Lucky for me, one of my oldest, dearest friends is in town to celebrate her parent’s 50th anniversary this weekend. I’ve known Helen since second grade. We got a couple of nice beach walks in this week, and it turns out our youngest children hit it off like gangbusters. Lucky for Vernon, she and her husband Ben, both visiting from Chicago, and her sister Catherine (also a dear friend) who is visiting from Nashville, dropped by the care home to spend a little time in the sun with him this morning.
A cousin of Ben’s, who is a designer that uses Vernon’s font, sent this note along, which Helen read outloud to Vernon:
“People in my office are very familiar with his fonts. Nunito is a personal favorite. I admire how his typography takes established type traditions and splashes fun all over them. There’s something unexpected about the terminals of Rokkitt, the dramatic taper of the stroke on Trocchi and the restrained mirth in Nobile. It’s not hard to see through his design decisions what must be his own joyful and spontaneous personality. There is a lot of life there. ”
Vernon said that was very nice…and true. He happened to be wearing his font t-shirt as well. You can get yours here!
After they left, I got Vernon on the PEMF mat, which does seem to be helping with his agitation if I get him on it frequently enough. That may change if we can get him the RNA exercise times I’ve been asking for. But I think right now, the aim of both is to get him to be more naturally relaxed. Nothing has happened with his gym time yet, but I was assured today that Vernon was scheduled to have half-hour sessions of exercise (arms and legs) two three times a week, starting next week. I’m hoping he can withstand the bike (it’s what I’ve asked for) so I’ll be there for his first afternoon sessions somehow.
Since this turns out to be something that he has the basic right to, I wonder how many other things I should be finding out about. Now that we are buckling down to the reality of long-term care (he is considered a ‘long term’ patient there) there may be more things we can find that will help his quality of life that I had overlooked or been talked down from before. I’m not going to go furrowing through the handbooks tonight, but its something to keep in mind.
A staff member today, who obviously felt threatened by the way I asked about something (perhaps I came on too strong?) suggested that I shouldn’t be listening to Joe for advice about how things were handled. I told her this: “Joe is a patient. He should be more in the know than anyone else. Of course I will listen to his advice. Vernon is a patient too…and there is no way he can ask for what he needs on his own. I am not just a family member here, asking for my life to be easier. All this stuff I ask for does not make my life easier in any way…every single thing I ask for makes it harder, at least for a little while. I am standing here because my husband cannot. When you look at me here, imagine it is him. He can’t speak for himself, so I am here to speak for him.”
The crazy thing is…I said a similar thing, in shorter form, last week, when a dialysis technician, who I felt patronized him without acknowledging that I was right there to help. In that case, I was invisible. Maybe I’m getting a little touchy. Who wants to be invisible? I think I can speak for Vernon when I say neither of us do.
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Beautifully said. You are not being too touchy. Being an advocate is such a serious and important role; you cannot be too touchy. Your job is to be overly touchy on behalf of someone else. Your instincts are good, and right, and for the good. Don’t question yourself, your motives are pure. Question anyone who doesn’t see that.
Thank you, Deena. Very good timing…since I read your note a little late (on Sunday evening!) Thanks for your encouraging words!
WOW!! what a wonderful note ..Vern your fonts are loved around the world ..what a super star you are!! I am so proud of you xx
Allison you keep fighting , being verns voice ..i would if i could ..and you know mum would and so would paul ..now those two would be threatening??!!(did that make you smile??)
so pleased you got some “friend” time at the home ….
xx love to you all , big hugs to vern , you , maki and justine xx
I think its great Vernon gets some exercise – it doesn’t take much to make a difference. This about speaking up reminds me about talking to teachers. i feel like explaining that my role is to be on my children’s side. I understand your ( the teachers) views but it is my role to support my children and believe in what they say, i am their voice and they dont always make sense.but it’s my job to believe in them. And support them. So sorry if you cant get me on your side. Ive never actually explained this to anyone but it is very clear in my mind and it makes it easier to step in. This must in a small way be like what youre dealing with. Lots of love x
Allison,
You are such a dear and don’t let them put you down. You are Vern’s for now and the best one I have heard in a long time. They will run over you if you allow it. Agree with you that Joe should know the rules not sit there and wait while somebody does not do their job because of convenience sake. Or they are standing the hall talking when they should be taking care of their patients. Stick with it dear heart.
Love,
Becky
You go girl! Way to fight for Vernon’s rights! It’s a good reminder to those caring for him that they are there to serve Vernon & others in their care, whether it’s inconvenient or not. You are his best advocate! As Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never, give up!”
Good advise for all of us.But also leave lots of room for rest & playtime… just my 2 cents 🙂
You are his advocate and Joe is too. Sounds like he can use all the advocates there are. Its amazing to think about Jesus as Vernon”s advocate. Praying for him continually. Eddie and I pray for you too. And as I read your daily journals, I am so impressed with the job you are doing. Our love to you, Janet
THanks, Janet. I need that word because lately I feel like the advocates we are supposed to have in the system aren’t really able to do anything for us. Doctors, the attorney. It’s disappointing. But Jesus can be the advocate…He’s doing it in his own way! And not letting Vernon get lost in the system he is in.
Last night I received a gentle reminder to be praying for you, Vernon, and your family today. I’m presently the yearbook coordinator for our school. One of my students created all of our section headings for our yearbook. I needed to make a correction to one of his section headings, so after inquiring about the font he had chosen, I went to download the font. There it was right in front of me…a gentle reminder that Vernon’s reach is far. Here is the result of my search:
Search Results Damion – Page 1 (1 Results)
Found in : Script Damion by Vernon Adams 46,922 downloads (70 today)
How non-coincidental that my student chose Vernon’s font, Damion for our yearbook. I’ll be bringing this all up with my students in class on Friday. A testament to how God works in the tiniest details of our lives to bring glory back to Him…even in a little yearbook from a small Christian school.
I guess this is just a long way to say a short note, “We’re praying for you.”