Yesterday was an unusual Thanksgiving for us. Well, not altogether. Anne spent many hours and her abundant culinary talents preparing a traditional feast that fairly overflowed the table and our respective limits. And I spent the early hours looking up and reading Thanksgiving proclamations, starting with Lincoln’s in 1863, then Washington’s in 1789, then by the governing council of Charleston, Massachusetts in 1676, and finally by the 53 surviving pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621. All were elegant and inspiring, with true thanks to the True Source in every case.
Meantime daughter Allison had been making preparations to bring husband Vernon out of his care facility for a few hours of the holiday . . . a first in the year and a half since his accident. It was a big deal, his getting out, and he was as anxious about it as anyone . . . both positive and apprehensive.
Along with Vernon, we also brought his roommate, defender and friend, Joe, also permanently in a wheelchair, but without the brain trauma.
In all it was great, though not altogether easy. I want to keep this brief and refer you instead, if you have time, to Allison’s blog, posted the day before, anticipating it all. It’s here.
I do want to mention just this, however, that when it came for the thanksgiving meal prayer, Vernon was invited to do it. With eyes open but looking into space he started right in, giving thanks for Allison first of all, and her “open-hearted” love for him, his family, and all the food (though not for him–he’s still being fed intravenously). It was precious.
Here are a couple of photos, including of Vernon’s son Maki playing guitar, a couple of friends dropping in, and one with Joe, Allison and Justine.
In all, in spite of all, and for all, we give thanks.
Again, for the fuller report, and many more photos, check Allison’s here.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
12:04 pm
Made me cry (again.) So grateful– and love and prayers for you all. xxx (Next year in san luis obispo – or is that next year in Jerusalem?)
12:41 pm
What a wonderful gift to Vernon and Joe to get out of the Care facility for a few hours and be bathed in the love of family. Reading Vernon’s prayer before the meal brought tears. Our continued prayer for Allison as she deals with so much, and for Vernon’s continued progress and so much more……..
1:13 pm
Reading this briings tears of joy for you all!
1:26 pm
A beautiful family showing us all the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
3:00 pm
Hyatt,
Just yesterday, I was thinking about how fortunate I was to have taken your painting workshops. I was reflecting on that wonderful and challenging time for me, then wondering and praying for your family in light of how crisis changes us and our lives. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new blog post from you in my email which answered my questions. Another friend of mine just lost her daughter to a random and senseless murder in Indianapolis. The Amanda Blackburn case, which has been on national news. The families have been a beacon of hope to others as they have shared their faith and have glorified Jesus in the midst of their unimaginable pain. So, thinking of you and your precious family, holding you in prayer, and wishing many new and continued blessings for all of you this Christmas Season, and Forever.
3:27 pm
Brought tears to my eyes. We have so much to be thankful for even in the trenches of seeming disaster. I am thankful that you shared your Thanksgiving moments of joy with us. It was truly encouraging. We love you guys and though we are enjoying our new adventure in La Quinta, we miss you. May the Lord bless you with more joy–“Joy unspeakable and full of Glory!”
6:18 pm
Special Love to your family!! Hyatt thank you so much for
getting right on it, & letting all of us, that are a small
part of this journey with Allison and Vernon!! Just how it
went!! I had been thinking about you guys all through out
the day, & just praying that it went well!
By the pictures, especially his prayer, and sitting up in a
chair!!! I am so delighted.
This is just the beginning of great things to come!!!
Hugs of love to you and Anne
Barbara
6:20 pm
The photo of Hyatt bringing Vernon in is priceless!
7:57 pm
[…] I haven’t been thinking about it constantly ever since. It was just that…as Big Event. Here is what my dad wrote about it on his own […]
9:56 pm
Hyatt and family,
Was so touched to hear of Vern offering pray and thanksgiving at this special time for him and Joe. How wonderful to have him out and rolling to your home.
Our prayers are with Allison and Vern and the rest of the family. God bless your family and protect them.
He is a good God.
Hugs,
Becky Jones
9:14 am
Oh Anne and Hyatt and family!! What a blessed time you experienced this Thanksgiving. To HAVE VERNON AMONG YOU —-THERE, PRAYING, BELIEVING, AND FUNCTIONING, not perfectly and far from it as it appears, but there with all of you! I am soooooo thankful as I have been praying for him and for Allison and the children all this time along with all of you! Thank you for sharing this with all of us, as I think of him and your daughter and the children sooooo often–praying of course continuously along with all of you! Standing in belief that Vernon will return to be his full self more and more with time… The Lord’s will be done and the Lord’s healing power over his body and life!! Thank you Lord! Bless this strong faithfilled family! Love Lisa Kevin and our family!