Prayer Request

Hey y'all ~

We've had a rough week in our family...as many of you know, Chloe's prosthesis has broken several times this summer. Last week it broke so they replaced some of the inner components with stronger/heavier ones. She got her leggie back last Wednesday and right away was limping with it. This went on until Friday she was unable to walk in it at all. We took her back to see if the leggie needed adjustment. After 2 hours they were unable to adjust it and Chloe was exhausted. She stayed out of the leggie all weekend but her leg pain increased and she was spiking fevers as well.

So the following Monday we were even more concerned and we took her to the ER @ Johns Hopkins. After a "clear" xray and brief examination, they sent us home saying she was fine. The high fever came back that night and her pain increased even more.

Tuesday I took her in to see her Pediatrician (who I work for) and they tested her for strep (which was neg.) He examined Chloe's leg and immediately sent us for bloodwork and a bone scan at another hospital. The bloodwork came back ok but the bone scan showed the blood pooling right at the bottom of her leg, exactly where she complained of pain. After these results, they admitted her to the hospital with a diagnosis of possible Osteomyelitis (bone infection). Needless to say, Chloe was very upset as were we. The poor thing had to get 2 IVs put in and could not go home!

Chloe was put on super megga strong IV antibiotic right away. Then Wednesday they did more bloodwork which did show the raised levels they were looking for that confirmed their diagnosis. They also did an MRI (which was an absolute nightmare for a girl who is deathly afraid of loud noises and had to stay still for soo long). The MRI showed a possible abscess, this was the last news I was expecting or wanting to hear at this point. However, after examining her leg the Dr. ruled that out - thank the Lord! We were hoping to go home Thursday but Chloe was still complaining of leg pain when her leg was touched.

Yesterday (Friday) she had improved greatly and they released her to go home! She is currently taking Clendomycin (which is ridiculously awful tasting) 3x a day for 20 days. We are praying praying praying that this antibiotic is sufficient to kick the rest of the infection completely without any regressing. We are also praying for courage for Chloe to continue taking this medicine the full course.

She will be out of her prosthesis for at least a week to allow her leg to heal fully. We hope she can return to school since she has missed 6 days already! We just have to work out the details of a wheelchair, etc.

Anyways, we would really appreciate some major Prayer Support right now!! We have def. felt everyone's love and prayers so far and are depending on them for the duration. Thank you so very much!!

Please please pray!

My dad began experiencing horrific chest pains tonite. We took him to the ER ourselves and they did an EKG immediately to discover that he was having another heart attack. The Dr. did a catherization and found that one of the three bypasses (that was graphed to the artery that was 99% blocked) had closed. This caused the heart attack as the blood could not flow anywhere. The Dr. was able to put in two stints into dad's original artery that was blocked. He is in the ICU in our local hospital, we have just gotten home. Needless to say, my dad has been through a ridiculously rough night and my mom as well. I am to tired to even think straight but I wanted to get this on here to get some prayer support going up for my dad. I fully believe that God has spared my dad's life twice now in the past week and I am so unbelievably grateful. Please pray for these bypasses to hold strong, for the stints to hold strong....for continued healing of his incisions, for no infections, for rest/sleep. He will be in the ICU for a few days while they monitor him. Thank you so much!

Dad Update

Hi again,

Sorry it's been so long since my last update...this past Monday, my dad underwent the heart catherization to determine the cause of his chest "pressure/twinges". After just 30 min, they could tell that stints would do nothing because my dad had several artery blockages. The main artery in the heart was 70% blocked which was causing his distress, there were 3 other blockages ranging from 40 - 99% closed. Needless to say, the Dr told my dad he was just blessed to be still alive and kicking!! We are praising God for sparing my dad's life for sure!!

So, on Tuesday a.m. my dad had triple bypass open heart surgery. He came through the 3 hr surgery with flying colors! His heart began to beat immediately which was awesome! We went in to see him afterwards and he looked fabulous for undergoing a major operation. :) We are at Day 5 of hospitalization. Dad is fairly well after surgery, not in too much pain or discomfort. Today he began to walk the walls and did very well but was extremely tired afterwards. He sleeps most of the day but that is totally normal. They found today that his lung is collapsed. He doesn't seem to be short of breath but it can't be helping his healing.

