Good Friday

     Carter has battled pain and fever throughout the day. The night, last night, was full of short interrupted bursts of sleep for Meagan and I, but especially Meagan. Carter had to be given a blood transfusion that began around midnight when labs had to be drawn.  He had to have an IV started because blood could not be given with all of the medications he is receiving in his PICC line. Carter's veins are extremely damaged due to so many sticks and IVs in the past that they were unable to start one in surgery on Wednesday.  We were extremely fortunate that the hospital has an IV nurse.  She came in with a vein finder and was able to successfully place an IV in the only arm Carter has available to place it.  God heard our prayers and she was able to get it on the first stick. In and out all night came nurses and doctors to prepare our little boy for the blood that would help him on his path to healing. Nervousness and anxiety tend to be the bigger issues for our baby than actual pain. In his many stays in hospitals, he has learned that people coming in and out usually means poking, sticking, and other unpleasant things. He wouldn't let his mama leave his side.

     Today has been more of a battle with comfort for Carter. He doesn't seem to be able to rest.  He is uncomfortable from having to lay flat on his back and stay still.  He is still receiving oxygen and the blood transfusion is complete. Medicines are still being adjusted and arranged in hopes that some peace and comfort can be given to our sweet little man. The nurses here found Meagan a rocker/recliner that slides perfectly next to Carter's bed, so hopefully she will be getting a little more rest than the previous nights. We are thankful and blessed that God has made the way possible for us to be in a place that is extremely comfortable taking care of a baby like Carter and all of his needs. It has been a blessing that we can be here.

     While Carter was getting the blood in the blood transfusion, I thought about the blood of Jesus on this day many years ago. The blood that was shed to give us hope and eternal life. The blood that washed away our sins. The blood that made a way for imperfect people like me. God didn't lead His Son to a cross to pour out his blood and sinless life for perfect sinless people. He did it for the sinners of the world to have a chance at living in His Kingdom forever. So over the next few days as we wait to celebrate the day the stone was rolled away and the grave was empty, remember that the blood that was shed on that cross was for all! It was God's way of throwing us a lifeline. No one is excluded from His grace if they believe in the Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but the world through Him might be saved" - John 3:16-17

We have been covering Carter with his beautiful prayer blankets!