Though I asked if Vernon could have dialysis at the hospital yesterday, the doctor told me it wasn’t necessary and that he’d be discharged shortly after I left in the early evening. But around 11:30pm, I got a call from someone at Hoag, asking for my consent to give Vernon dialysis there. I’m not sure why he stayed in the end, perhaps they felt they wanted to test the new port to ensure there were no new problems.  This morning, I was told he’d be discharged for sure and at the latest would be home “after lunch’ (whatever that means.) The Logies had arranged to come around then, but there was still a lot of waiting before Vernon arrived.

The kids had their game…one that Maki brought. I was so thankful he had someone to play it with him as I’m a terrible with complicated games and not a fun partner.

Joe was worried about Vernon as he hadn’t been told anything until I arrived this afternoon. The staff hadn’t expected him to be out so long either. So we waited in the crisp outdoors, entertaining ourselves, until the ambulance drove up.  When Vernon emerged, he was greeted by an enthusiastic homecoming party. “Welcome Back, Buddy!”

He may have been tired but he was anxious to get back outside once he knew he had friends waiting for him. I got him dressed and transferred (by myself!) He sat up at the table, alert and involved. Here he is chatting with his good friend Chris.

Joe and their CNA, Judy, has tears in their eyes as they watched him sitting up and drinking water. They said they had missed him, but I could tell they were mostly pleased  to see him returning with such stamina and brightness. When he drank from his water cup, he even remembered to hold his chin down to the left without anyone prompting him—tilting to the left is something we only started working on a week or two ago, and that, sporadically.

Here is a little video of Vernon opening a chocolate coin.  He’s figured a few things out. Most would agree that getting to chocolate is a worthy endeavor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyGvRKWayrU&feature=youtu.be

Tomorrow, after his morning dialysis session, I’ll meet Vernon at a different hospital for a different surgery that should take place at 4:45. Your prayers are always appreciated. Today made me feel better about tomorrow.