Sunday, August 23, 2009

Waiting

Samuel continues to hold on. Some of his stats are more steady, but he hasn't increased his urine output at all (despite a heavy dose of lasix), and he is still acidotic. This could be a long time of waiting.

My mom is here with us now and has been for the last several hours. We've sung many songs, prayed, prayed more, talked to Samuel, prayed again, and read. We finished reading him Prince Caspian this morning, and then we started Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Bryan and I will spend the night in a sleep pod tonight (a small room with 2 cots on the same floor as Samuel). We continue to wait. And we still ask God for a miracle. It is evident to me that God has been strongly with us the past several hours when the reality of Samuel's condition became clear.

I don't know how we will face the days most likely ahead, but I do know we won't walk them alone. Our God is with us now, and He will be with us whatever is ahead. We covet your prayers. Thank you.

47 comments:

  1. Bryan and Kathryn- our hearts are breaking for you at this moment. We will continue to pray for sweet Samuel and for the two of you. The Conleys

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  2. Bryan and Kathryn, our hearts are heavy for you all right now and we are praying for the Lord's healing to be poured out over sweet Samuel's body. Our God is mighty to save. We are praying for peace in your hearts right now, and also in the hearts of Caleb and Joel. Know that you all are loved.

    Laura and Nathan Murray

    PS We are in Tyler for the day and my parents wanted you all to know that they are praying for Samuel as well.

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  3. Praying and hoping for a miracle.

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  4. With a heavy heart,I know you have the courage that you need. Samuel feels you and hears you and you make his journey safe and comforting. Love and prayers.

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  5. Continuing to pray with you and for you. God will continue to carry you through these next hours and days, so rest in Him and in His perfect plan. My heart is aching for you, but rejoicing in all that God is doing. Love to you all.
    Aunt Coleen

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  6. Many have said the same thing, but the first thought that comes to my mind is how heavy my heart is for y'all right now! Your trust in the LORD is such a powerful testimony to all around you, and we're praying that you will all be able to rest in the shadow of His wings!

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  7. Your family is being lifted up during this time. What a testimony you guys have been to me.

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  8. our hearts and prayers are with you. God bless baby Samuel and you both and carry you through this time.

    Seth and Gena

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  9. Please dear God let there be a miracle and help Kathryn, Bryan, Caleb, Joel and Pat with the hours ahead.
    Love you all so much.
    Jeanne

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  10. The Daws family is crying out to God on your behalf.

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  11. I go calls from my mom and Tina at work today letting me know things were not good. Know that all of us that love you all dearly are with you. I hope you feel our love uplifting you.

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  12. We will continue to pray for you as you walk through this dark valley. May our God continue to hold you close and give you abundant peace in the midst. Praying for a miracle for little Samuel!
    The Petty Family

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  13. Continuing to pray for you all - praying for the Lord's miraculous healing of Samuel and praying for His continued comfort and peace.

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  14. Our hearts are so heavy for you. We are praying for you, for baby Samuel, for a miracle and for God's perfect peace. Love, the Padillas

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  15. Praying for your precious Samuel and for God's strength and peace for you both. Love, The Todds

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  16. (this note comes from Dwight and Ruth Southwick)
    Bryan and Kathryn,
    We dearly love you and what peace to know that God knows best. A verse that has meant so much to us is Psalm 31:1- "In thee oh Lord do I put my trust." This has helped us in so many situations.
    All our love and prayers always,
    Dwight and Ruth

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  17. Bryan and Kathryn,
    I saw with tears and a very heavy heart-- I wish I could take your pain away, but I will pray as you again have to go through this valley. Please know that you are not going through it alone-- we are all with you. I told you before that I believe Samuel ministered to more people in these past 3 weeks than most do in a lifetime. He will always be my very special grandson. 'Til God wipes away all our tears.
    I love you,
    Kathy

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  18. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;

    The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit

    Ps 34:17a-18

    We love you all.

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  19. My heart aches for you beyond what words can express. Will be praying through the night for a miracle and praying that God is holding you all in the palm of his hand. Loving you through this, Laura

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  20. The Reed family is praying for you all.

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  21. Hard to breath as we read your posts. Praying for Samuel and you all this night. Reminded of 2 Kings 6:14 - "Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city." Praying that you feel surrounded tonight.
    Heather and Philip

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  22. We are so sad to hear this latest news. You are on our minds all the time and our prayers are with all of you. We love you.
    Love, Lisa, Chris and Bennett

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  23. Lifted up Samuel and you guys tonight while singing God's praises! My heart continues to ache for you guys! Will continue praying!
    The Tates

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  24. Praying now with Amy... love you guys, bry

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  25. We love you - you are both precious to so many people. May the peace of God which passes all understanding suround you.

