Just for fun: if you would like to enjoy a little bookshop-themed music as background for tonight’s post from one of Vernon’s fave bands, cmd/click here.
I arrived at the hospital early today, thinking if Vernon wasn’t in an “entertaining mood,” I’d catch up on a little light summer reading. These are some wonderful books that people have passed my way lately. And really, what is more fascinating then the human brain?
Thank you, mysterious gifter, for this last book, btw. Looks like a great and easy-to-read guide.
I was restless at the hospital. Yesterday, Vernon’s active time was in the morning (when I was working elsewhere) and so I missed out on the fun in the afternoon. Today I got there early, but he was tired, so I felt annoyed that he wasn’t ready to work. I figured I might as well do something with myself, where I wasn’t as focused on his timing or situation.
So I took a field trip to a nearby bookstore. I wanted to read, to learn, but not in the hospital room. I needed a break as much as Vernon.
I’m ashamed to admit it has been a long time since I’ve hung out in a proper bookstore. Mostly because there aren’t as many as there used to be. This Barnes and Noble was a little out of the way, but worth it.
When I got there, I just wanted to watch people that were standing still, not on their phones. I almost felt like I was on a layaway at an airport between journeys. What would I do with my time? Watch people. Wonder where they were going? Look at magazines.
But it really did feel like a trip to a faraway place. How surreal life has become that a visit to a bookshop filled with strangers becomes like a refreshing outing to another city.
Maybe I was just surprised to find that people still read books. I’m not shaming, I know how hard it is to find the time.
I found myself so curious about everyone I saw. Just like I am at the hospital. What are they here for? What is going on in that mind? Where are they hoping to go next? All these wonderful brains getting fed…
“I love walking into a bookstore. Its like all my friends are sitting on shelves, waving their pages at me.”
―Tahereh Mafi
Of course when I focused on books instead of people, I found myself in the science section. (Until this season, a no-go zone.) I don’t know exactly what I want to learn yet, but it has something to do with brains and comas and recovery. I was happy to discover just a corner on the brain-book market. My favorite title today (no picture, sadly) was “Neurosurgery for Dummies.” Can you imagine seeing that on your doctor’s shelf?
I just skimmed a few of these tomes, but one thing that kept popping out is that how much healing is done when the brain is kept quiet for some time. Another thing that stood out was how many people discover a deep spiritual awareness and personal-bettering after serious brain trauma.
We will have to wait for Vernon to tell us his opinions on these points, but I have a feeling it will be worth the wait. A friend even suggested later today that maybe part of the reason he is taking so long to come back to our normal life is that what he is experiencing is actually very special and too valuable to rush. That certainly gives pause for thought.
I didn’t actually buy a book in the end, but did leave with this souvenir mug:
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
And when I did get back to the hospital I was glad I’d taken the break, because Vernon and I were both ready to focus on work together again. He was ready to start moving his hands and follow directions and I had the patience and hope again…and there was no place I’d rather be than with him and his progress.
“Everywhere I have sought peace and not found it, except in a corner with a book.”
― Thomas a Kempis
57
😉 prayers continue…
You say people were not on their phone but you obviously were or else there would be no pictures /:
I was wondering if someone would pick up on that. YOU win the prize, my man. Yes, no one ELSE was on their phones. And you know my secrets in getting a phone shot. Don’t give it away here. 🙂
Teenaged brains are way underrated, btw. xo
Hahaha. Maki got you there. 😀 Smart boy. They say a true photographer does not only have a good eye but strong legs/feet to take you places. Watching those people reading and just browsing makes me miss having a bookstore or library nearby. Thanks for sharing your “break time”… You should take more of those “breaks” as you go through this journey, and tell Vernon about them, about the interesting things you see. I believe for him, it’ll be a break from his routine too. Hugs and love to all of you.
I love seeing the world through your eyes and lense. You have a very special gift my friend. Keep journaling.
music is on ..sat back and read your post twice,looked at the photos ..yes Maki is so right, well spotted makiman!!
since Vern`s accident i have lost myself in so many books ..mum and i have been buying and swapping, talking about the books we have read …. we are both finding losing ourselves in books is helping us both so much..and i have joined the local library ..have my libary card… even lewis had taken out two Horrid Henry books (he never reads stories)..how libraries have changed, when did that happen??!! all done by machine,card and yep another password for me to remember!!
i must go and check out the book at the top of your post, sure it will help me understand so much .( night time reading for Paul!!)
pleased Vern is responding again with you , must be amazing to be connecting again , the two of you … love to you all, big , big hugs xx..must go and make me a latte and go get my book i started yesterday, sit outside ..until the boys wake up!! xx xx
i think Audio Books may be in my near future…your library note just gave me the idea to check them out there. Nice thought! I do love my local library but never remember to get the cds. Hope you enjoy your summer book today, Vanessa. Another you and Paul might like is Proof of Heaven, which is about a coma patient (also a neurosurgeon) and what he returns to tell of his journey.
Allison…Realistc Hope is from me. Its the book I said I was sending. I personally know the author and if you resonate with the book would be happy to see if he would be open to communicating with you via email or phone. he is very passionate about this as he wrote the book from his own personal experience.
Thanks, Mia. I thought it might be from you as you mentioned sending something. But gosh, why does that email exchange seem like an age ago? Anwyay, forgive me for not writing a letter before. I got it a couple of days ago and was so touched. The parts I’ve read are really clear and helpful. Thanks so much for thinking of us. Big Time. Thanks to the author too.
Okay, i like all the books but i LOVE the mug. I’ll have to go down to our B&N…it’s been too long. It used to be our entertainment – the only building in the county w/ an escalator. Boy, our girls could ride (they read, too.) Love and prayers, aunt sue
I read your blog every day and in my dream last night, I was telling you this, so thought I’d maybe better do it for real. You are in our thoughts through this long marathon and it’s great to see the steps forward that Vernon is making.
Wonderful news! May God continue to lead you and Vernon on this journey. We keep you in our prayers!
Allison,
Glad to know that you went to a book store and found a place of piece there. Take care of Vernon and keep him on the mend. Prayers are coming your way from TN and all over.
God is everywhere and He is taking care of Vern.
Becky