We’ve graduated! Vernon has been transferred upstairs to the PSCU (Progressive Care Stroke Unit.)
It was so strange to find Vernon’s old room empty after all these weeks.
It has actually been a pretty intense week, getting lots of information on next potential centers for Vernon’s care. Every day the options change. Last week I fretted over the hospital in Santa Ana being a long daily drive (45 minutes away) but this week I have been handed new options in downtown LA or San Diego (1- 1.5 hours away at GOOD traffic times.) Suddenly Santa Ana seems pretty doable. Apparently Vernon is a rare case (and rare recovery, lets not forget) with a unique combination of challenges. None of the long-term placements have worked out so far, so we continue on at the hospital. Fine with me. It’s pretty great there anyway.
There is a combination of three major challenges in our way when it comes to Vernon’s next placement: his trach, his daily dialysis, and our health insurance. They haven’t been coming together very well for us yet.
BUT TODAY WE WERE TRANSFERRED UPSTAIRS. The hospital deals well with all three of our challenges…and is still close to home!
I had such stress in my belly until I arrived at the hospital today. I had grown to love our cozy time at the SICU, all the nurses we met, the special care, the decorated room, our routine. And all this new info, all these potential decisions and then-rejections were difficult to handle. I had learned to live in the moment in the past two months, and now I was constantly being forced to come out of it and think about the future with every new placement idea that came our way.
This is floor 4. His new ward. Justice (one of the words in the wallpaper) was the first thing I read when I came out of the elevator. Let’s claim that word in this next season of Vernon’s story. Justice. The legal issues come to mind, of course (I won’t be blogging about them) but also I hope for justice in his healing.
There were 4 bags full of goodies from our other room, transferred over to this one. In seven weeks, its surprising how much stuff can accumulate. Lots of sticky-taped pictures to un-stick. This new room is great though. Vernon has a new view…and a bathroom and shower! So if you visit, you never have to leave!
Even though this room is a bit smaller, it feels good to move. It does feel like a graduation. Just like with any move, we begin to decorate (at least I do) right away. It just feels better having your own stuff on the walls, even if it is less of it in different positions. Vernon also has a new bed, less intensive, a bit smaller to fit into his downscaled room.
Weirdly, being there this morning lifted my spirits immensely. We are moving forward. I used to live in NYC and I know that moving from a bigger place in Brooklyn to a tiny place in Manhattan is still a move up. It felt like that. The view was higher, the floor was busier, his ‘housewarming party’ of visiting friends and musicians today felt a bit more crowded but also more exciting.
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, Vernon!
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You are so inspirational, Allison! Thank you for including us in your life. I’m sending you, your children and Vernon sweet healing energy. xo – P
Hi sweet Pam. Well, if we end up going north, I hope to see you. Who knows, he might need some help getting that cute English Accent back!
That’s great, its always good to be in hospital, and the name of the unit is very reassuring. I guess it will always be a bit more complicated when there are more options, but its good for you too to be closer to home. Here in New Zealand we have been so Lucky that a cat/kitten adopted us. We tried to keep it out and find its owner, but he has been determined to stay with us. Its a very sleepy kitten, and its almost like Maki has got a furry, purring patch stuck to him. Its been a rainy day, jo just right for sitting in front of the fire with a cat on Your lap. Lots of love.
Hi Synnove…I am so glad you wrote. I wondered about you as I wrote the “stroke” unit. I thought it might bring up feelings about your dad and your 20s helping him. But it is a move forward…and Vernon has already been brought down from a 10 gauge trach to a 6, just today. How sweet about the kitten. Justine was longing for Jenifer today and asked for a bowl of water so she could drink it like a kitten. I think those games they played made an impact. Now I have a pet as well as a daughter. xo
Thats so cute, Jennifer thinks this cat is too lazy, Justine cooperated a bit more. She is jealous becauce the cat wants to sit With Maki all the time. Yes I did think about my dad, (its his birthday today 12.july) and I know in the 20 years that has passed since he had the stroke a lot has changed. Just the change in technology is amazing, but also the change in attitude to rehabilitation. My dad did go to an amazing hospital ouside of Oslo about 6 months after the stroke and he walked out of there, after the Next visit there he was back to driving a car. We never liked hearing all sort of sunshine stories though when he was struggeling hard. Everyone else seemed to be recovering faster and better, being back at work, climbing mountains… And all that certaily looked impossible in the beginning..I had a lovely chat With Vanessa today, and we will try to skype tomorrow. See you too on skype soon! Lots of love.
yes…skype is in order. Justine has been talking about Jennifer a lot lately… and we want to see the kitty. Left you message there…hopefully see you later tonight.
oh Allison the next step has begun (after 7 weeks), prayers and healing thoughts will be coming Verns way, as always …also shouting from afar “COME ON VERNY, YOU CAN DO IT” …love to you all xx
HI sweet Vanessa. Have you ever considered getting into a zumba or even a boxing class? Somehow I imagine you letting those loud words out in a gym, as loud as you can…YOU CAN DO IT!
Congratulations! A little move of the tassle……keeping looking to the day you toss your cap in the air. It will come!
nice analogy, Diana!
Vernon and I are pretty educated folks. But there was no greater day in my life (sorry, Vernon…I loved our wedding too..) than my graduation from High School. I’d like to think of this day like that. A first graduation…
“do not despise the day of small beginnings.”
Thank you, as always, for sharing, Alli. This *is* a move up! And yes…even moves up are scary and intimidating. And if Vernon ends up going to the Santa Ana facility, maybe you can look at the 45-minute rides as opportunities to just be silent for a while. To just listen to your thoughts and be with them, whatever they are. As always, sending tons of love and healing vibes from Brooklyn 🙂
Very good point, Jersey A. I hadn’t even considered that silver lining yet. Silence. Yes, I think its time to carve out spaces for silence. Wise woman, you! xoxo
o happy day! this does sound like progress…
thank you ali for keeping us in the loop…love
thank you for staying ‘so close’ to us! love you so much.
Allison
Having grown up with your dad’s family I know you have a loving family supporting you. I’m so glad God has blessed you with them in this challenging time.
It has been such a blessing to be able to follow your daily blog and pray for Vernon. Thank you for faithfully sharing your walk. I wanted to let you know that if Vernon ends up in San Diego you have an open invitation to stay with me in Encinitas. my guest room is always open.
Encinitas. My guest room is always open
Hi Linda! Thank you. Now we truly have family wherever we need them! Amazing. No word yet…but its so good to know you are there. Thank you for your offer.
i really like the words ‘progressive’ and ‘care’ for vernon’s new home. continued prayers and hugs…
me too! Barb Mosten came down this week to give me some advice too…as she works with transfers at her hospital. It was great to see her! Thanks always for your continued prayers and hugs.
Allison, Moving on up–how great to be doing that and we enjoy your sharing what is going on with us and then I share it with this group of ladies on line who are real prayer warriors. Take care dear. Justine is so sweet and neat little girl.
Love to your family,
Becky
Allison, I know it’s been ages since we’ve seen each other but I’m sending good energy yours and Vernon’s way! Big hugs and prayers too! XO