Showing posts with label Gwyneth Rose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gwyneth Rose. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2013
The year is officially over.
Over the past several days, I've read several updates on Facebook from friends who bemoan how horrible their own 2013 was, and who look forward with hope that 2014 will be better. I guess I'm more of a seasonal person, because at the end of 2013, I find myself looking back on the year, thinking "eh, it wasn't so bad after all." Had you asked me my opinion of the year around mid-May, I would have probably told you how absolutely horrible it had been, but with 7+ months post-transplant behind us, and having been back home now and living as "normal" a life as possible, the year as a whole doesn't feel all that bad. Time heals, it's true.
Tricia is living life as much as possible. She continues to struggle to gain weight...nobody is really sure why at this point, especially since her appetite is healthy. Without any extra pounds on her body, she continues to also be very vulnerable to becoming very sick if she catches anything, as her body really has nothing in reserve for strength, energy and stamina. So, we thank God every day that she had remained relatively healthy this fall and winter so far. We are also thankful that we've only been back to Duke a few times for appointments since arriving home in August, and that all tests have come back negative for rejection and infection.
Gwyneth is loving Kindergarten and learning so much. She has an amazing team of educators who are helping her continue to "catch up" with her classmates and overcome the obstacles placed in her way because of her hearing loss and cerebral palsy.
We spent several days over Christmas break with Tricia's family in NJ/PA, our first trip up north together in over a year. We are reminded every day of Tricia's donor and his/her family, as they are spending this first holiday season without their loved one, and we are always thankful.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We are enjoying out time together, spending as much time away from social media as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
Nate
Over the past several days, I've read several updates on Facebook from friends who bemoan how horrible their own 2013 was, and who look forward with hope that 2014 will be better. I guess I'm more of a seasonal person, because at the end of 2013, I find myself looking back on the year, thinking "eh, it wasn't so bad after all." Had you asked me my opinion of the year around mid-May, I would have probably told you how absolutely horrible it had been, but with 7+ months post-transplant behind us, and having been back home now and living as "normal" a life as possible, the year as a whole doesn't feel all that bad. Time heals, it's true.
Tricia is living life as much as possible. She continues to struggle to gain weight...nobody is really sure why at this point, especially since her appetite is healthy. Without any extra pounds on her body, she continues to also be very vulnerable to becoming very sick if she catches anything, as her body really has nothing in reserve for strength, energy and stamina. So, we thank God every day that she had remained relatively healthy this fall and winter so far. We are also thankful that we've only been back to Duke a few times for appointments since arriving home in August, and that all tests have come back negative for rejection and infection.
Gwyneth is loving Kindergarten and learning so much. She has an amazing team of educators who are helping her continue to "catch up" with her classmates and overcome the obstacles placed in her way because of her hearing loss and cerebral palsy.
We spent several days over Christmas break with Tricia's family in NJ/PA, our first trip up north together in over a year. We are reminded every day of Tricia's donor and his/her family, as they are spending this first holiday season without their loved one, and we are always thankful.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We are enjoying out time together, spending as much time away from social media as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
Nate
Monday, September 16, 2013
HOME AT LAST!!!
We are so excited to tell you that we made it home just three days before the first day of school for our kids! We are happy beyond words to be back in our house in time for the kids to start school! We have been insanely busy trying to get our house back in order after being away for over ten months, but we are loving every minute of it!
Tricia continues to get stronger, although she is still having trouble putting on any weight. She is getting her rehab in at a local gym. We are returning to Duke about twice a month for checkups and other appts. Tricia's latest bronch showed that her new lungs are continuing to improve.
Gwyneth is LOVING Kindergarten! She has been talking about it for what seems like forever, and she was so excited the first day. She recognized a few friends the first day and has made several new friends. We're very encouraged to see how much she is learning and growing already!
It's hard to imagine that we've been gone for ten months. Our last memories of being home were from this time of year last year, so everything seems like it just happened yesterday even though it has been an entire year...it's a very odd feeling. So many things have changed while we've been away, including several new neighbors (with kids!) who we are getting to know. We have been able to enjoy a few days at the beach and are catching up with friends. Life is slowly returning to normal.
We have so many people to thank for the past year of our lives, including those of you who continue to read and pray and encourage. This has been, by far, the most difficult part of our journey to date. I'll write more about this later, but while we prayed and hoped, neither Tricia nor I realistically believed that she would survive this past winter and spring. So many obstacles were place in her way, and yet, God continued to bless us far beyond what we could ever deserve. We continue to hold the Duke staff in the highest esteem and are so thankful for their amazing knowledge and care and for the way God used them to bring Tricia back to life.
