We didn't post any pictures of his incision. But here is his scar. It goes from just left of his spine to under his arm.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Three Weeks Later
It's hard to believe that it's been three weeks since Coop's surgery. Thanks for all the prayers for both him and us.
We didn't post any pictures of his incision. But here is his scar. It goes from just left of his spine to under his arm.
We didn't post any pictures of his incision. But here is his scar. It goes from just left of his spine to under his arm.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Giving Back
Today is Friday, Oct. 19. Cooper's surgery was Monday, October 8 and if
you've followed along, the surgery went well and his recovery has been
remarkable.
As I write this, I am still wearing my "parent" hospital bracelet. I've had quite a few people ask me if Coop is still in the hospital or why I am wearing the bracelet.
My answer is really, really simple. I wear it as a reminder of how lucky and grateful I am as well as a reminder to be thankful and prayerful more often.
I relied on my faith in God throughout our ordeal - Pam and I didn't shy away from making that known. But in reflection since surgery, I became even more thankful to God as I realized that my relationship with Him isn't even a fraction of what I thought it was.
My morning routine is pretty repetitive. Within the first 10 minutes of waking up (within the first minute if Pam is already up with Coop), I am on my iPhone checking my email accounts, Facebook, fantasy football teams and the weather. The first time I get in the car by myself on a road without a lot of stop and go traffic, I turn off the radio and have an audible conversation with God. It usually lasts about 10 minutes.
But that was it. God got 10 minutes of my day (Of course once Coop’s condition was known, God received a little more time throughout the day).
I listen to K-Love radio about 80 percent of the time in the car, and while some may say it's better than alternatives and it does make me feel better, it really isn't spending time with God.
Our family has been through a lot and the hospital bracelet has reminded me to be more prayerful and work on building a better relationship with God.
With the strength, calmness and peace of mind we experienced surgery day, it was evident that everyone's prayers worked. And one of the verses that kept appearing was:
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
DR. GUS
We are also thankful for Dr. Gus. We are indebted to Dr. Gus for, in essence, saving Cooper's life. But how do you repay someone who has done that for you?
Since the night of surgery, Pam and I have been asking around trying to figure out what we could do to show Dr. Gus our appreciation. We were told by the nurses, cardiologists and the attending doctor that Dr. Gus loves WVU, golf, traveling and his grandchildren.
I had another idea. In our research of Dr. Gus, we knew he had a brother who was a veterinarian in his hometown. Why not call his brother to see if he had any ideas?
Pam called the veterinarian’s office Monday and asked for ideas. We were told that a gift was unnecessary. But if we were going to be persistent, Dr. Gus had three organizations close to his heart - WVU Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House at the Children's Hospital and Camp Mountain Heart, a summer camp for kids with congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
I'm involved in a non-profit, so I know every little bit counts, but how much could a $250 gift really help?
WHERE GOD AND DR. GUS COME TOGETHER
I mentioned in an earlier post before surgery about my dreams, so I find it a little ironic that I had this idea in a dream (there is also a follow up in another dream, but I'll get to that in a minute).
We felt our $250 gift wouldn't amount to much. But what if we could use it in a way that could raise more money?
On Wednesday night, Pam ordered 1,000 silicone bracelets that say "Pray Without Ceasing + 1 Thessalonians 5:17" (the + is actually a cross on the band). They are red - the color of the American Heart Association and the awareness color of congenital heart disease - with white lettering.
Our thought is to sell them for $3 each or 2 for $5 with the proceeds being donated in Dr. Gus's name to his three beloved charities.
We believe that the bracelets will not only be a reminder that we are called to continuously build and strengthen our relationship with God and Jesus, but they will also help kids and families.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The obvious answer is to buy a couple.
A better solution is to let your network know about them – families, friends, church groups, social media connections, neighbors, co-workers.
They don't say anything about Cooper, so people don't have to feel weird about wearing a bracelet referencing someone they don't know.
