I admit I was disappointed by the change of events in Vernon’s progress this week. As long as we are sticking to what the doctors and nurses project, I feel Vernon is totally secure in their hands. Then suddenly something changes, as its prone to do, and I begin to lose my emotional grip a little. Thankfully, I have wonderful, supportive friends, and I know where to go and cry a bit if I have to.
A friend suggested grief should be like letting the bubbles out of a champagne bottle. If you shake up the bottle and open it up at once, not only will the cork pop out,but the bottle could crack into a million pieces. If you let the bubbles out a little by little, and decompress a bit at a time, none of the champagne is lost…and the experience is safer. She said it better than that. But I loved the picture. I love the idea of trying to elegantly decompress. And I was able to use the non-alcoholic version of the story with Maki as he processes his own story, by describing a shaken soda can. Dr. Pepper: unfortunately, something he seems to understand well. 🙂
But enough about me. I will just say today was a good day after the last couple of hard ones.
Vernon continues to respond well to dialysis (the external kidney machine) so that is a positive. Today, “Doogie Howser” the young genius Orthopedic surgeon (actually called Dr. Wilkins) came into the room while I was there and told me he had thought about Vernon in his sleep and decided to take off the X-fix frame that has been supporting Vernon’s pelvis since the first surgery on the night of the accident. I don’t know if that meant he dreamt about what to do today or if he just took his mental work home with him and kept thinking on it. Either way, it was comforting that he cared enough.
After the Doctor removed the frame, Vernon’s belly relaxed and became less distended, which is what we had hoped. But on top of that, his ICP (brain pressure: main thing they are keeping tabs on) went down, and they were able to drain him better. There are so many other things that go on, and I know I am not reporting all of them. Thanks again for Chris (and also my mom) who are able to retain information better than I.
For me, it was just good to see things coming OFF of Vernon. So much keeps going in, its nice to have it the other way for a change. The doctor actually gave me the X-fix bars (which look like bike parts: Vernon would approve) to take with me as a souvenir. Maki appreciated them too. Maybe he and daddy can make a fishing pole out of the bits.
Dr. Wilkins and his assistant accessing some healing wounds, while “sister” Kris watches the numbers. (That’s what I call her, but she aint no nun.)
our take-home erector set
Doctor Cummings, the Oral Surgeon, gently taking out a couple of stitches from last week’s jaw surgery. Jaw wiring: a dramatic, yet effective way to lose those extra pounds Vernon had been complaining about.
125
So glad to hear of forward progress and for Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Cummings and the diligent staff. Love you.
Thank you for the update lovely. Holding you all in our hearts xx
Thanks for the update, Allison. With the ups and downs, it was nice to hear that today had a nice up 🙂 We continue to pray. May God give Doogie some more dreams like that one (or late at night revelations… or during the day, we aren’t picky).
Thank you for the new update.We continue to pray for each positive step of healing Gods giving him. Tears are healthy and I am reminded of for everytime is a season a time for joy and a time to mourn……Each tear is felt and your friends and family are with you. Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy and His faithfulness thus far. Stay strong Allison Vernon can sense your love and we continue to pray for the Lord to give you and your kids peace. <3 The Jones Family
So happy that he continues to improve.
thanks, Eben. I know you are one of his dear friends. Thanks for sending the well wishes! xo
Thank you, Allison, for letting us be with you during this time. I am thinking about you all very often during each day and being able to read these updates helps me visualize you all and target my positive thoughts and prayers for you. (Sending you so much love, Allison!)
It’s so great to read a good report! It comforts me to hear Vernon is in such good hands. And Allison I love to read your stories-your loving heart shines through….
I can see Maki and Vernon making something cool out of those parts 🙂
As always Vernon and Allison you are very near to my every waking thought. I’m walking this path with you in prayer xoxo Kirsten
We hope one day Doogie Howser understands where his “dream” came from. God is so merciful, so faithful, so loving and kind to those standing in the gap with so much prayer. May He continue to bless your family with complete and total healing.
Hello my sweet girl Allison! Tom and I have been actively involved with the events you ALL have been going through while we were on vacation, and this week with our re-entry into our jobs. We pray for you, for the kids, and for Vernon to heal and recover while he sleeps. Your humor as you navigate this road of recovery is a good sign! I am so proud of how you are learning what you are capable of, and who and what you need to ask for from others when you need help.
I would love to come and sit with you at the hospital when you need someone to be with you.
Take care….Love you,
Karen
Derek gave me today’s update after his visit…don’t let him post for you ok!? Haha! It ALL makes sense after reading your post!
Allison I love and admire you!!! Keeping your wits about you and witty as ever…you are an inspiration ❤️
Thanks for the update and for letting Justine come play!!!
Thanks for the good news and up date. We will continue pray and ask The Lord for healing.
oh Allison , how beautifully written , and uplifting to read that my brother is making some progress today , after those disappointments over the last few days x love you “sis” x
You amaze me Allison, EVERYTHING that you are tackling!! My prayers are with you guys every day; I truly hope Vernon awakes and KNOWS, ALL that you have done & ALL that you are to him!! XO
So happy to hear of this progress and the great care Vernon is receiving. Praise God. Scooters are everywhere here, so every time I see one I pray!! Sending hugs from across the sea…
thank you for the update. how wonderful to hear some more positive news. it sounds like vernon has an incredible team watching over him. we all will help it along with our continued prayers. sending a big hug with the prayers.
So Happy to hear that things are moving in the right direction. We are fervently praying for him and for you and the kids. Please know that we are here for you in ANY way you need. You are an amazingly strong woman….actually I think we all knew that all along but you have proved it over and over again. All of our love and kisses.
Phil & Theresa.
What wisdom to let the pent up pressure of grief gradually escape our lives–loved the visual for that. I am also rejoicing at the direction that came to “Doogie” as he slept. I just read yesterday of the repeated times that God came to Joseph in what were life and death decisions–further evidence of the great care of the ultimate Director in every aspect of Vernon and Allison’s lives.
Allison, I’ve been praying that God would lead the doctors to do more than they know. I often get ideas for work or whatever while sleeping, too. I love the champagne/grief analogy and am so glad for your many, many friends and relations to help you and Maki and Justine and all through this time. Love, Aunt Lynnel
So glad to hear about the pressure on his brain decreasing with the removal of the X-fix frame! Still thinking positively for Vernon’s full recovery. You’re an amazingly strong woman, and he and your kids are lucky to have you. xox
A student in my piano studio asked the other day, “What’s that music painted on your wall, and who did that?” I replied, “The song is, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” by Bach, along with the inscription Sola dei gratia which, translated, says, ‘By the grace of God, alone.’ Our friend, Allison, painted that for us… little did she know, that’s so her right now.” Praying grace continues to fill your days and nights, dear heart.
Allison,
Your writing comes from your Dad I would say but your Mom well also. Just hold on Allison and one of these days Vernon will wake up and see you there by his side. Prayers are still coming from our house and my friends online.
God be with you all.
Becky Jones
Day by day. And always so thankful to hear updates. Thank you for sharing them and always keeping you both in thought and prayer.
Not a day goes by that I don’t stop by this site and do a little rooting for Vernon’s recovery.
Go team Adams.