Here is Vernon ‘traveling’ out of his room for today’s procedures. (Traveling. Don’t you love how I’m picking up official hospital-speak? By the end of this, I’ll be a pro.) It isn’t just his bed that goes to another part of the hospital, but all his IV attachments and support machines. Two more nurses are at the foot of his bed, guiding him through, not shown in this picture. The man is getting all the personal attention he ever deserved, and he is asleep for it!
As far as I understand, his gall bladder procedure went well and he can be drained more thoroughly, which hopefully will make the road clearer for his impending pelvic surgery. The word from the nurse is that Dr Wilkins is looking at Thursday for surgery, but we need to get the all-clear from Dr Nwagwu, the Neurosurgeon. We are learning, especially after last week, to hold lightly to the idea of dates and schedules. Flexibility is a virtue.
The big event at the hospital for me today was a visit with one of the Child Life Specialists on staff, regarding the children’s journey through this. Last week Maki started visiting his father, and seems to be handling things really well and openly. This week, Justine has begun to ask to see her dad, which I’ve been a little more nervous about.I have talked to her many time about the situation, how he is asleep, can’t talk to her, and has to be still in order to heal, but I didn’t know if actually seeing him in his state would be frightening.
After listening to Justine’s requests, and now discussing things with the Child Life Specialist (Lisa) I feel confident that this is the right time. So tomorrow we will make a special day of visiting the hospital. Lisa will meet us in the morning to explain things to Justine and then we will go make a quick visit to the room and meet the nurses. Tonight, however, just to test the waters, I showed Justine a photo of Vernon from today. She looked straight at it and after a moment said: “Daddy is so brave.”
Yes, he is.
Think of little Justine tomorrow as she takes on what may be one of the first big memories of her life. And as always, keep Vernon in your prayers.
-Allison
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So Precious. I will especially be praying for Justine. We pray every day with all our hearts for Vernon and the whole family. Big Love
How wonderful that there is yet another expert to help on this journey. Sometimes the little ones are very matter of fact as they take all this in. Will say a little prayer tomorrow as everyday, especially for Justine. I know that The Lord has your family in his hands. God bless.
Allison you are so brave! Tomorrow we your friends will be praying for Justine and her arrival at Vernon’s bed! Love you dear Sister and friend!
You are very brave too, Allison. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
We will continue to pray for Vernon and that the doctors will be given wisdom how to best treat his broken body. We will also pray for Justine’s special visit with her Daddy. I pray that God will keep her calm and peaceful when she sees him. What a blessing your children are to you and their Daddy. Continue to be strong and encouraged Allison every step of the way of Vernons healing. ♥ The Jones family
Allison, it seems each day brings a new step and this one is a big one! Bob and I have been praying all along specifically for Maki and Justine in addition, of course for Vernon, you and the extended family. May you be blessed with peace, joy, courage and hope as you continue to trust God during this very unplanned journey. You are a blessing to us! Hugs to you who are also very brave!
How very sweet is Justine’s response!
You are all so very brave. my good thoughts and energy still goes out to all of you. every day. And it’s very good to have a Lisa, who can explain the situation to Justine. Big hug
Oh Allison, how my heart is so heavy for you family. As I read your post today about what Justine said about her daddy being so brave, I couldn’t help but think of the scripture of how important the little children are to Jesus. I think God gives them the right words at the right time to clutch a heart and surround it with love like no one else can. I might add that mama is very brave as well. I continue to pray for you, Vernon and your family. How wonderful that the hospital provides the help for children and the families, to understand something so complex as this. Bless you all.
Still praying daily for all of you and will say a special one for Justine’s first visit. Maybe if you explain that her daddy has a LOT of “owies” and in order to make them “all better” it is better for him that he stays asleep for a little longer so he won’t feel the pain when they operate on him and try to “fix the broken parts.” Stay strong Allison, we know that God is using this trial to bring people into His kingdom who might never have paid attention to others trying to witness to them.
I was so moved by Justine’s response….incredible bravery …..
Amazing how the Lord gives us what we need to face the moment…
I will be praying for Justine’s visit today, and for you too.
Praying that today brings more healing to your beautiful family.
What an incredible response from Justine! Such truth, so simply. It brought tears to my eyes. Reading this blog about your family is bringing be such hopeful joy. Praying.
Allison, never have I met a braver person than you. That must be where Justine gets it from. I will be praying for you and her and Vernon today. Love you.
Theresa
Praying for Justine’s journey…hearing her voice will bless her daddy’s heart.
There is something in the heart of a child that we have yet to understand–their acceptance of what we see as difficult, their simple faith, and their courage. I am so pleased that Justine is going in for both her sake and for Vernon’s. When my husband’s father had a very severe stroke he was completely unresponsive and the doctors said there was no brain activity. We decided to take our son Chris, then only 2 years old, to visit as the two were very close. Chris showed no hesitation to the tubes but immediately wanted to crawl up and kiss him on the cheek. That one loving touch from this grandson birthed Opi’s first response and was the beginning of his awakening. May Justine’s experience be one that is life giving as well.
Your honesty, transparency and Faith are a Gift to the world! Praying for ALL of you and especially that Precious daughter of yours today. May you continue to see HIS light and Faithfulness on this journey around every corner – HE goes before you – Matthew 18:3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayerfully – jessica
We believe that when Vernon hears her precious little voice talking to him, it will be another push for him to recover even more. God uses all things, and kids are stronger than we give them credit for. May the Lord bless you this day, and tomorrow even more…
as usual, this post has me in tears. i’m sending you and the family all the good vibes i have. so much love for you all.
What a sweet, strong, bonded family you have. Sending you love & light today as you step through yet another doorway and everyday after <3
Brave, every last one of you!
Allison and All,
Prayers are still coming for Vern. Their are ladies on line that ask about is there is a new update. So when I get to my computer I go looking for your update. Don’t know how many read it but it is there for them to caught up with the progress. Hope all goes well for Vernon.
Love,
Becky Jones