Thank you, everyone, for all your comments and texts about today’s pelvic surgery. I expect its happening now. I know it was slated for 7, but the doctor said he and his partner (they always work as a team…) will actually be starting around 7:30. I don’t know when he will be waking completely…I understand its a slow process. But this surgery is definitely the one that we have been waiting for, the 4th and final one in the rebuilding of the bones. With the brain hardware coming out the other day, its suddenly a flurry of activity. The heavy-duty nurses seem to have been replaced by less specialized ones, which I take as a good sign. But its funny to get used to all that intensity, and though this is good news, and I want my husband awake and present, I feel nervous about what lies ahead.
The ICU has become a safe and peaceful place for both of us. I know he is in good hands and feeling no pain in his body while he is in a coma. So suddenly, instead of elation at the news that he will be awake soon, I am nervous about his having to deal with the incredible pain and emotion of all this. Its going to be a major shock and he hasn’t gotten used the idea like those on the outside have. I know it will all be good. Its just going to be different for all of us, yet again. My mind rushes ahead to the unknowns and I am surprised at my mixed emotions.
But then I also remember the wonderful grace that those close to him have been able to experience. It’s been amazing, so much intense goodness in the eye of the storm. I must believe that he will get to experience that at an even deeper level, being the one smack in the middle. It’s not something I would wish upon anyone..but I wonder if I would trade it for anything, either. I hope Vernon comes to feel the same way. For now, it is time to move back into The Moment: today is a good day and we are each alive in it! Let us rejoice!
As well as as a picture of the peonies I picked up yesterday (so sad I almost missed the whole season this year, but I got some good ones at the end to make up for it!) I’m posting a beautiful song that Vernon loved when we first met (I’m sure he still does.) Its filled with mystery and meaning and it’s got a lovely, peaceful feeling. I could listen to it all day, Hope you enjoy it too.
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Allison- you are so well-loved by many. We are praying for you and Vernon. We will be here to support you in the days, weeks and months ahead. You will not be in this alone. The creator of the universe has his hand in you and Vernon.
thank you Sue. Its good to remember the big picture. Big scary, but an awfully big adventure.
Beautifully said sweet one…we are all joined together in this moment-praying, believing in Gods Mercy. Praying for Vernon to experience that amazing supernatural peace-mind, body and spirit. As his eyes open to all the love that’s waiting for him! I love you Allison and Vernon!
Thanks for the honesty because it directs our prayers specifically. I pray God’s Spirit is THICK around Vernon when he wakes!! I’ve been praying all along for his pain levels to be manageable.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Very much looking forward to hearing this went well.
Thank you Allison for your beautiful transparency. I know you know and feel the literal flood of prayers today. Yes, it is a huge day and I am anxious to hear when Vernon is out of surgery and has taken another step forward to his recovery.
You wrote that although you wouldn’t wish this on anyone that you don’t know if you would trade it. I know EXACTLY what you mean! It is in these crisis times that God changes us, grows us and ultimately uses us.
May our Lord continue to carry you, Maki and Justine. ❤️❤️❤️
simply to say ~ hugs to you at this time, always in my thoughts xx ..beautiful song…
prayers, prayers and more prayers…
Ali my dear friend, I love the way you have shared your heart with us through this unbelievably difficult time. You are so brave and your strength is evident. We are praying for a successful surgery and for support and encouragement for you. Reading the lovely words of comfort, love and friendship from so many – I know that you hold a special place in others hearts as you do in mine. Love you lots my friend and we continue to pray for healing, blessing and protection. Xx
Allison, my final internship was in a large hospital working on the icu and neuroligic floors, this had a huge impact on me and I ended up going on to be a neuro rehab therapist in an out-patient setting for my first job. I never met a person recovering from a traumatic brain injury who could remember their time in the ICU. Everyone of them said it was a blessing to not remember that time – their family members would tell them how hard it had been, but they didn’t have to personally hold on to those painful frustrating memories. People would share how God had carried them through times when they were not themselves and gave the unexpected gift of memory loss so they could move on and live their new lives without reliving that time in the hospital.
God promises that He will cause all things to work together for our good, for those of us who love Him. You and Vernon have both been gifted in many ways; your ability to express yourself in writing and artistically and many other gifts you have been given, He will use. It will be interesting to see how God will take this experience in your lives and use you help others in their times of difficulty.
It is interesting how they keep people in a coma, I guess it must be better for healing. I will be praying for a great recovery from surgery and from all the other injuries Vernon has sustained, and for you as your emotions uncertain.
