Thomas is going to the OR tomorrow for his Norwood procedure.....the first of the three heart surgeries needed to repair his hypoplastic left heart. Originally we were told he would go around noon, but now they are saying it will probably be 8am or 9am. We are nervous, but know there is no choice here. We are thankful he will be in wonderfully skilled hands tomorrow, and know that he is constantly in God's hands.
We had a wonderful evening with our sweet boy. Our nurses let me hold him in a chair today. It was so special, and I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. I cried because I was so happy to finally have the chance to hold him! After we put him back down he opened his eyes for us! His eyes haven't really been open since the first night he was born, as they are usually matted shut. I have been praying that he would open his eyes for us. He was looking around and looking at us.....it was priceless!
We know that whatever happens tomorrow, our lives will never be the same because of what we have been through so far, and what is yet to come with Thomas.
Please pray for Thomas when you think of him tomorrow!
Prayer requests:
Dr. Kogon and Dr. Kirshbom- for wisdom, clear heads, steady hands, and for endurance for the long procedure
For Thomas- pray that he won't have any pain and won't be scared
Pray that he will know how much we love him
Pray that he will be safe on heart-lung bypass- for no bleeds, air bubbles, or clots
Pray for protection for his brain and other organs
Pray that he can successfully come off of bypass at the end of the procedure
Pray that he will exceed everyone's expectations and that the procedure will go perfectly, without any complications
Pray that he will remain free from infection
The first 48 hours will be the scariest....please keep us all in your prayers during this time.
Pray for us to be brave as we send our baby into surgery. Help us to be strong and have a sense of peace tomorrow.
We are praying without ceasing for our precious Thomas. I am reminding myself that God gave us this sweet baby, and that "all of the days ordained for him were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Ps 139:16)
This song "Let Go" by Matt Hammitt seems very appropriate for tomorrow. Although we don't want to let go of Thomas, we have to let go of the whole situation, and know that God loves us and is in control.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKkHi5lJ4yc
Thanks so much for all of your love, support, and prayers.
I don't think we could get through all of this without it!
Love,
Melissa, TJ, & Thomas
There is nothing like a mama's arms filled with her baby - what a blessing for you to hold him today - for both of you! I'll add a prayer to those above that your next chance will be soon, as he is recovering. Prayers and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThough the mountains be shaken
ReplyDeleteand the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)
May these verses encourage you guys tonight! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the picture of you holding your sweet baby Thomas, Melissa! It is precious and what an extra special blessing for the day before surgery. I am continuing to pray for all the things you mentioned. Trusting God is holding all three of you in the palm of His hand. Love you so very much!!
Rebecca
Praying and crying all at the same time. Know that Thomas is in the best hands he could be in - God's. We will be on our knees during surgery tomorrow. We love you guys.
ReplyDeleteOh Melissa, I am so glad you got to hold sweet Thomas and that he opened his eyes! He just knew it was his precious mommy holding him and had to see you. It was truly a gift for you to hold on to. Love and constant prayers for you, TJ, and Thomas.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got to hold Thomas! As I saw the picture of you holding Thomas, I thought of this verse. Ps 73:23 "I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand." You may not be able to hold Thomas during the procedure but our Great Physician will be! I am constantly praying for you all! Much Love, Tabitha
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet picture of proud and happy Mom and Dad and precious Thomas! You all have been in our prayers and on our hearts this last week. Tomorrow...even more so. I know you know this, but...God loves your sweet baby infinitely more than you do! And He has ALL of you in the palm of His hand every moment of the day. Praying for Peace that passes understanding. Much love,
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know that I have been praying often for little Thomas over the past week. Family, friends, and church family as well have all been lifting you all up in prayer-some have committed to specifically pray beginning at noon tomorrow. In my "humaness" I realize that there is nothing that I can say or do to ease the hurdles that your sweet family will face. However I am eternally grateful that you and I both know the one who can speak words of peace to you and I am trusting that He will. We'll continue praying and believing as Thomas goes through surgery tomorrow. {{{HUGS}}}. Stephanie King
Dearest Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI am and will continue to be in prayer for Thomas. Thomas was born with a heart for God and God will hold him close in love, rest in that assurance.
love to you all, M'liss
Guys, I have been awake since 4:00 am and I think I know why-- so I can pray for you as u have requested. I can not even imagine what you are going through, but I know GOD is looking down and smiling at your faith and determination to TRUST in HIM totally for all that is about to take place. The prayers are in place and will be through out the days ahead. MAY the prayers give you the PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!!! YOU are soo loved!! I love u 3-- NANCY
ReplyDeleteMelissa and TJ, I could not have it said better than Nancy on the comment above. I do not cry easely, but this makes me cry.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers, may God grant you peace and strength.
I hope little Thomas can pull true all this and you will able to look in each others eyes for a long long time.
Love you all
Bernie
thoughts and prayers are with you ad your family. Special prayers for baby Thomas. Be strong for your beautiful baby boy and know that he is in great hands and God will keep him safe!
ReplyDeletewe wil be prayimg for you all!
Love
The Caldwells