Please visit Terran's Transplant site. He passed away this past fall and his mom sure could use some kind words and lots of prayers. She diligently took care of Terran for ten years and now she's feeling kind of lost. I can understand, though not to the same degree...I still feel like I should be preparing TPN or mixing up some special formula....it's just hard folks....
The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” she asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
I found this wonderful story over at Molly Grace's Caringbridge site.
Well...he's home of course!!
This is a photo of Asher getting ready to leave the NICU!
How exciting for his family! When Asher was born, he weighed 1 lb and 7 oz...the day he left the NICU he weighed a 9 lbs 14oz. That is a miracle! Asher still has to have special care but I am sure his mommy and daddy are perfect for the job! Let's all continue to pray for Asher and his family and let's remember to praise God that Asher is able to live at home with his family!!
That's what Grayson is saying! Isn't that the cutest little thing....I love when babies start saying words!
Grayson also had another hemangioma removed from his back...
Hip Hip Hooray for Grayson!!!
Asher is moving right along...except for the eating thing! He has an occupational therapist working with him now...it's common for little monkies to need help in the eating department...suck, swallow, breathe, suck, swallow, breathe!! Go Chunky Monkey go!! Asher has also been tugging at his tubing and cannula so we need to be praying that everything "stays put"!! He's a wild one!!!
Please light a candle on October 15th at 7pm (in all time zones) and let it burn for one hour in rememberance of our babies.
January 18, 2005 - May 31, 2006
Samuel Finn Doriot
January 9, 2004
August 26, 1996
January 2, 2006 - July 27, 2006
carepage..type in EmmaCody
May 9, 2006 - June 29, 2006
Tomorrow, Grayson will be heading to the Children's Hospital of Cinncinnati for the surgery to remove his hemangiomas. Please pray for travel mercies, that the surgery will go well and that he has a speedy recovery. Please also pray for Judi and Don, Grayson's mom and dad. His sister Olivia needs prayers too...it's hard when you have a sibling that is going through surgery. I'll update after the surgery...
Here's a picture of the hemangioma on his shoulder that will be removed.
UPDATE:
Stephanie's surgery went very well and she is now recovering at home. She will have her bandages changed every two weeks. Thanks for all the prayers for this sweet little girl and her family!!
Stephanie has a rare condition called Arthrogryposis...it is a condition that affects her joints and muscles. This Friday, September 29th, Stephanie will be having surgery to shorten her left leg and to re-align her leg and foot. The natural growth has caused her leg to turn inward and her foot has rotated to the point that she is unable to place the bottom of her foot on the floor. Right now she has the nifty walker that you see above...and let me tell you this girl can fly! This walker has given her great mobility but hopefully the surgery will bring her much closer to walking without assistance. Please also pray for her family as she undergoes this surgery...anyone who has had a child go through surgery certainly knows how stressful it is...and if you haven't had a child go through surgery then just take my word for it!!
Thanks for your prayers and I'll update after surgery....
I just love this picture...She's watching Baby Einstein!
Emma is still bleeding from her trach and her vent settings have gone up a bit. The really great news is that she has gained 5 ozs!!! Way to go Emma!! I know that doesn't sound like a lot to most people but for NICU babies it's a HUGE deal!! Please continue to pray:
Asher is doing well and is recovering from his surgery that took place awhile back. His Aunt Laura went to see him and confirmed that he truly is a "Chunky Monkey"...that's his nick name! Please continue to pray for little Asher...pray for his parents too. His mom was in a car accident...she was hit by another car and she's ok...other than the stress of dealing with car issues and having a child in the NICU! lol! What a ride!!
Here's some baby bananas for you Asher!
I've put together a photo montage of Gus. It's a work in progress but I wanted to share anyway...
Please lift up this little fellow's family as they grieve the loss of their precious child. Though Carter was a sick little guy, he had a true zest for life. He touched everyone that met him...he and his family have been a real inspiration to many people. You can read more about Carter by visiting his Caringbridge site . Carter's story is amazing...he was a true warrior here on earth. Now, he's receiving his much deserved rest and healing! When you visit his site, please leave a note for his mom and dad...they are amazing parents and I'm sure they would appreciate your encouraging notes!
Carter having fun at a pool party!
Here's Carter playing on the playground at football practice
UPDATE:
Surgery went well!!
Meet Asher!! Asher will be undergoing exploratory abdominal surgery tomorrow at 9am. Please pray throughtout the day for this little guy and his family. This is a list of prayer requests from Asher's website:
To read more about Asher and his twin brother, Jacob, who is now in Heaven, point your cursor to Asher and Jacob . Be sure to leave an encouraging note for the family!!
Emma Faye Cody
b. 1-2-2006
d. 7-27-2006
Receiving friends Sunday evening, July 30, 2006, at Farrar's Funeral Home Chapel, Jefferson City, from 6:00-8:00, services to follow at 8:00 p.m.