To Tricia's two donor families, wherever you are, whether you ever read this or not, thank you.
Nate
Tricia continues to get stronger, although she is still having trouble putting on any weight. She is getting her rehab in at a local gym. We are returning to Duke about twice a month for checkups and other appts. Tricia's latest bronch showed that her new lungs are continuing to improve.
Gwyneth is LOVING Kindergarten! She has been talking about it for what seems like forever, and she was so excited the first day. She recognized a few friends the first day and has made several new friends. We're very encouraged to see how much she is learning and growing already!
It's hard to imagine that we've been gone for ten months. Our last memories of being home were from this time of year last year, so everything seems like it just happened yesterday even though it has been an entire year...it's a very odd feeling. So many things have changed while we've been away, including several new neighbors (with kids!) who we are getting to know. We have been able to enjoy a few days at the beach and are catching up with friends. Life is slowly returning to normal.
We have so many people to thank for the past year of our lives, including those of you who continue to read and pray and encourage. This has been, by far, the most difficult part of our journey to date. I'll write more about this later, but while we prayed and hoped, neither Tricia nor I realistically believed that she would survive this past winter and spring. So many obstacles were place in her way, and yet, God continued to bless us far beyond what we could ever deserve. We continue to hold the Duke staff in the highest esteem and are so thankful for their amazing knowledge and care and for the way God used them to bring Tricia back to life.
To Tricia's two donor families, wherever you are, whether you ever read this or not, thank you.
Nate
Friday, October 19, 2012
Discharged
After over a week in the hospital, Tricia was discharged on Wednesday. She began her physical therapy at Duke yesterday. She will go every weekday for about four hours to help strengthen her body in preparation to be placed on the transplant list.
I did not realize how sick Tricia has become until she got "home" on Wednesday. Her breathing is incredibly laborious. I was up most of that night in bed listening to her breathe...the bed literally shakes with each breath because she puts so much effort into it. It reminds me of this exact same time five years ago when she was pregnant with Gwyneth and I would wake up several times a night just to make sure she was still breathing.
I am very concerned for her. This has all come on so quickly, and I know it has her really worried that she won't be able to be strong enough to get on the transplant list.
We are in Durham now, Tricia is full time and I'll be traveling back home on the weekends whenever possible. This was much easier the first time when we did not have children. We are thankful for our family and friends who are helping us.
Please continue praying for Tricia, that she will be strong and healthy enough to be listed as soon as possible. Please pray for our children, Gwyneth and our foster child.
Nate
I did not realize how sick Tricia has become until she got "home" on Wednesday. Her breathing is incredibly laborious. I was up most of that night in bed listening to her breathe...the bed literally shakes with each breath because she puts so much effort into it. It reminds me of this exact same time five years ago when she was pregnant with Gwyneth and I would wake up several times a night just to make sure she was still breathing.
I am very concerned for her. This has all come on so quickly, and I know it has her really worried that she won't be able to be strong enough to get on the transplant list.
We are in Durham now, Tricia is full time and I'll be traveling back home on the weekends whenever possible. This was much easier the first time when we did not have children. We are thankful for our family and friends who are helping us.
Please continue praying for Tricia, that she will be strong and healthy enough to be listed as soon as possible. Please pray for our children, Gwyneth and our foster child.
Nate
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Activation Successful!
Just a quick not to tell you that Gwyneth's cochlear implant activation was successful! It will take some time for her to get used to this new device on her head, and probably a few months if not more before we begin to see her speech improve because of her new hearing. We'll return a few times over the next several months to have the audiologists adjust the settings until they get it exactly right for her needs.
If you want to learn more about the exact implant system Gwyneth has, you can read about the Cochlear Nucleus System here.
Nate
If you want to learn more about the exact implant system Gwyneth has, you can read about the Cochlear Nucleus System here.
Gwyneth's last photo pre-activation!
Gwyneth's new hearing!
Gwyneth's new friend, a koala with implants just like hers!
Highlight of our trip...Gwyneth bumped into a North Carolina hero in the lobby at Duke...do you know who this is?
Nate
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Cochlear Implant Activation Tomorrow!
We are so excited about Gwyneth's activation tomorrow! We have no idea how she will react...she has enough hearing in her left ear that we don't expect it to be too dramatic. We know that kids her age often have a difficult time adjusting, and considering she has had almost no hearing in her right ear for at least a few years, we are anticipating she might not be too happy with it at first.
