Sad but positive news. Rob went up to the hospital earlier today and the nurse told him while he was there that for the first time William cried during a diaper change. This is good because he hasn't done that before. I was up there this evening, and Doctor West stopped by and mentioned him crying also. Also while I was holding him his fists weren't clenched for one of the first times, the doctor mentioned in passing the other day that him holding his fists clenched all the time can be a sign of neurological trauma. Please keep praying for him. We want to continue to see these baby steps forward. Also the tests that are planned for the coming week include another EEG (probably on Monday) with an MRI, and a swallow study. We would like to see no seizure activity on the EEG so we can come off of the medicine he is on (Lord willing).
As you can see from the pictures below, we're trying to also stimulate his brain by bringing my IPod up to the hospital and having him listen to classical music while we hold him. You can tell he can hear it because when the fast parts of the music come on his heart rate increases. What can I say we're trying everything.
I also wanted to say thanks to everyone that's praying. Please continue to pray. We've been/feel so blessed by your prayers and concerns for our family. Also, please feel free to comment on this blog and let us know you are praying for us. I can see there are those of you watching as my hit count has increased from two weeks ago 6 a day to about 125 a day this past week. We are so blessed that you are concerned for our family!
Mother of a "Special" Child
When I was young, I'd often say,
I'd like to be a mom someday
While playing with my baby doll,
I thought that job's not hard at all
I'd have a baby, maybe two,
a girl in pink...a boy in blue
Well I grew up and sure enough,
I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough
The baby that was sent to me,
was born with disabilities
At first I'm frightened through and through,
there's much to learn to care for you
This wasn't in my plans at all,
when I was young and played with dolls
Your mind and body were so weak,
you might not ever walk or speak
So much special care required,
I'm often scared and often tired
As months and years go slowly by,
I smile a lot but sometimes cry
To watch you grow and not complain,
though you endure your share of pain
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,
that you'd be healed and whole someday
But I knew that was not to be,
not physically or mentally
And so I taught you best I could,
your progress wasn't very good
But then one day I realized,
as I gazed into your loving eyes
That I had learned so much from you,
determination...courage too
A love so unconditional,
it floods my soul and always will
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,
for you're an angel here on earth.
God Choose a mother for a "Special" child
Most women becaome mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjotie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But she has patience?" asked the angel.
"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
And what about her Patron saint? asked the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
13 comments:
Sorry he cried, but wonderful news! Thank you for sharing updates on the twins. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers.
continuing to pray for all of you.
I'm praying for you and your family!
Hugs.
SO encouraging to read of William's progress! YOU seem in good spirits, too, Lydia, and we are definitely praying for your babies and your family!!! Hope you are somehow getting some rest, too, in the midst of it all.
I'm one of the ones who has been checking in ....
Your whole family is in our prayers.
Lydia, I can't wait for you to have both boys at home and resume a "normal" life. I can't imagine how difficult it is to have a baby in NICU :( Praying for you daily.
Prayers and hugs to all of you! Love the pic of Micah looking at William. So sweet.
May God bless you and your family, and those precious baby boys!!! The power of prayer is awesome, God will lead the way.
Love, Kristy
Thinking of you a LOT!!
Leslie
3isenough
of course we are praying!
I am one of the new "hits" thats been counted--been checking on you guys daily!
Praying for healing and strength for you guys to get through the hard days.
Lesley
I have been, and will continue to be, praying for you guys.
still keeping all 5 of ya in my thoughts. give those boys a hug for me!
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