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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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