Today was a tough day for our little red head. She continues to battle through drug withdrawal. I won't go into a lot of detail here. Let's just say I imagine it is one of the toughest things a parent could ever witness. Additionally, Jenna had her first run on the intermittent dialysis machine. That was largely unsuccessful too. Jenna spiked a 104 fever shortly after starting dialysis. The docs suspect there was some bacteria on the catheter used for dialysis and this gave her an infection. They started her back on some antibiotics that she has previously left behind. The docs also decided to sign Jenna up for a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter for all you out there playing along with the medical acronyms game.) That required something short of a surgery but more involved than a bedside needle stick. Jenna came through fine, but it left her parents searching for the tums.
So, at best this was a lateral day for Jenna. At worst we took a couple of steps back.
All this left Jenna and her parents drained. I will also admit to being somewhat....what's the word I am looking for....um..pissed, yeah that's the appropriate word.....that the roller coaster ride continues. It was just another day when you realize you aren't driving the train you are on.
So, in an effort to find some inspiration I turned to all the usual sources. Bible..check. A book about a miracle man and modern day saint, Padre Pio....check. But today those were "dry holes" for me. So I went deep into the thoughtful realm to find today's inspiration to calm the ICU storms. Where did I go? I went to the modern mountain, our popular reservoir of knowledge, You Tube!
While there is an admitted amount of garbage on You Tube, believe it or not there are some decent offerings for those looking for inspiration. I found a 2008 concert by Paul McCartney that "filled the bill" for me. Specifically, a great rendition of "Let It Be".
Here is a link for all those with a few minutes an interest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpnI9j28RPM
I love the whole song but thought this was particularly appropriate for our situation as parents:
When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
Actually my little study of Padre Pio also said something about don't worry about stuff and trust in the Lord. I'll give the old Italian priest credit, but from my perspective Sir Paul McCartney said it better. We just need to "LET IT BE".
Please continue to say prayers of thanks for our little Jenna's progress and pray for her full and speedy recovery. I suggest that we all pray that we will learn to trust in the Lord all the time, not just in pressure situations.
Please also remember our special buddies from ICU land; Sarah Bressler, William B. and Baby Gunner.
(insert from Missy: Padre Pio's words are very beautiful, too..."Do not worry over things that generate preoccupation, derangement and anxiety. One thing only is necessary: to lift up your spirit and love God")
Have a great Sunday, and remember EXPECT GREAT THINGS!!
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10 comments:
Dear Missy and Luke,
So sorry to hear about today's struggle. I can't imagine what anxiety you must constantly feel. I will keep the vigil with you tonight with prayers and love for a very special family.
Andy
Our hearts ache for you as the rollercoaster ride continues - a familiar ride that the Eckerle family recalls all too well. In the wee hours when many of us can't sleep over worry for Jenna, we recall many of your posts about trusting in the Lord and putting it in His hands. If you, as Jenna's parents can do it, so should we! Since it's only human to "take back" what we've put in His hands, I'm sure God's patience with us far exceeds our understanding. As Missy pointed out so beautifully in an earlier post, God's no stranger to watching His own children suffer. Our constant vigil and prayers are with you at all hours of the day and night!
My congregation will pray for Jenna this morning and give thanks for all tha she has come through and for her absolutely INSPIRATIONAL parents. May tranqueility find Jenna today as she makes her way through this valley. Love to you all!
Laura
Hello again Luke and Missy,
Hearts and minds are still with you, along with prayers in these most troubled times; it WILL get better though. My recent comment about my "listening prayers" didn't make the blog, probably too long, I do tend to get wordy sometimes, well, lots of times I guess. Ask Janie. Anyhow, "listening prayers" are most often my favorite kind. No words, just listening. Amazing what you will hear. Love and hugs to Jenna and both of you, Liz
Missy and Luke,
Although this is our first "post", we have been following Jenna's journey all along and praying for all of you. Your blog posts are truly inspirational and have encouraged us to trust in God at all times. We think of you every day and pray that God will give you the strength to continue supporting Jenna through this trial. We pray for Jenna's little body, that God will continue to bless her with the fighting spirit that she clearly has. If there is anything beyond prayers that we can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
Debby Duffy is an ICU nurse at Children's and is a good friend of mine. If you need anything at all, feel free to pass along requests through her!
Love and prayers,
Christine and Mike Whelan
We do continue to expect great things! The Bloemer Family continues to pray for you all nightly.
Love,
Dawn Bloemer
Missy and Luke,
We are continuing to pray for Jenna and all your family! I really can't imagine what you’re going through watching Jenna struggle through this difficult journey and all the 'speedbumps' that she's enduring! But I know that she is a tenacious fighter and has parents with the faith of an army - she's going to win and is inspiring all of us along the way!!
Now, as a sidenote, how is it that you both are going through the most difficult test as parents and of your faith, yet you have hundreds of us friends, family and acquaintances on tenterhooks to read your next post? Of course, Jenna is in our hearts and prayers and on our minds all the time, that we’re all anxious to know how she's doing. But also, your posts are so engaging, thought provoking and inspirational that I find myself reading and rereading each entry and eagerly awaiting the next one – of course, praying that it has more good news! I think you both missed your calling as writers! ;)
Again, if you think of anything we can help with, besides continuous prayers, don’t hesitate to ask!
All our love,
Jenny, Steve, Elizabeth, Catherine, Allison and Ryan
Please know that we love you all and are praying constantly for you and the speedy recovery for Jenna. May God's peace be with you and give you rest.
Love,
Molly, Jason, Mia and Addison
Remember it is Human to feel the things you are and that is okay. Much love, hope and prayers. Val, Sean, Jake, Maggie & Liam
Still sending prayers for all of you
Rick and Amy Schwab
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