Thursday, September 20, 2007

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Update

I always read Jodi's posts before I load them onto their page. Each time I receive an email from Jodi I hold my breath and pray that I will read that it was a good day for Jodi, Ryan, and the babies. When they've had harder days, my breathe catches in my chest as I read the update. Today's update was particularly touching. Jodi has been my best friend for as long as I can remember and she has been there no matter what I have been going through. She has comforted me with her words when I've cried and has reassured me that indeed things will get better. Everything happens in His time according to His will.

That being said, I wanted to take a moment to reassure Jodi and Ryan that so many people are praying for each of you. Each day you are being lifted in prayer. Each day you are all in the hearts and minds of so many. I know the struggles you've faced, the road you've walked, and the pain you've felt while praying and trying for Olivia and Logan. The journey was long to get to where you're at today - and while you have your babies, the journey is not yet over.

Remember that each day is a new celebration. A celebration of the two lives that God has blessed you with. He chose each of you. You were hand-picked to be Olivia and Logan's parents. God knew that you would love them, provide for them, and fight for them. God does not make mistakes and this is no exception. There will always be the 'what-if's', but you must each know that Olivia and Logan were born at His choosing. You each did everything you should have done and could have done.

As I tell Jodi in our private emails, I am so amazed at her and Ryan. Through their children they are all reaching so many people. They are showing God's love through the most difficult time that either of them have experienced. God is working in their lives every day - but I believe he is also working in the lives of those who read this blog.

Please join me tonight by wrapping the Glunt family in your prayers. Please also be in prayer for the family who lost their little son.

Stacie

"Jesus says: 'Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also on me'" (John 14:1).
Today has been another difficult day. I just want to crawl into bed and never get up. Logan’s neighbor, a little boy named Johnrey, passed away today. Please keep his parents in your prayers and allow God to surround them with his love. It’s so hard to see the empty spot next to Logan and I wonder why such an innocent little life is gone. You know, I was given Percocet to help with the pain from my surgery. . . I don’t have to take it too much anymore, but when I do it gets rid of my pain. I wish there was a pill to take that would get rid of the pain in my heart. It’s just so hard being in the NICU every day. Sometimes it’s the hardest place in the world to be, but my babies are there so it’s also the only place I want to be. Sometimes I get so angry and wonder why I have to go through this? Why couldn’t I carry them to term and then take them home with me like most people do? Why do I have to read about all of the problems and disabilities that premature babies sometimes face and wonder if my child will face those problems too? Doesn’t God know how much we’ve wanted and prayed for these children? Then, I remember that anger isn’t going to help my babies. They keep fighting, so Ryan and I keep fighting and we’ll never stop. Whatever obstacles we face, we will get through them together. Logan and Olivia will always know that we will do anything for them and that they are so loved by so many people. I probably shouldn’t be posting in the mood that I’m in. But, I’m just reminded that life is so fragile. As much as we sometimes complain about life and its little annoyances, be reminded of all the people (big or small) that are fighting to hold on to theirs.

Anyway, on to the update. . . Logan is doing about the same. They’ve been doing a treatment on him called CPT that helps with his lungs. When we were there today he did not tolerate it at all. I don’t know how many times they had to bag him. He looks like he’s retaining some fluid again, but seems to still be urinating. His oxygen requirements have been a little lower today. Logan’s liver sonogram came back normal. I also believe that his endocrine doctor is going to monitor his thyroid levels throughout the next weeks to see if there is any cause for concern. He needs so many prayers to get him through this rough patch that he’s in.

Olivia is doing well, although, she had a major desat episode while she was being suctioned. She normally doesn’t have that many problems with suctioning and seems to be doing okay otherwise. She was increased to 12cc of milk and her oxygen requirements have still been pretty low. They had thought about removing her IV fluids today, but have not yet done so. Please continue to pray that she grows stronger every day.

Weight Update:
Olivia 1 lb 11 oz
Logan 1 lb 12 oz (some of this may still be fluid)

6 comments:

Michael Morales said...

We have no idea what you are going through, but can totally understand your anger and questioning of God. This came to mind.

Romans 11:33-36

Doxology

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Romans 11:33-36

We will continue to pray for your children.

Michael & Zoie

Anonymous said...

Lord Jesus, I am going to step out in faith believing in the plan You have for Logan. 'We have peace with God through You, Jesus. Through You we have access by FAITH into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh perseverance, and perserverance, character and character, hope: and hope does not disappoint.' Romans 5:1-5 Lord, I do not understand why Jodi and Ryan are suffering through this but I thank you for their dependance on you and the way their faith is bolstering the faith of others. If tribulation results in character, Logan and Olivia should be quite the characters! Thank you for your promise Lord that hope does not disappoint. Over and over I read of Your miracles and what You seem to require is belief. I believe Lord that You will heal Logan and strengthen Olivia. I believe that You will provide Jodi with a peace that passeth all understanding, that is more effective and long-lasting than Percocet. 'Now may the God of hope fill Jodi with all joy and peace in BELIEVING so that she will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' Romans 15:13 May Jodi abound in hope and abide in hope. What wonderful words: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. They appear over and over in Scripture. Give them to Jodi at this moment, Lord Jesus, as a lifeline to cling to in her pain and sorrow. Amen.
Laura

Tamar said...

A prayer read at my church a couple of weeks ago seemed fitting for the trials Jodi and Ryan are going through.

Prayer of Trust by Thomas Merton

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therfore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

So many thoughts and prayers are with you, Jodi, Ryan, Olivia, and Logan.

Tamar

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Jodi,
Stop looking at this tradgedy like an adult would see it, and look at how a child would see it. Right now you are playing the game...Tug-Of-War. Logan is on one side and Olivia is on the other. The knot is in the middle. You're pulling for both, obviously, but the knot is coming closer to Olivia. So being the loving and caring parents you are, you go over to Logan's side and pull for him. So, the knot goes back into the middle. And for me, it's not until the next update that I know who's side the knot will be closer to. But whoever it is, I know that you will travel the distance to the other side to make things even.
Game strategy:
1. Dig in your feet.
(Remember, the darker it gets, the easier it is to see the light.)
2. Always keep your feet moving.
(No matter where the knot is, your always pulling for God.)
3. Believe
(Even the smallest people can do the biggest and greatest things.)
Look at what baby Jesus did, lying in a manger.
SIZE DOESN'T MATTER!!!

I have no doubt in my mind that you will Win this game!

Keep pulling,
Shea

Anonymous said...

It is perfectly normal to feel anger and frustration and any other emotion you may have because of your love for Logan and Olivia. Even God's son asked why His Father had forsaken Him. Looking at that situation from our perspective 2000 years later, we know it was because of God's great love for us and His desire to have a relationship with us, that He sacrificed His own son. God loves you and He wants to hear your anger because He knows how much you love your little ones and He wants to wrap His arms of peace and comfort around your shoulders and show how much He loves you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. Cast your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Our love and prayers,
Chris and Jean

Anonymous said...

'I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.'

Philippians 4:13