A special guest joined the kids and I today on our Sunday visit. Melissa Disney is like a sister to me, one of my closest friends, but since she is a working mother who lives in north LA, she can’t get down to visit Vernon very often. We were lucky enough to get her overnight by herself and we kept her with us as long as possible today. At her suggestion, we threw Maki’s guitar in the car, just in case she felt a little song coming on. We knew she would.
I’m not sure if music will be the main medium, but I think we might be going into a season where Maki will take more of a role in his dad’s recovery. Not that I would put that responsibility on him, of course. But as Vernon grows in awareness, I think he’s starting to be fascinated by Maki again. I can hear it in the questions he asks him and the way he looks at him. I can see the flicker of pride in his face again. He was deeply moved as he remembered how he used to hold Maki on his shoulders as a child. And I expect Maki is beginning to enjoy watching the recovery more closely now that we have our HOPE back. The disappointments of the past year have taken a lot from him, and I know its been harder than he lets on.
I’d told Vernon last week that I’d bring him an iPad if he thought he was ready for it. He was always such a tech-head, that it seems some sort of computer/device would be a good tool for him, but we only try it out again every few months. It usually ends up being a frustration and a reminder of how handicapped he actually is. I don’t think he’s quite ready this time either, but maybe we’ll try again next month. Thanks for the loaner, Maki.
Justine of course, has never had a doubt, that her dad would recover.
Melissa figured out some simple Beatles songs as Vernon’s favorite musicians, the Logie Family, couldn’t be there today. They have been spoiling him with their gifts. Chris Logie knows so many Beatle’s songs, that Justine thinks the family IS the Beatles and that he is the lead singer. Well, Vernon has always loved Melissa’s voice too. Who wouldn’t?
I just want to brag on Melissa for a minute before finishing up. She was honored last week with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Advocacy in Africa. Story HERE. She doesn’t brag about much, so I’ll do it for her. She’s got a huge heart of gold.
I suggested out loud that a good goal for Vernon might be that he and Joe could come to my parent’s house on Christmas Day. I have no idea if he’ll be ready by then but it seems like a good goal to put out there. We like the sound of it. Joe perked up with transportation ideas. Mind you, Vernon hasn’t travelled by wheelchair since about a year ago, and he’s never without nearby nursing assistance, so it would be a definite Christmas Miracle if this happens. Something to hope for, for sure.
Justine picked up on this idea as if it was already decided and started organizing the event. In fact, she started pushing for Halloween. She hears Hope as Truth. That’s how good young ears are…the younger the human, the better the hearing.
Hope is contagious. Melissa, as expected, felt the song coming on. Pardon my lack of videography skills, but you’ll get the idea:
What a great crew to look forward to the future with.
68
As usual, you caught some wonderful photos of your family & Melissa. I’m glad I’m not the only one who likes to brag about Melissa. I loved her little “ditty.” I’ll be praying that Vernon and Joe get to go to your parents’ house for Christmas. It was great to see him keeping time to the music with his foot. Justine is such a beautiful, photogenic child and so is Maki,(not that he is a child….young man, more like it.) May God bless you all and may He speed Vernon’s recovery.
What lovely photos! You are all so amazing, but I think just being with to see his dad every so often is as far as Maki needs to be part of the recovery (unless he himself takes the initiative to do something else). It’s a huge pressure on young shoulders to have a key role, (when even professionals don’t really know what to do). I know you are very aware of this. Both children are doing so very well, and in the long run, years down the line the children still need their dad, and as long as they know they can just be with him, they will keep coming back, and the relationship will bloom. When all that is said I can imagine that if Vernon can do some painting and drawing I’m sure those very artistic children will join in!! Thinking of you all! Lots of love
Allison,
The pix of you and Melissa and the Justine and Maki are so adorable the girls were I put a little something about Vern just love the pix of Justine walking into the surf.
Am hoping and praying that Vern and Joe will be able to go to your parents home for Christmas. That will give Vern something to look forward too. IF Thanksgiving or Halloween that would make it better for Justine and Maki.You have shown so much courage on this journey with Vern and two lovely children.
Love,
Becky
Hi Allison,
I don’t think I have ever known anyone that has as many
close friends, as you do!!!
If every child had a mother like you, this world could
be so different!!! It takes so much energy to do all the
things you get done, & do them so well!!!!
I will be praying for your Christmas…..
Hugs, Barbara
I love having friends. I’d be nowhere without them. Thank you for becoming one to me this past year or two. So good to see you on Saturday at the church garage sale, that was fun!
what beautiful photos Allison ..love the song ..i was singing it all day yesterday ..lewis kept asking me “what are you singing “?? ..i hope and pray that Vern and Jo will be able to spend some time with you all Christmas day.. wouldn`t halloween be great?? ..brings back memories of last year , when Paul and i spent halloween evening with you and family at your parents xx
xx love you lots ..big hugs to you all xx
ps thanks for the photo of justine ..pleased the parcels arrived safely xx