WE ARE HOME! We arrived at 6pm at the house! Sorry for keeping it a secret, but you never know when a complication could delay, and we did not want a big scene. Katy is resting in our bed, and we are SOOO happy to be home. Sorry for the short blog, but I will write MUCH more when I have the energy.
Love to all,
Al
Congrats Al!!! I can’t even imagine the whole family’s joy! So happy for you all!
I meant to write you I don’t know how many days ago. But I wanted to tell you that I watched the news broadcasts and Katy looks great!!!! You have done a great job. Welcome Home!!!!!!
I was just reading your blog, finished and this popped up. What a wonderful surprise. I am so happy for both of you. Katy must be so very content. The quiet sounds of your home will be such a pleasant change for you both! Sweet dreams! God has blessed you both!
Congratulations!!!!! I am so happy for the both of you and all three of you babies! I Imagine she’s resting better now then she has in months!
Al & Katy, this is GREAT NEWS! Baruch HaShem!! Mazel Tov!!! I am so happy that things are going so well for you so far. You guys deserve the best from here on out, and I know that you are strong enough to stay humble and continue to love each other and your children. I only know you through this blog, but what I have read is just so touching, and so very human and full of huge hearts. Keep on going. Show the Energizer Bunny how it’s done!
Thats so great! Can’t wait to see you guys sometime! :-))
That is so AWESOME!
Congratulations on the big day! We are so happy for you!
WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!
Trey
That is wonderful news! I am so excited for you guys! Enjoy your homecoming and be blessed!
At Last!!! Words cannot express my joy and excitement my sister… Tears of joy are so sweet.
Love, JenN
What a blessing! Katy you are an inspiration and Al you have been so strong! I am still cheering for you both and so happy you are all home together under the same roof! Enjoy your family time and if you need meals or anything let us know.
Karen
Oh my goodness!!! That is absolutely awesome!!! I am beyond happy for you all! I just sent a prayer (something I really don’t do much at all) last night and this morning for a safe, quick trip home for Katy! I only “know” you all from this blog, but seeing this post brought tears of joy. The short post explains itself. Hope you have an awesome, restful night. I know the kids are SOOOO happy for you all to be home, as well is Katy to be home with them. I really think this will speed up her recovery. Hoping you have an easy time getting settled and back into some sort of “routine”. Get some rest, I’m sure you both need it. I will still be thinking of, and praying for you all daily. Warm wishes from FL.
Elizabeth & family (Vu, Gianna 3, & Liam 8months)
So happy!!! Welcome home Katy!!!!!!!
So thankful you have Katy home!
Al & Katy,
HOW THRILLING!!! There really is no place like home!
Blessings,
Kathy
YAY!! So happy for you all! Here’s to a wonderful recovery at home!!
Dear Al and Katy!
Welcome home you two! Glad you are both home and out of that hospital! I bet it is sooo good to be home. Be comfortable, and you will continue to be in our thoughts….
Happy Wednesday!
Blessings always,
Linda Derouaux
Welcome home!!! Enjoy your night with your family. Your family is in our prayers. If you need a meal, please let us know.
Much love
I, too, know you mainly from your blog and have been so impressed with you and your family. Sharing your struggles gives us all inspiration for what can be done when needs arise. What wonderful, wonderful news! Been praying for you daily. I’m so excited for all of you! Rest peacefully! Maria Martin’s (House 6-A) Aunt Ginny Martin.
I have been following your story for a short time — since it was posted on AOL. Your blog shows what an amazing family you have. Just wanted to say Congratulations! I am happy you are home! 🙂
I am so glad Katy’s home. And I’m so glad she is so positive. My mom had to have her left leg amputated about 5 years ago. So I kind of have a small idea of what it’s like… and there’s nothing better than to be home. Some challenges may occur but as long as your positive, things will always get better. If there’s a will, there’s a way. I wish nothing but wonderful things for Katy and the rest of the family.
Katy & Al:
Whoa………………….What an absolutely pleasant surprise.
Congratulations on getting back to Kansas oops I mean Kingwood. There is no place like home. Now Katy can rest and recover in familiar comfortable surroundings – with the love and support of the family and huge network of friends.
I know you guys will be so busy but please keep us posted on the happenings …………..of the Hayes family.
