After last night’s post, I want to follow up with Justine’s story today. Somewhere I had recently read that a child’s memory is first activated by some kind of traumatic experience. I don’t know if that is true, but it made me want to be very mindful of Justine’s first potential big-memory experience. Its nice to be available for both Justine and Maki in this time, as so often a child’s big experiences can happen outside of the family (good and bad) so I am hoping that we can all go through this together openly and lovingly. After all, they have their long lives ahead of them, and I hope this experience ends up being a positive memory for them, despite the pain and upset.
Justine already wanted to be a doctor before this ordeal, so it was appropriate that for her 4th birthday last week, she got a doctor’s uniform. How could we have known how soon she would actually be using her Doctor’s skills in a hospital?
Before we visited Daddy, she wanted to visit the statue of the Great Physician. She was not disappointed.
In the room, Justine kept telling the everyone to be quiet. She is so bossy…I mean, she has such great management skills.
Justine was out of the room at this point, exploring with the wonderful Lisa, Child Life Specialist. Dr. Nwagyu, our neurosurgeon (played by Forrest Whittaker in the film…he rolls his eyes when I tell him that) began, to my surprise, to remove the Brain Hardware in Vernon’s head. We are no longer needing to gauge the ICP (Brain Pressure) or add oxygen to the brain. Now that Dr. Nwagyu has done this, Vernon is slated for the elusive pelvic surgery on Thursday. And since this, we have learned from the current nurse on duty, they will begin to wean him from his heavy narcotics tomorrow, a little every twelve hours. This is the beginning of the waking stage! I can hardly believe its true!
Did I mention, Justine was making her rounds to the staff in the meantime. Here she is with my new best-friend, “Sister” Kris. Justine kept telling the staff, just in case they were wondering: “I’m not REALLY a doctor. I know a lot, but I still have a lot to learn.” I wonder if she was afraid they would ask for a diagnosis….or try to hire her.
She did great. Afterward, we just hung out and did some lighthearted stuff: lunch, a bit of shopping, a big-girl haircut.
But tonight, she did say, out of the blue: “Mommy, I had a great time at the hospital.”
We are so thankful for Vernon’s jump in recovery. We hold these things lightly but feel super-encouraged!
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Thank you Allison for sharing today’s post. Following the life of Justine is really fun. love the photos, too. I love you always. Get well soon Vernon- we have lots to catch up on!
Allison, you have not met me for years. I am Leonard’s Mom. I want you to know that Vernon and your family are in our prayers, and I follow your blog almost daily. Praying for you all. Terry (Payton) Mee.
What an answer to so many prayers…Justine’s visit… And the next steps ahead for Vernon…wow!! God is so good!
What a wonderful day! happy to be a part of it! Love you all!
what an exciting day all around. very good news! praying for these steps forward to continue.
i look forward to each update.
I am a friend and fan of your parents and their art and have been following this story about you and Vernon and your family as closely as possible every day. I cannot tell you how excited I am for tomorrow, at last, and how much I am praying accordingly. God bless you all.
What a wonderful day!
You are so courageous, Allison…and creative with your words and photos. So fun to hear how Justine did today. Praying all goes the best it can with Vernon’s waking and healing!!! ❤️
oh Allison ..today reading this i had tears (as always) but not with sadness but with joy…. what a way to start my day ..seeing my niece in those photos, and at last positive “things” seem to be happening with my brother, sending all my love , hugs and prayers xx
This post today got me a bit choked up. I hear stories all day long of my patients’ misfortune and pain due to their substance abuse and drinking. Not very much bothers me emotionally, that I bring home. But I think if I was working at the hospital today and I saw Justine in her outfit visiting her Daddy…I might just lose it. Such an incredible moment. Allison, I am awed by your strength and your resilience. Always praying for all of you…
PTL that Justine’s visit with her Daddy went so well. We are very happy that the next step in Vernon’s healing is proceeding slowly but surely. We continue to pray without ceasing. Be encouraged by the baby steps. ♥ the Jones family
We are so heart warmed by all of your updates, and send all our love and hugs and virtual support from the UK. Tucci and I talk frequently of you and your family, and wish you all the best, Tucci has had a similar experience and Vernon is very much in his mind at the moment. Just wanted to leave our x as it were!! xxx
Thanks Serine. Love back to you and Tucci (and the doggies!)
