Saturday, October 10, 2009

Love, Joy and Sadness

Our precious Ashlyn is not doing well at all. Her kidney function is getting worse. She is in renal failure and this is making the edema worse. The doctor said that her kidneys are beyond the point to where they could get better. They are just too far gone. They had to increase the ventilator settings to provide more support. She is just not doing well overall. This has been so hard. It hurts to see her so sick. We hoped and prayed that she would get better, but it is just not the Lord's will for her. We love her so very much and will miss her when she goes.

Rachel is doing very well. She now weighs 3 lbs 7oz. She is growing well every day. Her feeds have been increased more. She is almost to full feeds. The TPN has been decreased more and will be discontinued very soon. We are so proud of Rachel and the wonderful progress she has made. She definitely is behaving so she can come home with mommy and daddy sooner.

We are also so very proud of Haley. She is recovering very well from the surgery. Today the settings on her ventilator were decreased. The doctor seemed surprised to be able to make those changes on the vent seeing she had surgery only a couple of days ago. We hope she will be able to get fed again soon and get her TPN decreased.

23 comments:

  1. each time i read your posts my admiration for you grows. you show such strength of faith, so much trust in God and remain so positive in the face of the most terrible pain. i know that God is close to you just by reading your posts, they just seem full of an amazing strength that is not come by without His hand on your hearts. kindest thoughts and many many prayers.......

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  2. I read your posts every night and I have so been worried the last 2 days no posts I am so sorry to hear about Ashlyn I pray a Miracle may take place God has that power and so it can take place. If not I hope she goes in Peace to his loving arms. My Prayers are with you each and every day and I send lots of them your way. God Bless and take care of all of you!!

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  3. I understand the blessings of the temple, and eternal families, but the parting is still hard. Part of my family, including one daughter, are on the other side of the veil, preparing things for me. I'm so happy that you have this blessing in your life, and am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ who will help you through this. I weep as I read your entries each day, but admire your faith as you go through this experience.

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  4. I will continue to pray for Ashlyn. To pray for y'all and the Dr.'s. Ashly,as well as the other girls are in and have always been in our Heavenly Father's arms. If this is Ashlyn's turn to go home, than I pray for a painless time. If not, and God is going to work a miracle, than I pray that His will be done.
    I have included your family to a prayer spot on my blog.
    God has supplied your family with more than enough strength and grace in this situation and whenever you are feeling bummed, remember to turn to Him.

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about little Ashlyn. It seems obvious that the Father wants her back but I will continue to pray for a miracle until the last minute. I would love to be there and give you a big hug. Your strength is amazing and I can feel the Spirit when I read your words.
    I am glad Rachel and Haley are progressing so well. Soon they will be going home and filling your house with joy. How happy I am for them to have a chance to grow under your care! You are special. May the Lord continue to give you strength to endure this difficult period.
    I keep all of you in my heart, and all my love and prayers contiue to go your way. Claudia

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  6. So sorry to hear that Ashlyn is not well. We will continue to pray for her in hopes that she just needs a little more time. If it is God's will to take her then we will pray that she is not in pain and that he comforts your hearts.

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  8. Sad to hear such heart breaking news. I hoped so much that your family was through the worst of it! It's so hard when the Lord's will is not the same as our own! However as saints, we have the blessing to know of a higher plan. In spite of what the Dr's say, I will continue to pray for a miracle for your little Ashlyn. I also pray that you two might have the strength you need at this trying time.


    Praying for you always,

    Christina McKinney

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  9. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.. praying for a miracle... and if our LORD wills to take her, that she may not struggle and be in pain.

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  10. I am so sorry to hear Ashlyn is not doing well. Your faith inspires me everyday. Happy to hear Haley and Rachel are doing well.

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  11. I am so sorry to hear that Ashlyn is going to pass away... I give you so much credit for having such total faith in the Lord in Heaven. While so many of us have such faith, I can't imagine being as strong as you are right now. You are amazing people. I do have faith that Ashlyn will be in a better place... and she is grateful I am sure to have you as Momma and Daddy!

    God bless.

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  12. I am praying for your family and for peace for Ashlyn, whether that be a peaceful passing or a miracle, whatever God wills.

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  13. I will be fasting for your family today. Much love and prayers are coming your way!

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  14. We're so sorry to hear of the heartache you must be going through. You are in our thoughts and prayers, as are all of your girls.

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  15. It's always bittersweet when dealing with micropreemies in the NICU, joy for some of them and such intense pains for others.

    I'm very sorry to hear that Ashlyn continues to decline, I know how close we were to losing Mady when she was 2 months old and it's so hard after seeing them fight so hard and get to where they are, learning to love them more and more each day.

    Prayers of strength for you and Thomas and that if it is God's will for Ashlyn to join him at this time that He allows her to do so in peace. Also sending a virtual hug, I know how much they're needed right now!

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  16. Ashlyn will especially be in our prayers tonight. Glad to hear the other 2 girls are pulling through okay. You are Thomas have been wonderful parents through all this and blessings will be poured upon you and your family for this long road you have endured. We will continue to always pray for you.

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  17. i am so happy to hear that Haley is doing well since her surgery. from the first, i've been sure Rachel is going to be your little live-wire. Ashlyn Oh Ashlyn, it breaks my heart that you're on a down hill slide. She has taught great lessons in her time on earth. if possible she may teach more, bless her dear little heart, spirit and body. as i've said before, if tears could heal- she'd be well!
    it was hard to be away from computer and not visit yesterday - i'd hoped for the miracle of Ashlyn improving.
    my love to you all, with hope, Erma

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  18. I am sorry to hear about your little Ashlyn. I was praying for her too. I am so glad your other girls are doing better.

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  19. My family prays for yours, especially for Haley as she recovers from surgery and Ashlyn as she struggles. We also pray for your continued strength. What wonderful people you must be to have been chosen as the parents of such valiant spirits! We're thankful, as I know you are, that families are forever! May you continue to be strengthened as you perservere!

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  20. Hey- sorry to hear things aren't going well with Ashlyn. Don't forget, miracles can still happen. Whatever the doctors say, God's way is not always the same as theirs. If it's His will to take her home to Him though, I know you are strong enough to get through this, whatever the outcome. I know I don't know you personally, but it's amazing how much of the personality can come through just online. It WILL be ok. I will continue praying for her, as I have been the past few days, and also for you, that your faith in God won't get shaky.

    On the plus side, it is good that your other babies are doing well. Keep it going girls - I know you will both be a great comfort to your parents.

    Every blessing and lots of prayers coming your way.

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  21. Amanda and Thomas, I am so sorry that you are having to let Ashlyn go. I know that you are thankful for the precious time you have had with her, and I wish you could have much, much more time with her in this life. I hope that you are able to make the most of whatever time you have left with her.
    I'm so thrilled, though, that her sisters are doing so well! They are in a hurry to get home, it seems! Rachel is so close to a big breakthrough with full feeds! And both coming down on the vent - awesome!
    Your heart must be breaking and bursting with joy all at once, with your girls in such different places. Special prayers for you as you navigate these difficult waters!

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  22. I've been thinking about Ashlyn all week. If it's her time to go, I hope it is a peace-filled time of sadness. I wish there was something more to say other than I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything. Heavenly Father loves her and you two and will be with you through whatever trials come your way.

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