Grayson's Ears

Carol Kramberger

"Corn Harvest at the End of Summer

Get it?! Bwahhahhhaa!!! Really, all joking aside, Grayson needs prayers for his ear infections that will just not clear up. On a good note...he has gained some weight!! WooHooo for Grayson!

Damon is Back in the Hospital

I just got an update that Damon has been back in the hospital. He was home for a day and then he spiked a fever and had to return to Pittsburgh. The docs have decided that they need to take a few steps back as far as Damon's TPN...his nutrition that he gets through his central line. For Short Gut kids, this is their main way of getting calories since the lack of small bowel makes it next to impossible to absorb nutrients. Damon's lipids had been taken out of his TPN and this was wonderful news. Lipids are the fats in TPN that wreak havoc on the liver. The docs have decided to add the lipids back in...it's really a catch-22....Damon needs the lipids but at the same time those lipids are damaging his liver. So, that's what I suggest we all pray about....the lipids....that they will not destroy his liver!~

Neurostorming

Of course we are praising the Lord for Izzy's successful dental surgery!! I read the update her mom posted here...and I tell you, I am learning so much from this amazing mom! This post explains why Izzy had to have the dental surgery...and the post also contains her entry for Slow-Cooker Thursday! lol!! I just love that Annie, Izzy's mom, is so willing to share her family's journey. Thank You Annie!!






Fact sheet about Neurostorming

Izzy's Dental Procedure

UPDATE~~ Izzy is back at home and doing well. Praise the Lord!!

This Thursday, Izzy will be having dental procedure. Let's all remember to pray, especially on Thursday, that Izzy will be comfortable, that the doc will perform the procedure well, and that all of Izzy's family will be at peace while she is undergoing the procedure.

Please visit Izzy's blog to read all about this sweet little girl. Feel free to grab the button at the top to place on your blog or website!

Damon Update

Damon returned home a few days ago!! His mom will be administering his IV antibiotics at home and he'll continue to get better and gain weight. Continue to pray for Damon to heal and pray for his mom too...I remember when we would have to give IV meds at home and it was not fun. It wasn't terribly hard...it just seemed to mess up Gus' meds schedule and his TPN schedule. It's a lot to juggle but I am certain Damon's mom can handle it well!!

I am thrilled!!!

Look at this wonderful button Judi has made for me!! Isn't she the BEST!?

Thank you soooo much, Judi!!!

Damon Update

See that sweet little boy there standing on the sled with his big brother and mommy?? That's Damon and he is a complete cutie patootie!! Right now, Damon is in the hospital with a nasty infection so we all need to be sending up some extra prayers. Pray that his line does not have to be replaced, that he doesn't lose any more weight, and that his family will feel God's peace in this hectic time. Pray especially for his big brother, Cole. Siblings have a tough time when things like this are going...it's scary for the parents so try to imagine how it feels to someone young.

Damon is on the waiting list for a liver/small bowel/ pancreas transplant at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Pete and I met Damon and his family when we shared a room during transplant evaluation.

Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll have a good news update for you all!!

If you like, you can send a card to Damon (Hiett) through Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Izzy's Button

I you haven't been to Izzy's blog you need to go there and read all about this wonderful little girl and her family. Her mom, Annie, is so good about explaining the different therapies that Izzy is undergoing. I am so excited to see what God has in store for this sweet little girl and awesome family.

Be sure to check out Izzy's new wheels...in raspberry! How cool!!! I would pick raspberry too! I think that color is perfect for Izzy!!! I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of her in it...neat!

I'm sure Izzy's mom would love for you to place this "Pray for Izzy" button in your sidebar. Prayer is powerful, healing and so encouraging!!

Portagen and Grief

After Gus died, I decided to offer the rest of his Portagen on the Oley Foundation's website. Portagen is really expensive and I hoped that someone else could use it. We were very fortunate to have Gus' Portagen covered by insurance but I know some people have a really hard time getting their insurance companies to cover things like this. So, it was important to me to pass this formula on...besides, it is not my Portagen but God's! I posted the cans about four months ago.

This afternoon I got a phone call from a man in Wisconsin named John. John has requested the four cans of Portagen. Great! And now here we go....that lovely grief monster has reared it's lovely head and I am at this moment bawling like a big ol' baby!! But, that's why "grief work" is hard...it sneaks up on you!! I'll be fine...I'll just lean into the pain and, more importantly, lean into God. He has always comforted me and I know He will continue to do so.