When Katy has gotten settled in I would like to chat with her about her interest in the healing arts/naturopathy- there are many opportunities —– when one door shuts another one opens.
Katy and Al you are amazing people. Amber, Jake and baby Arielle are truly blessed that God appointed you as their parents.
Peace
Vibrant in Austin
I GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA
YEA YEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! Welcome home! I’m so happy for you and your family.
WOW!! AWESOME!! I’m so very excited for Katy..
Welcome home to you both! How far Katy has come, and what an inspiration she is.
We are thrilled you are back in your home with your family.
Best news ever!
OMG…what a way to start the day…coming in and reading such wonderful news. Congrats to you all and blessings as you continue this journey! Oh and btw…I was just thinking of the other day when you wrote about the practice car ride in the parking garage and it just makes me smile picturing the two of you speeding around in the garage (what a wonderful writer you have been Al). Thanks for sharing your story with all of us strangers that feel like we are your friends now because we have all these hearts strings that just so wish you and your family ALL THE BEST in the future.
Welcome Home Katy and Al…Welcome Home!!!!
Welcome home Katy & Al !! Cannot wait to see you!!
That is so fabulous I can’t find the appropriate words!!!! God bless you, God bless you, God bless you!! I’m so happy for you all, I just want to dance!!
YEAH!!!!
OH MY, THIS IS JUST WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!! You have both come so very far in Katy’s recovery, and now that you are home surrounded by your children and friends, your hearts will swell with all of the love they are so eagerly wanting to share with you both!! My prayers and thoughts have been with you every day, and I will continue to pray that life’s best will come your way:-) My love to you both and your beautiful family.
WELCOME HOME!
Gina Szkrybalo
P.S. My mom (Theresa Gubka) wants me to let Katy know that she loves her so very much, and thinks of her every day. She wants to call her some time soon to hear Katy’s voice and let her know how much she means to her.
yay!!!!
Dear Katy, Al & Family,
I do not know you personally but have been following your story on KHOU as well as through your blog – Al, you devotion to your wife is evident but one look at her eyes when she looks at you, one is able to see the love the two of you have for each other – Hard decision to have made and I commend you and appauld you for wanting to save your wifes life. you are a remarkable husband, father and BEST friend.
Katy – I am TOTALLY speechless, you are a remarkable woman, thank you for showing and teaching me the important things in life – Your courage, determination and gratitude is a lesson to all – GOD chose you to teach this lesson and I thank you for allowing me to be part of it.
I wish all of you nothing but the absolute best, WELCOME HOME this is where you belong and as family and friends surround you may you know that there are mere strangers such as myself that cheer you on. I’m not usually at a loss for words, but honestly your family has touched me in more ways that you could possibly imagine – GOD BLESS each of you and I will continue to follow your progress – Your entire family & friends are an inspiration. Al, I would like to ask permission to share your story with my family and friends back home in South Africa as well as in the United Kingdom but ask your permission first.
GOD BLESS.
I just got done reading your blog from the beginning to the latest update yesterday, and then I look at my RSS reader when I turned on my computer this morning and find this! Wonderful news, hope she heals quickly now that she is in familiar surroundings.
Unbelievable! Tears of joy for her, you and the kids are streaming. I know she is finally relaxing and will be able to rest peacefully now. I can imagine the joy of her resting while she hears her own children running around in her home instead of helicopter! I can’t believe the last 2 weeks progress. That is truly another miracle. Sending much love,
Laura
Absolutely Amazing News!!!!
Congratulations and Best Wishes to all of you!!!!
Wow!!! Words can not describe how i feel for your family. I have came across your blog from another website and I have to say such an amazing blog, I look forward to reading it everyday and see the progess that is being made. Keep us posted, and WELCOME HOME!!!!
WELCOME HOME KATY AND AL!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! I am SO HAPPY for y’all!!!! May y’all have a peaceful and restful day. I’m just around the corner…what can I do? Thank you God for our miraculous Katy! Love y’all
WELCOME HOME!!!SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU TWO.BLESSINGS ON YOU BOTH.WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!!!
woooooo hooooo !!!! What an awesome blog this morning !! My heart and eyes are overflowing with joy !! Rock on Katy Hayes !! Rock on!
Love to you all !!!
