If you have visited here before, you can probably see that I have changed the name of the blog again. I started blogging at 4URuthie to tell the story of our journey to adopt our 1st daughter. I changed it to Mountains for Maggie when we were praying for God to move mountains on behalf of our 2nd daughter. Well now it is no longer just Ruthie’s or Maggie’s stories. It is now our family's story, and the stories of those we share life with, as we Conquer Mountains together. Both ConqueringMountains.net and 4URuthie.blogspot will lead here.

About Me

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I am a pastor's wife, mother of 4 kids (2 adopted and 3 with special needs), physical therapist, and photography junky. This is where it all comes together for me. Feel free to join along as I process life out loud.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ways to Pray and Lessons Along the Way

We are in the cardiac ICU with Maggie.  We were admitted on Monday after a 2nd trip to the ER with fever, vomiting, and left side joint pain.  The plan was 24 hrs of IV fluids and monitoring to help her kick what looked like a virus.  Tuesday morning things took a turn for the much worse.  Maggie started seizing and went flaccid on her left side.  A CT scan revealed 2 brain bleeds.  One is weeks old in her Thalamus and the other is fresh in her Frontal Lobe.  They suggest some kind of clotting disorder related to her heart condition that was exacerbated by the illness.



Here is where we are and ways you can pray immediately:

1. For the bleeding to stop completely.  We are hopeful for recovery if she can get out of the phase of insult to her brain and start healing.

2. To know what is causing the bleeding.  Apparently blood disorders can be hard to diagnose when there is acute inflammation and they can take a while to get back anyway.  We can't treat what we can't diagnose and that leaves her at continued risk for bleeds.

3. Pray for us to see return in her left side soon.  I am hopeful for this and would be greatly encouraged if I could see her acknowledging her left side.

4. For health for the Trent and I.  We are run down and starting to feel it.  Pray for extra measures of strength and immunity for us.

5. Pray for protection of her heart through this.  She has a very severe heart defect that puts her at risk for more complications.

6. Okay this last one is completely selfish.  We are in a room with a 40 year old adult (I have no idea why he is at Children's) and a newborn.  There are private rooms in the unit and given that we will be here for a long time, it would be nice to have one of those rooms for privacy.


So Here is what I am learning and remembering:

1.  Here I Raise My Ebenezer.   In the old testament an Ebenezer was a stone that the Israelites placed in a location to remind them of God's presence and help.  In this moment I have to hold onto ways I have seen God move in the life of this child up until now.  If I look at her presentation, it looks grim but we have been there before and we seen God do amazing things so I am raising my Ebenezer today and focusing on the faithfulness of God.

2. Maggie is loved and so are we.  I am overwhelmed by the texts, messages, and visit we have received since Maggie's episode.  I could spend all day returning them but need to focus on her.  Thank you for loving this child, praying for her, and encouraging our family.

3. Today is the day to put down what you are doing and hold your babies.  There was a point yesterday when I had been holding her and my arms were tired.  I tried to lay her down and she said "up" in a quiet, sleepy little voice.  For a moment my selfishness felt like a had lost in my efforts but then I quickly went to a place where she was not with us and how I would give anything in that moment to hold my baby one more time.  Circumstances change so fast.  Viruses turn into brain bleeds and suddenly the plans of your day, your summer, and your life are radically altered.  Hold your babies today.

16 comments:

kim647 said...

Praying for sweet Maggie and that you and Trent have to strength to move forward for her and your family. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Am sending much love and many Blessings , do not fear , your arms will be supported , Angels will help you hold her .Dear little Maggie , I am a Margaret and I shall be sending love to you , for you , every minute night and day little one . God Bless . <3

Corrie Cline said...

Hi! So my name is Corrie Buchanan and I don't know you but I go to Antioch community church houston and live in league city and heard about Maggie through a friend and was told to pray. Anyways, wanted you to know that my family and I are praying for y'all...ESP. Maggie! We will keep it going! Do y'all need a meal, prayers at the hospital, anything?? I'm not a weird-o! :) I just care! Our small group is covering y'all in prayer!

Debbie Dittrich said...

Praying exactly as you have asked sweet Ginny. And hugging my children! My heart is breaking right in two for you and your family. I promise to keep praying hard.

The Richerts said...

Well said, Ginny. Praying as you asked!

Unknown said...

God Bless you and your family! My little boys are lifting her up in prayer! As are the rest of our family. Certainly in the arms of the angels.

Anonymous said...

Praying for little Maggie and your entire family!!!

Anonymous said...

Praying for miraculous healing by the great God and healer! Praying for strength for both you and Trent ...strength of body, mind and spirit! When you ask you must believe...

Karen Grace said...

Prayers going up in New Braunfels. Hugs from Karen and Mike Hopkins!

Anonymous said...

Y'all are in our thoughts and prayers. The Cork Family

Anonymous said...

Praying for Maggie and your family!

Anonymous said...

We are praying for comfort for your entire family, complete healing for sweet Ruthie, and for God to just send his angels to wrap you in their arms cover you in his healing love.
The Dukes Fsmily

Anonymous said...

Praying for your sweet little Maggie that she will be healed and recover to full health and praying for your families strength. God Bless <3

JoAnn Boss

Lulu Wilson said...

The Wilson Family is praying.

Amy B said...

Praying from San Diego! Declaring God's faithfulness along with you.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Maggie in Houston. God does hear our prayers, but sometimes he needs a little help. I don't know where Maggie is hospitalized, but if she could be moved to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston or Shriner's Children's Hospital in Houston there are highly skilled specialists here who may be able to provide a higher level of expertise. This is only a suggestion, clearly you and Maggie's doctors are doing all within your human power to help your little angel. God bless you all.

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