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I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

3 Weeks 4/13/13

Today marks 3 weeks since we arrived in Baltimore.  It has been a busy 3 weeks.  I would be lying if I did not say we are ready to go home.  We have been ready to go home since the day we arrived.  We miss our home, our dogs, and especially our little boy that was able to play and run all over the place.  We know he will be back to running, playing, and laughing. We know it is many many weeks away.  Carter had another rough day.  He had to be started on more sedatives. The first dose of the new sedative was extremely effective until he woke up 3 hours before the next dose.  They gave him a cocktail of all of the other sedatives and pain medications he has been recieving and...nothing.  They decided to give him his second dose early and it still took an hour and 15 minutes for him to calm down.  The doses they are giving him should put him into a coma state, but they are not working.  There is one more medication after the current regimen he is on that we may have to try.  The withdrawal process from this medication is extreme, and it is very expensive. We are praying he does not require it.  Tonight will tell us what we need to do.  We are praying he will stay asleep, not moving and pain free.  Carter is having more trouble with pain than most of the children that have this surgery because he is unable to have an epidural due to his spinal defects.  Most children have an epidural and are unable to move their legs, which leads to overall better pain managment.

This journey is extremely hard right now.  We know there will be better days ahead.  We know Carter is right where he needs to be, but living in the PICU at Johns Hopkins is not easy.  We strive knowing there is a bigger plan. There is a purpose for all of the pain and suffering that Carter is going through.  God already knew all of this before Carter was even born.  We are holding on with broken hearts. Holding on to each word.  What an amazing Testimony Carter will have.  What an amazing life I have been able to witness.  I am 3 weeks closer to having my arms full again.  Thank you for each and every prayer.  God hears them and we feel them. Please keep them coming!  As always...To Him be the Glory!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

11 comments:

  1. Keep leaning on your GOD - Jesus loves you all!

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  2. Please know that prayers continue for all of you. God be with you and grant Carter healing and rest.

    May you also get rest so you can stay strong for Carter.

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  3. Bless all of you. It is SO HARD to watch your child experience so much pain. It's also hard to understand why he has to go through this. Your faith will carry you all through. God knows and He will grow you in ways you never thought imaginable. Sending prayers your way. If you need anything that we can help you with, please let us know. God be with you tonight. Praying that He will ease Carter' pain tonight so he can rest.
    God be with you. Van and Sarah

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  4. Praying everyday! God is not surprised and He is right there with you.

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  5. Even though I don't know you all, I can feel your pain and aching hearts. I have been praying for all of you almost daily; God brings you to mind. He is and will continue to sustain you. Cris

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  6. Think about the story of Peter when he walked on water. As long as he stayed focused on Jesus he had the strenght. Keep your eyes on him constantly, I know he will bring your family thru this valley! Praying for you and carter.

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  7. My heart is open to praying for Carter and for mom and dad at all times. He awakens me sometimes in the early hours and IPFC.

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  8. The Hatcher Family - Dandridge, TNApril 14, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Your strength and faith is nothing short of inspiring, our family continues to pray and send you well wishes. I hope that Carter's pain can be managed, and that you may get some much needed rest.

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  9. My prayers are with you and your beautiful little boy!! He is a gift from God and I know you are honored to be his parents! I oral that God will ease his suffering and heal him so he can again be strong, active and playful!!

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  10. I "pray" not oral!! Stupid auto-correct!!

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  11. Prayers for you all are being sent multiple times daily. I know God has a special plan for each of you. And yes what a testimony Carter will have. I can hardly wait to hear him tell it one day. God Bless You!! Prayers for strength and healing coming your way.

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