Latest posts
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Waffles
Maki and I went up to see Vernon together today, with great hopes (as we always have.) He’s been so active and present lately…even if for short periods. But when we got there today, we could tell Vernon was not into having visitors. He seemed tired and distant. Ah! Every time I tell myself I…
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Parent Night (and Unexpected Grief)
Since Maki is now in 8th grade, last night marked the third “Parent Night” I’ve attended at the Middle School. This is the evening at the beginning of the year when parents are invited to follow their child’s schedule, spending 12 minutes between bells in each classroom, meeting the teachers and getting a quick syllabus/approach…
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Synnøve
Earlier this week, Maki’s mother, Synnove, returned to New Zealand after a week resettling him into his American life with us. As I mentioned in a June post, one of the major positives that has come out of Vernon’s accident is the fact that Maki’s two families have come together in an unexpected and special way.…
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To Be Alone With You
Since Vernon still seems to have the blues today, I’ll just share a moment from one of our outings outside. This was yesterday in the little bit of welcome rain that came down in Brea. What’s more romantic than a date in the rain, right? I started thinking of all the times we’d complained of not having…
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Through the Looking Glass
“The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion.”—William Makepeace Thackeray This morning, I had the privilege of watching the physical therapy…
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Spicy noodles and other things
On friday Sandy took me and my Mum Whale watching at Dana point since she is leaving tomorrow, we saw a blue whale, we where VIP guests, and I got to drive the boat. and today me and Chris Adams went rock climbing again I also got to se My Dad on saturday he seemed…
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His Own Path
“Life is a journey, not a destination.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson One thing we are finding when we visit Vernon is that he is on his own timeline. (If I’m honest, I suppose he always has been.) Sometimes he is alert and ready to engage and other times, he can keep his eyes shut for most of…
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Back To School
I’ve been a bit amiss on blogging daily this week, so a HUGE thank you to Chris, who updated this morning…that was great. I love all the connecting elements so much. Chris has been an amazing friend to Vernon and our family at every step of the way. This was Back-To-School week…just as it was for…
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Climbing with Vern & Maki
Yesterday I had the pleasure of accompanying Allison on the drive out to visit Vernon in Brea. I am in the lucky position to be able to work from the passenger seat on occasion and from the waiting room. I hadn’t seen Vernon in 2 weeks. I was also lucky enough to go rock climbing…
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A Kiss
It was as if Vernon knew Maki was coming today and had prepared for it. Though the hospital front desk wasn’t thrilled about three of us going in at once to visit him, I managed to convince her this was a special occasion. And that ended up being the case. When we got to the room, Vernon…