Vernon’s accident happened 13 weeks ago. He spent exactly 8 weeks in the Surgical ICU and another 5 in the Progressive Stroke Unit. Tonight, Vernon has moved to the next level of care in his recovery to a sub acute center in Brea, about an hour drive away.
I’m not thrilled about the drive, but it sounds like a very nice facility, so I’m feeling positive. Maybe I can start listening to audio-books—yeah, I would actually LOVE to start catching up on my reading. The place I visited about a month ago just felt wrong for Vernon, and until today, that was the only place that seemed interested in taking his complicated case. And there will be dialysis ON SITE! (At the other center, he would have had to be driven by ambulance across town every other day.)
The news of his transfer came as a surprise about mid-day today, but the truth is, he is ready. I am ready. He is ready for more aggressive physical therapy in the midst of his nursing-needs, and I am ready to see him start progressing at a faster rate. I feel at peace about this. I don’t actually know he feels, but since I am the speaker for the both of us, I say WE are ready for change.
I have moved a lot in my life…I can’t count how many times. And Vernon has always been a pretty flexible and resiliant guy. So we can do this. Here we go again into the unknown…moving from strength to strength, even in weakness.
I was strangely excited when I heard the news today. The hardest part was taking down all the pictures and cards that have accumulated over the past 90 days. Here is a little visual journal of packing-up the walls. If you even have a loved one in the hospital for long, take my advice: DECORATE!
I am expecting that all the tape we used gets absorbed into the hospital bill. Insurance covers tape, right?
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Someone told me once-change is always hard at first but usually good… Here’s to more forward movement! I lived in Brea/Fullerton for 16years. Some of my favorite people live there 🙂 I had Noah there- I smiled when I heard Brea. I’m praying the care Vernon receives there will be Stellar. I love you guys! K
Perhaps you can be a visitor there on one of your visits?
You can count on it!!!!!! xoxo
Praying Allison! It makes me think of the tv show theme song “He’s movin on up!!” It probably isn’t a deluxe apartment in the sky but dialysis on site is great. One step at a time and slow and steady wins the race. Now you have a new room to decorate! Hang in there xo
That’s funny, Carla. That theme song is what I based the title of the blog on over a month ago when he moved on up to the 4th floor! Shortly before I met you! I have been following your family on facebook. Hoping the fall starts fresh and easy for you.
oooooooh he has moved !! what a surprise to read this morning … not expecting that news!! must go look Brea up … hope he will be happy there and progress will become quicker… yep Vern was always on the move (while paul and i have been in the same house for 20 years, and my parents have lived in their home for nealy 40 years)… new walls to decorate , new nurses/doctors etc to get to know and get to know Vern and you (and the whole “healing/praying team “,of friends that visit) … hope he settles in and you both “enjoy” your time there, and Vern grows from strength to strength xx love you both xx
Yes, it will be an adventure. I don’t expect many visiting friends as it is so out of the way…but he will be busy doing his therapies, which I expect will tire him out for awhile. And though I don’t know if I can get up every day anymore…I will try as long as it works.
Is this Kindred in Brea? If so, it is a good facility. Had a friend do wonderful things there a few years ago! Here’s to a new chapter! God bless!
THat is good news. Ive heard good things about it today…and from others who have gone there in the past. It was a total surprise today to hear it was on the books. Glad I was there to hear the news…would not have wanted to miss out on this!
I was glad to see him today. It was the first time in a while. I had no idea about him moving, although they rolled up the transport gurney while I was there. I just didn’t know it was for him. It was nice seeing him move his hand and leg so much today. I wanted to remove my mask so he could see who I was. I’ll be sure to visit him on the days when I work in Fullerton!
Good timing! Chris, let me know ahead of time the days you think you can visit him in Brea…i want to get a bit better schedule so I don’t have to go every day, necessarily, but that he will have someone to see him every day.
It will usually be on Fridays. Don’t forget to send me the address!
Oh my gosh! I was just thinking of you guys a lot today. I wasn’t at work but I must have been with you in spirit. Vernon will always have a meaningful place in my heart. I know many of us who have taken care of him, have felt blessed for the opportunity. I want to say how happy I am for you guys to have started your rehab phase of recovery. I believe in miracles especially watching Vernon improve his strength each day. I cried when I saw him say I love you to his daughter. I know he will break free from his frozen body. I can see him forcing himself through. With that kind of determination, I can see a bright future. Don’t ever let anyone rain on your hope. He will endure and your patient love will prevail. God bless you guys. Now every time I walk by room 1 I will pause and think of you. That’s Vernon’s room in my mind. It will be hard not to see him there. But, I will say a pray and ask god for Vernon to recover fully and quickly. Thank you for touching my life.
Nurse Stacy
You were such a special friend to us there, Stacy. I am so glad to know that you are in touch. Now, get to painting! 🙂 And find me on facebook or something…
All of the best with this new chapter! Vernon, you, and your entire family are well-loved and taken care of by the people nearby, so I am sure you all will do great!
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Allison, so glad to hear about progress! Just wanted to let you know, my mom spent quite a long while at Kindred in Covina, and the staff and treatment there was excellent. I know she was quite comfortable and felt cared for while she was there – and I felt supported by the staff as well. I’m hoping for great progress and healing on the road ahead.
Thanks, Yuki! That is encouraging. How long was she there? Not that it was the same sort of thing, but still..I am curious. I feel really good about the new place after visiting it earlier today.
Hey darling, these posts are so inspirational! We send all our love, best wishes and support… But where can we send new artwork for the new walls??
I love that idea! I’ll message you on IG. 🙂
Onward ho! This is exciting news…scary but exciting. I have a feeling that Vernon is going to start making some big leaps in this new place. That’s what my gut is telling me. I can’t wait for updates 🙂
Let me know when you are there in Brea. Brea is only a short drive away from me. As I recover from my knee surgery and am off work. Let me know when I can come down and meet you for lunch or a chat or anything….
Jen has been keeping me posted on Vernon’s progress and your faithfulness as his greatest encourager. My prayers are with Vernon, you and his children. May you be encouraged day by day with God’s mercy and grace. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. . .so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” from Hebrews 12:2-3
Change is growth! Loved the last video with little Justine. Sending you all huge hugs. Keep up the awesome work all of you xxxxx
here’s to progress! prayers…
Allison: Prayers continue for you and Vernon and your doctors. You are loved.
I haven’t commented in some time but have kept up on every update & am excited for you all as you begin this new chapter…
When Vernon said “I love you too” to Justine (in a previous post) it felt like such a piece of home. That automatic response. So “normal” but so extraordinary at the same time. It was wonderful <3
And audiobooks are fantastic! If you don't mind suggestions, Wild by Cheryl Strayed is one I just finished listening to. I really think you'd enjoy it, here's a little blurb from the author's website about it:
Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.
As always, keeping you & yours in my heart…
Thanks Patty! I’ll definitely be checking out that book suggestion. Sounds great. Thanks for your encouragement too!