Sunday, March 30, 2008

Best Pic Ever?

Tricia and I just got back from visiting Gwyneth. I gave her a bath, and Tricia got to dry her hair. This picture (taken less than an hour ago) is, hopefully, the last family picture we'll take with CF lungs! I told Gwyneth that, the next time her mommy comes to see her, she'll be walking (instead of in a wheelchair) without any vent...

Nate

166 comments:

Nora said...

beautiful.

Paige Hinrichs said...

You are all just so beautiful in so many ways. God is always at work.

Anonymous said...

awww...what a beautiful picture. Praying for you all.

Donna

Anonymous said...

I agree.

Beautiful.

Heidi

Andie said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!
Continued prayers.....Andie

Catherine said...

Beautiful! Praying, praying, praying.

Posting a link on my blog too asking others to pray for Tricia, all involved, Gwyneth Rose and also the donor's family.

God is in control. Holding tight and trusting Him.

THE LYONS FAMILY! said...

Beautiful! And continuing to pray for Tricia and the donor/donor's family. Like many others I'm sure - we just keep hitting refresh waiting on the word that this is "it". Blessings Always!

Marge Sexton said...

Continuing to lift you all in prayer. Love the picture, I think she is playing peek-a-boo! What a beautiful family, may God Bless you all! Will be anxiously awaiting the good news!
Hugs,
Marge

twinboysmom said...

Beautiful!! I'm officially glued to my computer tonight!

Susan from Barrie said...

Just checking in before bed, what lovely picture! Good Nite, God Bless! My prayer chain is praying for you all tonight.

Susan

Ann said...

Best Pic Ever!! Storming heaven with prayers for Tricia, you, your families and the donor family.

Godspeed.

Ann

Princess Talana said...

Big happy, nervous, excited, joyous, mournful, amazed, praying tears.

marcia said...

Yup..best pic to date! The next family pic will be even better! :)
Praying, praying, praying!

Unknown said...

so sweet

Oksana said...

Praise the Lord who is SO good and never fails to show his love!

Anonymous said...

yep, I would say that is one of those BEST photos. Lovely!

Aunt D. said...

So kind of you to share these special moments with us! You're in my prayers! D.

Danielle in MO said...

PRICELESS!!!!!! I can't wait for the picture of their next visit!!

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you guys. I believe the baby looks alot like Tricia Both are beautiful

Tracie said...

Praying in Kansas City!
We are so excited for you Trisha.

And what a wonderful family picture.

Marsmile said...

Gorgeous and praying for more miracles! :-)

Get some rest admist the excitement,
Marissa :-)

Debbie said...

So beautiful, makes my heart and face smile. Praying for ya'll!!!

lislynn said...

Oh, praise the Lord! Just checked in again and read the wonderful news! So happy, and praying for the donor family. Will you get a chance to meet/talk to them? Share your testimony?

somebody,somewhere said...

wow what a lucky guy you are - 2 miracle girls in your life! praying for you! :)

not up to code said...

How exciting for you! I'll be praying tonight for all involved.

Julie said...

I don't know how I happened upon you blog but I am glad I did. Your story is such an inspiration. I am so glad that I decided to check in on you guys today. As I close my eyes tonight I will be saying a pray for your family. And the first thing I will do when I get up in the morning is check for another update. I will pray for Tricia and for the donor's family. What a wonderful gift to give someone else.

Valerie said...

It loooks like Gwyneth is playing peek-a-boo. We are praying for you guys and can't wait to see that next family photo with a new set of lungs!

Anonymous said...

Praying!! Praying!!
Praying you both can get some rest tonight!!
We serve such a faithful God!!

Whitney Lane said...

Yes, it's definitely the best pic ever.

Jane said...

sent out prayer request via e-mail and on my blog!

Can't tell you the adrenalin that I have pumping through my veins at this point.

praying like crazy for ALL!

00 said...

Gwyneth totally looks like she's playing "peek-a-boo"...this pic is too cute!!

♥Lisa and The Pug Posse ♥ said...

Such a strong BeAuTiFuL family!

Krista said...

I will be praying for your family and the transplant. I will continue to pray for the donor's family as well.

