42 Weeks! I remember the last time I hit the 42 week mark for something I’d been waiting for. The the delivery date for the mystery child growing in my belly had come with great expectation and then…it went. Everything had been okay till then, everything had been on schedule, I presumed. My pregnancy symptoms had matched the universal averages, but then when that estimated date of delivery had passed, I freaked out: I was suddenly the most uncomfortable I’d ever been, I was climbing the walls, jumping on trampolines, eating spicy Indian curries and pineapple spears, calling the midwives! Granted, this too was consistent with most other pregnant ladies. Justine was only 8 days late in the end, totally normal. But at the time…wow, time never moved slower.
Today we reached and are now passing the 42 week mark since Vernon’s accident. What a different mindset I have…I’m definitely more patient than I was 4 years ago. (Maybe parenting has taught me that!) You’d think that in almost ten months, Vernon’s would have learned to walk or to eat or to speak normally again…giving a hint that he might soon be ready to come home. But no, we have no estimated time of delivery. Wouldn’t it be amazing if suddenly we were told by the doctors, “Vernon has reached full term now. If there isn’t a big change in the next two weeks, we may have to induce…for his safety and yours.”
(Vernon with Justine two years ago.)
Today was a significant day for a couple of reasons. Vernon’s parents arrived from England last nigh—today being the first day they were able to see him since the accident. I had prepared them about life in the care home, but then this morning, I got a call saying Vernon had been placed back in Hoag hospital (the 3rd time in 6 weeks) because of his high temperature. So their first welcome into life with Vernon was a little more dramatic than we had hoped. I didn’t know what to expect when we all go there, but seeing him writhing on the bed with a fever, pretty delirious, having nurses poke him over and over for blood cultures, was not what any of us had hoped to find. I realized that though I blog regularly, I do hide a lot of the gory details, and they were shocked by what they saw.
Of course they were. It is shocking. I’ve been dealing with this so long, I don’t really mind what I see. But Maki said it well, later: “The first time IS a shock.”
It must be so hard to see one’s child on a hospital bed, no matter what the age. I know this is what they are going through, and it is not pleasant. However, my hope is that once they figure out the infections in Vernon’s body this round (they have ruled out pneumonia and sepsis so far, Thank God) they will be able to find this lurking problem and not only will he recover more fully, but his parents will get to enjoy watching him move forward. They are only here for two weeks, so I’m hoping he will make some remarkable steps in that time.
I discovered this version recently through a friend of mine (that’s you, Saida!) It’s the best I’ve heard of this song so I want to share it with you. Vernon loved his folk music, I know he’d like this one.
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Thank you for sharing… Praying for Vernon’s Drs to find the source of his fever! Praying for swift healing of whatever this is -and back to Rehabilitation! We love you Vernon and Allison!
I’m so sorry this is such a bumpy ride…
I am so happy to hear Keith and Joan are there. It will be great for the children to see their grandparents, and lets hope they get to talk to Vernon a bit after his fever gets treated. Im so sorry to hear Vernon has an infection again, I’m hoping with you that they will find it and treat it quickly. Thinking of you all the time. Lots of love
Holding your hand from here.
You are many peoples strength Allie. Not just Vernon’s or the kids. You are an indomitable spirit and being rooted for every step. Does Vernon have a specific infectious disease Dr assigned to him? Someone to help you understand how he got it? Or do they not know that?
A beautiful song n Vernon will be singing it with them soon.
I pray wisdom rejoices daily before the doctors n incomprehensible peace for his parents. Amen
Allison,
So glad that Vernon’s parents are there to at least see Vernon and talk with you and Justine and Maki. Remember this one thing that God is in control. So just rest in that.
Know that it hard for you as well to see Vernon so sick. I believe that you become more patient as you go along the journey.
Becky
Great song selection, Allison. It speaks of all of God’s dear ones who have patiently endured through the ages… including Vernon, including yourself. I know you’re in dismay, often, probably more so now than ever, but what you don’t often see… Emmanuel, God-with-you…is seen by us, His love so persistent toward you. We are made strong by what we see. Hold fast, girl, release is on its way, He will come for you.
At last mum and dad are with Vern …. they have been waiting for “the right time”, but there is never the right time is there ??? But i hope the time they have together will be right, the right time for Vern.
How can anyone be prepared for the first meeting?? i know how i felt when i first saw my brother last October, but i cannot imagine how it feels for my parents seeing their “baby”,as he is now, as i cannot imagine how you feel or , Maki or Justine.. it is a shock and it hits you hard …your worst nightmare ….. but i know your love and guidance will help them through this time, Allison..and being with Maki and Justine will help , what grandparents cannot feel better with a hug from their grandchildren???
xx love to you , wish i could be with you all xx