"Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12



“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”- William Butler Yeats





Thursday, April 2, 2009

It's a long one, folks!

I can't tell you all how moved I am when I leave my computer for hours at a time and come back to read your comments and emails. Not just with the picture decision, but I don't think there's been a time that I've ever come on here and asked for prayers or rejoiced in a life event or even just fooled around on here with some of my silliness that you haven't been awesome and shared in it with me, even the shy ones that don't comment publicly but send me emails. You guys completely ROCK! I swear if I had the big bucks, I'd be giving a big 'ole Let's-Get-Together-To-Hangout-And-Praise-Our-God party with my bloggy friends.

I know that it'll be impossible for me to meet all of you in this lifetime, but man, oh man....I sure hope the Big Guy upstairs allows me that privilege when I get there. And just think, I'll even have a great big mansion that He made himself so we could really party!!!!! Yeah, baby!

Can you tell I'm feeling a bit better? Yep. God's in control. I've moved outta the driver's seat.

Now....the nitty-gritty stuff.


First, did you happen to notice the adorable little button on the left side panel of my blog? Yeah, the really cute one with the little girl and boy kneeling down praying? That was my very sweet friend Ame. She posted it on her blog with a link over here asking for prayers for us. I tell ya, I am so very blessed. Thank you, Ame. I love you, girl! (And if ya'll could please say a quick prayer for her too. She's going through some stuff and needs lifting up! God knows exactly what she needs so that's all we have to ask for. - THANK YOU!!)

So, I decided that I would drag that gorgeous little button over to my blog and ask any of you, if you feel moved to do so and you are praying for our family, to please request prayers, (especially for Kai who will be going back into surgery next week and of course, Anna Grace, who will be left behind....again) from those that visit your own blogs by poppin' it on your own sidebar. You know how strongly I feel about the power of prayer and I know God listens, because he's carried us through some really rough times lately. But maybe you can prayerfully consider spreading the word? All you have to do is grab the html code under the picture and slap it onto your layout page! Thank you!!

A Bouquet of Blessings




Before I commence on the big Kai details, I just want to say that PICTURE "B" won by an overwhelming amount... 36 to 15! You guys sure made it clear that out of both pictures, PICTURE "B" should be the one hangin' on the Dr. Hero's wall. By the way, yes that is Dr. Hero. The picture you all chose was taken when Kai was just 29 months old. He had been home for 3 months. It was taken the day after his palate closure here in Ft. Myers and Dr. Hero had taken him for a little walk down the hallways of the hospital. PICTURE "A" was taken just prior to having his VP flap in Orlando in 2007.

Scott and I discussed last week about doing something special for Dr. Hero since we knew we'd be seeing him soon. We decided an appreciation plaque would be appropriate. We are really happy with how it turned out (only seen proofs though) and it will be delivered by Monday, just in time for us to wrap it up and take it with us to Orlando. I needed to give them the final picture this morning, hence the rush for the decision. (I pray that Dr. Hero never comes across our blog. heh!)

One of the many reasons we were moved to even doing the plaque was because this man has literally been at our beck and call since this entire ordeal started almost 6 weeks ago, without charging us one cent. He has not been involved in any of Kai's medical care thus far during this, but has taken the time to call almost daily to check in on Kai's de-sats and was invaluable in guiding us when he was first admitted and later airlifted. So much so, that the doctors in the ICU in Fort Myers called him at 3:30 a.m. when Kai was pretty critical and they did not know what to do, so that he could help them out. He did. Without hesitation. Dr. Hero's heart is without a doubt huge. That was very evident to us from the very first time we met him and learned that he and his gracious wife are the proud parents to 3 adopted Guatemalan beauties. He has a huge heart for orphans and has traveled internationally donating his time and services to repair cleft lips and palates. And he loves our Kai! :)

We are now almost 2 weeks into being home and Kai's de-sat numbers have gone from being 10-15 a night, closer now to 18-25 a night. The length of time he now pauses without breathing during each de-sat have also increased. They have gone from 2-5 seconds, to more serious apneatic episodes of 10-15 seconds of no breathing. This is life threatening and if not treated soon will eventually cause his little heart to fail and his lungs will collapse.

