Bittersweet

Life is full of bittersweet moments. We've been especially sensitive to them this year.

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. It was the annual Barberpaloozefest, a big, outdoor party with a lot of bands. Shawn's band, Hot Buttered Elvis, always plays this gig because the singer is the creator of Barberpaloozafest.

The sweet part was that Shawn got up and played a set. Not just one song but a set of 6 or 7 songs. This was six months and one day from the day he had surgery. Six months and one day ago he was paralyzed and considered a quadriplegic. He wasn't sure if he would ever play again.

That thought was difficult for both of us. Shawn has played in bands for over 25 years. To not be able to do that again would take away a piece of who he is. Shawn playing has been a huge part of our relationship. It's a social activity for us and frankly I love watching my husband play. It's hot. Thankfully, it's not gone forever.

The bitter part is that in spite of being able to play, Shawn still can't be who he is on stage. There was concern for losing balance and falling and he couldn't rock out. He's always been one to move, jump, bang head, etc... and now he can only balance on a stool. It was hard to watch in that respect. It also was a reminder of just how far there is to go on this journey.

But ultimately it's the sweet part that rules. It always is. Shawn will rock out again and I'll be there to capture the moment.