It has been one extremely tough week. We have experienced great joy in Benjamin's progress and expected discharge, but are saddened by the passing of Brian's mom yesterday morning. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair. Helen wanted so badly to get to hold Benjamin and was just a matter of days from beting able to. Right now we are working through a flurry of emotions with both this loss and preparing for Benjamin's long awaited homecoming. There is so much to process that it can be overwhelming at times. It is like it is the sunrise of Benjamin's time here on Earth and the sunset of Helen's. Please keep praying for us and Brian's family, especially his dad. We know that she is in a far better place, but we miss her.
As for Benjamin, he is eating ok (much better today than the past several days), his oxygen requirements are down, and he is on the fast track to going home, hopefully Tuesday. He has lost weight over the past week, so they increased the fortification to the maximum level in hopes that he will start gaining again. We have been enjoying out own private room in the NICU. I asked how we were so lucky, and they told me that he is the old man of the unit and he earned it. Today was Benjamin's 100th day in the NICU. It has been nice to have a little more space and privacy.
Today Benjamin had his second hearing screen. He failed the first one for both ears. Today he passed on his left ear, but his right ear failed again, so he will be seeing an audiologist. Another doctor...Here is who Benjamin will be seeing after leaving the NICU: Pediatrician (of course), Pulmonologist for his oxygen needs, Dietician for his nutrician, Surgeon that did his ostomy surgery, Opthamologist for his eyes, Physical Theoropist for neorological development, and now Audiologist. That is too many "ists" for me! Whatever it takes to keep him healthy I suppose.
Please pray for Benjamin's health during the transistion. We have been reminded several times this week that he needs to be protected and essentially kept in isolation of sorts as much as possible when he goes home because of his fragile immune system. Please also pray for Brian and I as all that is happening at once is very stressful.
Thank you dear friends for your prayers.
Thank you for sharing as you go through this season. I appreciate you! I am praying right now, that HE alone will give you the STRENGTH...that your experiences will draw you both closer together and to God.
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Happy First Father's Day Brian!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, my heart is heavy for you guys, you have sooo much on your plate. Thank you Jamie for sharing and for being so real. Know that we're lifting you up to our Heavenly Father when you have nothing left to give. And although Helen never got to hold her little grandson, she is pain free now and watching down from above with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. We love you deeply!
~The Wallbaum clan =)
Dear Brian and Jamie, We are praying for you and lifting you up in this time of surise and sunset. What a great description. We love you guys and are trusting the Holy Spririt to give you everything you need for life and godliness . . .through this incredibly stressful season of life. Emie for the Lockes
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