Thursday, February 17, 2011

This morning we received some very hard news. Dr. Seear (Benjamin's respirologist) told us that Benjamin's lungs have not improved during the week he has been on ECMO. This is not good news as they are worried that his lungs have been damaged beyond the point of repair. Benjamin will continue to be on ECMO till next Thursday at which point the Dr. will talk to us again. Right now we are both having a hard time with this as it seems that even though the Dr told us not to give up hope, things are looking hopeless. We do know that if he dies, he will be in a better place but it is hard to let him go. Benjamin is still very comfortable and is not in pain. It is an emotional rollercoaster right now as last night they were going to start weaning him off ECMO but as they tried to wean him off they realized it wasn't working and that his lungs had not improved.

We ask that you pray for extra strength for us to get through today & the next week. And pray for peace for Benjamin. And peace for us whatever may happen.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is NOT what I was hoping to see when I logged in this morning. I can only imagine how you are both feeling! May you feel His comforting arms around you and His peace as he carries you through this.

{HUGS}

Ev

Betty said...

Oh, Greta & Gary! We will just pray for peace for you guys and Benjamin. I don't know what else to say - know that we are thinking of you and praying through our day as we wait on God's plan.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear the bad news about Benjamin. We hope and pray that he may recover and be part of your family for a long time. We also know that the Lord is in control of his life and to be with Him would be gain for your child Benjamin. Yet we may wish that the Lord would heal his body so that he can be with us here below on earth. We will continue to pray for healing and strenght for this trial in your life .Big Hugs Love Dad and Eleanore and family

Anonymous said...

So tough when things seem hopeless ... but no matter what God WILL grant healing for Benjamin - either here on earth or with him in Heaven. I know you know this of course and that even "knowing" it doesn't make it easier to accept. We will continue to keep your family and especially Benjamin in our prayers. May He wrap you in His arms of comfort and care. Katrina & Colin and family

Anonymous said...

"When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I "
Psalm 61:2

We are praying these words with and for you. May you feel our Heavenly Fathers arms around you.
I'm happy that Benjamin is warm and comfortable now. Praying UNCEASINGLY.
Love, Tim & Alice

Martin and Wieska said...

So sorry to hear this. We too, continue to pray for the loving arms of God to surround each one of you.
"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." ~Psalm 61:1-2
Praying you will find Him to be your Rock of strength.

Eileen said...

We are very sorry to learn of this news. We totally can understand how you are feeling. It takes much strength to go through all that you're going through. Just know that we are thininking of all of you and sending all our love and hugs. Praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

My mother's heart aches for you...we will keep praying for healing, strength, and peace that passes all understanding...God bless and comfort you in this very difficult time, The M. Pronk Family

Michelle Vandepol said...

hugs and prayers

♥ the vandepols

Barb Delviken said...

Dear Lord Jesus

I ask that you cover Benjamin and his Family today with your Peace, Comfort and Healing. Lord, I know how much Benjamin's family Love Him and how much more You Love Him. I Thank You for creating Benjamin, using his life to impact others and I pray for your perfect will to be done in his life. I praise you for the gift that Benjamin is to his family and to others.
I Thank You for giving Benjamin to such good parents, who have been diligent in seeking your leadership and wisdom, and so I ask that you would make your will very clear to them as they seek answers for his care and what is best not only for Benjamin but the rest of his family. Amen

It was so good to see Kyle at Pre School today and he seemed so happy to be there. My heart ached for Benjamin as he could not be there.

Hugs to All of You <3

Anonymous said...

Hey Greta! I heard about the hard times that have come your way. You and your family are in my prayers constantly! I pray for strength and for comfort for you all!
♥ Jolene

Kathy said...

We are sorry for this news.
Know that we continue to pray unceasingly. We pray that you will feel the presence of our Heavenly Father surrounding you.
And may He give you strength and peace.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Ps.121:1-2

iFlyOnline.com said...

Dear Greta and Gary,

You and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. May God grant you the strength and guidance you need to go through this very difficult time. I will continue to pray that He heals your sweet little boy and that you may yet have him as a part of your life for many years to come. Whatever happens though, you know that God is holding him close in his almighty arms, and that where ever Benjamin travels now he will never go there alone.

Our love to you,
Steve and Johanna (I think you know that I am your Dad's cousin in Nova Scotia)

Anonymous said...

Dear Gary and Greta and family,

I'm praying for you and for Benjamin much!

Love, Jeff

Anonymous said...

Dear Greta and Gary and family,
How my heart weeps with you. I don't know what to say.Praying God's peace to surround and hold you. Love Nelly

Anonymous said...

Greta,
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we pray that God will give you strength and His peace as you go through this trial.
Love Ed and Rachel

Anonymous said...

Dear Gary & Greta
We will continue to pray for all of you. It's our prayer that you will experience that..."God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Gerrit & Connie said...

Thanks for keeping us postewd on Benjamin's situation from day to day as the Lord walks you through this new situation which has indeed been a rollercoaster these past years. You are all in our prayers and thoughts

Here we stand
At the crossroads again
Like You said
In time the seasons change

Looking back
We recall the blessing and the pain
But now we turn our hearts toward
What is still to come
We want to trust again

Lead us Lord
Into a life of fruitfulness
Prepare our hearts to trust again
And as we trust
Taking simple steps of obedience we know
That You will lead us Lord

Love,

Gerrit & Connie

Jenny said...

Oooohhhhh Gary and Greta...how difficult this is for you. It is so heartbreaking to see your children suffer! So thankful you can turn to the Lord to help you carry this load. Will pray He will be very near, like the "Footprints Poem" that He will carry you through this. Love Henry and Jenny Jansen
Hugs!

Melissa Kendzierski said...

Praying for you and your family

Anonymous said...

We can't imagine what trials you are going through just know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Frank & Mel

Anonymous said...

Dear Gary & Greta, Our hearts break for you. It's hard to lose a loved one but it's hard to see them suffer too. May God comfort & strengthen you during this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Love from Uncle Adam & Aunt Annie