Danielle in MO said...

forgot to tell you when I showed my husband the picture of your foot with Gwyneth's foot - he said... "oh my thats like his toe!"

Unknown said...

What a beautiful picture! It brought tears to my eyes! Praying without ceasing!

My 4 year old daughter often will ask me to see pictures of "sweet, beautiful baby girl" and we have been praying for all of every single day, several times a day since I found your blog. Kira has severe gross motor delays as well as other health issues but she has the biggest heart.....and yes, this is a proud Mommy talking.:-) I am very open with her when it comes to other people who have needs and when I told her tonight that we needed to pray a really big prayer than Tricia would get her new lungs and we needed to pray for the family who was sad because someone they loved wasn't with them anymore...she looked at me and smiled..."Mommy I really hope that they loved Jesus too." Out of the mouths of babes.....

We are praying without ceasing!!

Carol said...

I love the picture!

Niknok said...

Since I can't sleep while waiting for the news, I can only imagine how ya'll are feeling right now! Lots of prayers from Charlotte!

Jen in Al said...

yes best pic ever! that is until the next beautiful picture! praying....jen in al

Anonymous said...

Awesome picture! God willing the next picture will be with new lungs!

Pardon the possible dumbness of this question, but...if Tricia can walk laps around the hospital as I think you've mentioned her doing...then why does she need a wheelchair to visit Gwyneth?

elj377 said...

There is a watermain break at my work so I have no school tomorrow...I guess God knew I would be up alot tonight checking in and gave me a break! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. The pictures great...looking forward to one of momma and baby minus the mask!

Millicent said...

This is my first comment. But I have been reading for a while now. I couldn't not comment when I saw this post. Many, many prayers coming your way....

Barbara Metcalf Bella Vista, Arkansas said...

Praying that Tricia's new lungs will be a perfect fit, and that the surgery will proceed as planned in the morning. To God be the glory!

Carmen said...

Beautiful family portrait...Praying for you tonight.

He loves you most said...

How happy we all are for you.
Such a cute picture with Gwyneth's hand over her eye.
Adorable!

mini and brother said...

SOOOOO exciting! Praying so much for you right now!

nicole said...

definitely best pic ever...gwyneth looks so at peace.

Jane said...

I think you will be to 3 million hits SOOOOON! :)

Tamora said...

My prayers will be with you all as things are quickly changing for you!
God's Blessings to you all!

momofnbj said...

This is my first post, but I've been "tuning in" for several weeks. I don't even know you, but you guys mean so much to me! :)
I'm praying for and thinking of you so often! Thank you for your testimony of how faithful our God is! Your faith strengthens mine!
(I'm gonna be hitting "refresh" often in the next few hours!!! :)

~Laurie in Memphis

Stefanie said...

Beautiful family picture:)

Jessica said...

What a beautiful family and picture!

Jen Wilson said...

I'm tingling with happiness for you three! I will pray God's comfort on the family and His providence in the lungs for Tricia!!

Kerry said...

Thanks so much for sharing Your Girls with all of Us. Praying for everyone that is touched tonight.

Unknown said...

You should add a tag for "best picture ever" because you keep topping your previous best pictures. :) Sending happy thoughts your way!

Kristen said...

Prays for you guys and the donor and their family! I hope these are her new lungs!!
Great Photo btw
Love K

Rebecca said...

PRAISE GOD! I will be praying for you. My mother was a recipient of a cornea almost 2 years ago....I still thank God for giving her the chance to see again, and thanking God, for the donor. I will definitely be remembering the donor in my prayers also, and praying for healing for his/her family.

PartyofFive said...

beautiful....

Kerry said...

Wow. Look what happens when I don't check for updates for just a few hours! I am waiting with baited breath to find out if the donor's lungs are a good match. What an amazing day for you all! Good luck on the journey ahead of you, Tricia and Nate. What a beautiful picture!

Kerry

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Gwyneth is so adorable, and her parent's look great, too--you can just the happiness radiating in your eyes. I pray that indeed the next time she sees her mommy she will be walking and breathing with new lungs. God's blessings on you all!!

Anonymous said...

beautiful family picture! that was good idea to relax tricia's nerves by going to spend some time with baby Gwyneth! Praying for some new lungs...and many more babies for Tricia's future! yay!

marcia said...

