Side note to our subscribers: we have had some internet problems at the house  for the last few days, and so it seems my last post from a remote location (Panera Bread: Free Internet for ALL!) may not have been sent to our faithful blog subscriber’s emails.  If you missed the last post, you might want to reload it here, because I feel the blog story there is already a turning point into the next season of Vernon’s recovery.  

Big Breath!

We must have some fresh prayers for us, because I could feel the renewed energy around me today. I had a meeting with some of the staff, including a new social worker that I only met today. It’s so strange to me that they don’t know Vernon the way I do..or even the way people at the past two facilities came to know him. Its a total fresh start. I feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day, reliving each day but with increased awareness, and hopefully, wisdom.

Because of our past experience, I came into today’s meeting with more authority than I had the last ‘get-to-know-you’ meeting.  I didn’t need an advocate by my side. After the general introductions, I basically said:

“I know my husband will get back to what he was a month ago, which is not where he should be at this stage in the game. I think he should be at least 3 months further along. I feel betrayed by previous care, but that has taught me a few things. I now know I have to stay on top of things even more than I have. I am fantastically happy to be in this new care center. I have seen nothing but positive things here so far. Everyone has been great. BUT…

We can’t afford to lose any more time. If an infection gets septic like  this last round, it will be fatal. Please help me keep on top of the signs.  This place is is his chance…help me collaborate with you. What can I do to help you help him? ”

I hope that didn’t scare them.

The wonderful thing is…

They said they LIKED family involvement. They said these are the cases they prefer.  We will see.  But I do feel good. In fact, even before the meeting, I had a spring in my step.  I knew there would be a connection.

I believe the prayers are carrying us through. Thank you again.  Love is compelling me forward.  And I think in this place, it is moving the staff forward too.

Also…Vernon open his eyes in the middle of his PT session today and point directly at me, saying very clearly. “That’s my WIFE!” He may not be able to say my name yet, but I’m so glad he knows who I am. Things are looking up, proven by HIS opening his eyes and looking up. He expressed that it is hard to concentrate, but the fact that he is opening his eyes more often again, even in small increments, is good news.

I look at the blossoming tree at the front of Vernon’s new home as a symbol. They may have to start fresh with him, no knowlege of his past improvements. But sometimes a blank slate is a good thing. 

Hello, Springtime!

“See the winter is past: the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling: my beautiful one, come with me.”    —Song of Solomon.