It is February 14, 2009 - 249 days post-transplant. At 2:36 am, baby R passed away and went to be with Jesus.
Around 9:45 pm on February 13, we received a phone call from the Med Center that R was not doing well. After dropping off two of the three kids and heading to the hospital, we received another call that he was rapidly deteriorating and they were doing all that they could. We informed them that we were only a few minutes away.
We were informed when we arrived that staff were quickly getting to a point where there was not much more they could do for them. Machines were providing maximal support. His vascular system needed fluid, and as much as they put in would quickly leave the vascular system and make its way to his tissues. More fluid was needed to maintain pressure for his heart, however, as more fluid went in, his lungs were not able to rid the body of the carbon dioxide and he was becoming acidic. If the trend continued, his heart would eventually wear out.
Over the next few hours, blood gases continued to decline. We made the decision at 1:10 am to take Hannah to Grandma's and let her sleep. We made it back to the hospital about 2:05 am. We heard that things continued to worsen and within minutes of our return, R became very unstable. His heart rate and blood pressure began to fall. Soon, he had no heart rate. Staff made every effort to revive him for 30 minutes, but there was no response. He was gone.
A few final comments...
- We cannot say enough about the fine people at UNMC. It was a privilege to get to know them and work with them. They are simply amazing.
- Please keep the biological parents in your prayers. They are also dealing with this difficult loss and, more importantly, they need a very real encounter with Jesus.
- Lastly, thank you so much for taking this journey with us. We do not consider ourselves to be alone, but rather a part of a much bigger team. We consider you a part of this calling to "father the fatherless" and care for those that need to be loved. You are a blessing to us.
God bless you!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
God be with you in your sorrow,
through the night and through the day. May some blessing come tomorrow that will clear its cloud away. God is generous in His giving. Give Him now the soul
that's fled; May He bless with strength the living. Rest eternally the dead.
We mourn with those who mourn.
With love and sympathy, Peggy
God hold you in His arms, dear ones, as you grieve your loss and rejoice in His gain. Love and tears, Marylee
I know your hearts must be heavy as you said goodbye to little R for the last time. Our prayers and sympathy go to you during this difficult time. R is in the arms of Jesus now and he is whole- no more pain or suffering will his little body endure. Your love for that little guy has been a blessing to so many and may your lives continue to lift up the Giver of all good things- In Christ- Caryl
Dear Bowes family,
We were so sad to hear about the news,and we are grieving with you.May God be your strength and your refuge, and may He be comforting you and fill you with His peace.
We love you guys and we'll cover yuo in prayer.
The Dugans.
You did a very difficult ministry and you will surely be blessed for all the love you poured into that. I know that you had impact on the staff and the parents. You may never know what all transpired in people's hearts because of your devotion to that little one.
Hugs!
Brenda Renner
What a blessing R was to all of us even though we didn't know him. Your love and devotion to him is a testimony to everyone who has been praying for your family, for R, and for all those who worked with him so closely this past year. May God comfort you during this time of loss.
Dear Tim and Jen~
Blessings to you during this very difficult time. God will sustain you, as he has throughout this whole process. You have blessed and have been a blessing. Thank you for "stepping up to the plate" and living out your lives that was and will continue to be a blessing to others. I know and trust the lives you have touched by being an example for Christ. Many have been touched and will come into the kingdom because of your example of what Christ is when he is living and breathing within us.
Love and Blessings,
Rhoda Miller
I am so sorry for your loss! We are thinking of you! ~The Bakers
Post a Comment