Good morning to everyone!
I was laying in bed this morning and realized that I so needed to post this morning to tell each of you how amazing yesterday was. Tony & I got up bruised and battered dreading the thought of making funeral arrangements. Through only the Grace of God I can tell you that last night we both slept peacefully. We had been so conflicted on where to place our Anna's remains since we are originally from VA and my Tony is in the line of work that will transfer us with promotion or assignment change. The thought of leaving Anna behind was unbearable. Without going through too many specifics God gave us the perfect place of rest for Anna's sweet remains and to all us adoptive parents who know their story, it is just down from Maria Chapman. "The Garden of Angels" is it's name and oh, what angels it contains. Tony & I are now dealing with a different struggle......we are searching our hearts & souls and begging God to help us find the words to let everyone know how amazing our baby Anna was & still is. We feel so strongly that Anna's work here on earth is not done because she has left us to carry it on. God's amazing Glory is something so many of us know as we know ourselves but there are many that wake up each morning without that divine recognition. We want the loss of our Anna to ring the most important truth there is: GOD IS LOVE! UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES OR TIME! So we again thank you for each of your prayers & blessings on our family. We ask you keep the next day in prayer that Tony & I can show to all that are watching that this is not something "God did to us" but something "God blessed us with" and continues to "do in us." To express the urgency of this need is impossible.......we are just as desperate to continue Anna's work as we were to see her life with us continue 4 days ago. Please know we love you all, even the one's we do not know......see, Amazing Love of Christ does that. Our Grace I know has been a concern for all of you & for us and she is a true reflection of her God given name. Grace is doing beautifully, yes, she hurts right along with us but for a almost 5 year old she is doing it with the strength. Love, Kisses & Hugs from Jo, Tony & Grace
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Anna Is with Her Maker
Oh, it is with a weary & sore heart that I write this message to all of you who have been praying so diligently. Our Anna's heart & little body just got too tired to go on. We received the results of the CT scan and without hesitation we knew God had answered a shared prayer......to show us His will without any question. Anna's cerebral cortex had been so severely jeopardized on Monday during CPR that any form of normal survival function was out of the question. The cerebral edema that was taking over both lobes could not be treated with any medicines. In addition, the trauma her heart sustained made surgery to correct very difficult with the continuing pressure build up. Basically, to continue we would be doing it for clearly selfish reasons since our sweet Anna would fight herself to death. No matter what the doctors tried to come up with as an option there was really only one. We took Anna off the bypass and all life support......and I had the incredible privilege to hold my baby as her sweet heart beat its last beat. Oh, what a precious, peaceful moment. To know that God entrusted me with this amazing child for the last 10 weeks makes me so proud.
We are so humbled by the outreach and prayers for our family. We are mourning, we are hurting, we are confused, we are yucky in every way right now but most importantly we praise our Heavenly Father and all His Glory!
We want our time with Anna and her short life to bring him only Glory! Without the guidance of the Father we would never have even known this miraculous creature. Please join us in His praise and prayer for our sweet Grace. As a family we now have the mountain of pain, separation, and grief to conquer. Our Lord is covering us with His Cloak of Peace and for that we are so grateful.
We are so humbled by the outreach and prayers for our family. We are mourning, we are hurting, we are confused, we are yucky in every way right now but most importantly we praise our Heavenly Father and all His Glory!
We want our time with Anna and her short life to bring him only Glory! Without the guidance of the Father we would never have even known this miraculous creature. Please join us in His praise and prayer for our sweet Grace. As a family we now have the mountain of pain, separation, and grief to conquer. Our Lord is covering us with His Cloak of Peace and for that we are so grateful.
~ Jo
Anna's Memorial Celebration
Saturday, August 30
10:00 AM Visitation
11:00 AM Memorial Celebration
~
Williamson Memorial Funeral Home
3009 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
615-794-2289
~
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nashville's Ronald McDonald House
Thank you!