After ordering them Wednesday night, I had another dream that said we would sell at least 10,000 bracelets. How awesome would it be to raise $20,000+ for these three charities?
It’s a tall order, but with God, all things are possible.
If you’d like to help out, please let us know. If you think you could sell 10 or 20 or 50, we'd appreciate your hard work.
Feel free to comment through this blog, the Coop Troop Facebook page, mine or Pam’s personal Facebook page or email me at perrycunningham @ yahoo . com (Sorry for the confusion. I did that so my email address couldn’t be easily harvested by automatic programs that comb internet content to create spam lists).
I hope to have a unique Facebook page up and running in the near future too.
Thanks in advance.
Perry
As I write this, I am still wearing my "parent" hospital bracelet. I've had quite a few people ask me if Coop is still in the hospital or why I am wearing the bracelet.
My answer is really, really simple. I wear it as a reminder of how lucky and grateful I am as well as a reminder to be thankful and prayerful more often.
I relied on my faith in God throughout our ordeal - Pam and I didn't shy away from making that known. But in reflection since surgery, I became even more thankful to God as I realized that my relationship with Him isn't even a fraction of what I thought it was.
My morning routine is pretty repetitive. Within the first 10 minutes of waking up (within the first minute if Pam is already up with Coop), I am on my iPhone checking my email accounts, Facebook, fantasy football teams and the weather. The first time I get in the car by myself on a road without a lot of stop and go traffic, I turn off the radio and have an audible conversation with God. It usually lasts about 10 minutes.
But that was it. God got 10 minutes of my day (Of course once Coop’s condition was known, God received a little more time throughout the day).
I listen to K-Love radio about 80 percent of the time in the car, and while some may say it's better than alternatives and it does make me feel better, it really isn't spending time with God.
Our family has been through a lot and the hospital bracelet has reminded me to be more prayerful and work on building a better relationship with God.
With the strength, calmness and peace of mind we experienced surgery day, it was evident that everyone's prayers worked. And one of the verses that kept appearing was:
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
DR. GUS
We are also thankful for Dr. Gus. We are indebted to Dr. Gus for, in essence, saving Cooper's life. But how do you repay someone who has done that for you?
Since the night of surgery, Pam and I have been asking around trying to figure out what we could do to show Dr. Gus our appreciation. We were told by the nurses, cardiologists and the attending doctor that Dr. Gus loves WVU, golf, traveling and his grandchildren.
I had another idea. In our research of Dr. Gus, we knew he had a brother who was a veterinarian in his hometown. Why not call his brother to see if he had any ideas?
Pam called the veterinarian’s office Monday and asked for ideas. We were told that a gift was unnecessary. But if we were going to be persistent, Dr. Gus had three organizations close to his heart - WVU Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House at the Children's Hospital and Camp Mountain Heart, a summer camp for kids with congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
I'm involved in a non-profit, so I know every little bit counts, but how much could a $250 gift really help?
WHERE GOD AND DR. GUS COME TOGETHER
I mentioned in an earlier post before surgery about my dreams, so I find it a little ironic that I had this idea in a dream (there is also a follow up in another dream, but I'll get to that in a minute).
We felt our $250 gift wouldn't amount to much. But what if we could use it in a way that could raise more money?
On Wednesday night, Pam ordered 1,000 silicone bracelets that say "Pray Without Ceasing + 1 Thessalonians 5:17" (the + is actually a cross on the band). They are red - the color of the American Heart Association and the awareness color of congenital heart disease - with white lettering.
Our thought is to sell them for $3 each or 2 for $5 with the proceeds being donated in Dr. Gus's name to his three beloved charities.
We believe that the bracelets will not only be a reminder that we are called to continuously build and strengthen our relationship with God and Jesus, but they will also help kids and families.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The obvious answer is to buy a couple.
A better solution is to let your network know about them – families, friends, church groups, social media connections, neighbors, co-workers.
