In January, I asked you all to pray for two families in our church that had preemies in late December.
Aidan, my friend Lori's son, was born at 25.5 weeks, weighing only 1.5 lbs. He has spent the last few months in Denver and his family is hoping he can come home within the next few weeks.
This sweet little guy who used to be able to wear his Daddy's wedding ring as a super-sized wrist bracelet is now over 5lbs. and thriving. His greatest hurdle is to learn to eat properly. After lots and lots of work, he's finally succeeding. His Mama is pumping around the clock, since he is too weak to nurse. It has been a tough time for this family as their other 3 kids, age 2, 5, and 6 have had to be shuffled to their grandparents in Nebraska, to living with Mom in the Ronald McDonald House in Denver, to living with Dad when he has some time off of work here. Another challenge is that Lori has had 3 rounds (THREE ROUNDS!!!) of bed bugs in the last few months and is desperately praying they don't come home with her to infest her whole house as she's dealing with adjusting to life with 4 kids. Pray for Aidan to eat well and the bed bugs saga to end. Praise the Lord for blessing Aidan with health and strength!
The other family from church who had a preemie, Gabriel, who was born 2 months early, bid him goodbye last Wednesday night. He had a rare condition that experts all over the country could not diagnose or help. They were able to keep him alive for a few months, trying various surgeries and medicines, hoping he would gain strength, but there wasn't a way to help him. His family needs our prayers now more than ever as they grieve this tremendous loss. We are thankful that little Gabriel is free from pain and happier and more whole right now than he could ever be on this earth, but grieved by the loss of his presence here with us.
My heart breaks for that family. I can't imagine what they are feeling. We are definately praying for both families.
ReplyDeleteTo know that Gabriel is not in pain or suffering is helpful, but I am certain his parents are suffering with his loss. The March of Dimes has created a bereavement kit for families who have lost a baby. You can read about it at this link and even order a free copy: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/572.asp. I hope this is helpful. I am holding both of these families in my heart.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with both families. A book that really helped us after we lost our son at 22 weeks was a book called Safe in the Arms of God by John MacArthur.
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