“…while crying is human, to lament is Christian. Lament is how those who know what God is like and believe in him address their pain. God is good, but life is hard” (Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, pg. 44).
This is the third time Ela has been sent back to the CICU. She was here after the transplant, sent back from the step down unit when she had all those breathing problems due to rejection, then again briefly after the most recent cath that they had to cancel, and now she’s back again. Why? I’m not sure about all the reasons (and I don’t think the doctors know either) but I know that her kidneys are not working well.
Ela is on meds that her kidneys are sensitive to, including her daily doses of insulin and the extra insulin she needs to get when there is a need for her sugars to be corrected. This poor kidney function prevents her from peeing well, which causes her to retain fluid. That is a bad thing because she is already dealing with fluids in her lungs caused by stiffness in the heart. Add to this a cold and a fever. If you’ve been keeping up with the updates then you read that her last cath was cancelled for a couple of reasons, including a fever. That one was short lived. However, when we arrived at the room this morning, we heard that the fever was back, yet we don’t know why.
Due to this, the cath—which was rescheduled for Monday—has been re-rescheduled for Tuesday. She’s on Tylenol, antibiotics, and I don’t really know what else. It is a lot! Although I’m understanding things a little better, it is still so much to keep track of. The fever is a new, temporary thing…yet, the sugar levels and daily pokes that accompany it has been a continual thing. Her kidney sensitivities has been a continual thing. Her breathing and stiffness of heart has been a continual thing. Her calcium abnormalities (which no one understands) is still a continual thing. Her plasma cleansings to keep her immunosuppressed has been 3 times a week for the last couple of weeks and potentially more in the week to come.
It’s hard to believe it but Leslee and I have had a hard time finding positive things to talk about. We’re at the hospital for 12 hours every day and when we get in the car to drive back to the Gift of Life House we struggle to find true, honest, just, pure things to talk about (Phil. 4:8). It mean, it makes sense when most of your day consists of talking and thinking and dealing with your child’s fragile health and the constant reminder of the reality of death. We heard a “code blue” one or two days ago and later saw a woman sobbing in the hallway. God is good but life is hard.
I don’t know how to ask you to pray for Ela. Her kidneys, maybe? We’re not praying for a new heart anymore but she’s obviously in need of better health.
My heart hurts for what each of you are going through on this journey. I am continuing to pray for each of you, that you feel God in a very real way. May God continue to sustain you, engulf you in His amazing love and comfort. Being able to know and trust God through these hard days will bring its own joy in years to come.
Father, wrap Your arms around Miguel and Leslee. Help them to feel Your presence. They know You love them and that You love Ela even more than they do. Do Your work in their lives and in Ela’s. May You be glorified in all of this pain and waiting. Remind them of Your promises and truth. You won’t leave them. You have purpose and good plans. You are in control. Give them peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Words are not enough. There may be fewer comments than you wish for. But know this, so many more are praying . Just in one ABE this morning, at least 25 were praying and those names are not shown. Tears are falling, knees are bending, prayers are being lifted for your family. Know we love you all. ❤️ And GOD loves you most. No
Words are not enough. There may be fewer comments than you wish for. Many more are praying . Just in one ABE this morning, at least 25 were praying and those names are not shown. Tears are falling, knees are bending, prayers are being lifted for your family. Know we love you all. ❤️ And GOD loves you most.
We are continuing to pray for Ela and the both of you sending you guys lots of love and hugs.God has this and there with you all.
Yes, God is good but life is hard. So true, and what you’re going through is very very hard, I’m sure. For one thing, you’ll both deserve a medical degree! May God’s grace be there moment by moment. Thanks for your great example of trusting God.
Everywhere I go, even people I don’t’ know real well but are FB friends, are constantly asking how is that little girl. I stopped to get a burger and fries at the new Cone & Shake (now Neader’s Diner) that we all used to go to as a fam, even on Christmas Eve. Before they give me my order, they ask about Ela. There is rarely a conversation that does not include Ela.
Wed night at prayer meeting Pastor Steve had your last post printed on the back of our prayer sheet. He had someone read the whole thing aloud and we prayed.
I don’t connect with you often but you guys are always in my thoughts and fervent prayers. My heart breaks and my tears flow. I wish I was able to physically help with the boys but your mom would just worry about me too. I try to text words of encouragement to your mom at home with the boys.
Feel free to check my wall for responses to the posts.
Try to stay positive and I pray for there to be a turn around for her.May you find strength thru your faith
Many prayers for all of you. Lean in on our Savior during this difficult journey. God wrap your loving arms around Miguel and Leslee may they feel
your presence and super natural strength.
Encourage and comfort them and give them peace that only comes from you.
“Be still and know that I am God”
Continued prayers for sweet Ela.
Love and Prayers
Praying for better news tomorrow for your weary souls. Also praying for much wisdom on the part of the doctors and for God’s divine touch on Ela’s little life.
Many people showed up for Ela’s fundraiser today. You are well loved by the families at your church.
Oh my goodness. I cant begin to imagine how yall are dealing with all this. And poor gabriela bless her. Yall are truely such Godly parents and it shows esp thru all of this. As others said, our hearts are breaking for yall, we r praying for yall & drs & staff. Hang in there. 💕🙏💕🙏wish we could help otherwise😢😢
Praying for you all! One surgeon used the word marathon for recovery when they were communicating with us about the potential recovery from surgery for our daughter. We were not at the hospital even a week and it felt like months. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for all of you. I couldn’t sleep during that time unless Barry was holding me. There were times I felt people praying extra for us and I knew God was carrying us through each moment of the day. Hope you feel all the love from brothers and sisters all around. We are praying for you and cheering you all on as you endure and shine through this challenging time.
I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline your ear to me, and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by your right hand, O You who sace those who trust in You. Ps. 17:6-7. I have never walked in your shoes, but I had times that all I could say was “Jesus”, He knows your heart and your tomorrows. He hears you and your husband when you cannot even speak. May the Lord keep you and bless you. In Jesus name, Amen.
We at Maplewood Baptist Church join with others who are praying fervently for this precious little girl and her family.
Praying that Ela and your whole family will be strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS might. The Lord is a good shepherd and a great shepherd. Praying He will comfort you all. Thanks for updating us on Ela’s needs and for sharing your hearts.
Hello dear ones! I am Floyd and Peggy Olsen’s daughter Diane. I have been praying for Ela and the rest of your family. I want to share a verse with you that has always been special to our family.
The Lord your God is with you
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you
He will quiet you with his love.
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Lean on Jesus and feel his presence.
Praying and praying.
Praying as the Lord carries you and your family through this difficult time.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2