They don't say anything about Cooper, so people don't have to feel weird about wearing a bracelet referencing someone they don't know.
After ordering them Wednesday night, I had another dream that said we would sell at least 10,000 bracelets. How awesome would it be to raise $20,000+ for these three charities?
It’s a tall order, but with God, all things are possible.
If you’d like to help out, please let us know. If you think you could sell 10 or 20 or 50, we'd appreciate your hard work.
Feel free to comment through this blog, the Coop Troop Facebook page, mine or Pam’s personal Facebook page or email me at perrycunningham @ yahoo . com (Sorry for the confusion. I did that so my email address couldn’t be easily harvested by automatic programs that comb internet content to create spam lists).
I hope to have a unique Facebook page up and running in the near future too.
Thanks in advance.
Perry
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Busting Out
It's official. We are busting out of this place. We should be leaving in the next few hours.
We'd appreciate continued prayers for our transition home as well as for all the children and families here that aren't as fortunate as ours to be heading home.
Please say a special prayer for "the other Cooper," whom I wrote about last night.
We'd appreciate continued prayers for our transition home as well as for all the children and families here that aren't as fortunate as ours to be heading home.
Please say a special prayer for "the other Cooper," whom I wrote about last night.
Friday, October 12, 2012
A Weird Twist
We found out today that the family in the room across the hall from ours share a mutual friend.
And their son is named Cooper.
And he has a heart condition that has required several surgeries.
Please pray for Gina, Dustin and Cooper that God will be with them, strengthen them and, most importantly, heal their Cooper.
And their son is named Cooper.
And he has a heart condition that has required several surgeries.
Please pray for Gina, Dustin and Cooper that God will be with them, strengthen them and, most importantly, heal their Cooper.
Friday Morning Update
The medical team just left. They are going to keep him until tomorrow. They are going to try to put him on a second blood pressure medicine, give an echocardiogram and take out his femoral line.
They said we should be released tomorrow morning. Thanks for keeping us in prayer.
They said we should be released tomorrow morning. Thanks for keeping us in prayer.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Dr Gus
The man and the LEGEND - Dr. Robert Gustafson - Dr. Gus. Please say special prayer of thanks for Dr. Gus and his gift. 
Medical Rounds - Thursday
Coop had a fever last night. So they gave him some Tylenol and that brought his fever down. They want to keep an eye on his temperature and get a blood culture to make sure there's no infection. Thanks for all the prayers and support. 
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Snuggling for the Night
Here's a better picture of Coop and momma. X-rays are completed. Nothing but snuggling ahead. 
Another Hurdle Down
Coop got the drainage tube removed from his back. While we're waiting for an "after" X-ray, mommy gets some snuggle time 
Medical Rounds - Wednesday
The medical team just made their visit. The doctor said that Cooper has "the easiest blood pressure to control in recent memory." He received the ok to eat formal and drank 5.5 ounces in 10 minutes.
His final IV med is ready to run out and won't be replaced. He will get another chest X-ray this afternoon. His X-ray from this morning "looked great." There is a chance he could get his drainage tube out this afternoon.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
His final IV med is ready to run out and won't be replaced. He will get another chest X-ray this afternoon. His X-ray from this morning "looked great." There is a chance he could get his drainage tube out this afternoon.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Cooper in Jail?
Coop sat up last night on his own, so they put him in jail. Seriously though, he had a great night of sleeping and hopefully recovery. 
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Victory Over Blood Pressure
The doc just declared "victory over blood pressure." Coop's arterial line will come out tonight. Another one down...
Three Feedings...
We are up to three 1.5 oz feedings of Pedialyte. No formula until the morning. We'll keep you posted.
Progress
His blood pressure has also stabilized. Because of his condition, he had higher blood pressure in his upper body. So they had arterial lines in both his wrist and leg to have continuous pressures they could compare. And the pressures stabilized and were similar, so they removed the line from his wrist.