Prayers Needed Now During CT Scan
Jo mentioned posting here today so I've been waiting to post an update, but I know she's very busy and preoccupied. I talked to Jo earlier this morning and she sent a quick email at noon, and I just heard from our friend, Angela. Here's what I know at this time:
Angela called to say they weren't able to get her off of the bypass, but they took her down for the CT just a half hour or so ago with all the equipment. The big prayer request is of course for a positive CT scan result and also for Tony and Jo as they receive those results.
Apparently they perforated a vein when they pulled out one of the lines, so please pray for that. I'm not exactly sure what that could mean.
Anna was taken off of her seizure medicine this morning, so pray that she doesn't have any seizures.
One possible problem was averted early this morning when they found a clot in her bypass tubes and Anna remained stable while they changed all the tubing.
Thanks again and hopefully Jo will be able to post later today with some news.
Angela called to say they weren't able to get her off of the bypass, but they took her down for the CT just a half hour or so ago with all the equipment. The big prayer request is of course for a positive CT scan result and also for Tony and Jo as they receive those results.
Apparently they perforated a vein when they pulled out one of the lines, so please pray for that. I'm not exactly sure what that could mean.
Anna was taken off of her seizure medicine this morning, so pray that she doesn't have any seizures.
One possible problem was averted early this morning when they found a clot in her bypass tubes and Anna remained stable while they changed all the tubing.
Thanks again and hopefully Jo will be able to post later today with some news.
Remaining Hopeful!
Several of you have been desperate for an update, and I understand. Jo told me she doesn’t want to update until there’s news, but I know you all just want to know how everything is going, so I’ll try to do that as best I can….
The doctors hadn’t been able to do the CAT scan because she needs to be weaned off of the bypass machine first. The bypass machine is very large and they can’t wheel her in for the CAT until she’s able to keep her heart pumping on its own. The prayer last night into this morning is that they can completely wean her off of the bypass by 8 AM (hopefully that’s happened, I’m going to call to see) so they can wheel her in for a CAT scan to see what’s going on in her little brain. They tried taking her off yesterday morning and her little heart beat on its own for 6 minutes before it gave out, which they felt was good for the first try. Pray that there is no bleeding or swelling of the brain and that there’s no damage.
Along with the kicks yesterday, last night she began responding to light which they believe shows some neurological function. She’s had episodes of dropping bp again and there have been small improvements in some areas and small set backs in others. Jo said she had about six less tubes on her little arm when she returned after being with Grace last night (more kissing room, Jo said). The seizures continue and have increased so they put her on medication to stop them which has made her less responsive (to light and any other stimulation), apparently. She’s needed numerous blood transfusions because the site where the ECMO (bypass machine) is inserted continues to bleed…another reason they need to get her off of that machine, but she seems relatively stable in many areas. Please also pray against infection.
The G's (omitting last name for safety reasons) are getting little signs everywhere they turn that God is hearing their prayers and sustaining them. They do have moments when the fear, doubts, frustrations, and tiredness set in and so they need our prayer covering. Nights are hardest…Anna seems to be worse at night and Jo has been alone and that’s when the fear and doubt are magnified. So, if you are awakened at night for any reason (or you’re like me and tend to be up at 2AM anyway), please pray for them. A group of us ladies stayed at the hospital with Jo until 2 AM last night and she was doing really well last night. SHE was encouraging US! She amazes me! After we all prayed and prayed, we talked…she did most of the talking and laughing and it was good medicine for all of our hearts. I think we all needed a little respite from the sadness. Tony, I think, is taking it the hardest. My heart just breaks thinking about Tony! He loves his baby girl so much. He’s trying to understand it all, and there just is no understanding this side of heaven…but he’s still keeping the faith and holding on to the little progress Anna has made and the little signs from God…a rainbow he saw coming home from the hospital and a shooting star he saw in the sky tonight.