We'll let you know how it goes!
Nate
We'll let you know how it goes!
Nate
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Cochlear Implant Surgery Report
Warning...a photo with blood below...
Gwyneth's surgery went very well. Took about 3 hours, and before they woke her up, they tested the device and took an x-ray to make sure it was positioned and working correctly. It was an outpatient surgery, so we were at our hotel no more than two hours after the surgery ended.
Gwyneth always wakes up from anesthesia very grumpy (we've been told some people react this way). She remained grumpy until she fell to sleep late that night. She was feeling a little better on Friday morning.
Tricia spent Friday morning at Duke beginning the transplant evaluation process. And, we were back home by 3:30 that day. By bedtime last night, we had weened Gwyneth off the heavy pain meds and she was showing signs of "normalcy". This morning, Gwyneth woke up feeling much better, and we were able to take her bandage off. By bedtime tonight, she was full of energy and laughter...amazing how quickly she recovers.
We return next week for a post-op appointment to make sure everything is healing well. In 3-4 weeks, we return again to activate the cochlear implant and run some tests to get it set up to best help her. We are very excited! Thank you for your prayers!
Nate
Gwyneth's surgery went very well. Took about 3 hours, and before they woke her up, they tested the device and took an x-ray to make sure it was positioned and working correctly. It was an outpatient surgery, so we were at our hotel no more than two hours after the surgery ended.
Gwyneth always wakes up from anesthesia very grumpy (we've been told some people react this way). She remained grumpy until she fell to sleep late that night. She was feeling a little better on Friday morning.
Tricia spent Friday morning at Duke beginning the transplant evaluation process. And, we were back home by 3:30 that day. By bedtime last night, we had weened Gwyneth off the heavy pain meds and she was showing signs of "normalcy". This morning, Gwyneth woke up feeling much better, and we were able to take her bandage off. By bedtime tonight, she was full of energy and laughter...amazing how quickly she recovers.
We return next week for a post-op appointment to make sure everything is healing well. In 3-4 weeks, we return again to activate the cochlear implant and run some tests to get it set up to best help her. We are very excited! Thank you for your prayers!
Nate
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Cochlear Implant Surgery
After about a year of research and discussion and prayer, we have decided to move forward with a cochlear implant surgery for Gwyneth. While she only has moderate hearing loss in her left ear, she has all but complete hearing loss in her right ear. Because of her hearing loss, her speech is very delayed, and only those who spend a great deal of time with her are able to understand more than a few of her words.
Gwyneth will receive an implant only in her right ear and will continue to use her hearing aid in her left ear. The surgery is schedule for tomorrow, July 19, and about a month later we will return to the hospital to have the implant "activated".
Nate
Gwyneth will receive an implant only in her right ear and will continue to use her hearing aid in her left ear. The surgery is schedule for tomorrow, July 19, and about a month later we will return to the hospital to have the implant "activated".
Nate
Monday, April 2, 2012
Greatest Gift
Four years ago today, I received the greatest birthday gift ever...from a total stranger. We still do not know who Tricia's donor was, and we probably never will, but we will never stop being thankful for that person's gift, and we will never stop praying for that person's family.
The video below might be the second greatest birthday gift I've ever received.
The video below might be the second greatest birthday gift I've ever received.
Nate
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
More Ladies' Home Journal Article
Here are a few photos I took from my phone of the magazine article. We found it in Walmart today, earlier than expected!
Nate
Nate
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
(Repost) Our Choice
The following was originally posted on January 20, 2008, less than two weeks after Gwyneth was born and just a few days after Tricia woke from her coma. I thought that today was a good day to repost it. I've changed a few dates so that they are accurate for today.
For all of her life, Tricia has been praying a very specific prayer, that God would use her life with CF to do something amazing and extraordinary. And, for the past few years, she has added a second specific prayer. Until recently, this second prayer was a secret from all but a few people...it was even a secret from me.
But, first, let me give you a little background about us.
Tricia and I met about 11 1/2 years ago one Sunday morning at our church (I promise I'll give you the whole story another time, 'cause it's good). It was love at first site for me, and we began dating almost a year later. I was (and still am) Tricia's first and only boyfriend.