Fighter's Eye
Another of the side effects is a swelling, which is mostly in his left eye. When he was sitting up, we put on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He knew it was on. 
Sit Me Up
He did so well with the Pedialyte that we were able to sit him up (all those wires are for his EKG).
Pedialyte
Coop is doing well enough that we are going to try 1.5 oz of Pedialyte. Let's see how this goes.
Round One With The Medical Team
The medical team said that Coop is progressing remarkably well. Thanks for the prayers and please continue them. 
Sad Reality
Our first night also showed us a sad reality - children having to spend the night alone in the PICU. We aren't judging parents - maybe they have other kids, jobs that aren't as forgiving, etc - but please keep these children who I'm sure are scared and lonely in your prayers as well.
Please Give Thanks
It's really easy to only reach out to God in desperate times. We must remember to also thank God for all He has done for us. In your prayers, please thank God for all He has done for Cooper to this point. And we appreciate continued prayers for no complications and healing.
Today's Message
I've mentioned that my Aunt Sharon sent me a devotional. Today's devotional starts out:
You have been on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me.
You have been on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me.
Our First Night....
Cooper did well last night. He woke up several times and had to get X-rays at 4:00. But he seems to be resting comfortably.
His incision is on his left side, which is where he typically sleeps. And because of the epidural, his upper body is numb between his chest and hips. Once our nurse Christy helped him get situated on his left side, he was much more comfortable.
His incision is on his left side, which is where he typically sleeps. And because of the epidural, his upper body is numb between his chest and hips. Once our nurse Christy helped him get situated on his left side, he was much more comfortable.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Out of Surgery
Coop is out of surgery. They were takin g the breathing tube out and he has to get x-rays before we will get to see him.
Dr. Gus said that he was able to cut out the narrowed section and stitch top and bottom together.
However, there could still be life changing complications that we won't know about for at least the next 24 hours.
Please continue to pray for him.
Dr. Gus said that he was able to cut out the narrowed section and stitch top and bottom together.
However, there could still be life changing complications that we won't know about for at least the next 24 hours.
Please continue to pray for him.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Beautiful Distractions & Beautiful People
Yesterday (Friday) I watched my little sister marry an incredible man. The couple was SURROUNDED by family and friends who love them - you could just feel what the two of them meant to everyone there. It was a beautiful day and we even answered the age old question, "how do you keep your wedding day stress to a minimum," - have 11 bridesmaids and make sure at least 30 to 40 percent of them are UBER bossy :) The day went off without a hitch - well, except for forgetting the wedding dress at the house and turning around for it because, let's face it, it's a pretty important piece of the puzzle. I also may or may not have accidentally left my sister at her rehearsal dinner :)
Anyway - there are several reasons I'm writing about the wedding, the first of them being I almost had to miss it as Cooper's surgery was initially scheduled for October 3. I was prepared, and my little sister was incredibly understanding, but God made it all work and I was honored to stand next to one of the people that means the most to me in this world! The second reason for writing about the wedding is that I met, talked to and truly connected with so many people - from my own family, to Brendan's family to even Sandy AND Brendan's friends - that reminded me that Perry, Cooper and I are NOT alone and that we are stronger than we know. The hugs, the cards and the brief conversations meant so much to me, and I know that God had a hand in creating a perfect day for Sandy and Brendan with some sprinkled bonuses for The Cunningham Family. I walked away with TWO very important tokens that I will no doubt have on hand Monday. The first, my little sister's 1927 penny - one of HER wedding gifts that she gave to me WITHOUT HESITATION - (a long story but one that has everything to do with my granddaddy who passed away in 1999 - my heart still aches for his bear hugs and the way he made everything OK) and the second, my granddaddy's handkerchief (another long story) from my Uncle Brian who has kept it safe for moments like this when STRENGTH and COURAGE are needed. My Uncle Brian is a special man who has always treated me like his own little girl, so let's just say the exchange of the handkerchief was definitely an emotional one. The third reason for writing about the wedding is, it has been the BEAUTIFUL distraction that has kept me focused on something other than SURGERY DAY. From small jobs, to traveling, to a few busy days of helping with last-minute details (including ironing linens - that one's for you mom) and even a reception that I will not soon forget, I have welcomed being caught up by something fun and exciting. SO WHAT NOW???