THE GAME PLAN

Dr. Hero wants us arriving in Orlando to admit Kai on Wednesday, the 8th, in the morning. After some nudging from Po-Po that Kai is so deserving of a little fun before heading into another surgery, we have prayerfully decided that I will be leaving at 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning instead and spending a Mama and Kai day at Sea World with him. He loves animals, the ocean and sharks! I think he'll have a ball and I know that I will too, just watching his little face light up. Poor baby has been through so much in the past 6 weeks that just thinking about it, especially having to put those IV's in again, make my heart shrivel and the tears flow. There are few people that he's not shared his "ouchies" with as he pulls out both little arms to show them them bruises brought on by failed IV attempts. He continues to lose weight and is now about 6 lbs. of weight loss since this started 6 weeks ago.

Sadly, Scott will not be going up with us. I will absolutely be missing my best friend being by my side. He began a new job last year and as great as his bosses have been, we cannot risk him losing his job, not to mention the fact that we cannot afford any more unpaid leave. So, unless God forbid, there is an emergency, he will be home.

Po-Po and Ayi will again provide the entertainment for the week for Anna Grace and AJ. Please remember to keep Anna Grace in your prayers. I have been telling her daily about Kai having to go back to the hospital and Mama needing to go with him, but I know it's hard for her to understand. AJ is our little trooper and he just goes with the flow. Thank you, Jesus!

A few of you have asked if Anna Grace could go with me. Unfortunately, she cannot. I will be getting a room at the adjacent Ronald McDonald house like we did last time, but she cannot go into the ICU rooms where Kai will be staying. And if you've read any of the times my babies have gone into the hospital, I have never left them alone. I do have a couple of friends that live in the Orlando area and I am hoping that they may be able to come and stay with Kai for a couple of hours so I can grab maybe an hour of sleep and a quick shower at the RM House. I know the nurses are great and on top of things, but I just could not even fathom leaving Kai alone without someone by his side, especially with him being so traumatized about hospitals now.

Going back to the admission. He will be admitted on Wednesday (without complications our stay should be approximately 5 days) so that they could monitor him and view for themselves his de-sat patterns. On Thursday at 1:30 p.m., he will be taken to the OR to have a Laryngoscopy and a Bronchoscopy done. Depending on the results, he will either have a repeat adenoidectomy, a modification of his flap, or his flap will be completely taken down. He is now at a higher risk with general anesthesia because of the fact that a) he was under G.A. less than a month ago. b) he continues to de-sat and c) he still has something obstructing his airway. Please...please....please pray that the surgery is 100% succesful, that they fully and completely remove whatever obstruction is impeding his breathing and that it does not damage his ability to speak. He has come such a long way. The boy is truly my hero.

I know this is a lot of info in one post to take in and I am hoping you're still awake since I left the most important facts for last, but I wanted to make sure I covered as much as possible.

By the way, I will of course be taking my laptop with me and look forward to proclaiming God's goodness as we rejoice in Kai's complete healing!!! (And I'm sure some really cute pictures from Sea World!) I look forward to spending some happy, pain-free, one-on-one time with my little man.

Thank you again and God bless,


18 comments :

sara said...

ohilda, I have been out of the loop for the last 2 weeks, but you can count on me to be praying for you guys now and throughout the surgery. And of course, i will take the button!!!

Thanks for your prayers for me. I am home now, struggling a bit, but making it. today while I was cleaning, I found the last card my Aunt wrote to me...hard.

love ya, girl!

Teresa said...

Father in Heaven, You know everything we need. You know all our hearts desires. You love each of us preciously and hold each of us in the palm your hand. Hold tightly each member of Ohilda's family as the story of their life continues to unfold; as Kai has further surgery to heal his breathing; as Anna Grace lets go of her Mama for a few more days; as Scott "keeps on keeping on" with his job while his best friend cares for their son; as Popo and Ayi take care of AJ and Anna Grace; as Ohilda leaves her home and family again to care for and be with her "little man" Kai. We pray for all those who will care for and treat Kai in the hospital, especially Dr. Hero :o) and his team. We lift all those supporting this family up in prayer. May they all know your peace and strength, Lord. In the name of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Princess's Mommy said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers every single minute!! I am SO glad you are doing Sea World with Kai! He is going to LOVE it!!!

