For a couple of weeks now, I’ve been feeling the analogy of putting on a scuba suit, at least a mask and breathing tank, preparing to go under and bring my husband back to the surface. Not that I really can, of course…he is surfacing on his own, in brain and body. But still I look for ways to get in there myself…not just sit and wait. I am toughening up, learning to conserve oxygen and energy, preparing to survive in yet another foreign environment…especially as we expect to be moved to a rehabilitation center (yet again…it was put off for a couple of weeks, but the hospital staff is preparing us for our move.)
The other night, while dining at a restaurant, an older couple at the next table struck up a conversation. Before long he was describing his own 3 month ordeal of being, in his words, “out under the sea.” He described how his wife of fifty years, who happened to be a rehab nurse herself, would show up in his the dream he was experiencing. He said: “I would be back in the memory of a childhood classroom or out deep sea fishing on a boat and my wife kept showing up. I kept thinking: ‘What is SHE doing here?'” As a rehab nurse, she said he was her most difficult patient ever because he was so stubborn. But she also said it was her stubborn patients that were the ones who excelled at recovery. This 75 year old man had got his life back, learned to walk and talk again, even though he didn’t have the strength of youth on his side. And both of them appreciated each other more than ever. They joked sweetly like young lovers and best friends. It was a magical conversation.
I loved that he mentioned being out at sea, as I had been thinking of this analogy and working on these little paintings, wondering how I might best come alongside my husband, wherever he is in his mind.
For all I know he is having a great time and wonders why I keep showing up in his dream. Perhaps he is unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Deep sea treasure hunting. I hope he remembers when he surfaces completely.
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
(Psalm 139)
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Wonderful encouragement from someone who’s been there! I love the “under the sea” paintings. So glad you are continuing to create, Allison.
OK you got me right where I live! I love this analogy and see you going and swimming to the supernatural places and your chorus is praising God to do the deep work that only He can do! The two of you Allison and Vernon are parallel suspended in the oceans of waters!You are a spiritual warrior Allison and we love your analogies in writing and in art. You take us to the deeper places!This is an inspirational book in the making for others that have to go through this time.I love you so much!I love that Vernon is progressing! Love, Annie
i love your reply annie. allison, i love your peaceful painting of the two scuba divers! continued prayers and hugs…
How wonderful that this man was able to share his perspective of those months when he was “out under the sea”. There is no doubt in my mind that Vernon is experiencing the very Presence of God who fills all things. I too hope he can share of little of the mysteries when he surfaces:)
So beautiful…. an amazing God ordained meeting with that precious couple! Such encouragement for your journey.
Loving you….
I read this befor I close my eyes and fall asleep. Beautiful… Encouraging! God is so GOOD! ❤️❤️Sweet dreams☺️
Yep, you got me again. In tears on my keyboard. Such beautiful sentiments. You will get through this, together. And though I know he can’t communicate w/you the way you would like him to perhaps, I know he feels your presence and hears your voice in all things recovery and those are the things that keep guiding him to the surface. To you and the Fam. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
How amazing would it be to someday publish this journal of Vernon’s journey (art work, songs, poems, prayers all included)? Names could be changed and faces…..for privacy. The love is palpable
You may not be able to reach inside Vernon’s mind the way you want to, but you’ve certainly reached mine and my heart too. What you have written and painted have moved me deeply. So beautiful.
This is an incredible gift you are giving, this sharing of experience. Thank you.
THe Whole post is just beautiful, from beginning to end. The idea of being other Places, and Meeting where People go in their minds, strange Places, like in dreams or under the sea, or in Your imaginagion, and then mixing these places With real places and real experiences, thats just amazing.
Love the paintings!
Lots of love.
Once again, your writing has brought a tear to my eye, Allison. You are truly one of a kind, and Vernon is one lucky man to have you in his life. Your love is abundant; outwardly and inwardly.
I agree with Synnove, a beautiful post from beginning to end. Amazing art!
So timely, such a fantastic conversation and how encouraging to hear such reassuring words. These things happen when they are needed, a small unexpected happenstance almost as if it had been lined up and placed in your path.