having a headache.
That's one reason it's been so nice to be home.  When I get a headache, I can retreat to my "headache room" which is one of our guest rooms in the basement of our home.  It's nice and cool....and dark...and quiet..and about one of the best places for me to be when one comes on...  It's also in a place where other people can't hear me moan & groan, etc....

The ride home with Riley went really good.  He was tired...so I offered to drive for awhile from Newcastle, WY and he accepted.  He was able to get some much needed sleep.  We also had plenty of time to visit....and that helped make the trip easier...for both of us probably. 
He tried getting some dirt on his dad from me... :)  (since he knew we went to high school together) but I really didn't have any dirt to share with him....   lol
His dad & I didn't live real close together so we didn't spend a terrible lot of time together in high school.

We stopped to eat somewhere between Rapid City & Chamberlain....  I felt a headache might be imminent, so he ended up driving the rest of the way home.  I took one of my pills when I felt the headache coming on, and it was effective.  The headache never got really bad...

I think we arrived in Inwood, IA around 2:30 AM or so, and my sister/brother-in-law were kind enough to borrow me a car, and even have it waiting at Riley's house, so I could head straight home from there.

My brother Dave was going to worry about getting the bike unloaded with Riley and his dad the next day.

There are many people to thank for all the help given, & prayers offered on my behalf.  At the risk of forgetting someone, I need to especially thank my brother Dave for all the help with the motorcycle, Kala & Scott in KC for allowing me to spend 2 days while I wasn't feeling well, Rich in WY for the help given after a bad headache, (& help w/ the motorcycle) Riley for being willing to drive nearly 300 miles extra to help a guy in need, Sharon & Craig for allowing me to use a vehicle, (which I still have access to) my mom & dad for their unwavering prayers, and especially my wife for allowing me to go on an adventure like I did....and being her usual supporting self.  There are also others that helped me along the way....and many others that were praying for me the entire trip, especially after the headaches became persistant and bad.....  I sincerely appreciate everyones help & prayers!

I made the 45 mile trip home and was welcomed by my wife around 3:30 or 4:00 AM.  Home....Sweet Home...  It's great to be back...and enjoying family again....

When I've been feeling good enough, I've been working hard at trying to catch up on orders that came in while I was gone, and that have continued to come in since I've been back home.
I've had good days & bad with the headaches, but I'm surviving them....and they say that, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" so I should be mighty strong by winter...if this keeps up.

In all honesty, it is sometimes hard to deal with, but I know that eventually they'll go away....& I'm looking so forward to that....  In the meantime I do sincerely appreciate all the thoughts & prayers...

I have yet to make it to the new casino in Larchwood to play poker, but am looking forward to doing that soon.  I'll let you all know my thoughts on the room....and whether or not I'll be a regular visitor, after checking it out for myself....

One last note about getting home....  I mentioned to my wife how much I was missing her home cooking...  I told her that I had only had 2 home cooked meals the entire month of June....   To which she replied....  "That's one more than I had."   :)
Summer's usually pretty busy, so we do eat out quite a bit....but I DO miss that home-cookin' and I've been able to enjoy some since I've been home.
Life is good!