Sep
28
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on September-28-2007

We called to check on Ella this morning, and she’s not doing well. Her cO2 level is way high (89!), with a PH of 7.21. Her pO2 is low too (61). She’s also been fussing quite a bit and showing signs of discomfort.

Dr. Kays has been paged and were waiting to hear back from the nurse.

Even though we wish we could do something, ANYTHING, there is comfort knowing that He’s in control.

Please continue to pray for our baby girl.

UPDATED (10:05am EST): Just received a call from Dr. Kays. He’s going to be performing the sclerosis (scarring) procedure on her lungs immediately. He’s also going to be putting her back on the oscillating ventilator in the hopes of expanding her lungs more.

Dear Lord Jesus, we trust in you, and we surrender to you. She is in your hands. Amen.

UPDATED (12:00pm EST): The Lord just gave me this verse while getting ready to go to the hospital:

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

UPDATED (1:50pm EST): Dr. Kays replaced Ella’s two left chest tubes but did not perform any scarring at this time. He did put her back on the oscillating ventilator for now; I’m assuming to expand the lungs some more in preparation for scarring.

They’re also adding another pic line in her left arm to provide an additional entry point for medications. She is stable at this time, but also on a high flow of O2 for now. Once they’re done inserting the pic line, about 20 mins, we should be able to go see her.

UPDATED (3:45pm EST): We finally have been able to see Ella. Ella is not doing well. Her stats are stable, but are being supported with a high volume of O2 (90%).

Ella started fussing shortly after we came in. She turned very purple and her eyes darted around in distress. This was very hard to take in. The nurses gave her some meds to calm her down, so at the moment she’s ok.

We’ve not talked to Dr. Kays yet directly, but the feeling we’re getting from the staff is they’re not really sure what exactly is causing her condition. With that in mind, it’s difficult to figure out how to proceed.

Lord, how far will you be bringing us to the edge? How far? It is not for us to know, but to trust. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and are worthy to be praised. Thank you Lord for being with us now. It is our hope that you will not take Ella from us, but let her be a testimony to the world representing your Grace and Mercy. We love you Lord. Amen

The story of Abraham and Isaac keeps running through my head (Genesis 22).


Below is the message that Tina and I listened to this morning from Dr. Charles Stanley. It’s about 25 minutes long and is titled:

Responding to Life’s Trials

It just confirms where our trust and focus needs to be, and gives us insight in how to pray to our Lord during these times. Please listen if you can. Press the play button on the left to start:

[mp3]/music/itm20070808.mp3[/mp3]



Loren on September 28th, 2007 at 7:21 am #

I will pray for Ella to be strong through this.

Eusey Family on September 28th, 2007 at 7:23 am #

Know we are beside you in prayer.
XO
RSMRCR

jay tessmer on September 28th, 2007 at 7:28 am #

ok, time to hunker down. Father we are trusting you to see Ella through this. Please put a hedge of protection around this child Lord. We cry out to you, God. You are mighty and powerful. Nothing is to impossoble for you. Be with Dr. Kays as he performs this procedure on Ella. Touch her with your healing hands and carry Tina and Josh during this time. We give it all to you Lord. Amen.
Praying right now and going to make a few calls to some “prayer warriors” in my church. Just know we care!!!
Jay and Tamara

Eli Brown on September 28th, 2007 at 7:56 am #

You must oscilate between moments of fear and moments of comfort. I can’t imagine how exhuasting this roller coaster ride has been for you. Your whole family is lifted up in prayer right now. Don’t forget how many people are holding on tight for little Ella.

Heidi Anderson on September 28th, 2007 at 8:01 am #

Praying for Ella in California right now!

Williamsburg on September 28th, 2007 at 8:03 am #

Oh, my dear ones, I can so relate to the desire to something, anything, for you to ease your pain and make Ella magically better – what a difficult day. Pastor Shawn has been preaching a series on that very verse – ‘be still and know that I am God’ – and how often we miss the opportunity, even, maybe especially in the valleys, to be still and hold on tight. We’re with you in that place today – holding on tight to Him and to you, praying for that peace that passes understanding and that all manner of things shall be well. Love you so much. XOXOXO

Andrea Thibault on September 28th, 2007 at 8:19 am #

I am sending you lots of hugs and prayers – today and always.

Anne on September 28th, 2007 at 8:40 am #

another prayer from California for you guys and your precious baby

Loren on September 28th, 2007 at 8:43 am #

Josh, Tina and baby Ella, May the Lord be with you and comfort you today. We are praying for you.

The Laz Fam! on September 28th, 2007 at 8:59 am #

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)
And we join you! Be strong, darling Ella!
Love TKJB

Cliff, Diane and Sonic Blue on September 28th, 2007 at 9:09 am #

Much love, hope and wishes for you. Stay positive and hold on for things to get better. C,D, and SB

Shelly on September 28th, 2007 at 9:12 am #

We are praying for sweet Ella in Texas!!

Lisa (Ms. Texas) on September 28th, 2007 at 9:36 am #

Dear Lord….please once more send your mercy and healing to Ella. She is your little angel and she needs your protection. Please guide Dr. Kays with wisdom and understanding so that he may find a solution for Ella’s fluid problem. Please restore peace and healing to Josh and Tina. Amen.

Kristen on September 28th, 2007 at 10:11 am #

We are counting on your perfect will and asking for Ella’s total protection and healing. Abba, Father, we just cry out to you for your mercy and love to be poured out on these precious people. Let her heal, let her continue to get stronger, let her thrive . . . Amen

Eve Sheridan on September 28th, 2007 at 11:20 am #

Sending prayers and positive thoughts for Ella’s healing and renewed strength, especially for resolution of the fluid issues. We’re pulling for you all, including Dr. Kays and the nurses caring for Ella too.