Love and prayers, Janet Olson Lewis
i thank you allison for keeping us so beautifully informed…
checking in with you first thing every day.
can’t you just feel all the love out there for you…and your
darlings?
I can feel it, Aunt Sudie. Its almost intoxicating. Too wonderful for words. Its hard to say because its not a nice thing to being going though, but in the middle of it all, when in life could we feel this much love except in such a precarious time? Its an amazing mystery and I feel blessed to experience it from the inside. Love you and thanks for reaching out!
Every step forward is a new one, everyday a new curtain in front of you to pull open. I hope that writing here & reading the words of love sent to you & yours gives you some small sense of focus on those days when the uncertainty creeps in. Sending love & light as always, hoping for peace in the center of the storm. <3
I have been looking from a distance so far and just ‘observing’ our love and best wishes xx you are being so strong, as you need to be and I am so proud to know you.
We are praying for you and Vernon. I am so happy that you feel God’s peace and presence in all of this. That alone is an answer to prayer. Praying that His peace overshadows all confusion as Vernon wakes up.
Thank you for beautifully sharing your thoughts and reservations. It helps to know how to pray beyond Vernon’s physical needs. Glad to be able to pray.
yes! Let’s rejoice. Thinking of you and hoping for many beautiful small moments to occur throughout the day. Those moments won’t be wasted because you are present and looking for them. Thank you for sharing your story here. love you
I used to work with Vernon in Reading and was shocked to hear what happened. I’ve been following the blog and his progress with huge faith in my heart, given from god through prayer. I know Vernon will make a full recovery , he’s just too good a man for it to be any other way. Just want to say hi there my friend, get better sooner than later and may god be with you and your family. Jay [ chissock }
You and Vernon have been in my thoughts and prayers daily! Thank you are not alone in this time of difficulty. You have the Lord, your wonderful family and all of us praying for you, Vernon and the kids. Thank you for letting all of us know how to pray for you during this time. XOXO
Allison, Tom and I have been praying for Vernon since his accident. Got on here tonight to catch up and to read ALL the beautifully written posts. Wanted to share two of my (Patti’s) experiences with you as the Lord continues to bring Vernon to mind:
1) The night of May 31/June 1st I went to bed about 11pm or so when shortly after the Lord awakened me and I was impressed to pray for Maki. Several times during the night He awoke me to pray for Maki…until I would quietly fall back to sleep. At one point in my sleep I sensed the Lord gently and lovingly putting his arms around Maki. Upon awaking Sunday morning around 7am, Maki still in my thoughts and prayers, I sensed Father’s great Peace. Oh how the Lord cares for you, Maki! 🙂 2) In addition to the prayers for Vernon’s recovery on HCF’s prayer emails, the Lord has really put it on my heart to pray for this time as Vernon is sleeping. The prayer goes something like this: Father, while Vernon’s conscious mind is resting, may you speak to his subconscious mind. May he experience you in his sleep, Jesus. Speak to your son, Father, even in his sleep….” We send our Love and many Hugs to you, Vernon, Maki, Justine and the rest of your Family. <3 YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED!
I can still remember that day when they “woke” up my niece, longest 25 minutes of our life. That was the amount of time they said it would take to see if she would regain consciousness on her own. Don’t forget with all the sedatives on board it takes a loooong time for the fog to lift. Detoxing is half the battle. It is a strange place to be in, somewhat suspended in time. You really do not know what lies ahead. As hard as it is the best thing for us was to just be present and try not to jump to far forward and worry about what hasn’t happened. Fearing the unknown is an energy zapper. All you know is what is happening right now in this space. Everything will unfold as it should and I know you have a wonderful team (in your family, friends and practitioners) supporting you, Vernon is lucky to have such a loving advocate (as you) for his well being and ultimately his recovery! I love that song! Maybe in this experience that’s what he will remember that melody floating through his thoughts as he took a very long nap. 😀 ((hugs my friend))
Thank you, Lindsay. I remember reading your story about your niece some time ago and I know you were very involved in the experience. I keep hearing that its a slow process of waking. We are HOPING there will be some sort of connection that he and Maki can make before Maki goes away on Thursday night for the summer. But you are right, no matter what happens, the only way to handle it is a little at a time, a moment at a time….so that is where we will try to stay. Big love you you and yours too!
Thinking of you and your family daily. All my good thoughts to you.