I knew that this was the girl for me, and very early on in our relationship I explained to Tricia and her parents that I fully (or at least as fully as I could at that point) understood Tricia's disease and what that might mean for my future. While we wouldn't be married for another three years, I told them all that I was committing, then and there to becoming the caretaker that Tricia would need. I promised that I was looking to marry Tricia, and that if I had any doubts up to that point, I would have already bailed because I knew Tricia didn't need the stress of a hurtful relationship on top of the hardships of her disease.
I was 20 and Tricia was 19.
Tricia was in good health while we were dating, with just a very slow descent. Even when we married, you would never have known she had a killer disease. But, we knew that there were no guarantees, and that even a simple cold could literally become deadly for her in the matter of a few days. Talk of marriage came early, and we soon decided that we wanted to take advantage of every minute of our lives together. On August 24, 2003, we became engaged. We were married less than a year later on June 27, 2004.
The day after our honeymoon ended, I began my first full-time job (as worship leader at Westwood Hill Baptist Church) in VA Beach. Neither of us had finished college at that point, because, again, we wanted to make the most of the time we had. Some people thought we were foolish, and it wasn't an easy decision, but looking back, we know it was exactly what God wanted for us.
We knew we wanted to start a family, but we also wanted to have at least a little time all to ourselves, so, we gave ourselves about a year to just enjoy being two. That first year of marriage was full of fun and excitingly new things for us.
God did not make a woman more perfectly fit to be a mother than Tricia, and, although being a father scared me (and still does), I've always known that it was what I wanted as well. For nearly two years, we tried to get pregnant.
I know that this is not a long time compared to many stories I've heard, but, because of Tricia's declining health during that time, we knew our window of opportunity was not very large. And, because of Tricia's CF, as well as some other issues, we knew that conception was a small chance and pregnancy a huge risk for the two of us.
All during that time, while Tricia's CF doctors informed us of the risks, they were also very supportive of our decisions. In the spring of this past year (2007), however, they finally told us that a pregnancy would be more risk than we were willing to take. So, although it was very difficult, especially for Tricia, we halted our pregnancy plans.
At that same time, Tricia's docs also advised us to consider being evaluated for the double lung transplant that could save Tricia's life. The 5-day evaluation process took place at the end of June (2007) with good results (meaning Tricia was a candidate), and we began making our plans to transition to living part-time (and later full-time) in Durham.
All this time...all the while that we'd been married, Tricia had been praying that secret prayer. She knew, that what she was praying for would take something that beat the odds, that defied science and that could only be explained by God.
Tricia was praying for a "miracle baby".
We decided that September 4 (2007) would be the day that we would officially make the transition to Durham and Duke to begin the physical therapy that Tricia would need before being placed on the Transplant list. We moved out of the house we'd been renting for two years (in Nags Head, NC) and placed most of our belongings into storage while taking our bedroom furniture, medical supplies, clothes and a few other things into a spare bedroom at my parents house (where we planned on staying when we cam home on the weekends).
September 3 was a Sunday, and that night, as our church gathered together for a service, I took the stage to share the new and plans with many of our closest friends and family. Tricia stayed home because she was not feeling well (not unusual). Little did I know that, literally as I was sharing our plans with the church, Tricia was finding out that God was about to take us on a huge detour.
When I arrived home that night, feeling a sense of relief from telling the church about our plans, Tricia met me at the door with, "I have something to tell you, and I'm not sure how you're going to react..." Of course, I'm thinking our dog had gotten run over by a car, or something crazy... She took me into the bathroom, showed me the pregnancy tests (I think she used three just to be sure) and told me that she was pregnant. God was giving Tricia her miracle.
The next day, when we arrived at Duke, we immediately set up appointments with the transplant doctor, the OBGYN and Tricia's CF docs. The transplant doctor's reaction is not something I want to repeat (it went something like "holy ......!"). He advised us that our best choice would be to terminate the pregnancy.
The OBGYN told us that she had never once recommended to any of her patients to terminate a pregnancy, but in Tricia's case, she was making the exception.
Tricia's CF doctors already knew exactly what our decision was going to be about keeping/terminating the baby, and other than a look of shock, they were very supportive (as was everyone else once we told them of our choice).
This Sunday morning, thousands of churches across our country are remembering National Sanctity of Human Life Day. (read My Dad's Blog for more about the history/purpose of this day)
In years past, I've taken part in considering what this day is all about, but it's always been just a passing thought. I'm sure there have been a few years when I didn't even really think about it at all.
But this day has now taken on such a completely different meaning. In the past, it has been about standing up for what my Christian world view tells me is right and against what is wrong. But, now I'm seeing those things as the smaller picture.