I also wanted to take a second to THANK everyone for the phone calls, texts, cards, gifts, etc. We have received AT LEAST one card per day for the last few weeks - an incredible blessing and definitely a source of strength. On my last day of work last week, I opened a card filled with gift cards and gas money from coworkers that had pulled together to collect for my family and I, wanting to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to help us through. I was shocked and emotional, but I just kept thinking, "people are amazing and we are not alone in this." I was beyond touched by the gesture and still can't believe the generosity. Even my sister's best friend (who recently went through a similar scary surgery with her own little girl) slipped a card into our diaper bag after the wedding (I think - we just found it) to let us know that she is there and thinking of us. The title of this blog, "Beautiful Distractions & Beautiful People," is simple but also so perfect for the last few weeks.
So it's almost Sunday and I really just want time to stand still. As ready as I am to get things over with, I'm scared for my little boy and I'm having trouble not thinkng about all the things that we will see and do in the next week. I am strong and my faith is strong, but my baby is still my baby.
I have no doubt that people like you who are reading this right now are the ones getting us through, so please continue to pray. Pray specifically for strength and comfort and OF COURSE for the surgeon as he works and for Cooper as he heals, that he is comforted and that things are as easy as they can be for him. There are a lot of SCARY POTENTIAL effects of the surgery with very small percentages, some of which we won't know if they've occured until days later, but I can't get them out of my head and I want to be free from those thoughts, so if you could pray for that too, I would be so grateful.
Anyway - there are several reasons I'm writing about the wedding, the first of them being I almost had to miss it as Cooper's surgery was initially scheduled for October 3. I was prepared, and my little sister was incredibly understanding, but God made it all work and I was honored to stand next to one of the people that means the most to me in this world! The second reason for writing about the wedding is that I met, talked to and truly connected with so many people - from my own family, to Brendan's family to even Sandy AND Brendan's friends - that reminded me that Perry, Cooper and I are NOT alone and that we are stronger than we know. The hugs, the cards and the brief conversations meant so much to me, and I know that God had a hand in creating a perfect day for Sandy and Brendan with some sprinkled bonuses for The Cunningham Family. I walked away with TWO very important tokens that I will no doubt have on hand Monday. The first, my little sister's 1927 penny - one of HER wedding gifts that she gave to me WITHOUT HESITATION - (a long story but one that has everything to do with my granddaddy who passed away in 1999 - my heart still aches for his bear hugs and the way he made everything OK) and the second, my granddaddy's handkerchief (another long story) from my Uncle Brian who has kept it safe for moments like this when STRENGTH and COURAGE are needed. My Uncle Brian is a special man who has always treated me like his own little girl, so let's just say the exchange of the handkerchief was definitely an emotional one. The third reason for writing about the wedding is, it has been the BEAUTIFUL distraction that has kept me focused on something other than SURGERY DAY. From small jobs, to traveling, to a few busy days of helping with last-minute details (including ironing linens - that one's for you mom) and even a reception that I will not soon forget, I have welcomed being caught up by something fun and exciting. SO WHAT NOW???
I also wanted to take a second to THANK everyone for the phone calls, texts, cards, gifts, etc. We have received AT LEAST one card per day for the last few weeks - an incredible blessing and definitely a source of strength. On my last day of work last week, I opened a card filled with gift cards and gas money from coworkers that had pulled together to collect for my family and I, wanting to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to help us through. I was shocked and emotional, but I just kept thinking, "people are amazing and we are not alone in this." I was beyond touched by the gesture and still can't believe the generosity. Even my sister's best friend (who recently went through a similar scary surgery with her own little girl) slipped a card into our diaper bag after the wedding (I think - we just found it) to let us know that she is there and thinking of us. The title of this blog, "Beautiful Distractions & Beautiful People," is simple but also so perfect for the last few weeks.
