The Fabulous Flaming Moose

Surprise

"Surprise"

Yes it is, teammates are here even some of my competitors are smiling with balloons and banners, a welcome home party, burgers and hot dogs, chips, punch, lots of party food.

A table seems to be set up, with some snack food and a drink, Tony wheels me over to it, the girls bring me over a plate with a hot dog and hamburger on it, then dad brings over some toppings, Tony buts a plastic king crown on my head.

A party and my mood has lifted, this hot dog tasted the best in the world, chewing no longer a point of pain and I just tear though it, now the cheese burger, yes it is so delicious, I do feel like a king.

Some arrived late but come to my table and offer the greeting of get well soon, some bring cards, some brought food for the party, some have ended up swimming, I wouldn't mind a dip in the pool myself but not in front of everyone.

Music, dancing, swimming, I am having a good time but I already feel tired, annoyed that I was feeling tired before Leaving the hospital, had thought fresh air would help revive me, not sure what time the homecare will be here seems it was set up to start today.

My boss walks over, "How are you doing Moose?"

"Alright I guess considering everything, how about you boss?" he looked stressed.

"Been worried about you, and your dad, teams been a bit off and the work environment has been difficult with all of us feeling the lack of your presence but we and I are relieved your back home."

"Didn't mean to worry you all like this, it scared me too, but I'm going to work hard at my physio and hopefully get back to racing form. "

"We can worry about racing later, banquet for the championship you still manged to win is in November maybe just focus on that for now." He said looking at how everyone was in a better mood. "Your team needed this and to see you ok".

"I am grateful for this family, all of our hard work, you manged to create something really special for all of us, it's been an amazing journey to race for you and I don't want to let any of you down"

It's true, I have loved racing for him, I do hope I can get back to it.

"You didn't let any of us down, we are glad you are alive" he put his hand on my shoulder and held it there for a while, I think he was trying to hide his emotions so others didn't start crying to, then his phone went off and he said "excuse me I need to take this" then headed towards the driveway.

Must have been around 3 or 4pm and the BBQ welcome home party started to end, slowly but steady they began to leave, I believe 4:30pm every one else was gone, some burgers and hot dogs still on the grill, not sure how many dad had got but everyone was feed, we sat together ate those last bit of goodies and talked about how nice it was to see everyone.

I wheeled inside, tired but feeling like this was more of a good tired, I got myself into the lift and manged to make my way to my room, I wanted a rest.

Two hours later, I woke up to a knock on my bedroom door, the therapist is here.

"Again sir, my deepest apologies for being so late, I had car troubles and tried everything I could to make sure I got here."

Dad opened my door and showed her in, she looks so young, her long red hair in a pony tail that was almost swinging as she came over to shake my hand. She really did look like she had the day from hell.

We did my leg work in the bed, so checked on muscle tone and range, looked in my file and made notes, checked on my shoulder to.

"OK sir, got our notes and what has been prescribed for your recovery, I look forward to working with you, once again my apologies for being so late, I should be here around 1pm tomorrow and every day for at least 3 weeks, then we will see if we can go to 3 times a week."

"Thank you, I am sorry I forgot your name" I was still sleepy.

" I don't think I said it sir, I am Amber."

"Nice to meet you Amber, did you get your car fixed?"

"No, it's at the shop, they said I should be able to have it tomorrow" she looked tired.

"Hope it works out, do you have a way home?" I asked concerned.

"You're dad is a sweetheart and has offered to drive me home and to pick me up if needed."

"That's good, if someone got my car from the track, you could borrow mine for now, I can't really use it right now, I would have to check with Tony as I don't know if maybe they already use it but I can let you know tomorrow" I smile.

"Awwe that is so sweet thank you" she turns to see my dad, "ready to go?" he asked she smiled and replied "yes".

They left my room and I yawned, wondering how old she was so looked to young to be a therapist, athletic physical therapist at that, she works with athletes, my eyes are to heavy, it isn't long before I fall back asleep.

My dream pretty much just a recap of the day, I think I am smiling in my sleep, oh how nice it is to be home and no one hospital sounds, however I think I may miss those sponge baths, I did feel a little spoiled or should I say pampered. I hope Amber gets her car back ok, I'll talk with dad at breakfast and make sure she can get around.