God is showing me, through the life of my wife and my daughter, that today is really about two things.
1) Sanctity of Human Life is about trusting God.
No matter what side we may fall on with the issue, abortion is not a belief. It is a choice that is birthed out of a belief. Our belief was that God wants what's best for lives, that it was God Who allowed this pregnancy to happen, and that it needs to be God who determines the final outcome. Because of our belief in God, our choice was easy.
For us, abortion was not about life or death, murder, right or wrong, etc. Our choice simply came down to whether or not we were seriously willing to trust God. And really, what else did we have to hang on to at that point? To abort would mean to turn our back on God...Tricia's chances of surviving the pregnancy were 50/50, Gwyneth's were even less, and the window of opportunity for the transplant seemed to have come and gone. But we knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God was answering Tricia's prayer by giving us this opportunity.
2) Sanctity of Human Life is about making the most of our time with others.
If I have learned anything during the past few months, it is that my time with Tricia, and her time with me and others she loves is never a guaranteed thing. I have probably spent more time with Tricia in the past 5 months than I had the previous 3 years of our marriage, by her bedside nearly every moment.
I have seen my attitude and perspective change about certain things regarding my role as a care-giver. The things that used to make me cringe, I do with joy. The tasks that caused me to roll my eyes because I missed a few minutes of television show, or a few seconds of football game have become the things that I look forward to the most. My favorite part of the day now is getting into my Jeep and driving to the hospital, knowing that I have a full day of just being with or around Tricia and Gwyneth.
It would only take a few moments for me to easily become a childless widower. But, that's really how all of life is. We never know what the next second will bring. I hope to never look at life the same, never again choose to take my family and friends for granted, and never pass by another stranger without looking for an opportunity to be a blessing.
I am not perfect. In fact, I consider so many others in my own life to be much more spiritual and strong and loving than I am. All I know is that, the moment we made that choice to trust God, my entire life changed.
And, for me, that is what Sanctity of Human Life is really all about. Simply living life in pursuit of loving God and loving people does so much more to change hearts and minds and lives than any hellfire sermon, political personality, or picketing campaign will ever accomplish.
Tricia literally came within a few breaths of sacrificing everything to give Gwyneth life. If that had been the case, and even if that is still what happens, to know that we have trusted God with our choice will get me through today and tomorrow.
God is answering both of Tricia's life prayers, at the same time...He is doing something extraordinary with her life by giving her the miracle baby.
I pray that today, you will take time to consider that human life is sacred because it comes from God, spend time appreciating the life you've been given, and love on the people you find yourself with.
Thanks!
Nate
For all of her life, Tricia has been praying a very specific prayer, that God would use her life with CF to do something amazing and extraordinary. And, for the past few years, she has added a second specific prayer. Until recently, this second prayer was a secret from all but a few people...it was even a secret from me.
But, first, let me give you a little background about us.
Tricia and I met about 11 1/2 years ago one Sunday morning at our church (I promise I'll give you the whole story another time, 'cause it's good). It was love at first site for me, and we began dating almost a year later. I was (and still am) Tricia's first and only boyfriend.
I knew that this was the girl for me, and very early on in our relationship I explained to Tricia and her parents that I fully (or at least as fully as I could at that point) understood Tricia's disease and what that might mean for my future. While we wouldn't be married for another three years, I told them all that I was committing, then and there to becoming the caretaker that Tricia would need. I promised that I was looking to marry Tricia, and that if I had any doubts up to that point, I would have already bailed because I knew Tricia didn't need the stress of a hurtful relationship on top of the hardships of her disease.
I was 20 and Tricia was 19.
Tricia was in good health while we were dating, with just a very slow descent. Even when we married, you would never have known she had a killer disease. But, we knew that there were no guarantees, and that even a simple cold could literally become deadly for her in the matter of a few days. Talk of marriage came early, and we soon decided that we wanted to take advantage of every minute of our lives together. On August 24, 2003, we became engaged. We were married less than a year later on June 27, 2004.
The day after our honeymoon ended, I began my first full-time job (as worship leader at Westwood Hill Baptist Church) in VA Beach. Neither of us had finished college at that point, because, again, we wanted to make the most of the time we had. Some people thought we were foolish, and it wasn't an easy decision, but looking back, we know it was exactly what God wanted for us.
We knew we wanted to start a family, but we also wanted to have at least a little time all to ourselves, so, we gave ourselves about a year to just enjoy being two. That first year of marriage was full of fun and excitingly new things for us.
