We don't fully understand the approaches taken by the doctors, all we know is that Max and Wes are two amazing little boys. The hardest part about days like today is it changes our focus from "one day at a time" to what could happen weeks down the road. When we start to think about that, the whole situation turns into a unbearable weight on our shoulders. So we just need to get back to focusing on and being thankful for today. We adore every minute we get to spend with our sons, every dirty diaper Kate gets to change, every time they open their eyes and look at us and every time we get to hold them because they pee on their blanket. I attended Christian schools all through my pre-college education, grew up going to church any time the doors were unlocked, I have made public profession of faith, done Bible studies with various groups of people, multiple service projects to various areas in the county, etc., and it took two little boys that weigh less than 2 lbs and have yet to make a noise for me to understand how much God loves me. Praise God for being so much bigger than we could possibly imagine.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Doctor Doctor
today was the meeting with Doctor Doctor. Neither Kate nor I knew what to expect from this meeting, but Dr. Dr. kind of gave us the run down. It was somewhat overwhelming because he kind of just gave us the overall statistical picture, versus the Max and Wes picture. So we were left to decipher what was important. I understand that some doctors choose not to give too much hope, or even use optimistic inflections in their voice, because nothing is guaranteed with babies this small. We think they are doing well, Dr. Dr. said they are running what he would call a "normal" course for 24 week old babies. Some of the other doctors in the practice (9 neonatalogists in total) have said they are very happy with the boys' progress, so it seems to depend who we talk to. Dr. Doctor also talked a lot about what "could happen" and health and development risks that we should be aware of going forward. Again, this was overwhelming because he gave the absolute worst possible scenario and then ended the talk with, "but they might not have any problems at all. Maybe they will do very well."
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This reminds me of when you pick up a prescription and start reading all the side effects and wondering SHOULD you really take this.
ReplyDeleteSo the Dr. Dr. gives you worst case scenerio, maybe he reads the prescription side effects too! Still keeping watch & praying for your little soldiers as they "march" on!
Wiersmas,
ReplyDeleteI heard about your story through Crazy Horse. I worked briefly with Kate she was on her way out and I was just starting there. I also am good friends with a coworker of Marks. Anyways I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you! We at Crazy Horse are praying as well. My son Jackson had a liver transplant at the age of 3 months done in Chicago and I know all about long days/weeks/months watching your child/children fight. It's a very trying time and it's true that the only way to get through it all is taking it leaning on God and taking it one minute, one hour, and one day at a time. Our family will continue to pray for all of you!
Stephanie (Rusticus) Hill
I agree with what Stephanie said in reference to just taking it one minute, one hour and one day at a time. God is working miracles in your beautiful sons every second of every day and you are witnesses to it. :) Let Him worry about the "big picture" and just keep enjoying all of the little things that give you so much joy! :) They are beautiful and precious. You deserve to be proud of the children God has blessed you with. Remember, He hand-picked you two, out of everyone in the entire planet who has ever lived or who will ever live... to be the parents of Wes and Max. You were destined to be their parents! The faith that you display as you go through this difficult process is evidence that God picked the right parents for these boys. You are so blessed! :)
ReplyDeleteMark & Kate ~
ReplyDeleteDon't be discouraged. . . It is good to know the stats so you can be all the more amazed when Max & Wes blow them away!!! Go God!
We're praying for you.
God is bigger than the things they may face down the road. Focus on today, and let God have tomorrow. Praying for you guys!-Ryan and Megan DeVries
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder your little miracles are that we are not in control but God is. The unknowns for the future can be overwhelming, I'm sure. Praying for good days and a peace for you as parents as you look to their future.
ReplyDeletePraying for you over here in the De Jonge household... My husband, Tim, is good friends with Henry and Becky (lived w/ Henry at Calvin)... and I'm one of the pastors now over at Harderwyk - so I had a couple of ways in to your story. Praying for you. Praying for Max. Praying for Wes. Praying for Dr. Dr. and all of the other doctors.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a pendulum - swinging between the big picture and the present moment. Sometimes the big picture is overwhelming and sometimes the present moment is overwhelming - - - and sometimes they both are... in which case, sleep - and the prayers of the people - and more sleep are all in good order.
Rest in him...
Mark and Kate…
ReplyDeleteI have been proud and blessed by the way you both have deliberately focused on each day, one at a time, and, as an act of faith, left the next day to God. That is where it belongs…He holds it in His Almighty hand. I have watched you make each day a fresh celebration of what God has done that day in the little lives of Max and Wes. Trusting Him daily is probably good psychology but even more importantly, it is Biblical, it shows obedience to the words of Jesus Himself. In Matthew 6, He said, “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
As we approach the twins’ 14th day of life, we give God praise for the incredible things that He has done for them and in both of you. Keep your hope placed in Him.
Dad