I bought these tea towels yesterday. Not are they covered with excellent health advice, but its all scrawled out in Vernon’s Amatic font. I see his free fonts printed on unexpected surfaces all the time, but I thought this was especially symbolic: his own font is being used to tell us how to be healthy. It’s like a note to himself.
Just looking at the suggestions, I would say the only advice he seems to be following lately is to”get enough sleep.” But we are working on the others, like “more fruit and vegetables.” The doctor brought up the idea of feeding him smoothies. Hopefully the speech therapist will think Vernon is ready for it. He no longer likes the apple juice, which used to be such a treat, so his senses seem to be coming to life…its just those pesky throat muscles that get in the way. It would be great if he would start to gain more weight.
And even “getting enough sleep” is a new development. Joe says lately that Vernon has been sleeping through the night and not as often in the day. They get to sleep in though, so theirs is usually the last room to be tended to. Joe gets angry when they are not appointed their favorite, Ramona. He thinks that its cruel to Vernon to keep sending in different aids that he doesn’t completely trust. He calls her “mum” when he can’t remember her name. Joe thinks that the way Vernon starts the day is crucial to how well the rest of it goes. He lives in the same room, I guess he knows better than anyone. So he’s been fighting for Ramona, and I think today he got his request met.
This morning, however, he reportedly woke up bright and early to talk about his kids, especially Maki. He wanted to know what Joe thought about Maki. He thought they should encourage Maki to relearn his English accent so he could get some girls. Now this is based on something Joe and I teased Maki about yesterday. Vernon had been listening…and remembered some of it the next morning. This is progress indeed. He’s starting to remember more recent things…his connections are lasting longer.
And people are noticing. You should have seen the look on Ramona’s face when I asked her if noticed any differences in him. I wish I had a picture. I DID get a great picture of Vernon, actually smiling a little. It takes my breath away.
This was after some mat time this morning, a little medication, and his favorite thing: music. The Three M’s. For now, they seem to be working…and working well. It’s encouraging.
We were blessed by a visit from the musical Logie family, this time three of them. I have been so blessed that they’ve visited so many times, in such a variety of personality and talent, each visit another grouping. But today, I later found out, was Susan’s birthday…and she chose to spend the morning with our raggedy lot on their way to the beach. We received her gift with gratitude. I think this next song sums up the positive vibes we’ve been feeling about Vernon lately.
I think the most significant thing I’m looking for now is that Vernon would become quickly more self-aware and able to take part in his own recovery. I do believe we are seeing more signs of that everyday.
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OH ALLISON ..THERE HE IS ..THERE IS VERNON!!..oh what joy to share this morning ..my heart stopped, tears of joy fell ..thankyou for sharing xx
love you all xx please give Vern a big hug from me xx
I didn’t know Vernon or you Allison, my connection, ever briefly is through your dad’s art show. However, I agree with Vanessa’s comment above. When I saw the picture of Vernon I was amazed, he looks so much like himself and so present in the moment. Prayers for continued progress!
How handsome he is!
Allison I sure enjoyed the blog this morning and the picture of Vernon smiling was fabulous. You are so blessed to have such a great attitude…I know where that comes from! I want those dish towells too…they look kinda 50’s don’t you think? Well you all are in my prayers as usual and I’m thanking God for always sending you what you and Vernon and the kids need. Love you, Nancy (and Joe)
Hi Allison, I am going to be in Escondido Wed – Thur, visiting my son Noah, and would like to visit Vernon on my way home (north San Fernando Valley), some time on Thursday, if that is OK with you.
I was looking for the dialysis schedule to see if I could sit with him during that time but was not able to locate it. Again, we have never met, but I have been following your blog ever since Vernon’s accident and thot, since I am in the area would love to make a visit.
Can you please email me at jerickson@sothc.org and let me know if my visiting Vernon on Thurs would work out. I look forward to hearing from you!
that would be great. i’ll email you now.
Hi Allison, I’m following up on my request to come by and see Vernon on Thursday this week. hadn’t heard from you so just checking in. jerickson@sothc.org or jserickson2011@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
PS, would also like to know where you got those fun towels 🙂
I found them at Home Goods (TJMax!) they were by Cynthia Rowley.
This brings a smile to my face! I thank God each and every day for Vernons progress in recovery and for the wisdom God has given you. Each time I read a blog post I am reminded of all the miracles that God has done for Vernon this past year, some may be small, but they are still miracles and I won’t stop praying until he is completely healed! What a blessing your family has been to the other patients living with Vernon too!
Yay! I’m so happy reading this! I’m praying for you Vernon!
I don’t know if you saw it too – when I opened your Amatic link it said (amongst other things}: “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. I found it quite to the point!
Thank you for all the time you put into these updates.
I’m thankfull for the progress there is lately and pray it will continue steadily!