Today was a quiet day, and we were able to spend a good amount of time with Thomas. My favorite place to be is right at his bedside, holding his hand with one of my hands, and resting my other hand on his little chest. I like to feel his heartbeat with my finger. His chest is so smooth and soft....and I know it will only look like that for a few more days so I'm trying to memorize it.
Thomas is still on the ventilator, and we expect him to be until he has surgery. He has been struggling today and yesterday with a metabolic acidosis.
Hopefully we will get to spend alot of time with him tomorrow. We know we need to rest, sleep, and eat.....but we don't want to be anywhere except with him.
Here are some specific prayer requests that we have for Thomas:
Please pray that he would increase in strength leading up to surgery
Pray that the doctors can correct his metabolic acidosis
Pray for protection for his brain, kidneys, intestines, and liver- some of the acidosis is caused by decreased perfusion to these organs (because his heart needs to be fixed!)
Pray for wisdom for the doctors caring for Thomas
Pray that our little guy will be ready to fight as he is prepared for surgery
I have a confession. I "showed out" (as TJ put it) in the CICU yesterday, and am probably being whispered about as the hysterical Mom in 2107. Don't worry, I didn't stomp my feet or snap my fingers......but I am ready to fight for my boy, and everybody knows it :)
Isaiah 43:1-4
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called you by name. You're mine.
When you are in over your head; I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters; you will not go down.
When you are between a rock and a hard place,
It won't be a dead end-
Because I am God; your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you...!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!"
Thanks for all of your prayers!!!!!
Love,
Melissa & TJ (& Thomas!)
Melissa, I'm sure that if you "showed out", it was in the most polite way imaginable! I think about you and Thomas throughout the day, and pray. I pray you feel Jesus' arms holding you, and i pray that you feel His peace all through your soul! Going to pray right now for the specific things you listed. Lots of love to you!
ReplyDeleteCorrie Gee
We all understand those postpartum hormones, girl! Fight for your little guy! I'm sure everyone understands. . . you are just a wee bit stressed! Love ya! :)
ReplyDeleteSHOW OUT, heck snap them fingers if you have to. That is your baby & You are his advocate!!! Let them know you will accept NOTHING but the best. Caregivers should not have to be reminded that this is a precious child of God who deserves EVERYTHING that can be done for him, but they (we) are human and sometimes (like you said) tend to look at the problem, instead of the miracle that is Thomas. Love & Prayers~~~Stephanie
ReplyDeleteBTW: Any idea when they might actually take "little man" to surgery?
I was singing those very verses (an old FCA song) to Ephraim tonight to get him to calm down during a fit at bedtime- it is such a blessing to Thomas to have believing parents speaking over him! Melissa, you've been on both sides of the fence now - you know that all of his team understands when the mama bear comes out. Praying for a good Sabbath day of rest for all three of you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhitney
I can't quite figure out how to scroll down and finish my message from my phone...so anyway, this is Rebecca and I love you guys and I just keep sending up the prayers for you! Sending hugs your way...
ReplyDeleteI am awake thinking of you guys again and saying more prayers. I can't imagine all the emotions y'all are feeling right now, but I'm so glad you've been able to spend the day with Thomas. I know you are treasuring every second of that time. I love the new family picture you were able to post today. Tonight I'm praying specifically for His peace to overwhelm you. Remember He has the very hairs on your head numbered; He cares so much for all three of you and especially little Thomas. Be encouraged by a few verses tonight:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Save your fear for God who holds your entire life-body and soul-in his hands. "What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries. (Luke 12:5-7 MSG)
Melissa, your expression of love for Thomas I sure was warranted. And those CICU nurses can handle it! It's your job to fight for Thomas when he can not fight for himself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the specific prayer requests - it's nice to have so that when prayers are answered we can give praise to the Father.
I hope Sunday is peaceful and restful for the 3 of you.
It's amazing that God gives us the verses we need at just the right time - a clear reminder that He is close and is in control and loves you all very much!
You remain in my prayers.
