Friday, April 6, 2007

Good Friday

The death of Jesus:

"From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit." Matthew 27:45-50

Good Friday really does have a different feel, doesn’t it? It’s somber and reflective; there is a grand celebration on the horizon (this coming Sunday), but today is different. Today we aren't visited by the Easter Bunny, we don’t exchange gifts or buy cards. Today we reflect on the cost of our salvation.

Kyle and Daddy were reunited...and celebrated the occasion by Kangarooing this afternoon! Joe was pleasantly surprised by how big Kyle has gotten. Kyle's weight is up to 2lb 5 oz. He has actually doubled in size from his lowest weight (not his birth weight)...at one point Kyle was down to 1lb. 2 oz.

We received the results of one of Kyle's tests, and he takes after his great grandpa Ted, in that he has Reflux. Reflux is when liquid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus (food pipe). The doctors discovered that Kyle's milk has been coming back up and entering his lungs, which has contributed to his increased breathing difficulties lately and most likely his bouts with Pneumonia. To treat his reflux, the doctors changed the positioning of Kyle's feeding tube. Instead of going directly into his stomach, the tube now goes directly to his intestines. Also, Kyle has been put on continuous feeds. Instead of being fed every three hours, Kyle will continuously have a small amount of milk pumped into him. Reflux is a condition that Kyle should grow out of. The muscles at the lower end of the esophagus should become tight keeping the food from backing up. In premature infants and even some term infants, these muscles are not yet fully developed and coordinated, but should be soon.

I won’t wish you a “happy Good Friday,” because even anticipating the joy of Christ’s resurrection, this isn’t a happy day. Instead, I hope you’ll have a reflective Good Friday. In two days, when we celebrate the most amazing event in human history, our greetings of “happy Easter!” will be all the more meaningful if we’ve first taken time to ponder the sober message of Good Friday.

Have a reflective Good Friday, then, and a blessed Easter.

Much Love,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Jennifer, Joe and Madison. As you gain new understanding into Kyle's challenges and setbacks, which appear increasingly manageable, you must be replacing despair with HOPE. In 2007, Kyle's battle for life has been the source of much JOY for many. He has been a constant reminder of our need to trust and rely on the Lord, no matter the outcome. He has been a reminder of just how precious life is. Each of you has been an example of how we get to choose how we respond to a crisis in our life. And, this Easter we are reminded that the VICTORY has been won already. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross allows all Christians to replace despair with HOPE. We have much to celebrate!
May you continue to be showered with blessings because of your family, friends and faith. Laura

Anonymous said...

Honestly, Jennifer, you should have been a writer! You have such a wonderful way of communicating, and your comments about Good Friday and Easter helped many of us focus on the source of our faith, and hope for eternity. Your family will rise up and call you blessed, as written in Proverbs 31:28.

Every ounce Kyle gains is an answer to prayer, and the fact that he is nearly 2-1/2 pounds now is another reflection of God's faithfulness.

We are so encouraged that the reason for pneumonia and need for increased oxygen has been determined, and that the solution is somewhat simple as they treat the reflux.

You are a beautiful example of love, grace, and faith. Kyle is indeed blessed.
Hugs,
Aunt Karen