feeling terrified, but met hope and thankfulness on my way

ucla-custom-hand-stamped-jewelry*

yesterday we drove to LA to meet with david’s heart surgeon.

i’ve been dreading the appointment, and feeling anxious.

i was going to take david by myself, but at the last minuate, steve decided to join me. (so glad!)

we dropped matthias off at school and had some good friends pick him up.

he had fun playing pirates and eating mcdonalds.

a lot more fun than waiting in a hospital all day!

first steve, david and i met with the nurse practitioner so they could take david’s history.

then we did xrays, bloodwork and EKG.

finally we met with the surgeon. by that point i was exhausted.

he explained the surgery (we’ll stop david’s heart,

use a machine to pump his blood,

use membrane from another part of the heart to close the hole,

we’ll have to cut through bone, and it takes 6 weeks to heal)

and i started feeling terrified. i mean knees-shaking afraid.

he also said some comforting things,

(on a scale of 1-10, 10 being very complex, he rates this surgery a 2.

our surgeon has never had a patient die from this procedure.

david will spend about 4 days in the hospital and his pain should be minimal.)

when we left the consulation with the surgeon i couldn’t stop crying.

and mostly, i just felt afraid.

today i’m reminding myself that we are chosing this surgery.

we want david’s heart to be healthy.

and i’m reminding myself that we have hope.

i believe God holds this situation and david’s heart in his hand.

and i’m so thankful to be david’s mommy.

so thankful for the joy and perspective and silliness he brings to our lives.

so thankful i have an amazing husband to walk beside me.

{and thankful to you for sharing this journey with us!}

117 comments

  1. My thoughts are with your family. My daughter had open heart surgery to repair two holes in her heart when she was 3 months old. I know how scary those consultations can be and though they are meant to reassure you can be daunting. Prayers held us through those tough6 hours until the moment those words, you can go see her now were uttered. I dont know you but from one mother to another, you will be in my prayers.

  2. Lisa,

    I think you are such an inspiration and such a beautiful person. I love your jewelry but more than that I am so glad that I get to share a little bit of your life by reading your blog. God gave David to you for a reason….because he knew YOU would be the one to love him and take the best care of him. I know that God is watching over your family and David. I pray that you would have peace during his surgery and recovery. Just remember that we are tiny in the hands of God and he is always holding us close!

    Denise Propst
    Atlanta, GA

  3. It’s going to be okay. Someone told me when my son deployed that when I began to worry, I needed to pray and that if I prayed, I didn’t have to worry. It was the longest five months of my life, (my boy deployes again in January) but praying when I began to feel afraid helped get me through. Your boy will be fine. I realize it’s easier said that believed, but God’s protection is upon him. Trust that!

    With love,

    Janet

  4. I know you must feel that your heart is in your throat right now. I know you will give your fear to God so you can do what you need to do for David. My guess is he will be very brave. My prayers are with all of you.

  5. My sister’s baby is going through a sort of related surgery this month and your strength and faith are so inspiring. I bought her your “I hold your heart in mine” necklace as it seems perfect for moms of heart patients. In short, know you are not alone and in our prayers too.

  6. Lisa this brought tears to my eyes. I will be praying for David, and you, and your husband. God is going to take care of David. This hits so close to home since my little 5 week old baby niece Paislyn is up in Ann Arbor Michigan and going to have her first heart surgery on Monday. Paislyn is actually my niece’s first baby, and I know they are all going through the same anxious feelings you are. Rest assured, God is taking care of David and all those surgery details.

    You know, I got to your site through Angie Smith’s blog to buy a necklace for a friend who lost a baby this past summer. I have really enjoyed your blog since discovering it. I had no idea you had a special “heart” child. I will keep you all on my prayer list …

    Ephesians 3:20 Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

  7. Hi Lisa, I have been an avid follower of your blog and admirer of your beautiful creations for the last year. I have never commented before but feel like I need to now. I will be praying for you and David and the rest of your family too. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. Know that you are not alone that God will be watching over you and your sweet boy.
    Blessings and hugs to you all!