BTW, I almost said something about that earlier pic of the two of you, but didn't until seeing the beautiful natural coloring in this one. Did you enhance the blue coloring in that other one, just for dramatic effect when you can post it later in a "before" and "after" sequence when Tricia's new lungs are giving her a wonderful color all the time? :) Your gloves, the vent tubing, a spot on the wall in the upper left corner are all a strikingly bolder-than-usual blue...and flesh tones were definitely Smurfy. I just cannot imagine that was not intentional given your photograhy skills! No need to even think about addressing this in future Q & A post...just an observation :) Hope you are thinking of other creative ways to make the time pass while waiting tonight....

Unknown said...

This is the most precious picture!
Lots and lots of prayers being said on your behalf!

gmomof7 said...

Great...Praying things go well

Anonymous said...

I can not imagine your lives right now.

But thank you SO MUCH for sharing parts of it with us.

I am praying!

Cindy Kraft said...

What an amazing moment! I can see the tears of joy on your eyes. We're praying for the three of you.Our God is awesome!

Andi said...

I love the picture. I have been following your blog everyday for a while now. I had a guy I went to school with die from CF a few years ago. I hope you get your new lungs Tricia. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nana2Six said...

Tricia,Nate and sweet baby;

Here in our cyber waiting room we are pacing and pacing... to and from the computer to prayer walking.

So excited for the three of you and those in the extended family.

The picture will be a great 'before' for the scrapbook :)

beth said...

Thank you for sharing such a special moment!!!!
Praying, praying, praying!!!!!
love, beth
(from hh)

Daddy & Mommy said...

What a beautiful family! We are praying for all of you!

North Carolina Mom said...

Oh my gosh! Does that mean Gwyneth's mommy is getting her lungs for sure?

Quin's momma said...

Absolutely beautiful family!!! You are all in my prayers. Prayers for the donor's family are also being said. Thank you again for sharing your story!

Kim said...

Oh, this is wonderful news! I am praying, and I am praying for the donor's family as well.

Gwyneth looks like she can't quite take all this excitement. :)

sandra said...

What a beautiful picture! xoxoxo

Blessings From Above said...

That is such a BEAUTIFUL picture!!! Praying for you all without ceasing in Ohio.

daralala said...

I am praying so hard right now for you and Tricia and Gwyneth and the donor and the donor's family!!!!!!!

Sheryl said...

Best Pic Ever? NO! That will be the one when the three of you walk out of that hospital. The tears in your eyes are evident Nate & Tricia, we will be praying you through the night.

Mandy said...

Waiting to hear the latest on those new lungs for Tricia and praying in GA tonight.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

GinnyBerry said...

God is so good. Thank you for sharing your story. I know that giving up privacy has had some drawbacks, and I appreciate your generosity.



This is a wonderful picture.

Anonymous said...

Still praying...unfortunately, I can't check up on y'all from work :(
Can't wait to get home tomorrow and see what's happened!
May all the angels surround you all tonight!

Test said...

Oh my goodness! My google reader pops up the last entry and I read that this is the last picture with CF lungs...What! This is what I get for being gone all day!

Jumping up and down (okay not really because I am way too tired after being gone all day, but inside I am doing the happy dance!)

We'll be praying for you all night and tomorrow!!!! We'll be praying for the donor's family and for the doctors!!!

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!

Matt Millard said...

Beautiful!
Many prayers still being said!

Andy Lawrenson said...

It's amazing that Baby G is playing Peek-a-boo already.

Beverly said...

That would be wonderful...to see her baby with well lungs. I pray it all goes well. Yes, I will remember donor family too.

Somer Love said...

Praying for all involved!!!

The gift of Life is truly a miracle. I pray Tricia you will be breathing easy so VERY soon!!!

TheRagan3 said...

checking in before I hit the bed and am thrilled at what I am finding... This is a GORGEOUS picture!
Standing in the gap for you.

Violet said...

precious.

Candi and Skeet said...

What a beautiful family. Continued prayers for you all. God is listening and prayers are answered.

Much love,
Candi

The Browns said...