    Stan and Mindy

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  26. We are praying for you all, Chris & Lori

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  27. Just prayed for Samuel.
    Psalm 27:14
    Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
    Much love friends, Melanie

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  28. Praying for a miracle for sweet little Samuel. And, praying peace for all of you. Praying for you to continue to feel God's presence wrapped around you all during this time.

    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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  29. Sending you love and hugs and praying for you all and for you to feel the Lord's arms around you at this time.
    Robin

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  30. Thinking of you all this morning and praying with you for a miracle. s. mawdesley

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  31. He is with you in this valley. I pray for Samuel and for Bryan, Kathryn, Caleb and Joel. Cover the entire family in this time of great need. Our God is an awesome God!

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  32. Jason and I both found ourselves waking several times throughout the night thinking about you. You are heavy on our hearts. Still praying. The Conleys

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  33. How is sweet Samuel today, dear friends? For how fitful my night was, I am certain yours was more so. I continue to pray for healing for Samuel. Ephesians 3:20 "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinately more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." And Psalm 30:2 "O Lord, my God, I cried out to you for help and you restored my health." And for you Kathryn and Bryan, my prayer is Ephesians 3:14-18 "When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you a mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is." May God's hand of mercy and blessing be upon you, may you contine to cling to Him, may He deliver Samuel from all his physical troubles that he would live a long and healthy life.

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  34. From the Zimmerman Small Group - we are covering you with prayer this morning as a group. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We pray for a healthy baby Samuel.

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  35. I have had the privilege to pray for Samuel and your family this morning. Our group's hearts join yours as we pray for healing for Samuel, strength and courage for Bryan, Kathryn, Caleb and Joel, and unity in all who love you by Christ Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." I praise God for your family who are so faithful and I praise Him for beautiful Samuel! Christ in us, Lisa.

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  36. We continue to pray for Samuel and your entire family. We know that God is with you!!

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  37. Dear Apinis family and extended family - you are in my prayers! May God comfort and strengthen you beyond description today and everyday. I am praying for a miracle!
    Lizett Oosthuizen

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  38. I am praying for a miracle. Samuel has touched so many of us, and your faith in our God is touching even more. Praying for strength.
    Amber Castleberry

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  39. Bryan & Kathryn,

    I am so glad you were able to stay closer to Samuel tonight and did not have to leave him at this time. My heart aches for you and the road you are traveling. There is no heartache greater like the helplessness we feel at times for our children. It is hard to not be able to do more to protect them ... like our instincts crave to do. However, our Lord is the ultimate protector and has his hands wrapped around that sweet little baby. I love you and your boys!!!! On our knees...

    Love,
    Melissa

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  40. I keep praying and I'm reminded of the song "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me
    Chours
    Word of God speak
    Would You pour down like rain
    Washing my eyes to see
    Your majesty
    To be still and know
    That You're in this place
    Please let me stay and rest
    In Your holiness
    Word of God speak
    Deborah

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  41. I was thinking this morning about how selfless you both have been these past 3 weeks. I know there had to be many nights (and days) when you just wanted to collapse from exhaustion and yet you have faithfully posted and kept us all up to date. You have shown us your hearts and shown us grace. You have witnessed to more people than you will ever know- the numbers are exponential as we have all shared your story and incredible faith with others in our own circle. The number of people praying for you goes way beyond the number of followers on this blog. Thank you for supporting us as we support you. Thank you for allowing us to see Christ in you. Thank you for letting us love you through this. Prayers continue to go up for all of you.

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  42. Praying for Baby Samuel for healing and strength for you and your entire family. May you feel God's presence as you reach out to Him.

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  43. Today I prayed for healing for Samuel and that the family's faith in God remain strong. God's peace to all of you. Blessings, Jake.

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  44. Our family is covering Samuel and your entire family in prayer!

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  45. Oh God, I praise you that little Samuel is still here. We continue to ask you to heal this little boy...every organ of him needs Your healing touch. May Your face shine upon him and grant him peace and health.
    Bless Kathryn and Bryan as they lean on You and on each other. Bless their friends for all their love and prayers. Bless my friends who are also waking in the night with prayers for Samuel in their hearts. Bless Caleb and Joel and thank you for their sweet spirits and every giggle they make. What special boys Samuel has for big brothers!
    They love you, baby Samuel, and they pray for you many times every day.

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