Amanda C
What wonderful news for your family. “THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.” Katy keep on improving and moving forward. It’s going to be a challenge but keep on pushing forward. Now, starts the busy busy time for all. LET PEOPLE HELP OUT IF THEY CAN.
Though we have never met, we have much in common, and our family will continue praying for you all, remember “ONE DAY AT A TIME “……………..Be strong and hopeful!
Take care and God Bless,
The Burnette family in Fl.
Praise the Lord that you all are home safe and that you are now ready to begin the next chapter in this journey. May the Lord continue to bless Katy with healing and strength and the rest of the family with comfort and guidance in the process of adjusting to life back at home, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
I am so glad you are both home safe!! Please let me know of any way I can be of help to you and your family now that you are home (meals, cleaning, running errands, visits with Katy, transporting children, whatever…)!
Megan
The Mitchell’s are doin’ the HAPPY DANCE!!!!
Sending ‘welcome home’ hugs.
Prayers continuing…
PRAISE GOD, for HE is GOOD!!!
I have been a “lurker” for pretty much the entirety of your’s & Katy’s “journey”. I was part of Rockin’ on Moms in Kingwood until we moved two years ago so I have been following your story daily (literally) since Katy & I share so many good mutual friends (and I don’t know the timing of when Katy joined the group, but just as I was moving I met a couple new moms, and I’m not sure if Katy was one of them???)
In any case, that being said, since I don’t know either one of you, I didn’t feel “right” commenting on your blog. HOWEVER, your most recent wonderful news could not go without comment. I am so so happy for you, Katy, and your whole family.
GOD IS GOOD, INDEED!!!
SO HAPPY for you all!! So I guess this morning was the beginning of a new chapter for you – starting with waking up in your OWN bed!!!
I’m so glad Katy is back home and I know even though there is a lot of hard work ahead, it will be easier now that you can all be together again as a family under one roof. My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you and I wish I was still in KW so I could do something more than just send you good thoughts. Hugs to all of y’all and congratulations and WELCOME HOME KATY!!!
Mette
PRAISE THE LORD
LOVE YOU
CLAUDIA
Al,
Thank GOD!!! I am happy to hear this!
🙂
M
Yay! Yay! Yay! Way to go Katy and Al!
Welcome Home excellent news
Praise God!
YEAH BABY! Welcome home!
Katy and Al–
That is wonderful!! I am so happy you both are home! How perfectly peaceful to be back surrounded by family and friends. It must be a load off of your shoulders.
Lots of Love,
Your Cuz
It’s a shame that due to not having health insurance, your wife was unable to deliver your beautiful daughter at a hospital. Hospitals have sterile birthing rooms. My daughter-in-law recently delivered her baby at St. Lukes by a nurse mid-wife, however, when they detected there could be a problem with the baby, a team of doctors and nurses came to the room immideately and everything turned out okay. Although there are a lot of germs in a hospital, especially on a doctor’s tie, with modern medical techniques this problem may have been detected before your wife was discharged but now a days, women don’t stay in hospitals more than one or two nights. I stayed in the hospital for at least 5 days when I had children and recently insisted that I stay another night in the hospital after running a low grade fever following my appendix being removed. You have to be your own advocate. Your wife’s bravery and the love you share are remarkable. I couldn’t go through that. I have a poetry BLOG of almost 500 poems; Rhyme or Reason. http://www.randeespoems.blogspot.com
YAY!! I’m sssooo glad and happy y’all are home!
I found your story on CNN and just wanted to stop and by and say that your family is truly and inspiration. So glad Katy finally was able to go home. God Bless your family.
Fantastic news – HOME SWEET HOME! Your family is in our thoughts and hearts.
DEAR AL ,
YOU GUYS DID IT!!!! BEAT THE ODDS !! LOVE WILL FIND A WAY !!! WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE CALL US FOR ANYTHING!!!!!
ULLI
Katy & Al:
Thought about you this morning- today you are embarking upon your “new normal”.
I am referring folks to your blog to read about your skill of advocacy and management of the multiple doctors and professionals involved in your care plan. You did an outstanding job- asserting yourself as needed.
Al, YOU are a very well put together person – you remind me of Dana Reeve and her care of Christopher after his accident. She was big on establishing new routines.
stay positive stay focused.
Vibrant in Austin Texas
YEE HAW!!!