This is one of life's perfect pictures! I am glued to my computer hitting refresh every 10 mins for another update. You are in my prayers tonight. Tricia you show CF where it can go for all the rest of us.

Love,
Your sister in CF
Alisha

clownDOctor said...

Nate,
I just started reading your about four days ago and yesterday I caught up. Your story is wonderfully told and a great witness to those with similar stories.

Eight years ago, one of my friends passed away from complications due to CF. She was in the seventh grade. We went to church together and though I was a year older, I always looked up to her because her faith was so strong. She had also lost her mother early in life and I couldn't imagine having gone through all that and have the faith she had. Like, Tricia she was very active when she could be and she was always the life of whatever activity she partcipated in.

The story of your family has reminded me so much of Rebecca and has brought back so many good memories. Though so many people prayed that Rebecca might receive new lungs, that was not God's plan for her. It was in the spring of 2000 that she passed away at Duke with her family there beside her. She had a wonderful life, and inspired many people.

Regardless of what happens with this transplant, whether it is a match or not, I know God will provide according to his plan for Tricia and your family. I will be praying as I prayed for Rebecca and her family, even though I don't know you we are family through the Savior!

Gwyneth Rose is beautiful!

Rachel

angie said...

You are a beautiful AMAZING family!

Aspiemom said...

A wonderful picture! Can't wait for the next update and I'm praying w/o ceasing!
Aspiemom

Kristi said...

Oh the tears! Ya'll that just got my heart!! Tricia, I pray that the next time you hold your girl, your lungs will be healthy and the best is yet to come!!! Much love - Bamagirl!!

Unknown said...

Can't wait for the video of Tricia with enough breath to sing "I am the Very Model of a Patient in the Hospital" - praying for things to go well!!

Jenny said...

Tricia:

I am praying so hard even now that this is a match for you. I'm praying for each person involved with this surgery: the surgeons, technicians, nurses, all the way down to the hospital janitorial staff. I pray the surgery happens, and that it goes smoothly. I pray your body accepts these lungs as your own. I also pray for peace and comfort for the donor's family.
Nate:
I'm praying for you. I know this is huge for you too and you'll need the peace that only our God can provide during this operation.

I love the picture. It's precious and I can't wait to see one with Tricia standing up!

Lots and lots of love to you three!

-Jenny

Aggiema (Michelle) said...

Precious picture, wonderful news! May The Lord keep you all in the palm of His hand.

Got prayer? said...

I will be saying lots of extra prayers tonight and for a successful surgery tomorrow!!!

God is in Control!!!

Shelly said...

that IS an awesome picture!

violin34 said...

I am going to pray for you and the donor's family right now.
I love the family photo, Gwyneth is darling. I have read most of your blog and understand what the circumstances are, and I still think Tricia looks like her father. :)
Now I have to turn on the computer downstairs to keep checking to see if the surgery is a go!!! I can't wait until I tell my 4 kids that Tricia might get new lungs!!They have been absolutely fascinated with your daughter, she is so tiny and perfect.
God bless you,
violin34

Carol said...

Its a wonderful picture of a wonderful family and makes me smile through slightly blurry eyes. I see pride and love unbounding - its in your eyes and no mask can hide it. You guys are beautiful and in my constant prayers.

JW said...

Absolutely precious!
Continuing to pray...

DeLynn said...

A great picture and wonderful news. We are praying in Georgia for you all-and that includes the family of the donor. Godspeed.

mjdav said...

Priceless!

clownDOctor said...

edit... Rebecca was a patient at UNC.

Unknown said...

She's waving! :) So precious! I'll fall asleep praying for you guys tonight--I heard somewhere that when you fall asleep praying, the angels finish your prayers for you. <3

Sunshine said...

WOW - how amazing! We are and will be praying through the night - my little ones are stuffy tonight so I will be up with them...Sunshine

Aimee said...

What an awesome picture, but I can't wait to see one when everyone is healthy without scrubs on...Soon - very soon! :) Still praying!

Kim said...

What a trio!
Your family is such a blessing. I can't go to sleep for running back to the computer and hitting refresh to check for new updates. Many prayers going up from all over for the Lawrenson family tonight and for Tricia's new lungs!
I can't imagine the excitement there-I only know you in "blog world" and I can hardly stand it!

raw said...