Interment on Monday, July 31, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., in Economy Cemetary, West Economy Road, Morristown.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the
Emma Cody Benefit Fund at Community National Bank in Jefferson City or Morristown, or mail to P.O. Box 1919, Morristown, Tn. 37816,
Bill Pearson, Treas.
Look at this big boy sitting up on the couch! He is a real cutie!!
Grayson has been a little fussy here lately but other than that he is doing well. I did get an e-mail from his mommy saying that she may have a sitter for him...I need to check back with her to find out if this is going to work out. That would be a praise if it does...moms and dads need to get out!!
Please continue to pray for Grayson:
Isn't he just the cutest little fellow?? He looks so squeezable!! Grayson is a "26 weeker" who started out weighing only 1 lb. 12ozs.!! Preemie babies quite often experience a lot of different complications...Grayson is no exception. Reflux has been an issue for Grayson and he and his family need prayers for his healing. There's a lot of "work" that goes into taking care of a baby with reflux...there are several different medications and usually a gazillion different formulas have to be tried. Grayson's mom is dedicated to taking excellent care of him but I know from experience that this lifestyle can be quite tiring...so prayers for Grayson's mom would be nice too!! He also has a hemangioma which can be very painful...pray also that this heals soon.
Grayson's Prayer List:
Here are some links about hemangiomas:
http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/hemangioma
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/001459.htm
Please remember to pray for little Emma and her mom. Today she was able to jump off the ventilator for a short time. She was not able to breathe well so now the doctors are talking about a trach. My heart really goes out not only to Emma but to her mom too. It is so hard seeing other babies around you getting better and going home...sometimes to parents who do not seem fit. It reminds me of something my dear mother-in-law always said..."There ain't much fair in this ol' world." Boy...that's the truth!! So, when you are praying for Emma, please remember to pray for her mom too.
at sweet Emma Cody!
Emma has set up residence in the East Tennessee Children's Hospital NICU...she's been there since January 2, 2006! She is a micro-preemie and is loved dearly by her family and her nurses. Right now Emma needs prayers for her lungs to heal, for her fundo to work and for protection of her bowels. Please also pray for Emma's big sister, Gracie. Times like these are very hard on siblings...let's shower this precious family with prayers!!
I'm a sucker for sucker pictures!!
Here's five pictures of the always cute Grayson! Grayson has been doing well lately...not so fussy. He has had some meds changed and this seems to be making a huge difference. Please continue to pray for Grayson and his family...they are still dealing with his hemangioma.
Look what a big boy Grayson is...holding his head up like that!!
OK...so who doesn't want to scoop this little guy up and cover him with "sugars"??
I wonder if Grayson's big sister Olivia was around...I bet so because he's got a good grin going!!
This is Grayson's hemangioma. You can see why it would be tough to deal with...nonetheless, he and his mom are troopers and they are doing what's necessary to make him comfortable. He continues to have laser treatments for the hemangioma...surgery may be necessary in the future.
Judi....Thank you so much for allowing me to post pictures of Grayson...it is a privilege to do so! Grayson's mom and dad have entered the blog world with their very own blogs...go visit them when you can!
Isn't this such a sweet picture of Emma sleeping! She is such a doll...I would have a hard time not "squeezing" her!! (((((Emma))))).....sending hugs your way!!
We need to say extra prayers for Emma's tummy right now. She also has gone back up on her vent settings and is taking a bit of steroids...pray that these steroids will do their job and led Emma to healthier lungs!
Here's a quick list:
I found this story over at Lisa's CB site.
The Strength of an Egg
by Juliet Freitag
Parents of children with cancer, or really any serious condition, are often referred to or viewed as having strength "like a rock." Albiet flattering,it isn't quite true. It is more like the strength of an egg. An egg, you ask? Yes!
If you'll think about it, you'll see my point. An egg has a polished, smooth outer appearance, with no cracks or weak spots visible. It seems almost inconceivable that the inside might not be so smooth or solid.
Most children, at some point are shown the famous egg trick. An egg set at just the right angle can withstand enormous amounts of pressure and cannot be cracked or broken. Yet the same egg, tapped gently at an ever slightly different angle, will break. The contents, once so neatly concealed, will come spilling out. The no longer perfect shell will be crushed. It looks so fragile that it seems inconceivable that it ever held any strength.
A rock, on the other hand, is solid all the way through. To break it is almost impossible. If you succeed, you will find that there is nothing inside but more rock.
It takes a lot more than pure hardness to hold the hand of hope. Parents of [medically fragile] children are not solid all the way through. We hurt, we fear, we cry, we hope. It takes a very careful balancing act to keep the shell from being shattered. "Balancing an egg" while running a household, going for doctors' visits and hospital stays, keeping the family together, and holding on to the constantly unraveling ties of your sanity can be very tricky indeed! Occasionally, the angle will be off and the shell will break, shattering hope and all the neatly secured appearances of a truly fragile existence.
Unlike Humpty Dumpty, though, parents of [medically fragile] kids will pick themselves up and put themselves back together again.
