Hope

I'm sitting by a sleeping Lucy, all cuddled up in her tumbleform seat here in the hospital room - the seat which keeps her secure and safe from pulling her tubes and wires.  She adores this seat and feels nice and snug - tight even - and she likes it that way.  Sensory issues mess with your body and mind, so those suffering with them like to have pressure so that they feel enclosed.  It brings security and makes them feel like their world isn't so out-of-control.  That's why she loves the weighted blanket too, which has been a life-saver here in the hospital since Lucy has been on senor overload!  This precious blanket belonged to my Dear Friend's daughter, Kelsey.  Kelsey met Jesus last year and her mommy gave this great blanket to Lu Lu.  Little did we know how important this blanket would become!  It is quite the treasure and allows Lucy to rest and sleep peacefully, just as she is now. 




Lucy is doing incredibly well, and although she still has pain and is trying to get caught back up with her feeding schedule, we couldn't be happier with how things have gone.  Ecoli can be incredibly dangerous, deadly even.  We've heard of another little patient here at OU who has had ecoli, and her kidneys shut down because of it (and she doesn't have an underlying condition like Lucy).  She's now on dialysis and needs our prayers.  That so easily could have been Lucy, You Guys!!  God's mercy is great and we appreciate the many prayers around the world for Lucy's healing.  The Father heard our cries, I have no doubt.  I am incredibly grateful, and in awe, that Lucy has been spared from so much. 




Last Monday was very grim.  Most of last week was, really.  We were looking at a very long stay, possibly even another month, and now it looks like we will go home this week!  It's hard to even wrap my mind around - only a 2 week stay for this illness.  God has moved so quickly throughout Lucy's body; it's responded so well to treatment.  It was absolutely His timing to have us here, in the hospital room, when her fever started so that cultures could be taken and antibiotics could be administered from the very beginning.  If we were at home and had tried to care for the fever there for even a little while, I don't know what the outcome would have been.  I don't have to even think about that now, though because my Little Girl will soon be coming home to her own bed, her own room, her own house. 




Would you continue to pray that Lucy will catch up with her feedings and that she will have ease of pain?  We want to be able to control it at home.  Also, she will be on IV antibiotics at home for a while, so I will be learning how to administer those.  I would love prayer as I learn new nursing skills, especially since I am not a nurse:).  We also will be able to give Lucy IV fluids (through her port) at home, which is another huge blessing.  They are working hard to set those things up even now - I can hardly believe it!




This is Conner's birthday week, Ya'll!  He will be 12 on Friday!!  Please pray that he feels special this week.  He is so often looked over because he is just such an easy-going, good, well-mannered guy.  He is easy to parent, to be honest.  Nevertheless, I know he too longs for attention and we want to give it to him, especially this week!  He has a big party on Saturday, so we covet your prayers that nothing interferes with that. 




Henry too is having a hard time and just needs us home.  He had his feelings deeply hurt by some neighborhood kids last night, and hot tears were streaming down his face.  He couldn't put his feelings into words for me.  He couldn't explain to me what happened, but I know he is hurting and he is having a hard time relating to other kids.  Would you pray for his heart and mind to settle? 



Getting back into life at home is always hard as we aren't used to all being together and we aren't used to the old routine of life.  It's a gradual thing, learning to be together again as a family, and we need extra grace and patience, especially since we will be in charge of Lucy's care at home (and it will entail more than the usual).  Would you pray for a smooth transition? 




Oh, I am just so excited to hopefully be home this week, barring no unforeseen issues with Miss Lucy!  Thank you for your continued prayer and encouragement.  We've been low this go-around and have held onto every word, ever text, ever note, every message that you have sent.  Thank you in advance, for having grace for us as we slowly re-enter life outside the hospital (hopefully this week!).




With Hope,
Ryan