"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
Today was a good day. I read the Sunday paper, watched a movie (When Harry Met Sally - a true trick flick!), took a nap, had a massage (as part of physical therapy), and ate cheesecake! Had it not taken place in the hospital, and under different circumstances, it would have been the perfect Sunday!
Joe went to church this morning - on his own even! I am so encouraged that Joe is leaning on Christ for strength and comfort...it often takes shaky situations to bring us closer to Him. This entire ordeal has definitely strengthened mine and Joe's faith. During church today, they prayed for us and our situation twice, and I have received a couple emails from our lead pastor, Joe Coffey, letting us know that we continue to be in their prayers. Pastor Joe's parents live in the Orlando area and they came to visit Joe and I last Sunday in the hospital. For anyone that knows Joe Coffey, he is the spitting image of his father...I can certainly see where Joe gets his ornriness and wit! We just learned that when the Coffey's came to visit us last week, they went to labor and delivery and asked for Jennifer. They were then sent to "Jennifer's room" in labor and delivery, however, earlier that day I had been moved to the Perinatal High Risk Unit of the
hospital. After visiting with "Jennifer" for about 15-20 minutes, they asked her what part of Ohio she lived in and finally realized they were visiting the wrong person. That must have been a little awkward! Anyways, considering that our church is home to 2700 adults and 1000 children each weekend, we are so blessed how much support and comfort they have shown us through this ordeal.
A doctor that had met with us in labor and delivery last Thursday when I was admitted came to see me today to share a happy story. A woman was admitted on December 13th, at 24 weeks with PPROM (same condition as I) and lasted 5 days before delivering. The baby sailed through NICU and was able to leave the hospital today at just 34 weeks! The doctor had figured with all the terrible statistics and scenarios they gave us when we were admitted that a positive story may help. Joe and I were discussing this today and can not believe how far we have come. The day they had discovered that my water broke, completely in unfamiliar territory, we would ask each doctor or nurse what they would do in our situation. At the time they did not seem very optimistic that we would be able to hold off delivering, and the majority said that if the baby was born he would only have a 10% chance of survival and an even smaller chance of having any quality of life. Their recommendation was that, unless the baby came out crying, we just hold him and let nature take it's course. For the first three days, each day the doctor would come in and have us sign an order as to whether or not they should resuscitate the baby should he be born that day. Your prayers have helped us and baby Kyle make it this far, we can not thank you enough.
Much Love,
Jennifer, Joe and Madison
Sunday, February 18, 2007
February 18, 2007
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6 comments:
Hi Jen -
Glad to hear that you had as nice a day as you could possibly have in this situation. I also enjoyed your story about your visitors from the Orlando area. Tomorrow is another big milestone. Congrats and cudos to you for your positive attitude! We are praying for you and the whole family each day! Hugs and Kisses.
Lots of Love,
Angela, Dad and Katie
Also a big hello and best wishes from Grandma Mary and Grandpa Ted
Hi Jennifer,
Well God does work in mysterious ways.....Joe went to church on his own!!! Are we talking about the same Joe that I raised who had to be dragged to church and only lasted in Sunday school long enough to make his First Communion?
One of my Red Hatters gave me this prayer for you...
"O Great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of thy meek and humble Saviour, and devoted Child of the Mother of God; enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in thine and make thee a seraph of love.
O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, thou didst bear, like thy Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, thou hast been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Love,
Pattie
Jennifer, Your account of yesterday sounded like you indulged in a SPA Day ---how nice to have some favorable diversions!
How very thoughtful it was of the doctor, no longer on your case, to come to share such good news. I do believe we gain strength and determination when we are encouraged and infused with hope from other similar situations.
And, Pastor Joe is very good at tending to his flock---especially considering the size of Hudson Chapel. It was thoughtful and generous of his parents to come and visit and what an amusing experience they had! Kyle and you are clearly loved and being lifted up by many. Praying that today would be even more restful and special than yesterday. Laura
Just want to tell you that you are doing great hanging in there. We have you in our prayers and thoughts daily. We had a very nice weekend with Madison. She and Briahna stayed in their PJ's all day Sunday and into the evening - bundled up twice with their jammies on and built snow forts outside. Just as a kid should be. They were so funny to watch. They had a ball!!! Keep your chin up!! You are starting your 25th week right? The Lord is working miracles everyday and keep in mind that he is working with you and kyle each and every day.
Blessings,
Tam
Hi Jennifer, have been reading your daily progress and can see that you and Kyle are such strong fighters!You have so much faith and with that faith you and Kyle are in God's arms and he will comfort both of you. It also sounds like you should sign him up for the swim team! I'm so glad that you have gone against the odds and made it over a week now, lets try for 2 weeks! You both our in our in our prayers. Love, Barbara Horne(Lee's Mom)
Hi Jen and Joe,
TK called me today and brought me up to speed on your new addition and miracle. It sounds like your living day by day and the outlook sounds very positive. I am traveling on Business this week, however I am sure that you would love to see a familar face soon! We are only 1 hour from Orlando and would love to try to get together. We will call you on Friday to see if we can perhaps make arrangements this weekend. Please take care and know that we too will include you all in our prayers! TK gave us Joe's number, so we will use that to get ahold of you. You can reach us at 813-453-9712. Lots of Love!! Cary and Cristi
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