reflections from Grandma Francie

As I sit here with Carson and Kellen...and everything is quiet, I wanted to share some of what I have felt these last couple of days.

Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, my cup truly runneth over with gratitude to God. When I first walked into the room, Dave and Sandy were there with their precious grandboys. Dave was watching over Carson and Sandy was holding Kellen. What a beautiful moment to have all four grandparents, Preston and Liz, and Carson and Kellen in one room.

Then, last night, the seven of us (Doug, Francie, Sarah, Elizabeth & Preston, Joshua, James) were in the room with Carson and Kellen. From my perspective, it was a PERFECT ending to an amazing Thanksgiving Day. There was so much love in this room that I could almost physically touch it.  Elizabeth was holding Carson's hands, calming him, because he had been more agitated due to the withdrawal process of coming off some of his meds. It melted my heart to see her talk so gently to her son. Then it was James' turn to hold Kellen. Joshua was standing close by, beaming from ear to ear. Oh my, words cannot describe that sight. I am smiling as I try to put it into words. I can only imagine the fun Uncle Joshua and Uncle James will have when they take Carson and Kellen for a weekend adventure. :)  

Then we got to witness Preston and Elizabeth give Kellen his first tub bath. Wow, did that bring back memories...especially when Kellen pooped in the bath water. Preston and Elizabeth were soooo calm throughout. THEN it was it was time for Carson's very first sponge bath from Preston and Elizabeth. And I watched in awe, thinking of where Carson had come in these last two weeks. There is nothing impossible with God!!!!

After Kellen's bath, it was Aunt Sarah's time to hold him...and more love flowed. :) Grandpa Doug even got to take his turn holding Carson's hands to soothe him. He is still a natural with children; especially his grandchildren. I just wish everyone could have seen the LOVE on each of their faces as they looked at these two precious lil' souls our Lord has blessed us with.

So, this evening, as I held Carson's hands and prayed over him and as I held Kellen for some time and prayed my chaplet of Divine Mercy, words REALLY cannot describe the feelings deep within.

I continue to pray blessings on ALL those who have prayed sooo faithfully for my grandsons and for Preston and Elizabeth. They have truly been the recipients of God's Divine Mercy, Love and Grace.

And I am a very grateful Grandma.  :)

More exciting news!

We hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. We have very good news today!

Preston and Liz got to give Kellen his first bath in water last night. Kellen certainly showed us he has really good lungs (screaming his indignation that no one saved him from the unpleasant experience) but did great. He was so precious and the Bunch part of his family got to be here to watch the experience. Then, Preston and Liz gave Carson a sponge bath and Carson did really well. Liz also did physical therapy for Carson before the bath and he did great. The prayers for loosening his muscles in his neck have been answered. Carson is getting his neck almost all the way over to the right which he was unable to do a few days ago!

This morning Carson's weight was about 4 lbs 6 or 7 oz and Kellen's was 4 lbs 10 oz. They both are doing well. Kellen continues to do well with his feeds and just needs a little more strength to get it all down from a bottle. Carson still gets agitated at times, but is doing much better from that standpoint. They have stopped his Fentanyl (pain med) and he only gets it if he has an episode where it appears from his vital signs that he is having pain. He has only gotten one dose since yesterday morning. He also continues to be weaned from his ventilator and is getting closer to the day when he won't need it any longer. They think in the next week or two, he will come off his ventilator. Carson is getting 4 mL of breast milk every hour and has tolerated that well. He is pooping a little more so we are really happy with that! They believe once he gets closer to full feeds all of his body systems will function better. Also, Preston was able to hold his firstborn son today for the first time. YEAH!!!

We are just so thankful for such positive news on Thanksgiving weekend. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support. We pray for a blessed weekend for you. In addition, we might add... GO Logan-Rogersville at the state football championships tomorrow!  :)

Please continue to pray for healing for Carson in his ability to swallow, protect his airway, breathe on his own, and have protection from infection. They have noted more immature white blood cells and were a little concerned about infection. They drew blood cultures and we will be watching, but so far so good.

Posted by Sarah

Preston holding Carson for the first time!