  8. thinking of you, friend. have no idea what this must feel like, only that it must be terrifying to trust god so much. what an amazing gift you’ve been given to learn that. praying for your family.

    xo

  9. Lisa,

    I stumbled across your blog quite by accident about a year ago. Your family and your faith has touch my heart and comforted me more than once.

    I want to let you know that I’m sending some comfort back to you. You, your family, and especially sweet David will be in my prayers. The Lord will watch out for your family… so rest in His arms 🙂

    Thank you for sharing. Now I can share back.

  10. I truly believe God blessed you with this because you are strong and loving. David was place into your hands because you will give him what he needs.

    It must be so difficult, however, to carry this worry for your beautiful child.

    Of course, your family will be in my prayers.

    Big, giant, warm, tight hugs to you!!!

  11. I can’t imagine not responding that way if it were me. I’ve put David, your family, and the medical staff on my prayer door. Remember that the Lord is with you throughout all of it. Praying for peace, comfort, and wisdom for you. Blessings, Dianne

  12. Bonjour Lisa, I’m a new reader of your blog, so happy to found it!
    You’re a beautiful human being, a wonderful mom and a such creative person.In French : “tu es extraordinaire!!!! une sublime maman” 😉
    Optmism and light shine trough every word,every picture, every jewel you create.
    I’ll light a candle for you and your family.things will go just fine! Stay strong, Live -Learn and the most important : LOVE <3
    Take care
    Kisses from France
    à bientôt

  13. i would be feeling all of the things you feel about your son and this surgery. but you have it right. God is in control and will give you strength and peace to get through. your family will be in my prayers.

  14. Lisa –
    praying for you and your family – for peace in your hearts and minds and healing in David’s heart – You Can Do Everything Through Christ who Strengthens You!!!
    xoxo Dee

  15. I will be praying for you and your family as this journey continues keep in mind when you feel you cannot walk another step remember the footprints in the sand… Keep the faith and remember who is in charge.. be blessed my friend…Sarita

  16. I have been checking in on your blog regularly but have not posted in a while. Today I read this and tears welled up in my eyes. Your journey with David has been so inspirational and beautiful. I am thinking of David and your family and sending you all lots of positive energy as well as healing light.

  17. Lisa, my eyes are filled with tears, and I know the fear you are facing. Your family will be in my prayers for an incident-free surgery, a quick recovery, and a happy healthy David when all is said and done. I want you to know how inspired I am by your advocacy for your child. I know that we are given the families we have for a reason, and I know that you were chosen to be David’s mother because you were the best mother he could have here on his journey.

    Thank you for all you share here on your blog.

    xoxo
    Wendy

  18. Terrifying indeed…I’m crying for you ~ but, oh, such a blessing to read your list of ‘thankful for’s’…there is always something to be grateful for and you have such a God-given ability to see those things. Blessings to you!

  19. Lisa, keep letting the love in! We will all keep sending it and I will keep wearing my “Hope is the thing necklace” – for this beautiful thing you created with love for me will keep the love cycling back to you! xoxo Carol

  20. My best friend’s husband had two major surgeries in 2 years (once 18 hours, second 11 hours) fighting a rare cancer and today he is doing fine! You and your family are in good hands and your love, optimism and energy will do it!
    I will pray for the four of you, will send you love and courage.
    Take care.

  21. on monday i took my 9 yr old daughter to childrens hospital for her annual check up and echo. she was diganosed w/ tetralogy of fallot when she was 2 wks old and also had open heart surgery when she was 6 months old. she will need more heart surgeries in the future…jus a waiting game now. {i dread these appts} nothing can prepare you for what you will be feeling and seeing as you go thru this but God is such a source of strength and he will help you thru this. know that you and david, your family and the surgeon along with his team are in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru this scary and difficult time…
    you are an amazing and inspiring woman…God knew just what he was doing when he made you david and matthias mom… 🙂

  22. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I think we as parents want only to protect our children. We can take comfort that the Lord is watching over us. I will be praying for your little man.

