Many prayers needed

Just a few hours ago we were informed that one of the little baby boys that we had the privilege of meeting went home to be with the Lord yesterday.  April and I were blessed to share some time with his mom on many different days.  Even though we have experienced the loss of a child, I find myself wondering what I would say to her if I ever see her again.  The only thing I can think of is, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence." 2 Samuel 22:2-3  I am not at liberty to share any more information regarding this precious gift from God out of respect to their family.  But please pray for this family.  They are going through the most difficult time of their lives and they need our prayers.

Ellie has had a very rough week.  She has been doing good one minute and bad the next.  Ellie is currently still medically paralyzed and is responding well to the ventilator.  April alluded to something the doctor said yesterday - he basically said that he wasn't sure Ellie's bronchus issue could be corrected and he thought that her one lung wouldn't be able to sustain her.  April and I absolutely refuse to allow any doctor to give up on her.  We will fight until we cannot fight anymore for our baby girl. We will go to the ends of the earth to allow her to be treated and healed.  We believe our Heavenly Doctor can heal her. 

At this point we need to know all the options that are available to our Ellie.  I have made contact with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and they are willing to give us a second opinion if things resort to that.  CHOP would send a plane for Ellie and take her to Philly to see if there is anything they can do for her. 

We are scheduled to have a meeting at Cincinnati Children's Hospital with the Neonatologist, ENT, Pulmonologist, Cardiologist, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, General Surgeon and one of Ellie's primary nurses this coming week.  We hope to have some answers or at least a long term plan of treatment for Ellie.

Please, please continue to pray for Ellie.  We know that many of you are planning outings and events this July 4th weekend, we ask you to please take a minute and spread the word and pray for Ellie.  Our baby girl needs our Heavenly Father to hear our prayers.  As I have said before, we believe 100% in the power of prayer.  We believe that our Lord wants us to ask him for help and acknowledge Him.  "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20  Please join us and pray that God would allow her to live and He would allow us to raise her to glorify Him in all that she does.  "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does.  The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.  He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.  The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.  My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.  Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever." Psalm 145:17-21

Please continue to pray for all of the sick children around the world.

"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together." Psalm 34:3

God bless this country!

Matt (Ellie's daddy)