Today, one of Vernon’s close friends, Chris Owen, played a little improvisational guitar to help lure him back to us with some good vibrations.   He seemed to really wake up to it, even responding with some body movement (typically shoulder shrugs, which seem to control the ‘hand-squeezes’ we have been getting from him.) These movements are a big deal for him because any kind of physical reaction is exhausting…sometimes he will fall back to sleep after just a couple of minutes of just keeping his eyes open. Anyway, it is said that music brings healing, and though I have been playing recorded music in the room for him, the strumming of a real instrument from a good friend was balm to his soul…and mine. Thanks for your active friendship, Chris, and for offering up your musical gifts as well.

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Another high point today is that I saw Kathleen, the Spiritual Care worker, who was our hospital guide the night of the accident. I hadn’t seen her since that night, exactly one month ago, May 23rd.  Apparently she roams the hospital halls late at night because, in her words, she “doesn’t like authority.”  How perfect:  just Vernon’s kind of gal.  She told me she comes by his room and prays for him on her nightly walks.  She also said that that his wall filled with pictures and cards and the stream of friends coming in to see him makes it a positive place for not just his own healing but also for the healers. So please keep sending in the love, it is changing his environment.

Here is Kathleen, our night angel since Day One.

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As for today’s more clinical update, without going into too much detail, I saw two new doctors today I hadn’t met before.  One is testing his blood for infections, which seem to be raising their nasty heads.  Par for the course, apparently…it’s a matter of changing antibiotics.  And the other will be doing an upper endoscopy (a camera sent into the stomach) to check for bleeding, because there has been some blood loss.  At the moment she can’t go through the mouth because Vernon’s jaw is wired tight. However because of this necessary procedure, Dr. Cummings, the Oral Surgeon, will take the wires out a week earlier than planned. This may actually be a blessing in disguise as Vernon will have less uncomfortable obstructions deal with as he comes back to waking life.

As always, I am in awe of the detailed care Vernon is getting. I wonder if he isn’t in the best hospital in the world. It certainly has my vote!

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