  23. So glad Steve has the time to go with you and David. As someone said, David is a lucky boy. God chose the perfect parents for this little guy. Will be praying for you and the family. love and hugs

  24. Please know that I’m sending you positive thoughts and prayers – David is an amazing soul, we are all blessed that you share him with us. I pray that he will come out of this stronger than ever. Sending you a great big hug

  25. Praying peace for you and your family as you walk faithfully through this. Thanks for sharing with us and inspiring us all to see beauty even when life is messy.

  26. God bless you & your family Lisa. David is so lucky to have you, and your strength & courage will help him get through this. I’ll keep David in my prayers. Wear your hope necklace on the day of surgery!
    Faith, hope & love, Sarah

  27. I was reflecting on the day during a run before I read about sweet David. God reminded me that we are not promised good days everyday; but , He did promise to carry us through each day. I will be praying continually for sweet David and your family. May you feel God carrying you though each moment.

  28. Isn’t it amazing… truly, truly amazing… that such MAJOR surgery… opening a chest, stopping a heart, repairing a hole… a surgeon rates as a “2” on a difficulty scale. Modern medicine is incredible and God Bless amazing talented surgeons to repair babies hearts… prayers for you all through it!

  29. So many people have left caring comments and encouraging Bible verses before me. I just wanted to say that I’m still thinking of you and praying for you, David and all those involved. Thank you for sharing. Today’s post reminded me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Your blog is always an encouragement to me, whether it be the heavy, serious stuff or the lighthearted WIWW or décor posts.

  30. Hi Lisa,
    I used to intern at David’s school, and although I never met David, I was hearing about him constantly and how AMAZING he is! I received one of your necklaces as a gift, and it says on it “Take Hope to Heart”. I wear it everyday because it reminds me on the hardest days to stay hopeful and positive. You seem like such an amazing and strong person, and with all that hope, and all the hope that everyone is sending out to you, I just know that things will be ok. I am keeping you and David in my thoughts, and when I look at my necklace everyday, I will send my hope to you. 🙂

  31. I love your blog. Your family is so inspirational. I am thinking of you and David during this difficult time, He is so lucky to have such an amazing mother. Hugs!

  32. brought tears to my eyes! Nothing is stroger than a mother’s love for you a child! I can’t imagine the feelings you have, but know that I am thinking about you:)

  33. Lisa, The fear is completely normal. But hand in hand with it comes the assurance God grants that He will bring us through the fear to the other side. I, too, watched my son go through surgery and a rough recovery but he is a smiling, laughing, working-on-his-attitude preteen that is running longer, jumping higher and smiling bigger because of those scary times. Prayers go with you, your family, the medical team that will care for David and your mom heart as you prepare for David’s surgery.

  34. praying for you! i know the fear and the hope you are feeling. i have shared with you about losing my baby during birth a year ago and about being pregnant again. well our little Jeremiah arrived 3 weeks early via an emergency c section because of a very scary complication. it was scary and the recovery process has been difficult, but God brought him here safely and he protected my life and we are so thankful. i will blog about it soon and put up pics once i have some time and energy:) just keep walking in faith and know that SO many people are praying for your family! God is the ultimate healer but i am so thankful for the caring skilled people that he has blessed to be able to help others medically.

  35. Thinking & praying for you and your family! Thanks so much for sharing your “story” with us on the blog…..you have a wonderful way with words and I appreciate your inspiration daily!

  36. I hear you. Jesus will carry you in his arms – David too. My mom had a valve replaced in later life. She was surprised at how easy it was for her. On the surgery day – she had no fear. Amazing – not like her at all. The Lord takes care of our needs in so many wonderful ways – mostly by his presence – whether we feel scared or not. Bless you.

  37. lisa, i’m praying that the Lord gives you strength when david, steve and matthias need you; i’m praying that He gives you comfort when you need it; i pray for the surgeons and i pray for david. He will see you and your family through this difficult time.

    i cried reading your post. i CANNOT imagine the fear, pain and worry you’re experiencing. i realize that i’m a stranger but i’m sending my love your way.