Sending a bazillion prayers your way. And yes, that's a real number (if I say it is!).

Lani said...

We are praying for your family and the doner's family. What an incredible blessing!!!

Anonymous said...

Praying, praying, praying! Praise our Lord Jesus Christ for listening to our prayers...!

What a beautiful picture. Praying that Tricia will have a set of new lungs soon!!!!

~j~ said...

Another milestone picture reflecting the Grace and Hand of God upon the three of you.
Will keep checking throughtout the night. Thank you Lord for the gift of this family and that of the donor, your will be done Lord on earth as it is in heaven...

Andria said...

that makes me want to cry. :)

Baba said...

I am so thrilled for the three of you.My blessings and hugs to all...

Stacey said...

Praying.

mportteus said...

Simply beautiful...Praying for you all tonight.

Melony said...

Praying that God will give you guys peace through the night because I can only imagine how anxious you both are!! I am so glad you guys got to spend some quality time as a family tonight..

Millicent said...

nah...the best pic ever will be when you guys are all leaving the hospital together, tube and wire-free!!! but this one was pretty good!
praying for all involved!

SGyurkovitz said...

How exciting! Praying for everyone involved right now.

cmziall said...

Nate, you have a gift in photography! What a great family picture. Our family is praying for your family every day. I can only imagine the anxiety you both have at this time and pray that God brings a calm and peace to you so you get a good nights sleep tonight. Although, I'm sure they "high" will get you through! Can't wait to hear the success of another miracle for your family.

God's blessings!
Michelle in MO

Donna said...

You need to stop making me cry! I'm so excited about Tricia, I can hardly stand it. I can't wait to hear if it's a go. Still praying for you!

Sabrina said...

Beautiful picture and praying without ceasing in Austin TX for you all tonight!
Sabrina
rauchreport.blogspot.com

humble servant said...

We're praying that on this Divine Mercy Sunday, your family is blessed with Divine Mercy!

What an awesome reminder to pray for the donor's family.

May you all have a peace-filled night.

God Bless.

the momma said...

Oh my! take the day off from checking blogs & look what happens!
I am so thrilled for you all ~ I had tears in my eyes as I read. Will be checking back often & praying!
The Lord bless you & keep you, may His face shine upon you.

Erin said...

Hello from Saskatchewan, Canada. We are praying for your family, especially tonight.

Christine said...

To God be the Glory!!!

Shari said...

Precious and still praying those lungs are the right ones.

Amanda said...

Our sermon at church tonight was that prayer really does work! I needed that reminder. Now, I'll be praying for you tonight with a new-found confidence! Thanks for sharing your story!
Gweneth looks so content between the two of you!

Chelle' said...

PRAISE GOD. (In all things...) You guys have had a busy afternoon/evening. I checked in with you this afternoon and read the Blessing Poem. Just thought before bed I'd check again... and LOOK WHAT I"VE MISSED.

I've already prayed for you guys, for the lungs and for the family of the donor. God is good all the time and will comfort and be with all of you throughout this process.

All our love and prayers.

Jayne said...

I hope that it was good news for you all.

xx

Unknown said...

Wahoo!! So very exciting for you. Love the picture of the three of you.

Missy said...

Beautiful. Yes, one of the best pictures ever.

PammyT said...

what a beautiful picture and wonderful news! keeping you all and the donor's family close in thought and prayer!

Pam

Ginny said...

Simply beautiful!

Amy said...

I love the picture! I am praying for all of you tonight as you wait.

kjames106 said...

Praise you God. Praise you. Thank you Jesus!

Leslie said...

What a wonderful picture of such a beautiful family! I will be praying for you tonight, and all day tomorrow. I have so many tears of joy flowing down my face right now. "To God be the glory, great things He has done!" We know that your life is one of those things and to that we give God the praise!

The Rosetto's said...

absolutely beautiful!!

Lisa said...

I have never posted before- but I can't not pubically rejoice with all of your encouragers! I have been reading this blog for a couple of months now and I check it multiple times throughout the day in hope and with prayer that the perfect lungs are available. I am so hopeful and prayful that this last day of March 2008 will be the beginning of new lungs and many new blessings for this precious family!