So it's almost Sunday and I really just want time to stand still. As ready as I am to get things over with, I'm scared for my little boy and I'm having trouble not thinkng about all the things that we will see and do in the next week. I am strong and my faith is strong, but my baby is still my baby.
I have no doubt that people like you who are reading this right now are the ones getting us through, so please continue to pray. Pray specifically for strength and comfort and OF COURSE for the surgeon as he works and for Cooper as he heals, that he is comforted and that things are as easy as they can be for him. There are a lot of SCARY POTENTIAL effects of the surgery with very small percentages, some of which we won't know if they've occured until days later, but I can't get them out of my head and I want to be free from those thoughts, so if you could pray for that too, I would be so grateful.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Mary, SS. Luke the Evangelist and Raphael
A lot has crossed our minds over the last few weeks to say the least. And as I mentioned earlier in the week, the magnitude of things as surgery approaches grows.
I just got off the phone with the hospital and finalized everything. We have to be at WVU at 6:15 on Monday to register.
So we continue to pray as much as we possibly can.
Being the Catholics we are, we believe we can pray to the Blessed Mary and the saints and they will intercede on our behalf.
St. Luke the Evangelist is the patron saint for those going into surgery and the patron saint of surgeons. St. Raphael is the patron saint of healing.
Below is also one of the prayers from the Catholic prayer book that we've been praying to Mary. And it's not specific to surgery, but to anything that is burdening life.
Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of thy Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me.
Amen
I just got off the phone with the hospital and finalized everything. We have to be at WVU at 6:15 on Monday to register.
So we continue to pray as much as we possibly can.
Being the Catholics we are, we believe we can pray to the Blessed Mary and the saints and they will intercede on our behalf.
St. Luke the Evangelist is the patron saint for those going into surgery and the patron saint of surgeons. St. Raphael is the patron saint of healing.
Below is also one of the prayers from the Catholic prayer book that we've been praying to Mary. And it's not specific to surgery, but to anything that is burdening life.
Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of thy Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me.
Amen
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Reality of Surgery
Today was a long day. While we were only at the hospital for about four hours, it seemed like we were there for several days.
Coop got his chest x-rays and blood work. We met with Dr. Gus, - Coop's surgeon - two of the PAs, Dr. Rosen - the anesthesiologist - among others.
The most serious of the meetings was with Dr. Gus. I know that there are possible complications with every surgery, but they are still difficult to hear and imagine.
Through it all, you hear percentages of "less than .5% of this or these four
conditions combined don't equal 2%." But I kept thinking back to our IVF transfer.
When we were deciding how many embryos to transfer, we had a choice of up to three (we only had three viable ones and that was the most WVU Center for Reproductive Medicine would do regardless). And the doctors kept saying that, if we chose all three, the chances of all three implanting were less about 1%. But to that one person it happens to, there is a 100% chance they will carry three babies and there is an increased risk with triplets.
So I kept thinking and are still thinking, even though the chances are minimal, they are real. And they have happened.
Please keep us in your prayers. We need them now more than ever. Reality is slowly, but surely creeping in.
Please pray that God will be with Dr. Gus and his team. Please pray that surgery and recovery go well. Please pray that there will be no long term complications.
We found out that the first 24 hours after surgery are the most critical. Please pray that by this time next week - next Wednesday evening - everything has gone as well as it could.
After our appointment, we drove to Virginia for my sister-in-law Sandy's wedding. For most of the way we listened to the Christian music playlist on my iPod, which mostly features Casting Crowns, Third Day and Mercy Me. At one point, Pam asked me what was my favorite Bible verse.