Please continue to pray if you would for my Papa!! He is an amazing man, slow to complain or ask for anything...ridiculously hard to fuss over but Mom and I are doing our best!! :) I have been able to go down and visit every day this week...PTL for a flexible job! We are not sure when he will be able to come home...it may be at least Sunday if not later. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support during this difficult time. God is good, y'all...all the time!

Please Pray!

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note for prayer. My dad, Paul, has been in the hospital since Saturday night following chest pains and just not feeling well for the past few days. They are taking him right now to have a catherization done of his heart to check for blockages and any heart damage that may have been done. My dad has never ever been a sick man and it grieves my heart to see him in any pain. Please please pray right now and ask God for wisdom for the doctors, steady hands and quick senses to see anything that is amiss. Peace for all of us who are trying to choose to rest in God's strength and peace but whose hearts are anxious. Thank you so much, will post again.

Update and Thanks!

Dearest friends and family,

I cannot thank y'all enough for our FULL to the brim email inbox of notes of prayer and love for Chloe and our family...what encouragement they brought to us!! :D  

Chloe's surgery was a perfect success! PTL! Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Our sweetie was a super star as she smiled her way from the Pre-Op room down the hall, into the OR to laying down and breathing in that funny mask...she was SMILING! Wow, what a testimony of God's grace and peace covering us all through the prayers of YOU guys. I truly felt so at peace and obviously Chloe did too!! :) The only time I felt the tears was when she went to sleep and I had to leave her. There is just no easy way to do that. But God is good. My parents sat with both Joel and I and were such a great support and kept us talking and laughing! The surgery took 2 hours and recovery was about 1 hour. Recovery was a bit rough, it's so difficult to see her so out of it and not talking...which y'all KNOW is unusual for our girl! :) But pretty soon she was back to her chatty self and we headed up to her private room (hallelujah) on the children's Oncology floor. There is nothing more sobering than walking those quiet hallways and taking time to give thanks that your child is only there over night. 

The Drs gave her a nerve block once she was sedated and that seemed to give her a pain free night! PTL! Of course no one actually gets to sleep in hospitals but it wasn't too bad. Chloe turned into "chatty Kathy" big time last night and all my mom and I could do was laugh! Hey, talking is better than crying in my book!

So we are home now and Chloe is settled onto the couch with food, cartoons and a good dose of pain medicine. We have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on Friday. She will change the leg wrap for us and check to see how Chloe's leg is doing. We are waiting for a walker and crutches to be delivered to us so Speed Racer can get back to moving the way she is used to! Heaven help us keep her still some of the time! :D

Thank you all again SO MUCH for your love and prayers for Chloe and the rest of us! We felt loved and carried by them beyond a shadow of a doubt!! God is good, all the time.

Love and thanks from the bottom of our hearts...

Please Pray!!

Hi Everyone!

I'm writing again to ask for that powerful prayer support that y'all have lended to our family time and time again! You cannot imagine how much it means to us, every email and phone call and note...the last time we asked you to pray for Chloe. Well, here we are again with a second shot at surgery ahead of us tomorrow, Dec 1st. This time is different from the last date, I truly feel the arms of the Father holding us and carrying us. That old panic and worry feeling that my Mama's heart gets when it comes to Chloe has not come so far...must be those awesome prayers!! Chloe too, seems to be at peace as well tonite. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for loving our family and for bringing us before God's throne of amazing grace. 

Chloe's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:45 a.m. The Dr. told us that it should be about an hour long surgery. We've also heard that she may not have to spend the night in the hospital after all, which is fab news!! We'll see how she is doing I guess after surgery. Prayerfully, her pain will be minimal and she will be out of recovery quickly! Joel and I are both off this whole week to be home with our girl and I am so grateful for that. My parents are here for us as always, so supportive and helpful!