    PS: i’ve always meant to tell you – on many an occasion, people have asked me how/why i began this journey as a jewelry artist. about 4 years ago, after the birth of my son, i saw a giveaway for one of your necklaces on tip junkie (i think that was the site). i didn’t win and i SOOO wanted one as a new mommy but i’d just quit my job to stay home and we couldn’t afford any extra purchases. so i thought “maybe i can make it myself”. i got a bit distracted with other pieces & techniques but about 6 years ago, i finally made my own mommy necklace 🙂 thank you so much for your inspiration, lisa. it is because of you and your talent that i took a chance.

  38. Our daughter, Norah, had a VSD (Ventral Septal Repair) done when she was 2 years old. Same basic procedure. She is strong and healthy today at 5 years old. I know that my telling you this won’t make it any easier it is just to reassure you that kids come through this kind of thing much better than adults.
    I am an OR nurse that works in the heart surgery rooms at my hospital. I do not do pediatrics. I have however taken care of many adults who have had repairs. I see the heart/lung machine in action everyday. The people on these teams work together all the time (like a big family), they take this stuff seriously and we also get very attached and protective of our patients and their families. You and your child will be in good hands.

    Lori

  39. you are so great! and what for a wonderful mom!
    your optmismus is really to admire and support, it is going to be ok, better and better!
    sending you all my pray and good feelings,
    glau 🙂

  40. Praying for you and your family during this stressful, frightening time. Your surgeon’s confidence should be inspiring, but as a Mom, I can totally understand the tears and the fears. Keep us posted and you know that you have a supportive, caring blog family.

  41. Hi Lisa,
    I really enjoy your blog, your jewelry, your pictures and your honesty. I don’t wear necklaces, but I bought one of yours anyway and I ADORE it!
    I’ve had open heart surgery twice. Once when I was five and once when I was 17. So i get it. My surgery was to also patch a hole in my heart. When you were describing what will happen with David, I could picture the entire thing. The doctor is right, it does rate a 2 – not that that makes it any better but yet that means they’ve done it a lot, they know what they are doing and they are successful at it – which is comforting and brings hope. I’m 25 now and my hole is patched and I’m good. God has given me a powerful story just as he is writing the same for David.
    I’ll be praying for both you and him. I’ll be praying for the doctors, surgeons and nurses. God is the great physician and he will be in that operating room with your son, he was there with me and he’ll be there for you!
    Blessings!
    Christine

  42. I would have been a wreck after hearing the procedure. The surgeon sounds very confident and with everyone’s prayers, good wishes, and love I’m certain everything should go smoothly. Sending you good vibes and prayers for a comfortable surgery. xoxo

  43. I think it sounds very hopeful. Remember “without faith there cannot be any Hope!!” Praying continually for you and your sweet family. You are a wonderful mom doing an amazing job–don’t forget to take time for yourself too.

  44. Hi Lisa, Things will go just fine, but it is so hard to see your child have to go through so many things. I feel this way every single day, so I try to live each day to the fullest. My son has Cystic Fibrosis and he has been getting 3 airway clearance treatments and 6 nebulized meds. right now. You just wished you could fix it or trade places with their little bodies. But they are such happy little campers and so resilient. Be strong, take a break and go outside when you can, and be sure to let others help you. Sending hugs and prayers to your family and to sweet David.

  45. Wow … a 2. I was stunned by that number after reading the description of the surgery. Medicine is amazing, isn’t it? That truly is comforting … but, still so scary for you as a parent. No one wants their children to have to go through anything like that. I was scared just learning yesterday that my son had the start of a hernia and, if it worsens, it may need to be operated on. My mind immediately started going to that point … and it may never even happen. And, that’s so very minor compared to yours! So, I completely understand what you mean … it’s a parent’s/mother’s heart to feel that way … you just can’t help it. Thoughts and prayers to you.