God did not make a woman more perfectly fit to be a mother than Tricia, and, although being a father scared me (and still does), I've always known that it was what I wanted as well. For nearly two years, we tried to get pregnant.
I know that this is not a long time compared to many stories I've heard, but, because of Tricia's declining health during that time, we knew our window of opportunity was not very large. And, because of Tricia's CF, as well as some other issues, we knew that conception was a small chance and pregnancy a huge risk for the two of us.
All during that time, while Tricia's CF doctors informed us of the risks, they were also very supportive of our decisions. In the spring of this past year (2007), however, they finally told us that a pregnancy would be more risk than we were willing to take. So, although it was very difficult, especially for Tricia, we halted our pregnancy plans.
At that same time, Tricia's docs also advised us to consider being evaluated for the double lung transplant that could save Tricia's life. The 5-day evaluation process took place at the end of June (2007) with good results (meaning Tricia was a candidate), and we began making our plans to transition to living part-time (and later full-time) in Durham.
All this time...all the while that we'd been married, Tricia had been praying that secret prayer. She knew, that what she was praying for would take something that beat the odds, that defied science and that could only be explained by God.
Tricia was praying for a "miracle baby".
We decided that September 4 (2007) would be the day that we would officially make the transition to Durham and Duke to begin the physical therapy that Tricia would need before being placed on the Transplant list. We moved out of the house we'd been renting for two years (in Nags Head, NC) and placed most of our belongings into storage while taking our bedroom furniture, medical supplies, clothes and a few other things into a spare bedroom at my parents house (where we planned on staying when we cam home on the weekends).
September 3 was a Sunday, and that night, as our church gathered together for a service, I took the stage to share the new and plans with many of our closest friends and family. Tricia stayed home because she was not feeling well (not unusual). Little did I know that, literally as I was sharing our plans with the church, Tricia was finding out that God was about to take us on a huge detour.
When I arrived home that night, feeling a sense of relief from telling the church about our plans, Tricia met me at the door with, "I have something to tell you, and I'm not sure how you're going to react..." Of course, I'm thinking our dog had gotten run over by a car, or something crazy... She took me into the bathroom, showed me the pregnancy tests (I think she used three just to be sure) and told me that she was pregnant. God was giving Tricia her miracle.
The next day, when we arrived at Duke, we immediately set up appointments with the transplant doctor, the OBGYN and Tricia's CF docs. The transplant doctor's reaction is not something I want to repeat (it went something like "holy ......!"). He advised us that our best choice would be to terminate the pregnancy.
The OBGYN told us that she had never once recommended to any of her patients to terminate a pregnancy, but in Tricia's case, she was making the exception.
Tricia's CF doctors already knew exactly what our decision was going to be about keeping/terminating the baby, and other than a look of shock, they were very supportive (as was everyone else once we told them of our choice).
This Sunday morning, thousands of churches across our country are remembering National Sanctity of Human Life Day. (read My Dad's Blog for more about the history/purpose of this day)
In years past, I've taken part in considering what this day is all about, but it's always been just a passing thought. I'm sure there have been a few years when I didn't even really think about it at all.
But this day has now taken on such a completely different meaning. In the past, it has been about standing up for what my Christian world view tells me is right and against what is wrong. But, now I'm seeing those things as the smaller picture.
God is showing me, through the life of my wife and my daughter, that today is really about two things.
1) Sanctity of Human Life is about trusting God.
No matter what side we may fall on with the issue, abortion is not a belief. It is a choice that is birthed out of a belief. Our belief was that God wants what's best for lives, that it was God Who allowed this pregnancy to happen, and that it needs to be God who determines the final outcome. Because of our belief in God, our choice was easy.
For us, abortion was not about life or death, murder, right or wrong, etc. Our choice simply came down to whether or not we were seriously willing to trust God. And really, what else did we have to hang on to at that point? To abort would mean to turn our back on God...Tricia's chances of surviving the pregnancy were 50/50, Gwyneth's were even less, and the window of opportunity for the transplant seemed to have come and gone. But we knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God was answering Tricia's prayer by giving us this opportunity.
2) Sanctity of Human Life is about making the most of our time with others.
If I have learned anything during the past few months, it is that my time with Tricia, and her time with me and others she loves is never a guaranteed thing. I have probably spent more time with Tricia in the past 5 months than I had the previous 3 years of our marriage, by her bedside nearly every moment.