Oh yes, one more SUPER COOL thing happened today at church, during communion...Chloe asked Jesus to come into her life and give her a new heart! Those angels up in heaven are dancing a jig with US over the NEW BIRTH of our sweet daughter! With tears in my eyes and a full heart, I just had to share that...

I hope to update y'all as soon as I can, prayerfully tomorrow night from HOME! :) 

Til then, thank you so much and we love you guys!!

With love and thankful hearts...

Surgery Postponed!

November 17, 2008

Dear ones,

Thank you so much for your outpouring of love, prayers and support following my last email. This morning the Surgeon called and talked with me about Chloe's cough/cold. She really feels that we would be risking Chloe's health and recovery to push for the surgery today. The hospital is apparently full of people sick with RSV and with Chloe already fighting something, we both feel that it would not be wise to put her in unnecessary danger for a greater illness in addition to recovery from the surgery itself. 

So, whew...I must admit it is a strange sense of relief and disappointment. We had everything lined up with both work places, school, etc, however I am glad that today I can just be at home with my sickie and my husband and not face her surgery today. Truly God's timing is perfect and we believe that He simply has her home today and we trust that He has a perfect reason for that. I am so glad that we trust in a God who is the blessed controller of all things and wants what is absolutely the best for us and especially our precious Chloe.

Tentatively, the surgery has been postponed for December 1st. The surgeon only operates on Mondays and that will give Chloe 2 weeks to recover! Another update will be sent out to let you know the specifics when we know. We soo appreciate your prayers in the meantime for her leg, that it will not cause her any more pain or discomfort. And this surgery date still leaves enough time for her to get back on her feet before Christmas!! :)

Thanks so much again...

With much love,

Joel, Kari, Alex and Chloe

PRAYERS NEEDED!!!!

*email I sent out*

Dearest family and friends,

Hello!!  We pray this email finds you all well and enjoying the last of the beautiful fall weather. It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of another year! It has been a while since we have updated everyone on our sweet Chloe and it is that time again.

Chloe has been experiencing pain at the end of her leg for over a month. After several adjustments to her prosthetic leg she was still having difficulty. We took her for a check up with the Orthopedic Surgeon who originally operated on her in '06. They took x-rays and discovered that the pain was caused by a "bone spike" at the end of her leg bone. This is not unusual and they had told us before that this "overgrowth" was a real possibility for Chloe, seeing as she is so young and still growing lots! The Dr. said they would need to do a revision of the amputation but that there was no hurry.

However, following the appointment Chloe began to have more pain and we decided to go ahead with the surgery. So, that is where we are. Chloe's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday the 17th at 11:30 a.m. They will be taking off the bone spike as well as taking off some of the end of the leg bone to allow for more space for soft tissue. Finally, they will be wrapping a teflon pad around the end of her bone to hopefully slow down and/or stop this spiking from happening so frequently. 

There is an added element and that is Chloe has developed a cough/cold. If she worsens or if they examine her tomorrow and decide she is not well enough for surgery, they will cancel it. 

This is where our wonderful and and amazing friends and family come in!! 

WE NEED ALL THE PRAYER POWER WE CAN GET right now........

this is what we're asking prayer for ~

1. Complete healing of Chloe's cough/cold by tomorrow morning.
2. Wisdom for the Drs. to know whether or not to do the surgery.
3. Peace and strength for Chloe to face another painful surgery and healing.
4. Skill and accuracy for the Drs. as they operate on 1 of the 2 most precious people in our lives.
5. Quick, safe and uncomplicated surgery.
6. Quick and comfortable recovery and complete healing for Chloe.
7. Strength and joy for Chloe as she will be out of her prosthesis for 2-3 weeks and creativity for us to keep her occupied!
8. Grace and peace as we release Chloe once again and the strength to choose to believe the truth that God the Father loves her more than we do and has everything under control!

We cannot thank you enough for your prayers and love and encouragement! 

