Kelsey is officially on the schedule for Open Heart Surgery first thing Monday morning!!!! We have to be up there at 6:30 am to hold her before she goes to get ready around 7:30. The actual surgery will start around 9:30 and last till around 12:00. All of these times are an estimate but kind of gives you an idea of what will be going on. When Andy told me we had to be up there to hold her at 6:30am, I started crying thinking it could be the last time I hold her. I know that's not thinking positive or having faith but it's the part of me that's scared about Kelsey having open heart surgery. I know they have come a long way with heart surgery like this but Kelsey's surgery is not typical. She has lots of other issues besides her heart that will make this very complicated, and the surgeon reminded us all about them. They really don't know how her liver will respond to this surgery, being on the the heart-lung pump and how well it will do in the recovery process. I will give you more details and what to specifically pray for as soon as I know more. Monday will be a big day for the Up Family.
I love listening to Christian music and during the last several months it has been a huge encouragement for me. At the moment one of my favorite songs is "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless. The whole song is full of encouragement for me, here's what the chorus says: "I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become bran new. That's what faith can do." I know my God is a God of miracles every time I look at my little baby girl. She has come a long way in 5 months (Monday is her 5 month birthday) and she's a fighter (just ask the nurses). Every time that ugly old scary feeling that Kelsey could died during or after surgery rears it's ugly head I just need to think of all the things God has helped us over come so far and know He is and will always be with Kelsey and me. I know this in my head, my heart just needs to be remind every now and then (and sometimes, it's the other way around).
Thanks for all the prayers
Patti
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Praying for Monday and all that it brings. May God give you strenght, peace and courage.
ReplyDeleteJen Bell Riley
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen.
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for Kelsey and your family. May God draw you close and hold you tight through this trial.
Patti and Andy,
ReplyDeleteJoe and I will be praying for you and Kelsey on Monday and many other days. Patti, do you remember the song from your high school days in FBC youth choir, "Carry You"? He WILL carry you no matter how heavy your load. Thanks for sharing your song. It made me think of this one.
Love and Prayers,
Nancy McKinney
Andy & Patti:
ReplyDeleteI just read this recent update regarding Monday's heart surgery. Although strange to say, I am so grateful for the surgery to finally be happening. I am confident that this repair will be significant in Kelsey's healing. I know first hand that God uses pediatric cardio-thorasic surgeons for His healing purposes, you are in good hands.
As you prepare yourself for Monday morning, remember that Mary and I know exactly the feeling and worry that you are facing. My encouragement to you is that you cling tightly to one another between now and the time when you hold her again in recovery. In those moments of despair and overwhelming worry cling even tighter to Jesus. God is enough, even in the midst of heart surgery.
I hope you know that Kelsey and your family has been and is being covered in prayers. We will trust with you in God's plan for her life. We love you all and will be checking on you.
Connor Bales
Kelsey is SO STRONG! She is going to come out of surgery kicking & screaming! ;) We will keep you, Andy, Keeton & especially Miss Kelsey in our prayers! Please update as soon as you can!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you always,
The Ohlsons
The conflict between healing/recovery and preparing for the worst is a difficult one. Be it miracles vs. tragedy or hope vs. reality, you have your faith in God and His many warriors that surround you and lift you. He WILL carry all of you, as he has been.
ReplyDeleteI will pray for strength for Kelsey, patience and peace for you and Andy and your family, wisdom and care by the medical teams, and love and hope to surround you all.
Love you and have you close to my heart. Let me know if you need anything - even if it sounds trivial or silly to you - I'm here.