Also pray for Grace. Jo explained to her a little bit about Anna. You all probably know how intuitive and wise she is and she needs to be lifted up, too.
So many people have asked how they can help…besides the obvious and important prayer cover right now, I’m trying to put together a schedule for people to bring meals to them at the hospital so please let me know if you’re in the area and interested. There isn’t a lot of food available at the hospital and it’s a hassle to get the car, drive to a restaurant, park again, etc. (Vanderbilt’s a big hospital). I think they also just like for people to stop by and give them a hug and/or say a prayer with them….no words are necessary, just a hug and letting them know you’re praying. They seem to be good for food at home for a little bit, but I’m sure they could always use freezer meals.
Many out of town friends and family have emailed me to ask how they can help and the only thing I can think of is to keep emailing support, ecards, whatever, and maybe send them a gift card for a restaurant. If anyone knows of restaurants around the hospital or has any other ideas of what friends and family can do from a distance, please share in the comments section. My thought about the gift cards is also that whoever goes home to stay with Grace in the evening can take her for a quick meal on occasion instead of cooking for two. If anyone knows of Grace’s favorite restaurants, please share that with us all, as well. I know she likes Panera for breakfast. Another idea is a Plumgood gift card…Plumgood is a grocery delivery service in our area. They can order groceries from the computer and it will be delivered (free delivery) to their front door in an insulated tote. The website is: http://www.plumgoodfood.com/Pages/Gifts/. We do have a Super Suppers in our area, but I don’t know if they have the freezer space for all the frozen meals.
I’m sorry this is long and doesn’t contain much news. I just know that especially for you all far away, any little detail is news.
On behalf of Jo and Tony and their family, thank you all for your prayers…they feel them and are encouraged by the emails from all around the world telling them of prayers for Anna and the family. All of you family and friends are being prayed for, too! You can also send encouragement or prayers for the family by clicking on "comment" under each post and Jo and Tony will be able to read them.
Remaining hopeful,
Cindy
The doctors hadn’t been able to do the CAT scan because she needs to be weaned off of the bypass machine first. The bypass machine is very large and they can’t wheel her in for the CAT until she’s able to keep her heart pumping on its own. The prayer last night into this morning is that they can completely wean her off of the bypass by 8 AM (hopefully that’s happened, I’m going to call to see) so they can wheel her in for a CAT scan to see what’s going on in her little brain. They tried taking her off yesterday morning and her little heart beat on its own for 6 minutes before it gave out, which they felt was good for the first try. Pray that there is no bleeding or swelling of the brain and that there’s no damage.
Along with the kicks yesterday, last night she began responding to light which they believe shows some neurological function. She’s had episodes of dropping bp again and there have been small improvements in some areas and small set backs in others. Jo said she had about six less tubes on her little arm when she returned after being with Grace last night (more kissing room, Jo said). The seizures continue and have increased so they put her on medication to stop them which has made her less responsive (to light and any other stimulation), apparently. She’s needed numerous blood transfusions because the site where the ECMO (bypass machine) is inserted continues to bleed…another reason they need to get her off of that machine, but she seems relatively stable in many areas. Please also pray against infection.
The G's (omitting last name for safety reasons) are getting little signs everywhere they turn that God is hearing their prayers and sustaining them. They do have moments when the fear, doubts, frustrations, and tiredness set in and so they need our prayer covering. Nights are hardest…Anna seems to be worse at night and Jo has been alone and that’s when the fear and doubt are magnified. So, if you are awakened at night for any reason (or you’re like me and tend to be up at 2AM anyway), please pray for them. A group of us ladies stayed at the hospital with Jo until 2 AM last night and she was doing really well last night. SHE was encouraging US! She amazes me! After we all prayed and prayed, we talked…she did most of the talking and laughing and it was good medicine for all of our hearts. I think we all needed a little respite from the sadness. Tony, I think, is taking it the hardest. My heart just breaks thinking about Tony! He loves his baby girl so much. He’s trying to understand it all, and there just is no understanding this side of heaven…but he’s still keeping the faith and holding on to the little progress Anna has made and the little signs from God…a rainbow he saw coming home from the hospital and a shooting star he saw in the sky tonight.