I am thankful that we were able to find a formula that Gus was able to absorb through his short little small bowel! I'm thankful that God provided this formula for us. I'm thankful that it didn't smell like Pregestimil!! And now, I'm thankful that John will be able to use these four canisters of formula....

Evan Early..book review

Isabelle finally found a book at the library about a baby in the NICU. She has been asking me to find her one for quite awhile...I'll be honest, looking for a specific book in the kid's section at our local library is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Everytime I go there, I fight the urge to put everything in alphabetical order...drives me nuts!! Well, this past week, Isabelle pulled Evan Early off he shelves and ta-da....she had found her book!!

Evan Early is a book about a little girl who is counting down the days until her little brother Evan comes home from the NICU. Natalie, the big sister, gets to visit her brother in the unit and she sees what a preemie looks like, sees the nurse weigh the diapers and hears the beeps and alarms. The author goes on to write about the time when Evan is really sick and things are really scary for Natalie...

"For two days, Dad and Mom stay away. I'm scared and lonely. Will
Evan Early be okay? What if Mom and Dad forget about me?"

But then, I love this one,

"Finally, Mom stumbles in the door on the third day. Her hair is
flat. She wears the same clothes she did the last time I saw her."

I KNOW you moms out there who have lived the NICU life can relate to that line! lol!! The book ends with Evan still in the NICU. The last two pages are devoted to questions and answers.

Evan Early is written by Rebecca Hogue Wojahn and illustrated by Ned Gannon.

It's Party Time!

It's time to Party!

Welcome to Gus' Gang!! My name is Jenny (Jenny-up the hill) and this is a blog that I have started to journal about our family ministry, Gus' Gang. My husband and I started this ministry in memory of our son Gus who passed away May 31, 2006. Gus was waiting on a liver/small bowel transplant which would have taken place in Pittsburgh. His little body just was not able to hold out for organs and he peacefully went to Heaven. We miss him terribly but at the same time we rejoice because he now is living the life he so deserved!

It is our desire to come along side others who are caring for medically fragile children and of course, those families that are grieving the loss of a child. We do this by sending quilts to children, sending out grief packages(containing Heaven by Randy Alcorn and Treasures in Darkness by Sharon Betters, a blanket, journal book and chocolates), crocheting/knitting preemie hats for local NICUs and making "buddy dolls" and quilts for local children's hospitals. Of course, the most important thing we do is pray for these precious children and for the Lord to shower grieving parents with the peace that He has showered on us!

If you know of someone that you would like a "grief package" sent to, please e-mail me with their information. The "grief packages" are free. I will keep all information confidential. Of course, please let me know if there is a child we need to be praying for....I'd love to add them to the "gang"!!

Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom to visit other parties!!

Meet Isabelle!

Isabelle is a sweet little girl who is a "near-drowning" victim. She attends school and just this past week she took some really neat Valentines to her classmates! I can tell that she has a wonderfully attentive mother and family. I found the following quote from Isabelle's blog to be so sweet and touching:

Isabelle is so healthy, she is so beautiful and she is so sweet. She is a little doll. I feel like an expectant mother, waiting for the birth of the baby. I am waiting and expectant that she is going to blossom and that she is going to do great.


There's so much I don't know about near-drownings and what therapies there are to help these people. I am looking forward to keeping up with everything going on with Isabelle and her family and I know that we all can learn from their experiences! So make sure you visit Isabelle's blog and don't forget to add her to your Prayer List.

Here are a few sites I came across that you might find helpful:

• Article at The Doctor Will See You Now I found this article to be helpful in explaining the basics. I'm sure that there are other sites that are more detailed.
• HUGS Foundation This is a support group for families with children who have nearly drowned.
• Article at Answers.com

Lauren Myers..Resting in Jesus' Arms

Please join me in praying for the family of little Lauren Myers. She died this past Monday morning...she was only 16 months old. Lauren's grandmother, Betty, is one of Gus' Gang's supporters. You can read her obituary and leave your condolences here. Even if you do not know this family, encouraging words are aprreciated. I can't even begin to tell you how many "strangers" sent us messages when Gus died...they all meant so much to us. So, please don't be shy about signing guestbooks....