Bless her! Glad her visit went well x
Such a beautiful story. Sending love…
Beautiful experience. Thank u 4 sharing. The precious innocence of a child reminds me of the faith we too must have when faced with such a situation. Even though we see details that this child doesn’t, she sees with purer eyes. Eyes of faith and hope.
Allison,
Your love and awareness of the entire episode involving Vernon’s recovery/healing is amazing….and it’s a blessing that Justine has you to walk her through this. Her life, her heart is in good hands. My husband went through similar, long-lasting and repeated brain surgeries, ending in radical brain surgery. At age 80, it was frightening, but, in the end, a miraculous recovery and a changed life for us all. Truly, life can end up better and fuller after so many hours and days of trusting/hoping/remembering God’s promises and the TRUTH He purports about His wanting life more abundantly for us all….and what we need to remember is to TRUST Him, abundantly. My prayers and inexplicable awareness for your concerns go with this note.
Wow! Thank you Margaret, for sharing that. I can only imagine what that must have been like, over and over. But What an encouraging story.
I am so greatful you had an amazing day like yesterday. The little things we hold precious are maginfied in a time as this. I am so excited for these next few days for you. You have us captivated by sharing your intimacy, and praying for all to return to normal. Blessings to you and your family-
T
Having read your postings about Vernon’s progress daily, I actually dreamt about all of you last night…and awoke early to check the latest. Thank you for all that you are doing as a conscientious parent to prepare Justine and Maki to face challenges. And when Vernon awakes, he will see the love made visible not only in your eyes but on the walls of his room. And all of us, your readers, are better for the experience you are willing to share. (Mary, one of Hyatt’s students)
That sounds like it was just the right thing to do so she would know where her daddy was. She is fortunate to have such an understanding family. God Bless all.
I think the fact that it was such a good day for Justine is a prophesy for things to come. She seemed joyful, hopeful, inquisitive and no doubt, mystified! All things that the Father wants us to feel when we see Him working and moving in our lives.
Such a joy to see it all in your lovely photos. We continue to pray with every breath. “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Ps 62:5,6
We are all learning from your example of how to traverse this journey with strong faith and strength. I love your statement about ” holding it lightly”. So true, not always easy to do. Knowing that God is holding on is key! So happy for these next steps to recovery! Continually praying for all of you. ❤️❤️❤️
HI tanya! I have been thinking about you a lot lately too. I’m looking forward to catching up a little on YOUR journey as well. Hopefully, I can start painting at your house soon. Once Vernon wakes up, I’ll be know better how to plan. Love you!
Love this post …..the pictures…..and you sharing these beautiful and intimate moments. Continued prayers for you all and the Vernon’s continued progress! <3
Dear Sweet Allison,
I especially love what a great mother you are!!
So thoughtful of your children’s hearts during
this time……& yet making it fun!!
You are amazing & blessed in countless ways!
Hugs, Barbara
Allison, thank you for sharing your life with all of us. We continue to hold you, Vernon and your family in our prayers and hearts. She reminds me of you when you were young and happily joyfully innocent. God bless you all. Dee
That they are no longer monitoring brain pressure is fabulous news.
Dearest Allison … this is beautiful … just beautiful … what a wonderful Momma you are! Know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers as these days roll over … much love … R xxx.
Dear Allison, We continue to pray for you, your family and foremost, Vernon. I pray, laugh, rejoice and weep at your postings. I hope all the love shown here brings you some form of comfort in a time that, for the moment, can only be described as a nightmare. God is working in His mighty way through every day of your lives. You are an incredibly strong,loving mother and wife. We are in constant prayer for Vernon’s healing and the Lord’s strength and comfort to overcome you, Maki and Justine!!! Loving you! XOXO
Dear Alison,
Lifting Vernon up to the Lord again this morning and praying the He will guide the surgeons hands as they repair his pelvis. My heart is with you and all of your family daily as you move forward. Much love and Blessings,
Sherill
PS
I have Ryder on Monday and Wednesdays, we would love to have Justine anytime!
Thanks Sherill. I may just take you up on that. Justine loves playing with Ryder!