For those of you who may not have seen the movie "Walk the Line" it is about Johnny Cash's early years (pre June Carter Cash). I have wanted to see the movie for a long time. Especially since I learned some friends of ours (hi Dan and Tracee!) were in it. As a matter of chance, I picked it out of the hospital's movie selections last night. A large part of the movie deals with Johnny Cash's addiction to drugs. I had no idea what an uncomfortable coincidence that would be.
Jenna had a relapse into drug withdrawal last night. She is sleeping now, but only got about 3 hours of fitful sleep last night. We were in consult with many of the drug dealers (aka doctors) around this opium den (aka Cincy Children's) more than a few times last night. Jenna's drug dealers allowed her to get a few little "bumps" and "fixes" throughout the night. They assured us that this is a natural part of the withdrawal process. However, withdrawal hadn't been a "front burner" issue for several days. It was surprising to us that it reemerged. The docs say it isn't necessarily a step backwards it just happens like this some times. They also assure us this that Jenna won't be staggering down to the dark streets of inner Cincy in her teen years looking for a heroin fix. So, it looks like Jenna and Johnny Cash will have the unfortunate common link of drug addition in their early years. It is a shame Johnny got to have much more fun with his than Jenna. I suspect they will also share the common trait of having wildly successful lives once they "got clean" and "quit doing the hard stuff".
On the brighter side, her kidneys continue to improve. The docs have been able to hold off doing dialysis another day. They hope her kidneys improve speedily to the point she won't have to go through dialysis again. It is a bit of a race right now. Her kidneys are getting better but her need for dialysis increases each day too. If her kidneys don't improve faster than her need for dialysis, she will need dialysis again. That would probably be tough but Ok. So we will hope and pray that her kidneys win the race, but will deal with it if she needs dialysis a few more times. These are the micro fights. The macro picture is that she is getting well. We believe it is just a matter of time.
Thank you for your continued support and interest. Many folks continue to tell us that Jenna's adventure has led them to reconnect with their faith. We think that is pretty cool. We ask that you spend a little more time in prayer for our Jenna and the other kids here at Children's. Please continue to give thanks for Jenna's progress and pray for the speedy return of full kidney function and an overall complete recovery. If you have a few more minutes pray for strength for the families with sick kids. Have a great day and continue to EXPECT GREAT THINGS!
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Another bit of Wisdom for afternoon prayer:
Wisdom 7:27,8:1 ©
Although she is alone, Wisdom can accomplish everything. She deploys her strength from one end of the earth to the other, ordering all things for good.
Glad to hear Jenna's kidneys are trucking along. I hope they can clean her blood like they need to and prevent another dialysis. I have to say that not only has Jenna's illness helped people with their faith, but I'm sure your faith has helped as well. Keep up the good work!
xo - Maggie
To God be the Praise and Glory!
Update from the troops in the trenches.
Last night a powerful nine hour Novena was made to the Infant of Prague on Jenna's behalf. Another nine day Novena to the Infant of Prague was begun last night. Jenna has also been enrolled at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC for Masses, prayers and Novenas for the next year by my sister. You wanted down on your knees, purposeful prayer, well, that's what you are getting. "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted."
This petition is for Jenna's kidneys to heal and begin normal, healthy function, to gain strength to return fully to the healthy life she so richly deserves and to strengthen you, Luke and Missy, with continued unshakeable faithfulness and Grace until the battle is won, and that you are vastly rewarded for you confidence in The Divine Healer and belief in the Miraculous.
We are EXPECTING GREAT THINGS!!!
Prayers for a peaceful and healing night.
Most sincerely,
Pat
Love to you all and abundant prayers! You can do it Jenna!
Love, SVJML
Praying for more tinkle and less need for dialysis. And always believing in miracles!! Blessings to you all, esp. Kate on her birthday. Keep looking to God for your daily bread. (Loved that theme from this weekend's bible readings!)
Keeping you in my prayers, Gwyn Goodmiller
Goodness! We just heard about your "adventure" and read your posts. Jenna is one tough cookie...God isn't messing around when he makes redheads! Her parents are pretty tough cookies too, and your faith is nothing short of amazing. You are inspiring and brave and wonderful people. We will continue to pray for Jenna and all of you and all of the other kids and families at CCHMC. We are so very blessed to have the best care in our back yards. We are here for you if you need anything! Tod & Teresa Cracas + T.J., Elizabeth, Henry and William.
Odd...I was saying a prayer for Jenna and walking past your house this morning while listening to Walk the Line on my Ipod! We're checking in everyday and praying every night. Keep up the all the hard work and know how many thoughts and prayers are going with you.
-Joan, Jake, Henry & Luke
Luke and Missy,
We are following Jenna's journey on the internet and praying for endurance, strength, and healing. Since we have a 7 hour time difference, we'll take your night shift of prayer times since we're awake :-) So in the wee hours when you think no one's awake to pray, know that you have a brother and sister in Christ on the other side of the Atlantic lifting you up.
Mike and Lisa
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