I don't really have an answer as to why it is, but it's Matthew 21:21:
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
I remember reading at one point in the last few years to not have faith in your faith. But have faith in God and in Jesus.
Please pray that our faith in God and in Jesus will remain as strong as ever.
Thanks.
Coop got his chest x-rays and blood work. We met with Dr. Gus, - Coop's surgeon - two of the PAs, Dr. Rosen - the anesthesiologist - among others.
The most serious of the meetings was with Dr. Gus. I know that there are possible complications with every surgery, but they are still difficult to hear and imagine.
Through it all, you hear percentages of "less than .5% of this or these four
conditions combined don't equal 2%." But I kept thinking back to our IVF transfer.
When we were deciding how many embryos to transfer, we had a choice of up to three (we only had three viable ones and that was the most WVU Center for Reproductive Medicine would do regardless). And the doctors kept saying that, if we chose all three, the chances of all three implanting were less about 1%. But to that one person it happens to, there is a 100% chance they will carry three babies and there is an increased risk with triplets.
So I kept thinking and are still thinking, even though the chances are minimal, they are real. And they have happened.
Please keep us in your prayers. We need them now more than ever. Reality is slowly, but surely creeping in.
Please pray that God will be with Dr. Gus and his team. Please pray that surgery and recovery go well. Please pray that there will be no long term complications.
We found out that the first 24 hours after surgery are the most critical. Please pray that by this time next week - next Wednesday evening - everything has gone as well as it could.
After our appointment, we drove to Virginia for my sister-in-law Sandy's wedding. For most of the way we listened to the Christian music playlist on my iPod, which mostly features Casting Crowns, Third Day and Mercy Me. At one point, Pam asked me what was my favorite Bible verse.
I don't really have an answer as to why it is, but it's Matthew 21:21:
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
I remember reading at one point in the last few years to not have faith in your faith. But have faith in God and in Jesus.
Please pray that our faith in God and in Jesus will remain as strong as ever.
Thanks.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Is a Dream Only a Dream?
Pam and I had dinner with some of our great friends about a week and a half ago. At some point after dinner, we started to discuss dreams with Kim and Randy - sleepy dreams, not life goals. During the conversation, I let everyone know that I rarely wake up remembering a dream.
Fast-forward to last night. Pam was having a rough evening after putting Cooper down for the night (as evident by her post). I've heard that our dreams are impacted by the events of the previous day. But when I woke up this morning, I asked myself "was that a dream or was it a sign?"
Let me give you a little background information first....
I am active on the board of directors for the Greene County Habitat for Humanity. One of the founders of our affiliate is the Rev. John Dorean, the pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church. To say that John is well-known and well-respected would be an understatement.
Back to my dream......
I was sitting at work in a cubicle (I really don't have one). It was early in the morning and I was surrounded by all the things wonderful people had brought me to either get through the day or comfort me. Coffee cups. Energy drink cans. Cookies. Candy. Crackers. Empty beer cans.
John came by and immediately saw the empty beer cans. Here is our conversation.
John: Perry, what the hell are you doing drinking this early? (for the record, I haven't relied on alcohol to get me through this)
Me: Thanks for the support John (sarcastically). How do you expect me to get through this?
John: I have a better solution Perry. It's called prayer and Jesus. You know, as a pastor, I always thought I had a gift to talk to anyone and everyone and I would keep their attention. I once had a goal to be able to keep attention for 90 straight minutes. So I was taking a trip with a guy that I barely knew. I decided to, not necessarily preach, but just keep his attention about religion for 90 minutes. And you know what?
Me: It worked?
John: No. It failed miserably. I was successful for about 15 minutes before our conversation turned to something else. But you know who's attention I can keep for 90 minutes?
Me: No, John. Who? (again sarcastically and anyone that knows me can probably picture me saying this)
John: God and Jesus. And it's done through heart-felt prayer.