With much love and grateful hearts,

Joel, Kari, Alex and Chloe

Appointment update

Thanks y'all so much for your sweet words and prayers for Chloe and the appointment she had on Friday!  You don't know how much it meant that so many would stop by and leave a note...it was a huge encouragement and I could so feel God's strength and peace that day.

We met with the Orthopedic surgeon who first operated on Chloe in 2006.  They took an x-ray and upon reviewing it and examination of Chloe's leg, it was determined that she is experiencing a bone spike.  Basically, the growth plate at her knee is intact and so the bone will continue to grow.  What is happening now is that there is a thin, curved and sharp protrusion at the end of the bone that is causing Chloe pain.  They had warned us from the beginning that this would be a possibility and it seems that this is now reality for our girl.  The Dr. assured us that this was not an emergency but seeing as how Chloe is super tough and never complains normally...when she complains of pain with her leg, we take her seriously.  Honestly, there is no way I can stand to watch her limp in pain or ask to take her leg off because of pain for another several months. 

So where does all that mean?  Well, it means another surgery for Chloe.  They will need to go in and remove part of the end of the bone.  This will allow plenty of soft tissue to once again surround the bone and relive any discomfort.  It will be an overnight in the hospital and Lord willing only a 2-3 week recovery period.  Chloe will have a cast on and she'll be out of her leg during her recovery and will be out of school too.

The Dr. suggested that we pick a date that we felt would be good timing for this surgery to be done.  Joel and I are feeling that it should be done soon as we continue to hear her and watch her be uncomfortable.  We sure would appreciate your prayers, pray for wisdom for us in this decision and the words to speak to Chloe so that she will understand what is going on and not be afraid.  And of course, wisdom for the Dr. as well.

Thanks so much!!  :)

My sweet Mama is such a great support...she joined us at the appointment!  :)

Please please pray!

Dear friends...

If you are reading this, would you please pray for our Chloe?  We are taking her for her annual check-up with the Orthopedic Surgeon this morning.  It has been over a year since she was last at Johns Hopkins to see the Dr.  There is some concern in my heart for the condition of the bone in her leg.  She has been complaining of some pain.  They will likely do an x-ray to see how her leg is doing and check on any bone growth, etc.  This is weighing on my heart as I'm sure you can imagine.  I am just anxious to find out that everything is fine with our sweet girl.  I will certainly post an update on our return.  

It would be such an encouragement if you left me a comment if you are sending up a prayer for us today...any heart thoughts would be appreciated!

Thank you so much!! 

Isaiah 26:3 NLT ~

"You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in You,

all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"

Pray her home!!

Recently I came upon Bridgette's bright and cheery blog "the not so blog blog"...her family has unfortunately been displaced by the hurricane and are still not home.  Head on over and visit a while and leave her some comment love and encouragement!  She is also hosting a lovely giveaway in memory of hurricane Katrina...in the midst of all this upheaval, amazing woman!  :)  