Blessings to you, my sweet friend.
Love,
Monica

geminirn said...

Oh my...you all will countinue to be in my every thoughts and prayers.......my heart really does go out to you,stay strong my friend!

La Familia Garcia said...

What great news!
What a great way to honor Dr. Hero!
And it would be great if he came across your blog one day to see all the great things written about him..no worries.

Jennifer said...

I will continue praying! Thank you for your updates..your blog is one of the first places I go in my morning routine. :) Is there anything you need???? Anything at all? Drop me a note. I know I"m way far away, but I'd do what I can!

Unknown said...

Ohilda,
Prayers coming your way! We are in the Orlando area- and if need be- I can come by that weekend and give you a chance to grab a shower and nap.
We will all be praying for Kai and Anna Grace and AJ- and of course their Mommy and Daddy to make it all through with flying colors.
Tamara

Michelle R Photography said...

I'll be snagging your blog link and posting it in a few. Mr. Hero sounds like an amazing man and Doctor... and such a blessing that God sent to you.

The Ferrill's said...

Ohilda I think that trip to Sea World will be just what the doctor ordered! What a wonderful idea for you both!
I will be praying praying praying for your family...and for generous wisdom for the doctors...and for nice nurses...and rest...

Remember His grace is sufficient and He always provides it just when we need it!
Love you!

Angie said...

Ohilda,

We of course will be praying that the surgery will go wonderfully well for Kai and also for his mama to have peace and stamina throughout the whole thing. We will also pray that Anna Grace will somehow be able to understand why you need to go and that since you came back last time you will most definitly be coming back again this time.

God Bless You!
Angie

Aus said...

Morning girl - well - in order of thoughts...1) Dr. Hero just went up about 10 steps in my estimation - Hoorah for a real man! 2) We're soooo sorry to hear it's more hospital time for the boy - oh that sucks so bad. You guys are right back up on top of the prayer list - not that you were ever very far from there! 3) Sea world - great idea - good break for both of you guys - love it! 4) AG - well Blessings on that little girl. She will get through this - and maybe having Scott there to remind her how much mama loves her etc. will help lessen the stress for her. 5) All the rest - hugs and blessings around - and as always if you, Scott, or the kids need anything you should have us on your speed dial!

hugs - and loads of love -

aus and co.

The Byrd's Nest said...

First of all...yea for picture B!

Second, I find it always intriguing that your friend who made this button is also in need of prayer. It seems that it is always the people who are already on their knees who reach out to people the most and show them what they need from the Lord.

Praying for both of your sweet babies....praying they feel the peace of the Lord.

Jill W said...

I will take the button!!! And continue praying!!

Amy said...

O', sweet precious friend of mine, I emerge from my cave to see your babie's names on that picture I love so much. I am blessed to share it with you and hope that all of your bloggy buddies will snag and post to their own.

This is an amazing community of friends. Blog friends are very much "real" friends, and the power of prayer is so great when we join together.

Thank you for praying for us, O', and for asking for prayer on our behalf. It means more than I can express. God is so good. He does know just what we need. I am learning well the grace that comes from surrender and the tender mercy that comes from His blessings in the form of friendships.

With Love and Prayers Unending,
Ame

mommy24treasures said...

oh sweet Ohilda, I wish I was close enough to help you in some way... I will be praying friend...
He is control and will show Himself strong on Kai's behalf.

Anonymous said...

Ohilda. I haven't checked in for quite a while and had no idea you were having such a time with Kai. You will be in our prayers.
Blessings
Darcy
Mom to QT1 Brynley Ann Jing

Abby said...

Ohilda, I found your blog from the Harrah's Yahoo group. We live in the Orlando area. Unfortunately, I fly home from China with our baby on the 9th, but I would love to meet you, and possibly offer some relief. You can follow our trip at www.goodstewards.blogspot,com

Unknown said...

Ohilda,

This is Tom, Abby's (above commenter) husband. Our home is about 40 minutes away from the hospital and the RMcD house. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. You can contact me at tom.chitty@amd.com.

Tom

Blog Widget by LinkWithin