“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” —Phyllis Diller
Nurses have been brushing Vernon’s teeth for six weeks, ever since his jaw was un-wired. But he almost always resists, tightening his mouth to foreign objects like toothbrushes and dental suctions. I don’t blame him. I sometimes wonder if he thinks he is being experimented on by aliens disguised as humans. I wouldn’t want to be poked and prodded everyday by strangers in an unrecognizable environment either.
But today, when a nurse asked him to open up his mouth so she could brush his teeth, he immediately and trustingly opened. Then he did it again even though he new what was coming. He seemed to enjoy the experience, rather than fight it. I was astonished, as I hadn’t seen him so willing to take commands from any of the staff yet.
When she was done, she jokingly said: “Smile!”
And he did.
It’s not a very clear picture, but I’m glad I even caught this. It was such a joyous moment of surprise! Made my day.
Vernon’s light is beginning to shine once again.
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YAY!! show them teeth Vern!! ..you have great teeth too!!! love the photos you are sharing Allison .. makes me feel so close to my brother, seeing what you are seeing xx love you both lots xx
ps i hope i great lots of those smiles when i come over!!xx
Wow! HALLELUJAH!! Beautiful.
I love it! Yeah Vernon!
Yes!
A smile!! What a beautiful gift! Yay Vernon!
Hi Christine! Did you and Jen clean my house yesterday? I knew you were stopping by, but what a nice surprise to come home to! Thank you!
Yeah, we went by to look at the yard, but decided to put that off until later. Since we were there we decided to do a little something. I hope you didn’t mind! XO
Wow!!!! That’s fabulous!!
Go Vernon go! Such encouraging news.
WAAAAA!!!! This is so incredible! Wowza! His smile is making *me* smile so big right now 🙂 🙂 🙂
Wow!
Absolutely stunningly wonderful!!! Thank you Lord 😀
Amen!
Again I say Amen!
This made me smile! Happy day
Great news!! Praying and sending love!
Allison, we always pray that you will see progress, even though we know it comes in bursts. A friend of mine’s dad just had a traumatic brain injury and I told her about Vern’s progress. She will be heartened by this news, and it’s made my day. I hope you get more smiles today, many, many more!
BIG SMILE and PRAISE!!
I must comment again…. This feels HUGE to me! BIG step!!
JOY JOY JOY!!!!!!!! oh what JOY!
AWESOME
Wow!!! That’s so awesome! How beautiful is that smile, it warms the soul!!! Truly a smile from heaven!!! I can’t stop smiling myself! Thank you Lord for you are always good!!! Way to Vernon, you rock!!!!!! Blessings, Blessing!!!
Amazing good news! Makes me tear up….xoxo
How wonderful Vern looks with his smile. Still praying for Vern and the rest of the family.
Becky Jones
His smile made us smile…
This makes me smile! Praise God!
I remember years before Ali met Vernon she’d told me she’d love to marry a Brit with crooked teeth! She got the teeth, but the teeth are gorgeous !! Way to show ’em off Vernon- so happy!