Medically speaking, we are close to ending the use of the phenobarbital. It looks like tomorrow they will start weaning him off. It takes a very long time for it to get out of his system, and they are going to take it off in halves rather than completely stopping it at once. That is semi-good news, because phenobarbital can have some significant effects on other organs and systems. It's semi-bad news because after that is done, it is pretty much up to Sam and God to sort the rest out.
That is an incredibly scary prospect. Will his pressure continue to increase? If it does, will it cause irreversible brain damage--or worse? If we have to make life and death decisions, will we choose the right option? These are the types of questions that plague us all the time. ALL the time. Jim and I were just talking about how the mental exhaustion is worse than physical exhaustion. The only way you can fix it is if you get a break from it, and ours has been non-stop. This has been a living nightmare I would not wish on my worst enemy.
At the same time, we cling to hope as best we can. We continue to rest in the thought that God's got this. We have already seen incredible things, and we have to trust in that. This child has miracle written all over him, and I'm just hoping he hasn't already used all of them up.
Keep praying friends. Immediate concerns are for low ICP numbers as usual, but it is so important that they remain low and that the brain swelling goes down as they start to take away the phenobarbital. Or sooner. Not knowing what will happen is the worst feeling we have ever experienced. But knowing that you are all behind us and praying fervently for this boy is one of the best. Our hearts are full, not just with worry, but with gratitude for all of you. For us, you will always be #TeamSam.
Finally, a picture. Sarah sent it to me and told me I had to put it on the next blog entry.
Lord, it's always in your hands. We know you love Sam and his family. We look to you for comfort, mercy and preace. