Peyton Update

First off, Karen and I would like to say that we are completely overwhelmed and blown away by every one's generosity and willingness to help. We hate it that we can't be home with the rest of our family and we miss our kids dearly, but it makes it somewhat easier, knowing that our kids are safe and with people who are taking great care of them (by the way, does anyone know where they are today). HA HA! Seriously though, we really do appreciate all of the help that everyone has so quickly offered. You guys are truly a blessing to our family in so many ways.

As for Peyton, things are still pretty much the same. We spoke to the doctors this morning and no changes have shown up regarding her heart. The plan is still the same and if nothing happens by sometime in the evening tomorrow, they will start making plans for surgery early next week. We are still hoping and praying that things change before tomorrow.

We spoke to Peyton's cardiologist in Greenville via phone yesterday. He called us as soon as he found out. He is an awesome christian man and had lots of words of encouragement for us yesterday. It is pretty awesome when a doctor tells you that you have the wisdom of medicine on your side but that we have something even better than that as well in God, the Great Physician. He said that he will be praying for her heart to recover as well and said that even if it didn't, God has still blessed men and women with the minds to do amazing things to keep all of us healthy and alive. No matter what direction we go, God is at the center of it all. Thank you Doc. for those encouraging words.

So we find ourselves waiting, still. We should know what direction we are going by tomorrow sometime. We appreciate all of the prayers for Peyton's health. We have been told by so many that SO many are praying. To that, our family says, THANK YOU!!!

She continues to hang in there and everyday that passes, her spunky personality comes back even more. She is starting to eat and drink a lot better and seems to be doing really well, considering the circumstances.

One other area for prayer is her two aneurysms. The doctors, at this time, have agreed to do nothing surgical about those and just watch them. It turns out that one of them is so unique and rare that no one down here knows anything about it. They are not sure if it is aggressive, dangerous, etc. They have looked in literature and can only find a few cases where it was surgically removed, so no mention of monitoring it, how fast it grows, how harmful if bursted, etc. The other thing regarding the aneurysms is that it will require them to stop her heart for the surgery and put her on a heart/lung bypass machine. This is potentially more dangerous to her than just monitoring it. This is not a comforting answer, but as we have learned with Peyton, we have to trust this medical team and God with her life. Karen and I know that we are never in control of life, but when we come here, that is made even more real to us. I mention this, because we would love for you guys to pray for this and that more information will be gained so that our little girl has the best prognosis and a decision can be made with more certainty. Right now it seems to be an educated guess.

Peyton's older sister, Taylor came down to see her yesterday and that really made Peyton happy. They played doctor together in the BIG play room here at the hospital and she was really sad to see Taylor go. Her little brother, Houston showed back up yesterday and is down here staying with Karen's parents. She really enjoys seeing him as well but gets frustrated (in her words) when he tries to pull on her monitoring cords. All in all, she is really doing OK. The doctors said that even though there are some developmental issues with her heart, the heart is in really good shape and that is why even with a heart block, she is still doing well. She seems to be short of breath sometimes and tires out easily, but that is the extent. If her heart comes back to normal or the pacemaker gets installed, she will perk up even more.

Once again, we are so thankful for all of you. Even though Karen and I haven't responded to every comment, post, etc., we do see them and we do appreciate the words of encouragement. There have been so many people that we don't even know open up there house to us here in Charleston, offer to buy us hotel rooms, etc. As I said before, we are blown away.

We are still holding to our hope and we are praying for a miracle for her heart. No matter what happens, though, we trust in God and His plan for her life and for ours. He truly knows best. A song came to mind this morning as I was seeking encouragement from God's word and some of the words are:

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times he calms His child.

I know that God knows what He is doing with our precious angel. We are not doubting God at this time, rather we are running to Him. We don't understand why this is happening and maybe we never will, but we will continue to trust in Him. We know He can intervene into any situation, which is why we pray for the miracle in Peyton's heart. But, we also know that He may not and we will still rest comfortably in Him through the pain. One of God's many signs of His involvement in Peyton's situation is you guys. The words, the prayers, etc help us get through this. Again, we say THANK YOU!