So wonderful for you and Katy to be home. STAY STRONG!
Al & Katy,
You are both so strong and the bonds of your love for each other are strong – your love story is amazing. I’ve enjoyed Al’s stories. May God continue to bless your family as your journey and love continues.
Susan
Woo hoo!!! Welcome home, Katy!!!! I am SO happy for you and your family!!!
YAY!
I have been following your blog for quite some time now and have had everyone I know saying LOTS of prayers for Katy and your family. I can’t say how happy I am for all of you that Katy is finally home. Home is where the heart is and of course we all know THERES NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!! I know Katy will continue with her recovery and do very well with you by her side. I will continue with all my prayers. Look forward to hear how Katy’s progress is going.
God Bless, Aimee
Praise Jesus!!!
When darkness rears its ugly head, surely He is there,
In times of challenge and in joy you guys are victorious with love to spare,
Our Katy has fought a great fight and Al has braved the tough battles…
Looking back at the worry, now the elation makes our hearts rattle.
Now life is moving forward with healing, joy and tears,
My beautiful sister is home to give love to Al, Amber, Jake and Arielle, with the Angels singing sweet music in their ears.
Wonderful news!!!! Enjoy your babies and your home!
Julie
WELCOME HOME!!!!!! OMG!! OMG!! I am so happy for y’all to be home, together! I hope y’all have a very restful and peaceful day. Can’t wait to see y’all. What can I do? I’m just around the corner if you need anything. Love y’all!
You dont know me and I live the other side of the world, but I have been following your progress since a week in. I am so very happy for you all.
Katy & Al,
I second all the above comments – and want to say – I know it will take a while to settle in at home, and there will be a flurry of activity for a while.
When things settle down; and Katy has time for a cup of tea, I’d really like to visit. I have a little gift for her here at the house that I was about ready to mail – glad I didn’t!!
I also would like to bring a meal (or two or three) for you all whenever you are ready or in need. My garden is growing beautifully this year – and I’d love to share some wonderful fresh organic produce.
In the meanwhile – if you have need of anything – (errands to be run, help around the house…) please don’t hesitate to call…
713-927-0643
Hugs,
Jen
Welcome home Katy!!!!
What a wonderful surprise; I always knew you’d be God’s MIRACLE! And, you are. I can only imagine how happy you are to be home and how excited your kids are. You will heal so much faster in your own home. May God continue to bless you with his healing. You can finally get some real rest in your own home. I expect your Mom, Lucille is glad also to have you home.
Blessings to you all,
Gretchen >:)
I’ve been reading every post. CONGRATULATIONS from CA!!! I don’t even remember how I came about your blog but I’m so glad I did. God does hear our prayers … and he answers all of them … not always with what we asked for but always with what we need.
God is good – All the time!!
We have never met, we have never spoken but we will be forever bound in prayer and love.
Please know Al, Katy and all of your family that you are Loved!!
We look forward to hearing about your continued success.
many blessings,
therese
Wow..so glad to hear of your ‘surprise’ we have been keeping you in our prayers at home and at our church..and we will bring that good news to all the folks there..cousins, Jim and Shirley
So glad you are home in your own bed without the proding & poking and with your family who loves you so much! Almost forgot the doggies; I know they missed you too!
God’s miracles happen every day & you, Katy, are one of them!
So happy that Katy is home! Who says you can’t believe in miracles and the power of prayer! Katy, you are living proof! I can’t even describe how happy I am for you all now that Katy is home! I hope you get much rest and feel better. It sure must be wonderful to be at home, wow! Katy, you are always such a strong person and this goes to prove it. If you need anything please call me, I’d love to help you out in any way. I know you are always there for everyone, so now it’s our turn to help YOU. I miss you and your sense of humor so much! Look forward to seeing you when you are rested up. Your baby is precious!
Valerie G. 🙂
I’m so glad ya’ll made it home! It was such a pleasure meeting both of you and I can’t even begin to tell you the positive impact you’ve had on my life. You’ve made a lasting impression on me to say the least! I wish you both the best in the future and I know your journey will be filled with lots of love and happiness.
Take care,
Charise
This is great news! Welcome back home! You both are amazing!