Also pray for Grace. Jo explained to her a little bit about Anna. You all probably know how intuitive and wise she is and she needs to be lifted up, too.
So many people have asked how they can help…besides the obvious and important prayer cover right now, I’m trying to put together a schedule for people to bring meals to them at the hospital so please let me know if you’re in the area and interested. There isn’t a lot of food available at the hospital and it’s a hassle to get the car, drive to a restaurant, park again, etc. (Vanderbilt’s a big hospital). I think they also just like for people to stop by and give them a hug and/or say a prayer with them….no words are necessary, just a hug and letting them know you’re praying. They seem to be good for food at home for a little bit, but I’m sure they could always use freezer meals.
Many out of town friends and family have emailed me to ask how they can help and the only thing I can think of is to keep emailing support, ecards, whatever, and maybe send them a gift card for a restaurant. If anyone knows of restaurants around the hospital or has any other ideas of what friends and family can do from a distance, please share in the comments section. My thought about the gift cards is also that whoever goes home to stay with Grace in the evening can take her for a quick meal on occasion instead of cooking for two. If anyone knows of Grace’s favorite restaurants, please share that with us all, as well. I know she likes Panera for breakfast. Another idea is a Plumgood gift card…Plumgood is a grocery delivery service in our area. They can order groceries from the computer and it will be delivered (free delivery) to their front door in an insulated tote. The website is: http://www.plumgoodfood.com/Pages/Gifts/. We do have a Super Suppers in our area, but I don’t know if they have the freezer space for all the frozen meals.
I’m sorry this is long and doesn’t contain much news. I just know that especially for you all far away, any little detail is news.
On behalf of Jo and Tony and their family, thank you all for your prayers…they feel them and are encouraged by the emails from all around the world telling them of prayers for Anna and the family. All of you family and friends are being prayed for, too! You can also send encouragement or prayers for the family by clicking on "comment" under each post and Jo and Tony will be able to read them.
Remaining hopeful,
Cindy
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Anna's Kicking!
We just got home from our visit with Tony, Jo, and Tony’s sister, Shelly and all I can say is that they AMAZE me in their strength. I know God promises us His strength will be made perfect in our weakness, and it is evident in Tony and Jo today…praise God! On behalf of the Goodens, thank you for all of your prayers. Keep them coming as I’m sure there will be waves of grief and confusion. They are still heartbroken and hurting, but they’re hopeful and hanging on along with little Anna.
I hope Jo has a chance to share the details of this story with you because she has a way with a good story…but for now, my version (and hopefully an accurate version)…the medical staff were preparing Anna to see if she was stable enough to be removed from the ECMO (basically a bypass machine if I understand it correctly) so they could bring her in for a CAT scan. While they were messing with something on her leg she kicked the nurse, and then when provoked again kicked two more times! Apparently that was the “sign” we were praying for earlier this morning…the sign they needed to know there was some neurological function. Small, but significant...a little ray of hope to hold onto.
I hope Jo has a chance to share the details of this story with you because she has a way with a good story…but for now, my version (and hopefully an accurate version)…the medical staff were preparing Anna to see if she was stable enough to be removed from the ECMO (basically a bypass machine if I understand it correctly) so they could bring her in for a CAT scan. While they were messing with something on her leg she kicked the nurse, and then when provoked again kicked two more times! Apparently that was the “sign” we were praying for earlier this morning…the sign they needed to know there was some neurological function. Small, but significant...a little ray of hope to hold onto.
So, we remain hopeful that Anna is just taking some time to “reboot” her computer and she’ll be awake soon and playing. The little fighter looked good considering all the tubes and machines.
Please keep praying and we will try to keep you updated!
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