A Moment to Reflect

Tonight amid the news of the amazing blessing of a donor heart for Carter there is so much emotion.  The full spectrum of emotions are present: first, sheer excitement at the opportunity of a healthy life for this beautiful boy; secondly, concern for Carter going through this invasive transplant surgery; and finally, deep sadness and eternal gratitude for the family that just lost their angel yet made the honorable choice to give the gift of life to Carter.

This weekend Carter was in the Intensive Care Unit while his medication levels were adjusted.  Sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning, Carter decided to pull out his own PICC line and it had to be replaced early this morning.  Carter has been sedated for most of today and was weakened by the procedure to replace the PICC line.  Over the past few days his heart failure has been increasing and has been in obvious discomfort.  The timing of this donor heart couldn't be better.  Over the past few weeks he has been getting weaker so there is some concern over this upcoming surgery.  While we are all so very thankful for the gift of this healthy new heart we ask that you please understand that your prayers and support are still needed through this surgery tonight and as he recovers in the next days and months.

Teresa and Erick and our entire family are immensely, deeply blessed by the gift  that a family has given to Carter.  Since we learned that Carter needed a heart transplant it has been very difficult for all of us to comprehend and come to peace with the fact that while we prayed for a heart for Carter that we knew that there would have to be the loss of another life.  We mourn for the loss of the angel that is blessing Carter tonight and pray for the family as they go through this difficult time.

We also are thankful and pray for the skills of the surgeons, nurses, and all of the hospital staff that will take Carter into their care.  We pray that they care for him as if he were their own and that the Lord watch over them.

Your outpouring of support is amazing and gives us all strength.  At this time we ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts, that if you are moved to do so that you please send any gifts to one of the recommended charities listed along the right hand side of this blog.  Carter cannot have flowers in his room, and there is very little space for toys.  Thank you so much for all of  your love!

In all of this emotional turmoil, I turned (like a good Episcopalian) to the book of Common Prayer.  I found these prayers to be comforting and I hope that they offer you the same.

For those we Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

For the Care of Children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

As more news is available I will be sure to keep you all updated.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.