Hurricane Gustav

Hurricane Gustav Notes, Stats, Facts
Read Source Here.
9:17 a.m. ET 9/1/2008
Editor's Note: This is a running collection of notes, reports, and statistics about Hurricane Gustav.
--
9:15 am ET
The National Hurricane Center reported at 8 am CT that Hurricane Gustav has weakened to Category 2 storm.
--
9 am ET
A Grand Isle, Louisiana, wind instrument measured a 105 mph gust around 8:15 am ET.
--
8:55 am ET
FEMA says it has enough food, water, ice and other supplies stockpiled for 1 million victims over the next three days.
FEMA Deputy Director Harvey E. Johnson says an estimated 2 million people have been evacuated from Louisiana, but as many as 10,000 remain in the New Orleans area.
--
8:50 am ET
President Bush is headed to the Gulf Coast. He's going to Texas, a staging ground for emergency response efforts and a shelter state for evacuees. He was supposed to have addressed the Republican National Convention tonight, but that speech has been canceled.
--
8:40 am ET
Heavy rain has been falling in southern Louisiana. The National Weather service reported at 7:19 am CT that Grand Isle had gotten 14.61 inches in the previous 24 hours.
--
8:05 am ET
The Weather Channel meteorologists and reporters are all over the Southeast covering the effects of Gustav. Currently, Jim Cantore is in Houma, La., Jeff Morrow is in New Orleans, and Mike Seidel is in Gulfport, Miss, and Stephanie Abrams is in Morgan City, La.
--
7:50 am ET
As of 7:30 am ET, Belle Chase, Louisiana, was reporting sustained winds of 69 mph, power was out over the entire island of Grand Isle and Point a la Hache has reported a storm surge of 9 feet and rising quickly.
--
7:25 am ET
Strong bands of heavy rain and damaging winds are rotating through New Orleans at this hour. New Orleans Naval Air Station recently reported a wind gust of 63 mph.
--
6:50 am ET
A Gustav-spawned tornado is being reported. A trained spotter saw one come onshore in Gulfort, Miss., near highway 49 at about 5 am CT.
Check severe weather alerts in the Southeast for any watches or warnings.
-- 6:45 am ET
Hurricane Gustav will be quite the rain maker. Areas in its path including New Orleans could get more than 18 inches of rain, while other areas could get at least 6 inches.
--
6:20 am ET
The same station at Southwest Pass, Louisiana, recorded sustained winds of 88 mph and a gust of 98 mph at 6 am ET.
Farther east, a buoy 74 miles south of Dauphin Island, Alabama is recording wave heights of 26.9 feet at this hour. Earlier this morning, wave heights were measured near 34 feet.
--
5:55 am ET
The 5 am ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center, reported that Boothville, Louisiana, recorded a wind gust of 70 mph. Another station, at Southwest Pass, reported sustained winds of 76 mph and a gust to 108 (observation point was at an elevation of 79 feet above sea level).
Map showing current winds and reported gusts over Louisiana.
--
How do Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina compare in terms of size?
Hurricane Katrina was a large hurricane. At one point, hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 105 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 230 miles.

Diameter across = 460 miles.
For Hurricane Gustav, hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 miles.
Diameter across = 440 miles

Steven Curtis Chapman with Larry King

Steven Curtis Chapman Interview

This was the Good Morning America interview with the Chapman family aired this morning.

Prayers lifted up...

Visited this dear sister's blog through Angie @ Bring the Rain...if you have the chance to stop by and read this family's story I encourage you to do so!  And pray for them...

Update from Steven Curtis Chapman

**received this email update and thought I'd pass it along!**

A sincere thank you from Steven and Mary Beth Chapman to each of you for your prayers and condolences. The family has been overwhelmed with the response and is very grateful. We'd ask that you continue to support this family as you think of it, particularly through this year of firsts. Perhaps a reminder on your calendar on each Wednesday? or each 21st? The Chapmans believe in the power of prayer! And feel certain that the prayers of so many like you have sustained them in these trying days.

The Chapman family will be appearing on...

• Good Morning America on August 5th (this might have changed, check website)
  
• Larry King Live on August 7th
  
• People Magazine issue of August 15th
  

Opportunities with outlets of this sort of reach would normally be reason for wild celebration... on this occasion though, I think you'd understand why we would rather not even have the coverage. The Chapmans didn't seek these appearances, and these were cautiously and prayerfully considered with input from the family, pastors, counselors, and Steven's team. When these many opportunities came, the discussion quickly centered around the opportunity to use them to remember and celebrate Maria, to thank the tens of thousands of you who have sent condolences as well as the the hundreds of thousands or more that have prayed for this family, to highlight adoption and orphans...and most importantly that the Hope of the Gospel be proclaimed.

It's our hope that this is what will be accomplished, that as many as possible will be reached, especially those that would not hear of it any other way... and we seek your prayers as the family endeavors to do so in these interviews.

Likewise, a tour announcement of this historic nature would normally be wildly promoted. You know at first though, there were moments after the loss of Maria on May 21, Steven wondered if he would ever return to stage. It has become clear to him though that if he has ever believed what he has written and sung about these past 20 years, then it Must Still Be True Now. And the Chapmans believe that the Gospel is true!

