Wiersma Family Blog

WIERSMA FAMILY BLOG
A glimpse into our lives as a family with micro-preemies. Our twins boys (Lovingly referred to as our Miracle Men) were born almost 16 weeks early.

Our journey continues when our son Max was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 3. This is his story....


Wednesday, April 22, 2009

What a day

What a difference a day makes.  Praise the Lord.  Max is down to 75% on his oxygen with no other changes other than the use of "lasiks" to help him pass additional fluids.  This is still quite high, but he has been a lot more stable today than he was yesterday, and if he does de-saturate, there is some room to give him a little shot of oxygen without having to turn up the vent settings.  Wes has had a pretty good day as well, no changes to his vent settings, but he has also been much more stable.

Those are all good things and huge answers to prayer, but without a doubt the highlight of the day (maybe the year) was that Kate's mom was able to make the trip to see the boys today.  Kate and I did not think this was going to happen, but God gave Mom the desire and the strength to make the trip...and what a special time it was.  Many of you know that Kate's mom has been fighting cancer for 5 and a half years, and it looks like that fight might be coming to an end.  A week ago today, Mom's Hospice doctor said that she is likely in her last week of life...so you can about imagine how special it was that Mom was able to see the boys today.  She was able to touch them both and tell them how much she loves them and how much Jesus loves them.  She then told them that she wishes she could see them everyday, and that she is so excited to watch them grow into beautiful Christian men.  I could never explain in words what this meant to Kate and I.  I am not sure that I can think of a more special moment.  Kate and I then had an opportunity to pray with Mom, and it was just so amazing.  What an awesome God we serve.  We (and so many of you!!!) were praying so hard for Max, and He answered that prayer...and then gave us a gift that we could have never imagined.  I am simply speechless...I just cannot wipe the smile off my face.

On top of all of that, Kate was able to hold Wes for over an hour tonight!!  They call it "skin-to-skin", and many of the nurses and doctors are firm believers that nothing helps the respiratory system more than spending a little skin-to-skin time with mom or dad.  It was a really special time for Kate and Wes, and even me...even though I was on the sidelines doing crossword puzzles.

Thank-you to everyone who offered up prayers for Max and Wes last night and through the day.  God heard those prayers, and Max is heading in the right direction.  Wes has his PDA Ligation surgery tomorrow morning, so we covet your prayers that God will guide the hands of the surgeon and other doctors.

Also, I need to say that I know many of you know Kate's family personally, but I do need to ask that you respect their privacy through this trying time.  Mom needs lots of rest and does not have the energy for visits and phone calls.  We certainly covet your prayers that God will bless Mom with peace, and give the rest of the family strength through this very emotionally draining time.

The picture below is of Max with his Grandma Blauwkamp.

7 comments:

  1. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above the Heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

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  2. I'm so thankful you had the gift and blessing of your mom there today. You'll always have that wonderful memory.

    And how cool to have the skin-to-skin with Wes! It must have felt so awesome to be able to cuddle with your son for a while...hopefully you'll be able to do more and more of that in the near future with both boys!

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  3. Wow. God is so good! Praise Him!!!

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  4. With tears of Joy I am thanking God for your special day!
    He is so Good!

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  5. Glad to hear that Max had a better day today :)Praying for Max and Wes, and will be praying that Wes's PDA surgery goes well. Sending up many prayers for your family.

    Tina Jacobsen (NICU Mom)

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  6. The words to "Awesome God" come to mind right now. He alone is due all the glory, honor and praise for the boys' turnabout, and for Kate's mom's strength.

    I'm sure that the days ahead will hold a few more ups and downs like waves in the sea, but if you keep your eyes focused on Jesus instead of on the trials around you, you'll walk with Him through them, as Peter did on the Sea of Galilee.

    I echo the previous post: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!

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  7. Praise God! We will pray that this rollercoaster will slow down and you have more days like today. Look at that hair for such a little guy...guarantee if he went full term he would have had some curls! :) Praying for all of you each and every day!
    Kelly Meeuwsen

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