Saturday, February 09, 2008

Update

First of all, let me just say that I have had all I can take of Williams Syndrome. Happiness gene, yeah, right.

Second, I have been avoiding all of you because it breaks my heart to hear about illness and surgery and angry outbursts from our kids who are blessed with the aforementioned happiness gene. I am currently unable to make sense of a genetic deletion that can bless a child with a beautiful personality and the gift of empathy and at the same time curse him with life-threatening cardiac issues.

Third, my sweet Ava is in the hospital again. This time it was a nasty virus that took her down. She was an inpatient for a week at Sparrow hospital, went home for a day or two, and now is at U of M. The poor baby just cannot eat or drink. Consequently, she dehydrates really quickly and really severely. Her doctors were concerned that her organs were beginning to shut down, but it seems that that crisis has been averted. It looks as though she will be getting a j-tube, which hopefully will get the food where it needs to be without causing such chronic vomiting. I hope so, because she has been steadily losing weight. She is lethargic and just not "Ava". I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will turn a corner soon, because she has been too sick for too long.

Last, but certainly not least, please pray for Whitney and her family. Things are as bad as they can get for her. Blake's prognosis is very poor. Laura and I feel very blessed to have met Whitney and Blake yesterday. She's such a sweet person, and little Blake is trying so hard to survive. Unfortunately, they are so far from home that it's very difficult for their family to be here. Thank goodness Troy is here right now, because Whitney should not be alone. I don't even know what else to say. It's just incredibly sad.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them
not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14



9 comments:

camille said...

Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about Ava. She is such a little sweetheart and I hope and pray the J tube will work and she'll return to her normal self. Thinking of and praying for you guys (and Blake too).
Do you know if Laura or Whitney need anything at the hospital? If so, please post their addresses, I'm sure our bloggy group could pull together and send them some sunshine.

Kerry said...

I hope Ava is doing better and getting stronger... she has her grandmother in her, so it's coming!! :)

Penny said...

God Bless Ava and please let Whitney know that I am praying for her and Blake as well. I'm with Camille....what can we do for you all?

Laura said...

Thank you for the update. I think and pray for you all everyday.
I hope the Jtube will bring some relief for poor little Ava.
Whitney and Blake are in my daily thoughts as well.
I'm with the ladies, if there is anything that they need or will make their day a bit brighter, please let us know, and where to send it. Mihaela would LOVE to make cards!

Noel said...

As with everyone else, just let us know if there is anything. I have talked to Whitney and I am glad that she got to meet you guys. I hate that Ava was in the hospital too though. :( Whitney is the kind of person that you just want to help and protect, if Lisa or I could talk her into it...we would both take her under our wings.
Thank you for meeting with her I know that it did her good to see a face that understood some of her thoughts.
Hugs to you and yours,
Noel

Tara said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Ava. She's had it so rough. I will continue to keep her and all of you in my prayers. I wish we all lived in the same neighborhood so we could all be there for each other. Please keep us updated on how she is doing. I was concerned when there hadn't been an update in a while.....thinking of you.
xoxo
Tara

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear about Ava. I am with the other ladies. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Ava is in my prayers.

Katie said...

Oh Kim,
I was so upset when i heard about Ava, I am relieved to get your update and praying for the J tube to work and let her recover quickly. Thank you for the update on little Blake too, i wish there was something i could do. Anything.
please take care of yourself too,
love you,
Katie

Christina and Tee Jay said...

Kim, I read your comments so often on my niece Clare's blog, and I just wanted you to know that since I heard about Ava's hospitalization, I have been praying. It has been a very tough day for everyone involved in these blogs, I know - I am praying with all of my might for everyone who has fears and sadness about WS (which, you're right - ISN'T all about a "happiness gene"), and especially for Whitney and her family. I was pleased to hear that Ava was home again. She, too, stays in prayer.