Love you guys -
Jody
My dear Melissa, my preyers, my thoughts and all my love are with you. I have printed the preyers you have sent us and take them everywhere I go. I pull it out and read it at every" still" moment ! Hope today is a peaceful day for all of you.May G-d bless and keep you and give you strength.Anne
ReplyDeletePraying for you all and your little darlin'. I think about Thomas many times a day and stop and pray for his needs. Thank you for posting your specific prayer requests. And,it is your job to fight for Thomas- you go girl! :)
ReplyDeleteTake good care and God bless-
Carla
I LOVE the Mommy in 2107!! You are fighting for the right things...for your son! Little Thomas is going to be like his mommy-a fighter, a lover, passionate about the things that matter most. Love you so very much! Big hugs and prayers coming your way! I will be lighting a candle today for your family at church today and worshipping the God who is going to heal little Thomas.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you go girl,I have always said, it is our responsibility to stand up for our own, no one else will. Be strong and love every minute with little Thomas, there is no stronger bond then being a mom with her child. We are always thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI am proud of her!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry for a second about getting your point across! You and TJ are Thomas's best advocates, and I'm sure the nurses are used to it and know it only comes from loving your little one so much. I think about Thomas so often throughout the day and am praying hard for all of you. I want you to know too that I am so inspired by you, Melissa. I know you must be on a roller coaster of emotions, but your faith is so beautiful and I feel mine growing from your example. You are truly a Proverbs 31 lady! :) Many prayers and much love to all three of you!
ReplyDeleteThe true definition of "showing out" is called Maternal instinct!! God instills that in Mothers and expects us to use it! I'm sure God is smiling down on you! I am so proud of you and continuing to pray for Thomas, TJ & you. With love..Jan
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the whispers - you fight for that little boy! I'm praying for baby Thomas, you & TJ and the Dr's tomorrow. I know he will fight through it like a champ. He's lucky to have you as a mommy. You were so good to my James when you were still in Easley...you have a huge heart & tons of love to give! We love you Melissa!
ReplyDeleteYou fight as hard as you need to. You're not only his mommy (which means you know what's best and are supposed to do whatever it takes to get that), you're a pediatrician, which means you're educated about what's going on, not just basing your opinions on what you've Googled. I pray for peace for sweet Thomas' entire family as the next few days will be long and hard. I pray for Thomas to fight harder than anyone expects, for the surgeons to be able to do amazing things in a short time, and for the nurses that will be taking care of him to anticipate his needs and act accordingly. I pray that he is able to come off bypass after surgery and be extubated ASAP. You guys are being carried by a God that is stronger than anyone understands, and your faith is amazing. Praying hard! The DiGiuseppes
ReplyDeleteGod gave Thomas -you- as his Mom for a reason; He knows you are the BEST person in the whole world for the job!! You are Thomas's best advocate, so you keep fighting for him! We are praying for your precious family!! May God bless you and may you feel His love and protection as you face this next step! He is our rock and redeemer; our strength, our shield, the great healer, and the prince of peace! -Praying, the Manley's
ReplyDeleteEmily said it very well! You are a very educated person who is also the Mother! You put on any show you feel is necessary to get the best for Thomas, even if it's a tender touch from his mommy & daddy. I have told many of my dear friends about you & Thomas and they are praying for you too. You are constantly in my thoughts & prayers! Tabitha
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!! Dr Beam, we love you and baby Thomas and send you lots of hugs, kisses, prayers. Cole and Dylan miss you so much. May you find peace and strength, courage and wisdom through this difficult time. Much love. Tomoko, Tom, Cole and Dylan
ReplyDeleteMelissa I love you and know that what ever you do, it is in the very BEST interest of your baby. Thomas will be as strong as you are, and hopefully as goofy too :) I will be praying, and sending every good vibe that I can for Thomas tomorrow! I can't wait to check your blog tomorrow night to see the good news that everything went smoothly! Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ellie
Praying for your family everyday! May God watch over Thomas during his surgery and give you and T.J strength during the waiting period. Be strong.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mindy Lewis.
Melissa, I'm sure if we were face-to-face right now, you'd tell me we can't talk to each other or we'd be blubbering fools. I hope you know how much I love y'all! My soul cries out to our Creator to keep Thomas safe & to bring peace to you & TJ! Please know that there won't be one moment tomorrow when y'all will not be in the prayers of the MANY people that love y'all! Can't wait to hear the good news!
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