Ah! Another day that didn’t go as I thought it would. Why should I expect otherwise? Different is the new same.
I took Justine up to Costa Mesa with me this morning because she didn’t have an after-school babysitter, and I figured a visit to her dad would be good for all. Maybe we would do something special afterward, just the two of us. But as I was turning in to the care home parking lot, I heard sirens behind me. Sure enough they parked right behind me so Justine and I laid low in our car, so we wouldn’t be in their way as they rushed through the double doors. I hoped that there was no heart attack but knew it was possible that it could be something less frantic, like a fall. By now I’ve come to realize that elderly people do fall in the home once in a while, after all.
I thought it was pretty cool that the paramedic fire truck had this number pasted on the side. It’s the name of a band we like; here is a song.
Once it seemed the coast was clear, I gathered Justine and her two favorite things (her “Doctor book” and Crystal, beloved kitty cat) and snuck through the door behind the men…only to see that the hubbub was right there in Vernon’s regular spot. They have him sit out in the hall by the nurse’s station when there is no one to work with him because he gets agitated and tries to get out of bed, though he can’t walk. Indeed, it was Vernon on the floor with about 8 different firemen/paramedics around him.There was a big gash on his forehead where he had obviously banged it against something in the fall.
The nurse told me she was sorry she hadn’t called, but it had just happened a few minutes before. The paramedics asked me questions about his behavior: “Does he always act this way? How does he usually respond?” I didn’t really know how to answer that as I’m still figuring it out myself, but for all I could tell he was the same as he has been lately.
I was less worried for Vernon, actually, than I was for Justine, having to see her dad bleeding and in such a vulnerable position with so many people making a fuss over him. Someone took her to get a snack, thankfully, but when I asked her later how she’d felt when she saw him on the floor, she said she wasn’t sad, but instead thought it was a good thing because people were helping him get better. This kid amazes me. Maybe she WILL be a doctor one day—she’s certainly getting an early education.
So Vernon was whisked off to Hoag Hospital in Newport once again.
As always the nurses and doctor were great, very caring and chatty. They were taken with Justine who started sharing all sorts of things that were wrong with her dad, for example his kidneys…which she then looked up in her “Doctor book” (about human anatomy) so they could see the pictures.
Back to Vernon, he is ok. He got another CT scan and an X-ray to see if there was any more head trauma. No fun, but at least he was safe.
I was hoping he would just get patched up and sent back today, but they decided that as well as taping/stitching the wound, it would be best to admit him and keep him overnight at least, so they could observe him for changes. I believe they found some residual infection in his system as well (nothing like before) but this may have been part of the reason for the fall. He had a slight temperature and threw up at one point. They know what they are doing.
Vernon’s t-shirt today. Hmmmm….interesting choice!
None of it seemed to phase Justine, who worked away at her drawing in the ER room corner. It’s a treat to go tot he hospital, after all!
On the way home, we stopped for some fresh air and a little romp in the grass. I figured we deserved a change in pace…it wasn’t the day out we had planned.
Later I came across this message, and thought it was very appropriate for this Tuesday, March 3:
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” —Confucius
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Allison, this is Patti’s son-in-law, Erik. Thank you so much for sharing this journey. I am a motorcycle rider and have watched many friends go through rough recovery periods after an accident while riding, so this whole story really hits home. You do such a great job relaying the ups and downs that one can’t help but feel included when reading it. My heart goes out to you and your family & I pray for Vernon’s recovery whenever I read your blog. I look forward to seeing him progress and come home soon.
Peace
Thank you for informing us in such a beautiful way. What an experience this blog is! By the way I have witnessed some scary falls by my dad. One straight back centimeters away from a window and head right into a flowerpot. He fell down the escalators once (dont know what he was doing going down them!). The scary thing is that they have no way of stopping their fall, but cross fingers, it goes well. The danger is you end up living with your heart in your throat.
Big hug
My darlings,
It’s hard for me to read this without imposing my personal experience in the reply. Hopefully this need will relax in the coming months. I still am curious how he had fallen and what he’s hit his head on? Grateful that Justine is becoming so u phased by it all. Yes, if she does go into medicine- God willing it is both Eastern and Western which , for me, is akin to a baby’s rattle that when you look closer has a snake attached.
Your photos, as always are timely, charming, moment coaching. You are my fVorite artist and I’m looking forward to your showing when we can get you the perfect LA joint!!
Prayer and love anymore love through this change and more change.
Xoxoxo -E
Allison,
Vernon is in good hands and he has God watching over him. I know it was bad seeing him in the floor but there were people around to help him. On the way to Hoag Hospital were he will get good care. Prays are coming your way. Blessings on all of you at this time.
Becky
Allison, you are so much in my prayers….you almost let us feel we are there. I am amazed at God’s timing….the only day I could have gotten over to Mesa Verde was on Friday…or so I thought. Then… the car situation did not work out. It would not have been good for me to be there with the doctors…right? So -m for now, I’ll just hang on to your “It’s alright – it’s only change, and I’m safe.” I will admit to being sad not to get to see you and your beloved Vernon. (He has also become beloved to me in keeping up with your daily blogs. I will continue praying for you.)
That’s ok. I knew that you wanted to come, but I also knew that you were limited in your mobility options. It so sweet that you wanted to! I’m so glad he is in your heart. I hope you had a good trip with your loved ones!
Wow! As always, thank you for allowing those of us who read your blog to journey with you & the family as you share life. Fabulous bit of wisdom with the sign about being safe. Hope you and Justine were refreshed with the beauty of the ocean.