  46. Hi Lisa, I know how those hospital visits/appointments feel, there is no fear quite like it. When you start feeling afraid, hold onto the positive things the surgeon told you.. write them down and read them often – it will help. Sending you my extra strength – you are an amazing mum (NZ for mom) and David is very lucky to have you as his mum. Sending positive thoughts, hope and hugs with smiles attached from NZ.

  47. hi lisa

    praying for you and your tender momma heart! i have unrelenting unwavering hope for God’s protection for David throuh this process!

    xoTiffany

  48. lisa…
    want you to know that you are being prayed for and thought of. through your fears….He WILL meet you there! He holds the WHOLE WORLD in His hands….HE CAN AND DOES hold david’s heart and life in His hands. “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU, ALWAYS.” simple but profound words. trust Him with your son. He created Him. He will hold him. He will carry you through this scary time.
    praying for peace and comfort for each of you….for wisdom for the doctors and nurses who will take care of him.

  49. Lisa, your blog is such an encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing so much of your life. I can feel your emotion through your words, and my mommy’s heart is right there with you. I am praying Romans 15:13 for you and your family today. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

  50. Dearest, dearest Lisa. I am praying for you today. I will be praying for wisdom and accuracy for the doctor, peace for you and your family, healing for David.

    For God has not given us a spirit of fear…

    With much love and understanding,
    Kate

  51. I’m wearing your “hope is the thing” necklace this morning (I needed some hope), and I thought of you and David while putting it on. Sending prayers for him and your whole family!

  52. I can’t imagine what it is like to walk in your shoes, even less what it is like to walk in David’s. I can imagine God’s embrace holding you all safely through all of this and pray that you will experience the peace that passes all understanding. We all love you and your family, though many of us have never met you in person. You are in our prayers!

  53. Wow Lisa
    Can you feel the love? I have read the previous comments/testimonies of all of your dear friends. Love can make it better. Love can heal a broken heart. Feel the love Lisa, you and your family. The blessing is yours. You are amazing.
    God bless you and your wonderful family
    Ramona

  54. You are all so strong!! 3 years ago my son had a similar surgery, at 18lbs, I remember thinking it was all just too much…for all of us. The staff of nurses and surgeons were amazing, and I later realized, while watching my little boy color and smile, tubes, bandages and all, that my fear was just that. Mine, The lump in my throat, the tears, trembling, the many many sleepless nights, they were all healed by some amazingly talented doctors, and a lot of prayers! Good luck to you, and David, as I’m sure you’ll be posting pictures of his new adventures very soon. Many prayers and happy thoughts to you and your family.

  55. Sending prayers out to all of you. I’m so happy you find comfort with God, your family and friends at your side. We’re all thinking of you.

  56. I’m so very sorry for your pain and for your fear. This isn’t something you had anticipated….yet has been such a beautiful journey. That journey will continue to take you places you never imagined, both good and bad. May you feel the peace that comes from walking with God, your husband by your side, and two boys that love and need you. Many prayers and sweet blessings.

  57. I am pretty new to your blog, but I wanted to offer my well wishes and prayers to your family. I became a “Heart Mom” myself when my son had surgery at 11 days old to repair his heart defects. It is terrifying and surreal, but you will come out the other side. You will also probably realize more strength in yourself than you currently think you have. I probably don’t have to tell you these things, since you seem to have already gone through quite a bit with your beautiful son. In my experience, and that of my 2 friends who have also had sons that had heart surgery, kids heal quickly. They often aren’t in pain as intense or for as long as adults who go through heart surgery. In fact, sometimes the harder part of it all, is getting them to take it easy during the recovery period. I’ll be praying for you guys!

  58. Not being a mother I can only imagine the sheer terror and pain you must be experiencing. No-one wants to see someone they love go through anything harmful or in the least bit painful but hopefully the road to recovery will be a swift one. Thinking of you and your family.

  59. May God give you what He promises in His Word: a peace that surpasses all understanding. This is my prayer for you, your family and every single medical professional who is part of this journey.