I have seen my attitude and perspective change about certain things regarding my role as a care-giver. The things that used to make me cringe, I do with joy. The tasks that caused me to roll my eyes because I missed a few minutes of television show, or a few seconds of football game have become the things that I look forward to the most. My favorite part of the day now is getting into my Jeep and driving to the hospital, knowing that I have a full day of just being with or around Tricia and Gwyneth.
It would only take a few moments for me to easily become a childless widower. But, that's really how all of life is. We never know what the next second will bring. I hope to never look at life the same, never again choose to take my family and friends for granted, and never pass by another stranger without looking for an opportunity to be a blessing.
I am not perfect. In fact, I consider so many others in my own life to be much more spiritual and strong and loving than I am. All I know is that, the moment we made that choice to trust God, my entire life changed.
And, for me, that is what Sanctity of Human Life is really all about. Simply living life in pursuit of loving God and loving people does so much more to change hearts and minds and lives than any hellfire sermon, political personality, or picketing campaign will ever accomplish.
Tricia literally came within a few breaths of sacrificing everything to give Gwyneth life. If that had been the case, and even if that is still what happens, to know that we have trusted God with our choice will get me through today and tomorrow.
God is answering both of Tricia's life prayers, at the same time...He is doing something extraordinary with her life by giving her the miracle baby.
I pray that today, you will take time to consider that human life is sacred because it comes from God, spend time appreciating the life you've been given, and love on the people you find yourself with.
Thanks!
Nate
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Happy Birthday Gwyneth Rose!!!
Our Gwyneth Rose turns four today! So excited to celebrate with her! If I can find the pug toy, I'll take a photo for you.
Nate
Nate
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Reverse Gifting
One of our favorite days of the year is coming in just over a week! Gwyneth will be turning four! And, while we love birthday parties and cake and ice cream, our favorite part about this grand day is what we like to call "reverse gifting".
For the past two years for Gwyneth's birthday we've asked our friends and family to forgo any birthday gifts for Gwyneth (really, she has everything a four year old could want/need already) and instead purchase new or gently used preemie clothes for us to deliver to the Intensive Care Nurseries at DUKE and CHKD (the two hospitals that have taken such great care of Gwyneth for us). Over the past three years we've delivered nearly 100 gift bags full of clothes.
Gwyneth is now old enough to begin to understand what we're doing, and we're looking forward to continuing this for many years to come. It's a lot of fun and a great way to teach our daughter that her special day doesn't have to be all about her. Collecting and delivering these gifts has truly become one of the highlights of our year.
We learned from our experience at Duke that every little detail for a family of a newborn preemie can be a huge mountain of stress, including (maybe, especially, considering how hard they are to find) finding preemie clothes. Finding clothes tiny enough to fit a 4lb baby can be very difficult.
Here is a blog comment from a mother who received one the gift bags:
I just wanted to say Thank You! I arrived at the duke NICU today and received our onesie and your letter!! My son keylan, was born 3 wks ago @ 24 wks and weighing 1 lb 8 oz. Your gift really touched my heart. With everything going on, I haven't even thought about clothes. At times I feel so alone, to know their are people that care is truly a blessing!! Christy
Last year, we extended the invitation for our "reverse gifting" celebration of Gwyneth's birthday to our blog readers, and we had several people respond! We'd like to again invite you to participate if you want to. Gwyneth's birthday party isn't going to take place for a few more weeks, which means we have plenty of time to gather as many preemie clothes as possible.
If you would like to celebrate Gwyneth's 4th birthday with us in this way, here are three ways to do it:
1. Donate new or gently used preemie clothes to your nearest hospital Infant Care Nursery in honor of Gwyneth and/or any other preemie that has blessed your life.
2. Mail new or gently used preemie clothes to us. We'll deliver them for you to Duke and/or CHKD. (see mailing address and instructions below)
3. Mail or Email gift cards to us from either BabiesRUs or Target and we'll do the shopping for you. (see email and instructions below)
Thank you so much for considering joining us as we bless other preemie families in celebration of our daughter's birth and life!
Nate
Mail to:
Nathan Lawrenson
105 W. Soundside Rd. (for UPS)
PO Box 302 (for all other)
Nags Head, NC 27959
Click Here for My Email
We have had the most success shopping for preemie clothes at BabiesRUs and Target. You can also find lots of preemie clothes at Online Retailers.
E-GiftCards can be purchased at BabiesRUs Here and Target Here.
