We had a wonderful Easter afternoon with Vernon. I can’t think of a better way to have spent it, under the circumstances.
My parents accompanied the kids and I to the Care Home, and we brought Vernon out to the courtyard for a light lunch in the sunshine. It was one of those perfect spring days, sunny and slightly breezy, not too hot— another thing to give thanks for on this day. I’m so happy that we are in a place that we can take Vernon outside to enjoy his company. Those walls inside the care home drive me crazy after awhile and I don’t even live there.
I asked Vernon recently if he knew where he lived. “In a box,” he replied. I shared this story with a couple of other residents today and they cracked up laughing. “He’s a smart guy,” they said. “That’s exactly what it feels like sometimes!”
But back to Easter. Justine brought candy to share, but we quickly realized that many of the residents are diabetic so we left the goodies for the staff. We did manage to do an egg-hunt around the courtyard for Justine….Maki is too old for it this year, apparently. Well, not completely: he enjoyed hiding them and then helping his sister find them.
Vernon’s speech therapist, Lisa, who has been worried about his swallowing ability, did ok the idea of feeding him egg salad. Vernon was eating some soft/chopped foods back in December, but his infections set back his progress in this area too. He loved the egg salad my mom had made him, but I now wish I had tried giving it to him as a sandwich, as he insisted on feeding himself with the fork, and a lot of it fell off. Still he managed to get the fork to his mouth every time. I know these are small details to record, but after so many months, it feels like we are watching a victory.
It would be so amazing to see him eat regularly again. Even the fact that he was showing interest in it is encouraging. He is down to 109 pounds (though most of that is due to muscle shrinkage) but his weight keeps dropping slowly. Also, eating fork to mouth is a return back to independence and society. I may just bring egg salad with me every visit for awhile, just in case he wants it.
My mom is so thoughtful to have brought Apples to Apples along. We played a long round, with Vernon just chilling out nearby, listening to our banter and laughter. It was a brilliant idea because playing a game together took the pressure off watching Vernon, hoping for his interaction. We were able to enjoy each other while being WITH him. It’s much more like a normal setting at home, where we go in and out of attention on one another. Vernon doesn’t have to be the center of it all. He was never comfortable with that for too long, even in the pre-accident days.
But he threw out his suggestions when asked, and most of them were right on.
It was a GOOD day. It felt a lot like things did when we celebrated Christmas as a family. A few less people this time, but still relaxing and fun. And most of all, Vernon seemed to enjoy it too, even if he mostly was just chilling out in his sun-chair, listening in. I am hopeful again that by this time next year he will be so much further along.
Happy Easter!
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What wonderful family photographs..it is so lovely to see you all enjoying your Easter Sunday together in the sun!!..and Vern looking so relaxed ..just perfect ..thank you for sharing Allison.
yep we had our egg hunt too..although inside at 6.30am as it was cold and grey, for Lewis ..Aaron did his about 10, (with little enthusiasm)..with Lewis skipping behind showing him where the eggs had been hidden!!..wish we could have all been with you, for your egg hunt..but do have sweet memories of a few in my parents back garden..with Maki.
xx love and hugs ,you you all, always xx
Oh! That’s funny, Vanessa. I can just imagine the boys on their egg hunts…funny how one’s personality comes through each year! I think Maki is done. Although if I tell him that Aaron is still doing an egg hunt, maybe he will be re-inspired for next year! Or maybe I can put money or fast-food gift cards in them…that will get him going for sure! Glad you had a great day. Lots of love to the family!
Enjoyed seeing a bit of your lovely afternoon. Egg salad, who knew? 😉 Happy Easter Adams and Moore families!
Happy Easter!! Great to see that Vernon is making progress with using a fork – that is amazing! Praying for many more good days like today. xx
ps(Please send my greetings to your parents…I’m not sure if they remember me from when I house-sat their home in Langley for them. I made firm friends with William Shakespeare, the cat!)
My heart was moved to read those few lines. I enjoyed looking at the pictures too. I was so encouraged. Vernon, i don’t know what it feels like on the inside and how painful this recovery is but you surely are a gift to your family and friends. Your perseverance in this battle is a beautiful exemple of overcoming difficulty and may the Lord be exalted through each victory. Know that you are loved and prayed for.
Didier for the Heslon family
Thank you so much for sharing, Allison! Great photos and lovely writing. So happy to hear Vernon is making progress! Lots and lots of love xxx
Happy Easter! I love you Vernon, Allison, Maki, Justine!
It was a beautiful spring day…
Happy to see the photos. I’m glad Vernon enjoyed his egg salad!
Praying he will continue to enjoy eating many new things in the coming weeks!
(I loved the pictures!) xo
Alison,
You looked so radiant when I saw you at church yesterday. You are such a beautiful woman inside n out. The kids looked so peaceful n Justine sitting there clapping was precious❤️
Because He lives we can face tomorrow n what a blessing to share your day with Veron n his loved ones in pictures n your anointed blog. Hugs to all of you❤️
Allison,
It was good to see Vern looking better. Easter is a good day and a good time to spend with him. Do hate to see his weight going down but you know Allison God is in Control. The pix of the Maki and Justine were great also your Mom and Dad. Such a special day for all of you and for us who have the privilege of reading your blog. You write so well. When Vern is home and all this is behind you maybe you put it all together in a book form and it would touch people down the road that are traveling the path your are doing right now.
Love,
Becky
So sweet to have family time. And now I’m really craving egg salad! Go Vernon!! So proud of you.
So good to see you had a good easter holiday! I thought maybe Maki was too old for easter egg hunt – he used to love them so much. At least he still likes easter eggs! Big hug
Lovely post. So fun to hear about the little things you enjoyed. Yes, next year WILL bring even more healing! Praying for that.
Beautiful family day together!