Valentines ...to Heaven

Alive! Unveiled Heart Series

Gwen Meharg

Valentines...... To Heaven

This Valentine is not of the ordinary kind,

Its still filled with love...and blessings inside;

But mine has to be sent on the wings of love...

You see its destination is the Heavens above.

Its not being sent to my parents so dear,

For they are still with me each day of the year;

Its being sent to my child...who left earth so soon,

Who's now in the Heavens with the stars and the moon.

The message is the same as your valentine,

"I love you...my sweet precious child of mine;

My love is still deeper than the ocean is blue,

And its sent with hugs and kisses...from me to you."

"I know you are with me each and every day,

You listen as I talk to you...and hear what I say;

For that is one thing that disease cannot do......

you'll always be apart of me...and me a part of you."

"I know God did not give you the awful disease,

Thank Him for His comfort He gives me...would you please?

I dont know what I would do without His undying love...

Sent to bereaved parents from the Heavens above."

"I know you are in the best of care,

But it's so hard for us left on earth to bear;

Could you put in a request from us left behind...

For God to send the knowledge..so a cure we can find."

"So that no other family has to go through this pain,

Our lives without you will never be the same;

When I get lonely I will look to the sky at night...

And see you shining down your big bright light."

"Happy Valentines day sunshine...I miss you so much,

I know you know how many lives you have touched;

You'll always be mine...I love you with all my heart,

I know we be together again...and then we'll never part."

So you see the meaning is still the same...

The method of delivery is the only change;

Mine must be sent by a little white dove...

On the wings of Love.

Author~ Laura/Heavenly Lights Childrens Memorial
Love~ Claire (Mommy to Laken in heaven)

Prayers for Damon!

I am so excited!! I received a letter from Damon's mom this past week...and they have set up a Caringbridge site for Damon!! WooHoo!! Damon and his family will be traveling to Pittsburgh at the end of February for a clinic visit...so let's keep this family in our prayers. I hope that I can post a photo of Damon really soon because he is such a cutie and you all need to see him! He has a swirl on his hairline...swirls make me melt! All my kids have a swirl..we call them "tornadoes"!! Click on over to Damon's Journey and leave a comment...it is so encouraging to get comments!!

Preemie Hat With Kanzashi Flower

I am so addicted to my Knifty Knitter blue loom....and I'm also addicted to making these kanzashi flowers! I first saw the kanzashi flowers over at One Hour Craft and I loved them. I'm trying to figure out how to make the flower detachable so that it can be added to the hat...or not. I don't want to use a pin back because it's a preemie hat. It will come to me....

I wish I could fix that little...skinny...petal there on the left!

Here's what I've made so far. Jake has made five I believe.

Blood Donations...

Yesterday, Pete and I donated blood. We do this every three months. Gus received a gazillion blood transfusions before he died...so it's important to us to donate. We truly appreciate the others who have donated. Also, we really enjoy visiting these gals that work the blood mobile..they are a hoot!! Frankie was able to catch my roly-poly vein quickly which was a huge blessing! lol!!

Pete donating blood.

This is Frankie "staging" the donation....I finished quickly this time!

Gus' photo of him getting a blood transfusion was used at the sign-up area. It made me smile!

Tips for a Good Donation Experience

Wordless Wednesday...Dressing Change

See more WW over at 5 Minutes For Mom!

Prayers for Joel's Family

Please visit Joel's Journey and read about a sweet little boy that bravely fought Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. There are many wonderful posts that glorify the Lord through this huge trial. I will be praying for Joel's family and I ask that you do the same. Visit Joel's Journey and leave encouraging words for this grieving family.


This is from the St. Jude's website...

Current Research:

• Basic scientists continue to investigate what factors cause neuroblastoma cells to form in the first place.
• A new anti-neuroblastoma antibody is currently under production at St. Jude to provide an additional tool to destroy residual microscopic disease.
• We are also investigating new ways to remove tumor cells contaminating the bone marrow by using drug combinations or laboratory methods to filter out the tumor cells.
• New treatments with drugs that inhibit cell receptors (on-off switches on tumor cells) or cause cells to undergo differentiation (maturation) are under evaluation in early clinical trials.
  

