I have to go up to the hospital for Vernon’s transition back to Mesa Verde in a bit, so I’ll try to barrel through this post.
Chris Adams came home early from a trip to Yosemite so he could be there to pick up Maki at LAX. We drove up together, chatting about things, trying not to week up with every meaning-packed song we chose to listen to. Could only do that for a little while before having to turn off the music altogether.
Maki was all smiles when he arrived, and we meandered to the hospital, stopping for food and some record shopping just to make it an easier transition. We filled Maki in on what would happen next, and he seemed to take it all in with his trademark stoicism.
However, when we got to Vernon, it was the best thing ever! Vernon’s puffy face lit up like the sun, his eyes bright and wide when he saw his son. And Maki was all smiles and animation as he told his dad about the things he did in New Zealand. Chris took lots of video for later. There were no tears, but lots of laughter.
Chris also found this video last night. It’s Vernon three years ago, speaking about his work in Madrid. I could tell Maki loved seeing and hearing his dad as he was once. Remarkable to hear his voice again at this time. Here’s a treat for us all.
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Hi, Alison. This is Sue’s friend, Liz. I have been reading your blog posts since Vernon’s accident, and have prayed for you all. Thank you for posting this video, as it gives me a better sense of who Vernon truly is. I can only imagine the complexity of emotions you will feel in the upcoming weeks and months. Your vulnerability has allowed those who care about you and your family to surround you with love, help and pray. Thank you for inviting us into your life. I pray the upcoming days will be full of grace and mercy and love as you and Vernon say goodbye.
Thank you, Lizzie – always so good with words, like my beautiful niece, Allison. Most of all thank you for following and loving and praying. Both, rock stars. I will miss Vernon so much.
These feelings and comments echoed by all of us.
Thank you for sharing this video..learning so much and so enjoy seeing Vernon presenting. I never thought of fonts much until him. Especially related to the Internet and where font design came from and the importance. I was addicted to font styles way back when with my IBM Select typewriter..I had a fine collection of font elements and interchanged them when I typed my news articles ..especially my columns. Made my editor crazy..but I thought it was a way of being emphatic about what I was trying to get across. You must be so proud of him. Brilliant. Grateful you have this to cherish.
I learned about the IBM selectric when he was writing his thesis…he took great interest in it.
Vernon is so amazing. Thank you for sharing
What a gift God has given to you and Maki from what you’ve said in your post. These are wonderful ways to get to spend your last moment’s together. Letting go is never easy, but it seems the Lord is answering all of our prayers with this transition that you all have to make. May you all be comforted by His loving grace, comfort, peace and love in this time, and the times to come. Words seem so insignificant at this time, but we pray the God of all peace permeate your surroundings and your beautiful family. God bless…
How wonderful for Vernon and Maki to laugh together! What a beautiful gift.
Tears of gratitude at the sweet thought of that.
Praying for more of God’s sweet Mercy. xoxoxo
I am a long-time friend of your aunts, Sue and Lynnel, and it has been a sacred privilege to read your blog posts and pray for you and Vernon and your family. Your posts are a wonderful legacy for your children; but you have also “fed” all of us who have followed your journey. The way you have processed life’s twists and turns since the accident has become a sort of daily touchstone for me. Thank you for the courage of your vulnerability. I want to offer you a few words from my mom, who went to heaven only 3 weeks ago. She and I were talking about our faith, and she told me, “Our capacity to receive from God is determined by our relationship with Him before we cry for help. I know the path to the fountain of life, and Christ has promised that life in Him is a fulfilling journey. Although we are thankful for our salvation, we don’t camp there. We look forward with anticipation to the grace God gives us each day. And it is more than sufficient.” I see you leaving such a legacy for your children in the way you have depended on God’s grace and His all-sufficiency. May you take deep comfort in your relationship with God and also in the prayers of all of the people who will continue to hold you and your family up before His throne of grace.
❤️Love to sweet Maki & you all Allison
Allison,
Glad that Maki is with you now. Our prayers are coming your way and I have several people back here praying for a sweet going.
Hugs,
Becky
Always in my Prayers and 💜 Thankful for ALL of you and to know Vernon better…You ALL Live and Love well – May there be more Smiles and Laughter and JOY and lots of Light and Love – no fear in life and no fear in death – 💕
Allison, I’m Susan Logie’s friend. I learned of you and yours family only yesterday,8/10/16 upon reading one of Susan’s posts. I then read SansOxygen into the early morning hours. I was transfixed by your daily summaries, your expression on paper of a myriad of emotions both by you and your husband. While reading your 8/10 entry it became evident to me that you are a very special person. It’s difficult for me to put in words just how much you have touched my life from your writings. Like Susan wrote, Vernon’s body is done being broken. I can see that after reading many of your blog entries. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. I also wish you a good rest and care for yourself. Thank you for sharing your heart, mind, and spirit. Peace to you dear Allison.
Reading your blog tonight, I am feeling pretty stunned to hear the latest turn of events. Although I’ve never met Vernon in person, you helped me know him through your beautiful writing. I’ve been continually amazed by his inspirational fortitude and courage…and yours as well. You are both incredible people. Please know you and Vernon and the family are very much in my prayers and heart. xoxo