A word from Dad

A word from dad:

Hello, and thank you for reading on Hope's journey. I just wanted to add some of my thoughts. Hope's journey with short gut is unique, because we chose to forego extraordinary medical intervention. The hardest decisions that we as parents will ever be asked to make, are those that affect the lives of our children. We would like other parents to know that it is okay not to do everything that the doctors suggest. Facing the prospect of losing a child was the most difficult and trying time in our lives.

The consensus of the Doctors was that without medical intervention Hope would live two to three weeks at the most, that she would never gain weight, and she would die of malnutrition. Knowing this we decided to trust God, and brought Hope home under Hospice care. We prayed, not knowing if our prayers would be answered, but having faith that they would. First Hope was with us for Thanksgiving, Then for Christmas, Then the New Year. After three months she was discharged from Hospice Care, because she was growing instead of declining. Hope weighed 5 pounds 11 ounces when she left the hospital. Hope will be six months old tomorrow 05/05/08 and she now weighs over 10 pounds. Hope's six month birthday is both a miracle and milestone for all of us.

As Hope continues to grow and thrive I am in awe of the miracle given to us. It is the greatest feeling to see her smile, to hear he laugh, and to watch her wide eyed wonder as she discovers the world around her. Our other children love their baby sister, and try their best to show their affection. We don't know what the future holds, but we have faith that God will continue to bless us with the joy of having Hope with us.

I don't forsee myself posting very often, but for all of the parents of sick children out there may God bless you, and your children.