“We are all just walking each other home.” —Ram Dass
I don’t have the energy or time to write everything I want to tonight. But there is so much to say, so much I want to remember. This has been such a unique experience to walk through. Somehow Vernon has become so much more clear and bright in the past couple of days (especially yesterday) its as if he is being transfigured. But we know now this time is short. He’s already tiring down noticeably. But I’ve allowed an open door. I realize everyone who wants to say goodbye has their own reasons and their own relationship to him. He’s like the center of a flower…and each friend who visits, a petal. He says he loves the company. And I believe its starting to sink in, even to him. He’s looking hard at each person in the room. He tells everyone he loves them. I think he understands.
There is more to tell, but here are some pictures I took today:
Our dear friend Derek, who just so happens to be the chaplain of the hospice group we are using. When I arrived this morning, he was singing Vernon songs on his guitar. Vernon was mostly sleeping. He does seem to need longer sleeps between socializing.
Old friends visiting. We talked about Irish history among other things. Vernon was rapt.
The two Joes.
My mom, my dad. He loves them. They love him.
Justine returned…she’s telling him about a movie she saw with a dad in a coma that turned into a cat. Vernon said he could only follow some of it…probably better than the rest of us could. He was certainly paying attention.
Annie sang the most beautiful song she wrote just recently.
Vernon, watching the video of himself speaking about type in Spain. He loves to watch it, but it makes him sad. He watched it yesterday too…telling me his mom should see it. He was also happy to share it with the ambulance EMTs on the way back yesterday. He wiped away tears every time. He knows. He knows.
Communion. Vernon spat out his wine in disgust. I should have known, but now that we are allowed to give him things, his request to taste was irresistible. But the rest of us felt that we were on hallowed ground.
Amazing Grace.
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Beautiful photographic documentation. I feel so much for you Allison, for Vernon, for Malki, for Justine.
Beautiful friends and family loving on Vernon! Allison you have been the catalyst for so much love! I’ve walked through several of these last days with loved ones and you have set the bar high…..not unattainable but in a lovely place of family coming together in love! good Job!
Love you, Annie
Such a beautiful post. What an Amazing gift that Vernon is more alert!
I chuckled at him spitting out his communion wine.
Such loving photos, such beautiful friends and kids. What a gift to fill my eyes and heart with.
xo
Love you! Amazing Grace is right!!
You simply amazeme my friend. Cosmos in the Chaos.
thank you for courageously continuing to bring Vernon’s journey to us. The poetry of the B&W images are warm and haunting. The power of your friends and their commitment come through these images. Silently through our prayers we stand with you..
Dear Allison,
You are very much in my thoughts these days. Praying over you as you walk Vernon home.
With much love
Rosie x
Dear Allison,
Such a good view of walking Vernon home. You have been so open with your thoughts and we are still on the praying end of this thing. Praying for you and the family daily and several friends are also. Brighter days are ahead for you and Vernon. God is still in control.
Hugs,
Becky
“Thank you”, is what has echoed in my mind while reading and studying your photos over the course of the blog. One can profoundly sense the Love and Grace of Jesus. Your commitment to sharing your journey with us has been a beautiful and powerful testimony that has taught us so much. Praying and sending a long hug from our part of the world to yours. Con mucho amor xo
Just beautiful. Every bit of it.
It was wonderful to be apart of Vernon’s journey and to call him friend. His mind was so clear today that in it self was a gift. As I kissed Vernon and said good bye I got the overwhelming thought of “It is well with my soul”. Thank you Vernon for being uniquely you.
Such an awesome testimony to the power love, friends, and family.
how really amazing that everyone is celebrating vernon and he feels the love. a beautiful, touching way to share his final days. prayers for vernon and all of his loving family and friends.
I am so thankful you could share Communion with Vernon, it is so important. Wolfgang often goes to the home-bound (with another deacon)and gives communion to the lonely or the ones ready to go to
their heavenly home. We love you all and think and pray for you often. We never met Vernon but I believe we missed out and will meet him in heaven. hugs, Ingrid for the 2 of us
This is so beautiful and moving. Each picture speaks a thousand words of love that pours from the page. I’m so humbled that you’ve trusted us with this journey, and how you’ve been so honest and raw, yet unfailingly strong and inspiring. I pray peace upon each of you. Xo
Beautifully tender. The photos need no caption. I give you this…and send love.
“Now is the moment of meeting,
Now is the moment of speaking.
But no words are needed in the poustinia of a hospital room.
Only the steps of the Father
and the light of the Spirit
That comes
Like a gentle breeze in the spring,
Consoling,
Assuaging,
Making clear all
that was unclear
So that
In a stark
Naked
Room of pain
Joy enters.
The sick arise
And dance with
Christ.”
(C. Doherty – The Poustinia)
“So let my ship sail like Brendan’s,
Let it carry me home.
May the Three guide my passage,
Towards the Island of Light
… towards the Island of Hope.” (Voyage of St. Brendan, J.Johnson)
I feel the numbness and shock wearing off and the sadness and grief coming in waves. Some big, some small. Thank you so much for allowing us friends to come and see him one last time.
It meant so much to me when he said “I love you, see you soon” and then he stopped for a minute and said “hey.. have fun”
Luv you babe