Wordless Wednesday

"Hey! Don't make me laugh when I'm praying!!"

See more WW over at 5 Minutes For Mom!

Manual Alphabet

I have been working on my fingerspelling and I think I have some "flow" to my first name now. My last name is still a little "bouncy" so I'll continue to work on that. Here's the manual alphabet for you to practice....

courtesy of CeDIR

Update on Aoife

This is an update from a few days ago from Aoife's grandmother:

"Aoife is at home! Mom and Dad brought her home last night. The doctors want her to continue gaining strength before heart surgery, but she's breathing fine on her own. Thank you for all the prayers."
- Gramma Rice

Please go check out her site...she is such a cutie. I absolutely love the picture of her with her Aunt Mindy. I hope I can meet Aoife one day!

Wordless Wednesday...Get. Me. Out!!!!

More Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom!

Meet Aoife Evangeline

Aoife (ee-fuh) was born with Down Syndrome this past July. She weighed 6lbs 8ozs.

On January 8th of this year, she contracted RSV and on the 14th she stopped breathing and was rushed to the hospital. She was later airlifted to the regional Childrens Hospital where she is currently recovering from RSV and Double Pneumonia. During all of this, the doctors discovered that Aoife has congestive heart failure and needs surgery. Aoife needs to be bigger and stronger so the surgery can take place.

Aoife has three big sisters and one big brother. Please take a few moments to visit her site to read all about her and her family's needs. There are also banner codes you can add to your blog or site so that others can join in lifting this family up.

Let's storm Heaven with prayers for this sweet little girl and her family!

In Memory... Happy Birthday Gus!

Henry Larsen Doriot
"Gus"
January 18, 2005--May 31, 2006

Please consider organ donation. There are a lot of children who die on the waiting list because parents do not donate their child's organs. Organ donation is something you should decide before you are in the situation where you need to decide quickly. It is not something that is easily talked about but let me reassure you that talking about it doesn't kill you or your child!

Noah Steven "Crowned in Peace"

Please join me in prayer for Adrienne and her family as they say goodbye to their sweet. precious Noah. Noah's family will be taking him off life-support this afternoon...

This is from their letter on their blog..."We do not feel as though we are giving up, but rather we have been given the opportunity to give our son as a living sacrifice to God. To place Noah fully at God’s feet. No strings attached, no expectations, but a sweet gift in which we undoubtedly know God will delight."

What a beautiful testimony of the Peace that goes beyond all understanding. Please take time out to read the entries in Noah's blog and be sure to leave comments for the family. Comments are truly encouraging!

Samuel Finn Doriot

January 9, 2004
19 weeks gestational age--cord accident

Butterfly
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment
it's glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies on again
And though we wish it could have stayed
We feel so lucky to have seen it.

Author Unknown

Happy 1st Birthday Grayson!!

Please join me in saying a big "Hip Hip Hooray" for Grayson's 1st Birthday!! Grayson was born a year ago...as a micro-preemie. He has come a long way and he is a true miracle!! His mom, Judi, has put together a wonderful photo montage that you can see below!

 

Make photo slide shows at onetruemedia.com

Playing Catch-Up...

I am waaaay behind in my ASL (American Sign Language) class and I need to play some "catch-up". I'm going to be hanging out withDr. Bill over at LifePrint and use his free online curriculum to do this! LifePrint is probably my most favorite ASL site...it is very easy to follow and there are photos and animations. Dr. Bill's site is set up in lessons and really goes into teaching about the Deaf culture. There's also a section titled "Baby's First Signs". There are other online ASL dictionaries that I like too...ASLPro is one of them.

I started learning ASL because Gus was bilaterally and profoundly deaf. I am continuing to learn ASL in hopes that I will be able to communicate with other special needs kids...not only those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing but also those who are challenged in other ways. It is a beautiful language that I encourage you to try out!!

Holland

Red Tulip Field in Lisse, Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands Izzet Keribar

I know that quite a few of you are already familiar with the story "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley. If you are not, please take the time to read it here. It is one of my favorites!

I'm Special Too! Siblings of Special Needs Children

I was thinking this evening about all the sacrifices my three children had to make when Gus was with us. Pete and I tried really hard to make them feel important and special too. I think sometimes we did well and other times we failed miserably. I just hope they realize that we tried!!