I too am prayful for the family that lost a loved one today- my 6th grade son found out today that one of his classmates (a precious little girl) died in a car accident today- life is precious and I know that neither of you would ever take your God given lives for granted!
God bless you and thank you for sharing your journey and helping to build the faith of many across this country!
Lisa- in Austin, Texas

Unknown said...

She has an "oh, goodness" pose :-)

Will and Julia's Mommy said...

BEST PIC EVER...! With many more to come.

We are praying for the lungs to be a match, stay strong!

Christy. said...

I have been checking your blog very frequently lately. Ever since Easter I have felt this nagging feeling that Tricia's lungs were coming soon. I hope and pray that these are the lungs that God has planned for you!

He loves you most said...

Couldn't sleep. Just had to get up to see if there was an update. I guess not, so back to bed I go. I will pray myself to sleep and check first thing in the morning(maybe before then if I wake up:)

Adrienne said...

Ventilators suck! Yay for new lungs! We are so excited for you guys, we're doing a dance!

Anonymous said...

That's the most beautiful picture you've posted yet.

(((HUGS)) and prayers for all of you. I'm praying for the donor's family, and pray that it's HIS will for this to be a perfect match for Tricia.

Kristina said...

I will be praying for all of you tonight! Prayers that Tricia will be recieving her new lungs and that the grieving donor family will feel the love of all the cfhusband prayer warriors.

GinnyBerry said...

Well, I imagine that this is going to be a long night for you.. Is Tricia trying to rest? I can't imagine her sleeping until she hears whether or no this is a "dry run." It is midnight where you all are, so it shouldn't be too much longer before you find out.

I am just so happy and excited that I think I'm being much more of a scatterbrained dingbat that usual.

Praying for you all.

Shari said...

I won't get any sleep tonite!! I will be up and down checking this blog!! What a wonderful thing to be doing...Love the pic.

shari nc

Harris Boys said...

Just beautiful..praying for a those new lungs for tricia!!!

Linda said...

I'm so excited for your family. I usually check in several times a day, but this Sunday was extra busy with church, that I'm just now finding out the awesome news. I can't wait to hear, and as always I will be praying every waking minute. Much love and prayers from Rome, GA.

Erin said...

I am thrilled for you guys! You all (and the donor family) are in my prayers.

Fern said...

Said Gwyneth, "Alright already with the camera. Dang paparazzi."

Seriously, Gwyneth is a charmer. As are her parents. Dad seems to hear his own drummer, but therein lies his charm.

Anonymous said...

Awwwwwww

M said...

I've never commented but followed your blog for what seems like forever. So many prayers to all of you right now and to that donor's family no matter the outcome of those lungs ultimately. I do hope they are the right lungs for Tricia. So many prayers tonight to this being the last CF lung'd pic indeed!

Connie Hughey said...

Yay!

Alicia said...

I think it might be. That maybe is so sweet! You're a beautiful family.

Amy Lynn said...

That is just beautiful!
Blessings!
Amy in Oregon

Ree said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

shoutingforha said...

I love seeing the three of you together.

Annette said...

that is the best picture that you have posted -yet.


www.smithfamilyx6.blogspot.com

Annette said...

that is the best picture that you have posted -yet.


www.smithfamilyx6.blogspot.com

Dirkey said...

Oh Gwyneth looks so stinking cute! :)

Sonja said...

This is an absolutely beautiful picture.

Anonymous said...

Gwyneth is saying "Oh not another picture Daddy."

Still praying for you and praising God's name.

bren said...

I have been following your journey for several weeks now. I think I found your site from another right after your beautiful baby girl was born.
I want you to know even tho this is my first post, I have amired all three of your strength. God is so good, and I think he is using your family to show others how faith and strength in Him helps us through the tuffest of times.
May God continue blessing your family, as you give Him ALL the Glory.

Melany aka Supermom said...

Absolutely 100 % the BEST photo I have EVER seen of the three of you...the most touching family photo. That's prescious

BoosMom said...

What a beautiful picture of your family. God bless all of you. Julie from Decatur, AL