“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” Jean Baptiste Massieu
Every Friday is significant for us. If nothing else, its a way of keeping track of time. Today marks week 39…just 3 days short of 9 months.
I finally stopped by the Fire Station with the kids. This is something I’ve been meaning to do for months. I had hoped to talk to the team of first responders that got Vernon bagged for breath and then to the hospital, but we met another firefighter who wasn’t there that night. Perhaps I waited to long. But anyway, he said he’d pass on the news that Vernon was still going…recovering. I asked him how often they heard whether people they’d saved survived. He said that sometimes the hospital would call, but often they wouldn’t hear unless a family member or victim came back to the station.
Justine was so sweet, telling the fireman:: “Thank you for saving my dad.”
He wasn’t there that night, but he might as well have been. He was there for someone else’s dad. He might save someone else’s loved one tonight. He still deserves the thanks.
Maki, more mature and laid back, told me as we were leaving: “Ok, you can cross that one off your list now.”
He’s gotten to know me so well. I have a lot more gratitude on my list. It keeps growing, and I can’t seem to catch up. I haven’t even started to thank people for all the financial gifts that have come our way this past year. And the messages. And the help. And the thoughtfulness. And the prayer. It’s all on my list, I promise.
It doesn’t really count to say it here, probably, but thank YOU for helping us get this far. As those firefighters and medical professionals all have saved Vernon, YOU have kept our family going. My heart explodes at the thought of it.
We truly are grateful. One day I hope to express it better.
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Reading your gratitude ….
Feeling your sadness …
xoxo
You said it just right… I watch you walk, hand in hand with joy and pain. Grief and hope…
Thank you for writing tonight.
Proud of you, how you’re able to Persevere…and Thrive in spite of it all…with God and a heart of Gratitude!
Love you all
Thanks, Kirsten. And thank you again for all your help this week. I know you are always offering and your heart is always ready to help. It doesn’t go unnoticed. I am just thankful our schedules ran together again. What a year so far, right? The good, bad, ugly…and beautiful.
THANKYOU is such a small word , but means so very much..THANKYOU Allison xx
We are so thankful for all those who have been there for Vern, and for the support you,Justine and Maki receive each day xx
xx love to you all xx
ps thankyou Justine for wearing one of the dresses i brought for you xx, have you worn the cream one with the handbags on yet??
of course she has…looks adorable, too! 🙂 Thank you!
Allison, THANK YOU for being so transparent, for letting us into your world of sorrow, pain, grief, sadness, joy, hopefulness, helplessness, thankfulness, honesty, and all the multitudes of other emotions that you deal with every day. You are truly an inspiration to so many. We are honored that you allowed us to be a part of your family’s healing journey. So again, thank you…
Allison,
You and your children seemed to be getting along fine. It has been many months but just keep holding on to God’s hand and it will turn out right in the end.
Know your children loved to go by the Fire Dept. to thank the people who had taken care of Vernon.
Prayers are still coming for the family.
Love,
Becky
Yes, it is truly remarkablehow well they are doing. I choke back the feeling of tears when I begin to worry about them and the affect this time will have on them, but they continue to amaze me. Justine thinks everything her dad does or doesn’t do is so funny…as if its a game she gets the privilege of being part of. And Maki sits back like an old pro. My constant prayer is that their hearts will stay soft even as they learn early about the harder parts of living…and that they will continue to be protected from harm of their own.
I stand with you in agreement for soft hearts for your sweeties!
I believe your doing a fabulous job of expressing your thankfulness through the sharing in this blog. I know you’d agree,there is always a reciprocal blessing that occurs when we give of ourselves. So just as you receive and are blessed, those that are giving are being blessed alo. You are blessing Allison.
Thank you for doing everything you can to deal with the emotions for yourself and the children. I am starting to relive last year as I was at this time planning my trip to Norway, discussing plans with Vernon to take Maki along, or me stopping over to visit in California, (Vernon invited me), and I setteled with picking up Maki on the airport in LA on the 20 of june. Its strange because you can always think back, but the dates coming around again make the memories stronger. Beautiful photo of those two sweet people in front of the firetruck. Lots of love
I agree with you completely. We may not have traditional seasonal change in this part of the world, but things like light and smells (and even traffic flow) remind us of the cycles…I”m thinking of this time of year last year too. I didn’t realize Vernon had invited you to come to California…but it doesn’t surprise me, he used to talk about it with Maki and I as though he thought it was a good idea. How bittersweet. Thank you, Synnove, for showing up so quickly after the accident. I will always remember the way you just rose to the occasion for your son, almost without thinking, and hold your visit as a dear memory.
I had to look through the e-mails now to see if I had been lying, but no, he did say I could stay, this was in between a lot of complicated planning that ended in him buying that ticket on the 20.june for Maki. I am certain I will visit again, and maybe you will come here too, its not so, so far. Just over the water. Big hug
Such beautiful thoughts you share with us all. Thank you. Prayers…
Oh I just love this! How cool that visiting the fireman to say thank you is on your list. And much like all of us who’ve showed up to help in some way, it is always just as much a gift for us to be able to give as well. So don’t worry if you can’t thank everyone as I know there are sooo Many! They are blessed in the giving too! Love u!!
You have already said THANK YOU in so many ways…..just taking the time to allow us into your life and share the tragedies, the victories, the challenges of each day is such an honor to all of us. It has helped remind us also of a God who hears our prayers and answers before we call. THANKS TO YOU!
I also want to echo what others have said here already – THANK YOU for your honesty, your faith and your perseverance. You’ve blessed us through sharing how you’ve tackled each of these obstacles/ challenges. You’ve opened a door to help me understand better, hope more, and love above all else. Thank you! x
Hmm, I have to agree with so many of the above posts; I don’t think any extra thanks are needed. It is a privilege that you open the door so wide in your journey with Vernon. Even tho we have not met(I have met Hyatt & Ann at their open house) I am inspired and grateful to be one of the cheerleaders! Wrapping all of you in prayer.