I found this article about siblings of special needs children and thought it might be helpful....

Remembering Emma

Today, we celebrate Emma's 1st birthday. She is no longer with us but has gone Home and though she is missed, we know she is healed and happy! Please join with me and remember Emma's family on this special day....

Also, please visit Emma's link in the sidebar for more pictures!

Terran

 

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.... 

 

St. Petersburg Times

 

 

Not Enough...

Waiting List Candidates 94,808 as of today 8:40 pm

Transplants January-September 2006 22,016 as of 12/15/2006
Donors January-September 2006 11,194 as of 12/15/2006

--SIGH--

The Brave Little Soul

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.

Where's Asher??

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!!

Damon Hiett

We shared a room with the Hiett family while we were in Pittsburgh for Gus' transplant evaluation. They are such a nice family...we all left there with the knowledge that our little guys were going to be placed on the national transplant list. When Gus died, for some reason I just assumed that Damon had probably died too. I guess I thought that because the majority of people die awaiting transplant...but...I got a call from his mom the other night and he is doing great! This was such good news! Damon has had a procedure called STEP (this link will take you to a live surgery..if you so choose!) to lengthen his small bowel. His liver is doing great! So if he continues to do well with the STEP and his liver numbers remain good then he may not need transplants! That would be fantastic!! So, let's all pray for this to happen for this little guy and his wonderful family. Hopefully I will have a picture of him soon!!

Bye-Bye

That's what Grayson is saying! Isn't that the cutest little thing....I love when babies start saying words!

Prematurity Awareness Month

Visit Gus' Band and create your own so we can help save babies from premature birth!!

Grayson: Before and After Surgery

Grayson also had another hemangioma removed from his back...

Hip Hip Hooray for Grayson!!!

Eat, Monkey, Eat!!

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!!!

Grayson is Struggling

Grayson surgery went well but he is not recovering very well. He has been vomitting and dry heaving...sometimes it's bilious (green) and there is some blood. He's had a chest X-ray because his breathing is a little labored...and a stomach X-ray because they are not hearing great bowel sounds. The doctors are kind of baffled..they don't think that these issues are related to the surgery....

So pray for the doctors as you continue to pray for Grayson and his parents.

Remembering Our Babies

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.

Henry Larsen Doriot

"Gus"

January 18, 2005 - May 31, 2006

Samuel Finn Doriot

January 9, 2004

Madison Elisabeth

August 26, 1996

Emma Cody

January 2, 2006 - July 27, 2006

carepage..type in EmmaCody

Jacob David Paul Misner

May 9, 2006 - June 29, 2006

Grayson Update

Grayson is doing much better now! It looks like he may have a viral infection and as bad as that is...it could have been much worse. I am so thankful that everything is A-ok with his bowel...in all honesty, I was quite concerned about that! So, change those prayers to praises!!

Grayson's Going to Cinncinnati!

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.

I think Asher may have been extubated!!

Asher was supposed to be extubated this afternoon around 1pm. He is supposed to hang out on the CPAP for awhile...he will have been sedated so he can rest and remain calm...and not be wild like the little "Chunky Monkey" he is! lol!! Asher's mom picked up some neat monkey fabric today...she is planning on doing Asher's room in a jungle theme. I am so happy for this family!! Please pray that Asher can make this jump off the ventilator and that they can start making plans for him to go home soon. It's nice when you get to do your growing at home!!

Prayers for Stephanie

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....

Emma's mom and family....

need our prayers right now. It has been 7 weeks since little Emma died and this family is really struggling. Let's all pray that the peace of God will just envelope this whole family as they discover ways to cope with their loss.

Here's an article from the newspaper...

If you feel led to leave a note of encouragement for this family, please do ...I will make sure that they get it. Sometimes it's the little things, like an encouraging word, that make all the difference...

Asher Update

Asher seems to be doing really well right now. He does have a little bit of an infection and his lungs have a bit of secretion so he needs some extra Os (oxygen) off and on. Pray that this infection clears up soon and that he continues to do well with his feeds!!

Asher Update

Asher seems to be doing really well right now. He does have a little bit of an infection and his lungs have a bit of secretion so he needs some extra Os (oxygen) off and on. Pray that this infection clears up soon and that he continues to do well with his feeds!!