“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” —Richard Bach
Besides Vernon’s parents being here, this is a special family weekend for us, because it marks the first anniversary of my grandfather’s death at 97 (Grandma had passed away a few months before, nearly 95.)
Here is our little family at the memorial service last March.
Flash forward to this weekend, when my dad’s siblings and their spouses reconvened to celebrate their heritage and the memory of their parents by going to DISNEYLAND yesterday (my dad wrote a bit about it here on his own blog) and then visiting their parent’s house (the one they all grew up in) in Palos Verdes….the new owners actually invited them all over for lunch!
As part of their activity calendar this whirlwind weekend, my aunts and uncles all opted to visit Vernon in the hospital. What a commotion there was in the hallway when I arrived. So many people getting dressed in and out of yellow isolation-gowns, taking turns as couples to go and visit Vernon’s bedside. Keith and Joan (Vernon’s folks) were beautifully gracious as all these energetic Americans came in to see their son. The staff must have been wondering why all these people were coming in to see him in all at once. You never know what kind of celebrities are staying in such a posh hospital.
Here is the view from Vernon’s window, by the way. Could be worse.
Anyway, Vernon paid such pure attention to each visiting couple, even remembering some things about some of them—the state or town they lived in, for example. And at the end of each conversation, he would say:
“I love you!” It was so touching to see his sweetness come out again…but also his clarity. I was shocked at the difference in him today.
The nurses who had been attending him this morning had already fallen a bit in love with him. The dialysis nurse and his “sitter” were leaning in close, giggling and sighing at his comments. And for the first time today, he even noticed one of the nurses: “That is one good looking woman!” he stated. There is no such thing as jealousy at this point in the game. I was thrilled that finally he noticed there was a beautiful woman attending him. Goodness knows I’ve tried to point this out to him with the other countless beauties he’s had around him this year…ANYTHING that will open his eyes! And if he has no ‘filter’ at the moment, great! I can relate with that kind of talk!
When Maki entered the room, he said; “MAKI-MAN! My son!” This is a long time nickname for Maki, and he hasn’t used it or even been able to remember his first name in months. I know Maki was very touched.
When his mother entered again, he asked for a kiss. She blew one into the air, and Vernon said, “No, a PROPER kiss!” She kissed him on the forehead and he thanked her.
There were several other things he said that made me feel he was regaining some sense of self and memory. He hasn’t been this clear since Christmas. He kept asking when would be going home, as if in his mind, this was the first day of awareness. But of course he can’t yet. It’s the movie Groundhog Day in reverse. The day keeps recurring but he doesn’t remember the one before…poetic irony.
Still, there was a huge breakthrough today. The doctors (and the staff before that remember him from the last time he was on this floor) are amazed at the difference in him. I got hugged by three nurses in passing today that had cared for him before…they were thrilled by the fact he was doing better. Our beloved Dr. Close found somethings that she is going to prescribe some hopeful solutions for. This last bout has to do with more urinary infections. Obviously antibiotics and dialysis aren’t enough so they will be paying closer attention to draining him in other ways. Not pleasant, but if it makes him this much better, its worth some discomfort.
The children, Vernon’s parents, and I were all able to leave the hospital mid afternoon, feeling great peace and able to enjoy each other’s company afresh. We are energized with hopeful thoughts for tomorrow and beyond!
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So happy to read this, and what a lovely photo of the children and their grandparents. I am especially glad that you could leave the hospital feeling peace. Big hug and lots of love
yes Synnove, this is such a lovely photo, must be lovely for you to see Maki smiling ..i know mum and dad have been so excited to give them all big hugs xx
i owe you a letter, Synnove…I know its been awhile. But thank you for continuing to send love and support! It was a good day for all!
so pleased it was a good day ..with so many family members around you ..i owe you a letter too xx we are all busy mums xx
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU ALL THIS SUNDAY … we all need our mums whatever our age ..we are all blessed ..what amazing news ….i hope our mums got to chat together Allison, ANNE has been such a support with her emails to my mum.
give everyone a big hug from me..and just love the photo of mum and dad with Maki and Justine ..we are so blessed with so much family love, i`m sure Vern can feel it too…. xxxx
Well that was lovely to hear how Vernon responded , & knew his mum it must have made Mother’s Day for her ,hope you all enjoy some family time together ,please pass my love to Joan
God Bless sue xxx
Wonderful reading this update this morning. Sending love bubbles filled with pink sparkling healing rays of wishes coming true.
Allison,
What a wonderful time you must have had with all the ‘older’ generation being around. Your Dad is 2 years younger than me. I was born Sept. 1941 and your Dad was born in 1943 and Lori several years later about the same date.
It must have been wonderful to have Vernon showing a coming back of Vernon. Stay beside him and I do believe that one of these days he will come all the back and he will be up walking.
God is in control.
Love,
Becky
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful report! Praying!
Coming out of the dark…how marvelous, how wonderful God is. A refreshing read first thing this Sunnday morning. Onward, Christian soldiers.
Allison….this awareness Vernon is experiencing – is a direct answer to very specific prayers! We are praising the Lord for this obvious improvement…..and pray for a continued forward movement in his healing. We are so moved by the timing of this- in light of Vernon’s parents visit and of course his being surrounded by so much family love….just very wonderful indeed!
All set in the background of a room with a view~ now isn’t that just like the Lord?
Joe and I are just rejoicing this morning after reading your blog. It truly is a miracle and we are thankful!!!! We just keep praying “More Lord, more!” And Allison we are also grateful for your perseverance and hopefulness….it is a gift for sure…just keep pressin’ on sweet friend. We love you. Nancy and Joe
That is so Awesome- What a gift to everyone! and to call out Maki like that- Wow just Wow!! we are asking for more breakthrough’s ….Thank You God!! XXOO
Allison,a truly wonderful experience for all
Wonderful news and I dare say an example of the true point that the brain needs a wide variety of reminding a to heal and “wake up” I found that by working with my mother and even my father in things they liked and people visiting them it helped immensely in the time that mattered. These are winning “prize fighting” moments and we are so lucky to have you share them with us Alli. My favorite part you shared is how Vernon told his mother to give him a “proper kiss!” Brilliant and so delicious to see him break through British politeness for truth and heart. I speak from experience with my own father and aunt- I’m ALWAYS forward with affection- this life to too short in times like these for polite live. The heart is a wondrous thing- God bless Vernins parents, I’m sure this is very difficult for them too. Man I love you man- what a sweet hero he is.
Have a blessed day darling to you and the entire clan.
Xoxoxo❤️E
So very happy for such a wonderful family visit and for Vernon’s clarity and love to all his visitors!!
I’m so happy to hear that Allison. 😀