So, return to stage Steven has. And now we are announcing that this October 9 - November 9, Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman will tour together for the first time ever. It is an evening not to be missed. And we are excited! Tour information is at StevenCurtisChapman.com now.

*this is the music video for Cinderella*

*this video has some parts of the memorial service for Maria...I hadn't seen this before*

Pray for the Steven Curtis Chapman family

Words cannot express the heartache I feel for this dear family...please lift them up before God's throne of grace!  ~ Father, I pray that Your love would surround the Chapmans in this time of tragedy.  May your strength sustain them and may your grace uphold them.  Would your comfort be so real to them and would the cling to You as the only One who is able to bring them through this time.  We don't understand the whys of it all, but we can trust in You the lover of our souls...You are good and love little Maria more than anyone.  We know that she is sitting in your lap right now...amen.  ~

Maria, sitting on Steven's lap

From the website of Steven Curtis Chapman:

MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

You can express your condolences and love here!

Please pray!

Hey y'all!

I am just asking for prayer for my friend, Kathryn and her family and esp her daughter, Acadia. Please visit her blog to read her last few posts for yourself...I won't attempt to put it all into my own words. I just know that they could really use all the prayer support they can get!! Thanks so much!

Nothin like good 'old' friends...

This is my dear friend, Kathryn and her daughter Acadia. I was SO happy to hear that they were going to be in MD for a few days so I zipped on down to visit a while. It has been...about 10 years since we saw each other...yes, I said TEN years! Didn't know I was that old did ya?! ;) The last time we saw each other was BEFORE she had kids and BEFORE I was married!! Wow, we had ALOT of catching up to do which can't be done in a few hours. I was soo happy that the Lord allowed a reunion for us and I look forward to another one soon!! If you're reading this...please pray for these dear friends of mine. Right now they are going through a difficult transition and could sure use all the prayer support they can get! Thanks so much!!

Pray for Micah, esp tomorrow!!

July 11, 2007 at 12:35 AM EDT
Sorry! The day got away from us. First, we got Micah stuck in the recliner. He squirmed off the draw sheet and the hoyer lift would'nt get close enough to the recliner and Dale and I couldn't lift him out and Luke was at football camp. So we very humbly called one of his *BEEFY football friends to help us get Micah from the recliner to the bed and we had lots of laughs. We told *Adam we were going to make him a rescue action figure. Micah is fine but who would know someones bottom could get so buried in a recliner so fast!


Dale and I ate humble pie for lunch. Then three gals, I called them Charlie's angels, came over and they helped me decorate Micah's room and do laundry, clean the frig., they read to Micah, helped us move him (NOT to the recliner), and really help me keep the momentum I had from Kara being here. She was the energizer bunny! She organized a months worth of mail, put away a months worth of laundry, did Josiah's taxes, and in her down time she cleaned the car and helped Luke make a path through his room (unfortunatey,the path is gone).


Then we had a wonderful family come and take care of Micah and Nate so we could go to a Micheal W. Smith concert. It felt wonderful to sit outside and worship and continue to look to God in the midst of our suffering. Our friends had purchased the tickets for us three months ago. And when I was calling to cancel, Josiah happened to phone first. He told me we should go and we decided to listen to Sargent Magnusson and we were very glad we did. God very much blessed our hearts.(Thanks for your wisdom Josiah) Our favorite song was "Healing Rain".


Micah's involuntary movement is increasing. His face and right arm and both legs move more frequently. We see him blink alittle also. He has a very big day tommorrow. The surgeon's nurse is coming to visit and we thank them for this huge act of kindness. Micah also will be seen for the tracheotomy and we will take the spectran bus to get there. (I wonder if they go to the mall. Dale said no they don't! ) This will be challenging for Dale and I emotionally and we ask for prayer. His appt. is at 2:05pm.


We love you all so much and thank you again for everything you are doing for us. Getting soaked in "Healing Rain" tonight!


Love, Dale and Sherrie
p.s. Sorry this did'nt keep my paragraphs.