When I arrived today, Mike was already mid-session with Vernon on his mat. Music was playing, as usual. I recognized it immediately as my friend Kirsten Ford’a new album. Kirsten is a mutual friend of mine and Mikes—she actually came to sing to Vernon back when he was in a coma. It’s a fantastic album. But what was so impressive today is that Vernon was responding to the recorded music. So far he really has only responded to live music (thank you again to those who have come to share your gift of song.) 

I guess Mike had been talking to him about all the good vibrations of love in the music, because Vernon seemed absolutely touched by the fact that he knew who the person singing was…not to mention the background musicians. I thought he would cry. He seemed absolutely humbled and amazed. I don’t have her album to link here yet, but Mike also played some other songs that Kirsten had recorded with some other musical friends, Rich Folk, which some of us affectionately refer to as “our community band.”

Here is a little taster that I can access online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LJRbLl7SCg

As for the mat, Vernon is still responding really well. He seems more comfortable in general each time I visit him and our dialogue is beginning to seem like it comes from him, rather than being suggested to him.

Although I knew Mike was American Indian and gifted in healing, I found out today that he comes from a long line of  tribal healers. Why should I have been surprised? He is tapped into technology now, in a way that his ancestors couldn’t be. But when I saw these pictures from the back, I imagined him with long hair and some kind of traditional dress…squint your eyes and you might see the connection too. Vernon-as-I-knew-him would be getting a kick out of this. Being British, he had strong romantic notions about the American Indian history and attitudes, which were so exotic to his culture. All I can say is God works in mysterious ways. And the more people you can get involved in the mystery, the more fun it is to watch the Goodness revealed.

I can’t explain everything that is happening. But from the beginning, good and bad, we’ve been in great company. I just love the variety of people who have been involved. It’s the way it should be, I think. And we aren’t done yet.

Signing off with grateful and open arms to whatever comes tomorrow.