Char Snyder-Jordan on September 28th, 2007 at 11:30 am #

Baby sweet Ella, May you follow the Lords plan for you in this time of discomfort. Our love and best wishes attend our fervent prayers for your complete recovery. We ask Father to bless your parents with trust in His plan. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Gloria & Red Jacobsen on September 28th, 2007 at 11:37 am #

Dear Father in heaven we just ask you for a complete and speedy recovery for baby Ella and continued strengh for Tina and Josh. Lord,little Ella has brought so many people to You in prayer for this,please heal her so she can go on to share Your love to the world. Love and prayers, Gloria & Red

Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on September 28th, 2007 at 11:46 am #

Right here with you across the miles but close in prayer….

Joan Odell on September 28th, 2007 at 12:24 pm #

‘For He will lift you up on eagle’s wings……and hold you in the palms of His hands’. Father, give Tina and Josh peace and strength as they walk through these days by Your side. Touch precious Ella and keep her strong and stable – if it is Thy will, remove this cup from her and completely heal her. Thank you for this precious family. Amen – love and hugs, Steve and Joan

Lesli Richards on September 28th, 2007 at 1:38 pm #

Oh, I am so sorry Ella is not doing well…we are praying here…Please Lord, heal precious Ella…hold up Tina and Josh as they wait on you. We will pray in a few minutes with 20 other families who have all been praying for Ella – we are at a field day and will all pray when the games are done. Stay strong, Wests.

Love, The Richards

Kristen on September 28th, 2007 at 1:56 pm #

I want her to stay too! The “edge” can be scary and yet we are never out of His reach. Lord Jesus, please heal her. Let her stay with us. Amen

Kelli Billman on September 28th, 2007 at 2:00 pm #

At a loss for words. Love you and praying for you.

Virginia Dam on September 28th, 2007 at 2:18 pm #

Ella- FIGHT ON!

Joel Snyder on September 28th, 2007 at 2:31 pm #

Ella, Just got home from work. Now is the time to get strong and fight. Grandpa is praying for you. Josh and Tina hold on to each other. All my Love. Grandpa!!!!!

Lisa Weir (a friend of Adrienne's) on September 28th, 2007 at 2:55 pm #

Adrienne shared your story and website with us.. and I must say it has been a privilege to journey along side of you during this season.

First, your daughter is truly beautiful. I love the name you chose for her — “light.” She is already radiating His light even in her suffering. God has already used her in such mighty ways. I believe this difficult beginning is such a testimony of the great call on her life. I agree with the promise you’re holding on to — He does have such an amazing plan for her future. What a little lady of strength and endurance! You have truly been blessed with the favor of God to be Ella’s parents.

Speaking of parents… could there be more loving and steadfast parents than you two??? I don’t know you personally, but I can see by the spirit, that your daughter reflects the same courage and strength that you walk in. Thank you for your vulnerability and openness so that God’s glory can be revealed in you.

As I was praying for Ella this afternoon, I read Psalm 41 and I believe this is for her:
“Blessed is He who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.”

I believe little Ella is going to make it! This is a bump in the road, but He is more than able to overcome. Keep trusting. Keep believing that all things are possible with Him no matter what the numbers look like. Keep holding on to those promises.

Lord, you created this precious child. You know every cell in her body. You knit her together in her mother’s womb. She is fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, we ask for you to restore her to perfect health. Let the light of your love pour through her and her family so that everyone can experience your tender mercies. You are Mighty Father! You are our rock and our salvation. Our help comes from You. May the praise of your wonderful name echo through all of our lives – especially Ella Renae’s.

Lisa Richmond on September 28th, 2007 at 3:18 pm #

Hold strong…you are in my thoughts constantly…your amazing daughter has already done great things in her 9 weeks! Look at the chain of love and prayer she’s intiated all over the states! What a blessing she is! Keep up the fight little Ella!

Christina DuHart on September 28th, 2007 at 4:58 pm #

Josh & Tina, I cannot even begin to imagine the emotional roller coaster you must be on right now. I wish I could give you guys a big hug. Stay strong Ella needs all your strength and love. We will continue to pray for your little bun to get better.
Thinking of you often
The DuHarts

Kendal Owens on September 28th, 2007 at 5:21 pm #

We are praying for Ella all the way in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea. Thanks for keeping us updated on how to pray specifically. Our prayers are heard by a mighty, powerful God.

Laura Blackwell on September 28th, 2007 at 5:23 pm #

Waiting Lord, please fix this. Make Ella comfortable and well.

Grandma West on September 28th, 2007 at 6:15 pm #

waiting and praying and crying to the Lord ,sending all our love Mom

Lesli Richards on September 28th, 2007 at 6:26 pm #

Oh, Ella, you are on the heart of so many tonight…so many little children are praying for you in our church alone…I can only imagine all the little ones all over your map of love. Fight hard, sweet Ella. We will check in on you first thing in the morning. Give your mom and dad one of those big eyed smiles to encourage them soon….our whole family loves you, sweet baby. Night night.

Laura Marold on September 28th, 2007 at 8:03 pm #

Dear Josh and Tina, I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers tonight. I know today has been difficult for you. I just want you both to remember the many people, myself included, that are reaching out in prayer for you tonight. Dear Ella, May the Lord bless you and keep you tonight. I’m praying you rest and recover. Sweet dreams, little one.

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