Omgosh!! I’m so happy for yall. I have constantly checked for updated blogs and I saw this one and HAD to post!!! Enjoy every second as a family :). Yall are both truely amazing people and i know yalls kids r so glad for yall to be home 🙂
Al and Katy,
We are so thrilled for you! Ya’ll are an inspiration to so many and we are so proud of you both. God bless!
Love you all,
Aunt Sarah
Katy,
So glad to hear you are home, your dad has kept us updated. Hope you continue to do well. We will always love you since you were a little girl.
So happy your journey has finally brought you home!
Congratulations!! It must feel so amazing to be home. I will continue to pray for you all….especially Katy. Take it slow, and enjoy being together as a family. Your friend in western New York, Cheryl
Such great news, God is G ood.
Just watched the news about the donations of prostetics and a van. The Lord is good and even better than heard Katy was home. This is awesome news. Blessings!
Enjoy your own bed and not being awakend every 4 hours for vital signs! Happy Day!
Glad for your family. Congrats to you all.
What an amazing story – just stumbled on this last weekend. Read the entire blog. Hope you all have many, many years together. Until the end of time!! Irving, Tx.
So very happy for you and Katy and your kids! Blessings and hugs! Shirley
Hallelujah! Mazel Tov! That’s fantastic news. We’re thrilled for you all. And now the fun starts!
Amy
Amen! There is nothing like being in your own bed! It makes healing much more comfortable.
I hope the baby and the family are doing well, and I’m glad to hear the car ride went smooth!
Welcome home Katy!!!!
Love Amber =)
Fantastic news! Love to all!
Praise the LORD GOD almighty for NOTHING is too difficult for Him. What a mighty God we serve. I will continue to pray for the Hayes family.
I am so glad to hear you are home!! There is indeed nothing like being in your own bed! I have been keeping up with Al’s blog and I want to say “thank you” to him for every word he has written. Katy you are a miracle and you have a family/network of angels. We, in Dearborn, Mi , have spread the word that you are home! You continue to be in our prayers!
Nothing short of a miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am speechless, and could not be more happy for your family!!!!!!
How exciting for the entire family! I bet the kids are beyond thrilled to have their mama home again. Great to hear =)
This is the best news Ive heard in a very long time!! Im so very happy for all of you!
I had to remind myself to BREATHE this morning when I read the word HOME!!!! I was overwhelmed with EVERY positive emotion there is! I emailed everyone I knew and thanked them, for their healing thoughts and prayers!!
Welcome Home Hayes Family!!!!
Oh My God!! Hooray!! I am loving this news. Welcome HOME!! How totally exciting! WAY TO GO AL & KATY!
Lots of Love,
Susan & family
Al….you are a man of unbelievable determination, strength, love & admiration….
Katy….you are a woman who has an unbelievable amount of fight and gusto in you.
There are no two people I know who belong together than the both of you. God has already blessed you both, but may God still bless you both & keep you in his care always.
*************Welcome Home****************
Dear Al and Katie,
I have read your blog and followed it since a friend from facebook shared it. I live in England and have wanted to write many times, but as you don’t know me, it felt strange. I am writing now just to say how truly happy I am for you both and to just say how much I have so admired your strength, love and bravery throughout this all, what an amazing family you guys are. I am so glad Katy is home with her children and you, just the best news and she sounds like such an amazing person. from a personal view, my son has been diagnosed with autism lately and yours and Katy’s story has given me strength, shown me that with love everything will be ok and your words have been so inspirational. So thank you for sharing this journey . I just wish you all so much happiness. I am just so happy that Katy is home. xxx
Hallelujah! I know Katy is ecstatic! And you too Al!!! Prayers are being heard from all over!!!!
GOD IS SO GOOD!!! YOU GUYS HAVE EXPERIENCED MIRACLES AND I AM SO OVERJOYED FOR YOU ALL!!!
YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT YOUR PROGRESS IN JUST BEING IN YOUR OWN ENVIRONMENT. YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY YOUR SWEET FAMILY…NOTHING IS BETTER THAN THAT!!
HALLELUJAH!! PRAYERS AND CONTINUED BLESSINGS FOR YOU ALL!!!
WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!! Katy will rest more easily in her own bed. The Lord does work miracles.!!!
Love is patient, love is kind…… prayers to your family.
What great news! so glad for you katy as well as your husband children.
matt and shannon
el paso