As I start to write this in a hospital room in Albany, a week before Christmas, there is still hope that Betty Jo might get to go home for the big day.

The doctors came in to the room on the floor Thursday morning. We had gotten out of ICU the evening before. My first wife seemed to be doing better. She was still bedridden, but her signs were improving, and she was well enough to go back on the floor into a room.

Our friend Joe Sloan had gotten a room out of ICU the day before.

Betty Jo looked up at me one day, and said, "I'll bet you didn't think you would be doing what you have been doing."

I told her it was my pleasure to do whatever it took to get her well.

For me to not have been in town when we published the largest edition we published last week amazed everyone. To have your first wife, your boss, your lover and your best friend where she needs you can change your priorities in seconds.

My second biggest worry was that Granny Uva was being looked after. That really wasn't a worry as long as Tammy or Joanna were in town. I told Kent to hang in there. We would all be home someday soon, and his wife and child could get back to being at his home. One of them has been staying with Granny.

I told you that Uva's biggest fear is who will take care of her when Betty Jo and I are gone. Uva seemed to have had her fears relieved.

Betty Jo is doing better. She is still weak as dishwater, but doing better.

I had already been admonished not to try to tell the doctors, who are many, when to send us home. I haven't, but as I write, one has said if Betty Jo continues to improve, maybe she could go home during the weekend.

What a birthday gift that would be if she could come home by, or before, Monday.

There is no doubt that we can take care of her. If things don't work out at the job I have now, I've already been offered one at the hospital as a caretaker.

Several years ago, one of our irate readers referred to our newspaper as the Tooleville tail wiper. She would have been proud of me these past few weeks as I attempted to take care of my #1.

I believe I almost have my doctorate in cleaning my partner's posterior and trying to make her better. It has been, and always will be my pleasure to make her better. We both took those vows that we made almost 54 years ago, for better or for worse, very seriously.

We've had a lot of better, and very little worse for the past 53 plus years. We are looking forward to many more of whatever comes our way.

I came home Thursday to take a bath, change clothes and see if I still have a job when we get back. Wanda and Max said they could handle it until I get back, but hurry.

When you find something in life that you enjoy doing, it really isn't hard to go to your job.

I discovered many years ago that to be able to work at a job that you really enjoy is much more important than the money it brings in or the prestige or authority it gives you. If you can find something that you enjoy, it really isn't a job or work. It’s just some of the good part of your life.

To be at an out-of-town hospital for more than two weeks, going on three is really a gift of love. Other than going to college and working in Atlanta for two years after we were married, I have never been out of Colquitt that long. I guess you could say, I'm a home body.

Like our local hospital, the people in Albany hospital are professional and knowledgeable in how and what they do. Even more than that, they are kind and hospitable in everything they do. Some are better than others, but if I get sick, I have confidence in those we have been around. I credit the doctors, nurses, technicians and all hospital employees, but I know and Betty Jo knows that the prayers have made all the difference in her making it back home.

We have some of the best friends, like Pat and Patsie who gave us some relief when I would let them and the hundreds that have called and asked how she was doing and what they could do to help. That is when you find out that you are truly wealthy when your family and friends are there when you need them. The best things in this life can't be bought.

Thank God for His Gift on Christmas Day.

Saturday, the doctor came in to say we could go home. We made it home. She has at least a month of recovery before she feels like a human being according to the doctor. We can handle that.

God is good, all the time. May your Christmas be as happy as ours. God Bless you every one.