    Blessings.

  60. David and his lovely family will be in my prayers. I too have had those anxious moments and thought I would never stop crying. All will be good, bless you all.

  61. Lisa,
    I know David will pull thru with flying colors! My heart ached reading your words about feeling anxious about all this…just remember to hold on to the Hope that God does have all of us in His (very capable) hands! 🙂

    David and Matthias are so blessed to have you for their Mommy!

    Hugs to you and your precious family…I’ll be praying for you all! Stefanie

  62. Dearest Lisa,
    I can’t even imagine how scary this might be,but you are so right about god holding him in his hand and i pray that your anxieties and fears will subside.you are all in our prayers,
    love siobhan

  63. Dear Lisa — You are an extraordinary mama with an extraordinary family. I continue to be amazed & inspired by your optimism, authenticity & creativity. My thoughts & prayers are with you, David & the rest of your family. Hang in, hold on & know we’re all sending you all positive energy during this trying time!! :]

  64. Footprints in the Sand

    One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

    This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

    So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one
    set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

    The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”
    ~~ Mary Stevenson

    This poem always brings me comfort. I know the Lord will carry all of you through this.

  65. Lisa,
    You are so on my heart today and as David recovers. It is so hard to be parents sometimes, isn’t it…the way we worry and ache for our babies. You are such a good mom. You and Steve are such a good team. David will do great. I will pray for you, not just right now, but throughout the day today and throughout sweet David’s recovery. I love you and your family.

  66. Praying for you guys. Can’t think too much about “what if it were my kid?” because I’ll cry. Praise our gracious God for giving strength where it is needed, and for holding you safe in his hand when your strength is gone.

  67. Lisa – My prayers go out to you. You are a strong, amazing woman and you are very blessed. Keep those things in mind during this time!

  68. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

    Among the symbols that Christians have held dear are the fish and the anchor. Over 60 such pictures have been found in the catacombs of ancient Rome . The outline of a fish on the back of a car can be a testimony. The picture of an anchor also is a strong statement of what Jesus means to the Christian. People put their trust in anchors, and we have put our trust in Christ.

    During a storm at sea, hope is placed in an anchor. It can keep the boat from drifting and help it weather the storm. The better the anchor, the more firm the hope.

    For us, Jesus is the anchor, the One who not only can keep us from drifting but help us through every storm. To emphasize the security we have in Christ, the author of Hebrews describes this anchor as “firm and secure” (6:19). It is “firm” in that it cannot break and “secure” in that it cannot slip. That cannot be said of any other anchor, only of the Anchor of our soul-Jesus.

    The next time you see an anchored ship, watch how the waters move but the ship does not. Storms may come that are greater than an anchor, but there are no storms greater than the Anchor of our soul. In this Anchor we have hope and confidence, whatever the storms we face.

    Thank You, God, for giving me an Anchor that is sure and steadfast. Help me today and every day to rest secure in this knowledge.

  69. We will certainly pray for the surgery and the process leading up to it. As much as it confuses me sometimes I’m so grateful for God’s sovereignty in times of fear and anxiety. As the surgeon told you he rated the surgery a 2, I can imagine God saying, “Lisa, it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m with David!” My daughter had a tumor in her lung in utero and many times we almost did surgery while I was pregnant. It’s amazing what doctors can do to help children, isn’t it? Her lungs grew in proportion to the tumor growing so surgery could wait until she was born. I was so relieved. But still facing surgery! Anxiety was always present but God continually met me where I was. As a parent how could we NOT be anxious?! I learned to just throw up my hands and say, “I can’t do it! Help me!” And He did. He will do the same for you. Her surgery was a success. Her lung healed. And she is fine. Now her body can work on other things like hitting her siblings, not that I let her. There’s something about the spirit of a kid who faces things like these…a little fire in them I’d say 🙂

  70. As a parent we all want the best for our kids, even if somethings are big & scary like surgery. Just know in your heart you are doing this to help your little guy’s health. I am not a spiritual person, & never pray, know though that I’ll be thinking of you & your family. 🙂

  71. Surgery is always so scary, isn’t it? Even though the doctor might see and do that very procedure time and again, it is our first time. I’m sure that everything will be fine, thought, and I will keep all of you in my prayers.