Please, keep clothes unwrapped (as in, don't wrap them in wrapping paper). The hospital prefers for gifts to be unwrapped so there are no surprises...we'll make sure to put them in gift bags for you when we deliver them. Also, feel free to include a personal note to the preemie family(s) with your gift.
We'll be accepting donations until the end of January. If you have any questions, please email or leave me a comment. Thanks!
For the past two years for Gwyneth's birthday we've asked our friends and family to forgo any birthday gifts for Gwyneth (really, she has everything a four year old could want/need already) and instead purchase new or gently used preemie clothes for us to deliver to the Intensive Care Nurseries at DUKE and CHKD (the two hospitals that have taken such great care of Gwyneth for us). Over the past three years we've delivered nearly 100 gift bags full of clothes.
Gwyneth is now old enough to begin to understand what we're doing, and we're looking forward to continuing this for many years to come. It's a lot of fun and a great way to teach our daughter that her special day doesn't have to be all about her. Collecting and delivering these gifts has truly become one of the highlights of our year.
We learned from our experience at Duke that every little detail for a family of a newborn preemie can be a huge mountain of stress, including (maybe, especially, considering how hard they are to find) finding preemie clothes. Finding clothes tiny enough to fit a 4lb baby can be very difficult.
Here is a blog comment from a mother who received one the gift bags:
I just wanted to say Thank You! I arrived at the duke NICU today and received our onesie and your letter!! My son keylan, was born 3 wks ago @ 24 wks and weighing 1 lb 8 oz. Your gift really touched my heart. With everything going on, I haven't even thought about clothes. At times I feel so alone, to know their are people that care is truly a blessing!! Christy
Last year, we extended the invitation for our "reverse gifting" celebration of Gwyneth's birthday to our blog readers, and we had several people respond! We'd like to again invite you to participate if you want to. Gwyneth's birthday party isn't going to take place for a few more weeks, which means we have plenty of time to gather as many preemie clothes as possible.
If you would like to celebrate Gwyneth's 4th birthday with us in this way, here are three ways to do it:
1. Donate new or gently used preemie clothes to your nearest hospital Infant Care Nursery in honor of Gwyneth and/or any other preemie that has blessed your life.
2. Mail new or gently used preemie clothes to us. We'll deliver them for you to Duke and/or CHKD. (see mailing address and instructions below)
3. Mail or Email gift cards to us from either BabiesRUs or Target and we'll do the shopping for you. (see email and instructions below)
Thank you so much for considering joining us as we bless other preemie families in celebration of our daughter's birth and life!
Nate
Mail to:
Nathan Lawrenson
105 W. Soundside Rd. (for UPS)
PO Box 302 (for all other)
Nags Head, NC 27959
Click Here for My Email
We have had the most success shopping for preemie clothes at BabiesRUs and Target. You can also find lots of preemie clothes at Online Retailers.
E-GiftCards can be purchased at BabiesRUs Here and Target Here.
Please, keep clothes unwrapped (as in, don't wrap them in wrapping paper). The hospital prefers for gifts to be unwrapped so there are no surprises...we'll make sure to put them in gift bags for you when we deliver them. Also, feel free to include a personal note to the preemie family(s) with your gift.
We'll be accepting donations until the end of January. If you have any questions, please email or leave me a comment. Thanks!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Gwyneth's Great Strides Page!
Gwyneth is three and a half, and with our Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis coming up this Saturday, we thought she was old enough to begin helping us raise money to find a cure for CF. Please, take the time to check out Gwyneth's Great Strides Page and consider donating to help us find a cure for CF!!!
Nate
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
New Glasses
First, thank you for praying for Tricia. She is nearly fully recovered from her surgery. Yet to know if the surgery has made a difference, but we're just happy that she's back on her feet and back to "normal".
Gwyneth's new glasses arrived yesterday! Her prescription changed, and we were told that it would be cheaper to purchase new frames than to change the lenses. So, we let her pick out the color. We decided to try rectangle frames this time, and she picked the purple, even over the same pink color as her old frames. We love them! The color is actually a darker purple than what showed up in this photo, so I'll try to take a better photo for you later.
Gwyneth's new glasses arrived yesterday! Her prescription changed, and we were told that it would be cheaper to purchase new frames than to change the lenses. So, we let her pick out the color. We decided to try rectangle frames this time, and she picked the purple, even over the same pink color as her old frames. We love them! The color is actually a darker purple than what showed up in this photo, so I'll try to take a better photo for you later.