I’ve been trying to reach Joe for weeks, because I wanted to visit when he went in for surgery. He’d been talking for awhile about having his left foot amputated in order to potentially walk again (with a prosthetic) and leave the skilled nursing facility. Finally he called me yesterday, letting me know the surgery had just happened that morning, but he was still in the hospital (of course.) I told him I’d be there this morning.
So I drove up to UC Irvine today, thinking about the last time I’d been to that medical center. It was about nine months ago with my dad. We had gone for a kidney transplant orientation meeting that I’d been anticipating for months. I was told very early in the process that Vernon would be an unlikely candidate. That was a real turning point in the journey, but I didn’t realize then how little time he had left anyway.
Joe seemed happy to have a visitor. I hadn’t actually seen him since the memorial on Sept 11, though we’ve stayed in touch by phone. So it was great to catch up. I filled him in on the kids and what I’ve been up to; he told me how Mesa Verde has changed: who’s still there, who isn’t. Every time someone came in the room to check on him, he sent them away till later. “I have a special friend here, can it wait?” he’d ask them.
I didn’t realize at first that he had been waiting for me to be with him so he could take a look at his missing extremity. He hadn’t wanted to go through that alone. I was so honored to be there for that moment, which was a little strange for him at first, but with some humor and honesty we got through it. I joked about bringing him an eye patch and a parrot to complete his new look. “Your leg still looks pretty long from my vantage point,” I told him truthfully. “They didn’t take off as much as I expected.” He seemed happy about that.
“It’s already easier to lift my leg now, so that’s an improvement.” Joe said, showing me. Then he added: “Hey, do you still write that blog?”
“Yeah, why? Can I write about this? I’m sure people will be interested. There are a lot of folks who care about you.”
“I don’t mind. Yeah, let them know.”
“Ok. Mind if I take a photo of you with your leg?”
“Ah, what the hell. I don’t care who sees it. I gotta get used to it anyway.”
So here we are…
Please send your recovery prayers for Joe. He appreciates them.
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sending you lots of recovery prayers Joe xx
wonderful you can spend time with Joe , Allison, on such an important time for him ..the bond is strong xx
xx love and hugs xx
Thoughts and prayers for you Joe! Eyepatch in the mail!
So great to hear from Joe and will pray for your next picture to be one of him walking out of Mesa Verde with his new prosthetic leg. I will always be grateful for his love and devotion to Vernon.
Could we send Joe a card?
YES! That would be so kind…his address is:
Joe Hayden
Mesa Verde
661 Center Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Allison,
So good to see Joe again and smiling like always. No wonder he lifted Vern while he was with Joe. Does he have family close by or not? He seems like he is so giving of himself. Tell him we will be praying for him to get out and walk out of that place.
Hugs,
Becky
Bless that man!!!
I’ll start working on a boat and a crew, he’ll have to find his own pirate cove.
I appreciate him sharing, and you writing about this!
Give Joe our love. He is indeed a special man who has captured so many hearts through your blog. God bless him.
Praying for Joe. Sending a card, great idea! Thanks for posting his address.
Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way. You are a true warrior. Forge ahead!
Praying for Joe, and for quick recovery from his surgery! Thanks for letting us know how he’s doing! 🙂
Very pleased to hear how Joe is doing – thanks for sharing with us A & Joe- and praying for strength and blessings for you, Joe.
Been trying to reach Joe forever. Anyone know how. Miss my friend. I lived at Mesa View for a bit. Would really like to know how Joe is.