On Thursday I stood on the top of Mt. Whitney at 14,508ft. I was higher than every land-bound person in the lower 48 at that moment. On the long journey up (and down) my heart was filled with anxiety, joy, sadness, fear and a million other emotions. My mind raced as I tried to calm my senses and bring my feelings and reactions under control lest I miss a step and tumble thousands of feet off a switchback. I thought of Vern. I spoke to God. I expressed my fear and frustration to Him. I looked to other familiar faces on the trails for encouragement and I encouraged other hikers who looked like they needed a helping hand.
I returned late Friday night and was able to make it in to see Vernon on Saturday.
Vernon had his eyes open as he stared at the ceiling. He was sweating. Breathing quickly. His heart rate was elevated. Vernon looked like I felt while standing on a 2 ft wide ledge thousands of feet above the ground…with a storm approaching. Except Vernon was in the storm. An intense storm.
A portion of TBI patients experience “sympathetic storming”. You can google the term and read a lot about the cause and effects. Essentially the brain goes into a state (referred to as “storming”) that causes the body to react to the trauma by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc. The treatments for storming vary based on the specific symptoms, but much like hikers seeking a summit they must wait for the storm to pass.
Vernon is working through the process, trying to find a way out of the storm.
Allison and I spoke about it and equated the process to the spinning pinwheel you get on a mac when the resources are tied up and the system needs relief from the tasks at hand.
Vernon needs prayer for the storming to subside, the brain to heal, his reflexes and reactions to return. He needs God’s healing and peace.
Pray for God’s mercy and healing.
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Thank you Chris, this explanation really helps. Praying for our friend to make it through.
Praying for This. Thank you for this update. Well explained!
Chris, I’d like to drop by tomorrow and play some more guitar. It seemed like yesterday, he had a break from that storm while the guitar was vibrating with peaceful sounds…thanks for your diligence and friendship to Vern!
thank you for your great update. continued prayers…
Thanks for giving us something specific to pray for. It feels so meaningful and personal to voice it to God in specific detail. Beautiful metaphors. You’re a good friend to Vernon
Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…Peace and healing, Vernon… peace and healing, Vernon…
Not a day goes by without Vernon being in our thoughts and conversation. Praying for our dear friend.
Thank you, Chris, for the picture you painted for us.
Chris, thank you for conveying this so empathetically and for helping us to know how to pray specifically for Vernon and the family. I’m also thankful that Allison and Vernon have amazing friends like yourself to support them through this healing process, and I pray that the Lord will give you comfort, peace, strength and encouragement as you go through this with them.
Allison, I’m praying through the night…(HUGS)
Praying for peace in the middle of the storm. Lord have mercy. Please make it stop- let true peace and connection come to dear Vernon…thank you Lord
As Chris said………I will pray for God’s mercy & healing…….and for the storming to subside, the brain to heal, his reflexes and reactions to return………AND God’s peace!!!!! praying for Vernon & Allison & family! (thanks Chris)
welcome back Chris … thankyou for your update, healing and peace indeed, if anyone can work it out it is vern… i will be praying for God`s mercy and peace for my brother, at this time xx
Thanks for the beautiful update, Chris. Father, the son whom You love needs the storm to pass; He needs Your tender mercies to bring him healing and Peace to his entire mind, body, soul and spirit. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name. Tom and I send our love and continued prayers for you, Vernon, and your Family. <3
Praying for you Vernon,my cousins son.Prayers from tonbridge Kent uk please give peace to you ,you are doing well and peace and strength to your family
Please god hear our prayer
Hello there, I am so glad to hear from you now and Vernon will be happy to read your message when he comes to. I had no idea how to reach out to the UK family, as it seems a little spread-out. I’m so pleased you found us! Thank you for your prayer and care!