Monday, March 8, 2010

Requests for March 8, 2010

Last week, while my computer was on the fritz, a young friend of mine had to have extensive heart surgery. One among many in her life, as her birth and life since has not been the best for Elizabeth. Elizabeth was supposed to be a healthy and happy baby girl 19 years ago at her birth. However it didn't take long for the Doctors to realize she was in trouble.

I am not sure of all the problems then, or even now, however Little Rock Children's Hospital has become her home away from home. Even though the calendar tells us she has celebrated her 19th birthday, we who know Elizabeth think of her as our little girl. And in stature she is. Her growth was stunned because of all her medical problems - so to everyone who meets her will also think of her as a little girl.

Her surgery lasted 17 1/2 hours last Wednesday. The Doctor said it was the longest on his record. As her family including two brothers, one sister-in-law, her mom and dad, grandparents, cousins and aunts along with friends came to wait the day, the room was often somber. No one wanting to think of the intensive procedure that was taking place behind closed doors a few feet away. Hourly reports came and with each report we were still wanting more. For the surgery to be over, Elizabeth well and healthy, and blowing bubbles from a Styrofoam cup into the air, pestering all the little boys; A beloved pastime of hers.

Five days later, she is still in a medical induced coma - or twilight sleep. Being guarded closely in the critical care unit, it became necessary for the surgeon to install a pacemaker  to assist in regulating her heart.  Her heart rate has slowed down to around 20, she has had to have units of blood (how many, I'm not sure) and she does respond with a head shake when asked a question.

I just learned that while her frail body is trying to recuperate from the surgery, she has come in contact with a staph infection.

This is why you are reading this today in a more lengthy request than usual. It is most important to pray for Elizabeth today, that God have His way. With all the people whose prayer requests line she is on, I know God is hearing those prayers. I believe God will continue to hear the prayers we submit to our Holy God that does all things well. I also believe that if she does not pull through, God had other plans.  That is not an "out" in case He doesn't heal her.  We can only ask and believe, and the rest is left up to Him.  I do know God is able to deliver Elizabeth to her family WHOLE.  I do know HE can stop the staph infection before it spreads.  Oh Yes, I serve a God who cares.  I also know He has the bigger picture that we are not privy to see!

For now howeverfor let us prpay to the God of Mercy

• to stay the hand of death
• bring healing of body, mind and spirit.
• Bring renewed strength to Mona, Elizabeth's mother.
• Guard the heart of both brothers and their father and grant them Peace at this time, and Grace to come boldly before the throne of God to ask His help.

Yours for Intercession,

Doris

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