Thursday, February 16, 2012

CARRY ON WARRIORS

The mood in Charlotte's room is easy, joyful and thankful.  We are so grateful to our Gracious God for His gift of Charlotte's progress and, of course, for peace.  As Patrick and I closed our eyes the night before last, he told me that he couldn't take another day like what we had just experienced for the second time.  I couldn't agree more and yet I realize that God knows what we can and can't handle and through even our darkest pain, there is light.  Just take a look at what good has come about thanks to my Char Char.

There are so many on their knees thanking God for her precious life as they plead for her to be healed.  And those same people on their knees hug their own babies a little longer at night.  They let the 'little things' slide as they remember that life is more than to-do lists and bedtimes. Thanks to Charlotte, people have been drawn closer to God and those who have fallen away from Him, have instead turned to Him in need... and in thanksgiving and praise.  Thanks to your emails, texts and letters, we know of so many who are STORMING HEAVEN petitioning God for Charlotte.  We thank you for the incredible gift which you continue to give us as you pray for our Sweet Baby and for that we are forever grateful.  

In the midst of our worst pain, we have experienced incredible joy.  Charlotte is our gift and is such an inspiration, not to mention, quite the puppeteer!  (Daddy has a lot to look forward when his little treasure turns 16, doesn't he?!)  Even Dr. Mendeloff has said that our wonder baby is running the show.  That's fine with me because I know who she gets her orders from. 

Sometimes I catch myself thinking how incredible it is that my 13 day old baby has already gone through 2 open heart surgeries, as well as having 3 others, including being on ecmo!  She is the epitome of strength and God's love and is a true inspiration.  We have a long road ahead of us, but she seems to be much happier after having Tuesday's surgery.  The way I describe it is that she prefers the bag phone vs the iPhone.  The BT Shunt is much more her style as we continue to be in awe of her stats.  She continues to wow us with stability...and even some progress.  However, our main goal is resting.  

Possibly, her chest may be closed as early as Friday, although again that depends on her.  It may be that it is closed in stages to allow for her body to handle it successfully.  She's blazing her own trail, isn't she?   She's also had a day of milk feeds via a NG tube in her nose which goes directly to her belly.  It's going in at a rate of 1 ml per hour(!) and hardly enough to do anything more than coat her tummy, but it makes Mommy happy that she's getting liquid gold. Too, her lactic acid has hit an all-time record low!  Her brain bleeds are unchanged, meaning that the one the left side is actually resolving and the other is unchanged.  Because they never worsened, she is not at risk for any neurological damage.  PRAISE HIM.  She has even begun to tee-tee a bit more.  Her pain is being managed but as a mother, it is one of my biggest concerns.  I pray that it is minimal.  Her swelling has increased a bit more than yesterday and she hasn't been able to shed it. Pray that the excess fluid finds a new home soon so my daughter can begin true healing with chest closure and comfort.  

We will continue to update you with her PROGRESS.  Thank you for the great comfort which each of you bring us through prayer.  


10 comments:

  1. another incredible post! you words are so true...no one could've said it better. we continue to pray for sweet Charlotte's progress and for minimal pain. i'm not speechless very often, but all i can think to do right now is praise Him, so that is exactly what i will do!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing update to read first thing in the morning! We are praying for her continued progress. Love to you all!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This post is so touching. Yes, Charlotte is a gift to us all... A reminder that we must not take for granted all of His gifts. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Charlotte and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Lord is so good! Praise His blessed name for this miraculous report. Our prayers are always with you and Charlotte. To God the glory!
    Trusting Him,
    David & Candy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you again for keeping us updated. We think about Charlotte constantly and it is so amazing to hear the progress she is making. I hope that you and Patrick have been able to get some rest. We will continue to pray for Charlotte and look forward to many, many more updates like this. Love you and miss you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sarah, I don't know how you continue to write such amazing things! You have no idea the impact Charlotte has had on our lives. The other day when I was relaying her story to another friend I see Meah and John doing the sign of the cross. I asked them what they were praying for, and Meah said, 'for Baby Charlotte.' John followed with, 'for her heart to feel better.' I can't tell you how many Hail Marys I have said. In the time of despair and hope, all we truly have is our faith, and Sweet Charlotte has been a constant reminder of his love for us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So happy to hear of the progress Charlotte is making. Rich and I are thinking of you all!! What a fighter she is.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thinking of you and your family! Charlotte is a beautiful and amazing little girl!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I want you to know that I do not know you or your family, but my friend (Charla Sneed)shared your blog on facebook. I am truly inspired by your faith in HIM and Charlotte's strength. I love seeing your updates every day and know that your family is in our constant thoughts. We have a 6 month old daughter ourselves and you're right, I've been hugging her a little tighter now. Praise the Lord for all her progress and cannot wait to see what is in store for your sweet little family. Much Love, Marcie Durst

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sarah, my sweet sister in Christ, I am continually praying for you, precious Charlotte, and your boys (both big and small). Praise to our Gracious and Glorious God who is working such miracles in your little girl.

    Jesus, thank you for all that you have done, are doing, and will continue to do in and through little Charlotte. I continue to thank you for the healing work that you are doing in her and ask that you, my Good and Faithful Father, will bring her to full healing and complete restoration. Jesus, sustain and strengthen Sarah and Patrick for each step of this path that you pave for them. As they fix their eyes on you and trust in you, I ask that you overwhelm them with your peace and your mighty Presence.

    I love you my friend! ~Jennifer

    ReplyDelete