And that was the end of the dream. No lie. I promise. And I remember it as vividly as I described it.
On a similar note, my Aunt Sharon sent us Sarah Young's devotional Jesus Calling. When we received it late last week, I figured I'd start on October 1. Here is the short devotional for today and, again, does it seem like a coincidence? Probably not.
Worship Me only. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light. I am taking care of you! I am not only committed to caring for you, but I am also absolutely capable of doing so. Rest in Me, My weary one, for this is a form of worship.
Though self-flagellation has gone out of style, many of My children drive themselves like racehorses. They whip themselves into action, ignoring how exhausted they are. They forget that I am sovereign and that My ways are higher that theirs. Underneath their driven service, they may secretly resent Me as a harsh taskmaster. Their worship of Me is lukewarm, because I am no longer their First Love.
My invitation never changes: Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Worship Me by resting peacefully in My Presence.
Thanks to all who continue to pray for Cooper, us, Dr. Gus and his team, Coop's surgery and recovery and no complications among other things. We truly appreciate everyone who takes time out of their day, among all the other intentions you have on your own heart, mind and soul, to pray for our family.
Fast-forward to last night. Pam was having a rough evening after putting Cooper down for the night (as evident by her post). I've heard that our dreams are impacted by the events of the previous day. But when I woke up this morning, I asked myself "was that a dream or was it a sign?"
Let me give you a little background information first....
I am active on the board of directors for the Greene County Habitat for Humanity. One of the founders of our affiliate is the Rev. John Dorean, the pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church. To say that John is well-known and well-respected would be an understatement.
Back to my dream......
I was sitting at work in a cubicle (I really don't have one). It was early in the morning and I was surrounded by all the things wonderful people had brought me to either get through the day or comfort me. Coffee cups. Energy drink cans. Cookies. Candy. Crackers. Empty beer cans.
John came by and immediately saw the empty beer cans. Here is our conversation.
John: Perry, what the hell are you doing drinking this early? (for the record, I haven't relied on alcohol to get me through this)
Me: Thanks for the support John (sarcastically). How do you expect me to get through this?
John: I have a better solution Perry. It's called prayer and Jesus. You know, as a pastor, I always thought I had a gift to talk to anyone and everyone and I would keep their attention. I once had a goal to be able to keep attention for 90 straight minutes. So I was taking a trip with a guy that I barely knew. I decided to, not necessarily preach, but just keep his attention about religion for 90 minutes. And you know what?
Me: It worked?
John: No. It failed miserably. I was successful for about 15 minutes before our conversation turned to something else. But you know who's attention I can keep for 90 minutes?
Me: No, John. Who? (again sarcastically and anyone that knows me can probably picture me saying this)
John: God and Jesus. And it's done through heart-felt prayer.
And that was the end of the dream. No lie. I promise. And I remember it as vividly as I described it.
On a similar note, my Aunt Sharon sent us Sarah Young's devotional Jesus Calling. When we received it late last week, I figured I'd start on October 1. Here is the short devotional for today and, again, does it seem like a coincidence? Probably not.
Worship Me only. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light. I am taking care of you! I am not only committed to caring for you, but I am also absolutely capable of doing so. Rest in Me, My weary one, for this is a form of worship.
Though self-flagellation has gone out of style, many of My children drive themselves like racehorses. They whip themselves into action, ignoring how exhausted they are. They forget that I am sovereign and that My ways are higher that theirs. Underneath their driven service, they may secretly resent Me as a harsh taskmaster. Their worship of Me is lukewarm, because I am no longer their First Love.
My invitation never changes: Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Worship Me by resting peacefully in My Presence.
Thanks to all who continue to pray for Cooper, us, Dr. Gus and his team, Coop's surgery and recovery and no complications among other things. We truly appreciate everyone who takes time out of their day, among all the other intentions you have on your own heart, mind and soul, to pray for our family.
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