    Peace,
    Melody

  72. I can’t even imagine your feelings, but I share your hope. God has already traveled your path and let these moments pass through His fingers to you as He walks alongside. I’ll continue to pray for your family.

  73. My family and I are praying for your little David… he will overcome his Goliath!! God is mighty, and through him ALL things are possible. Praying for peace, comfort, wisdom and strength to you and your ENTIRE family!
    God Bless~

  74. lisa, i have been in your shoes…in the exact place you are at this moment. all the talk, all the decisions, all the worry. my son had two heart defects and had the same surgery david is. it is scary and horrifying for us mothers. the worry certainly takes its toll on us, doesn’t it? david will pull through this. the doctors will do what needs to be done. soon, you will look back, and wonder how you made it through this. but you will. i promise you! put your fears in the Lord’s capable hands and feel confident that you are doing what’s best for your son. sending many, many hugs and prayers your way today!

  75. Oh Lisa…you are such an incredible inspiration to me. You work so hard and are so optimistic. Thank you for sharing your family’s life with us so we can pray for you and have you as such an amazing example. I will be praying for your family in the coming weeks that all goes well. And thanks again, you always encourage me throughout the day 🙂

  76. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I can only imagine how hard this is for you right now. Reading your post made my heart ache for some Lisa time and just squeeze you and tell you that it’s going to all be alright. I cannot thank you enough for letting us in during such a difficult time. I tend to bottle things up and pull back until a huge trial is over – only then can I share what I went through. You’re such an inspiration on so many levels. I’m sending you lots of love and healthy juju and quick healing from Texas.

    Love ya!

    L

  77. I have a dear friend with Spina Bifida who once said to me (in the middle of a bunch of surgeries to get her body back on the road to health), “I would like to be free of these trials, but, BUT, I never want to be in a place where there is nothing I have to depend upon God for strength.” It was hard for me to hear and harder to live years later, but I think there’s truth in there.

    I pray God’s peace is especially yours today. May he bless you in many small ways that only he knows would encourage you and your family during this time.

    Thank you for your Fall post yesterday. It was a sweet balm on a weary heart.

  78. Oh Lisa! I will pray for you all. I can’t imagine the overwhelming feelings you all have right now. But God does hold David’s heart in his hands. He also holds yours and Steves as you face this right now. Good luck with everything in preparing for his surgery. -dez

  79. Dear Lisa-

    I know that nothing anyone can say will make this whole experience easier. But I’d like you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. From what Kimiko tells me, David is an amazing boy with a wonderful love of life. That’s exactly the kind of patient every doctor and nurse wants. He’s the patient that makes the hard day better, the long surgery more hopeful and the recovery less of a challenge. The love that David has from you and your family and all those around him will make this so much easier. When you’re finally on the other side, I hope that you’re able to look back with a sense of accomplishment and forget all about the fear and uncertainty you have right now.

    All the best,
    Cait in Denmark.

  80. It is very hard to hear those things from surgeons…I couldn’t read past when you wrote they will stop his heart….I had to re-read it again and again. Just know you have lots of people praying for David and your family to give you peace about it.

    Knowing that it is in Gods hands is a very secure place to be! I will be thinking of David and your family and praying for you!

  81. i can only imagine the fear you are feeling. the only thing i can think of to say is that there are so many situations where we place our children’s well-being and even lives into other’s hands. it is a giant undertaking that a lot of times we don’t give much thought. the part you said about “we are choosing this”… hit me… you are choosing it because you know it will be the best thing for your amazing son. it isn’t much fun to choose hard things for our chidlren to go through but that is the vocation to parenthood. to have the wisdom to choose what is best, even when it is hard. my prayers for you as you make it through David’s surgery and recovery!

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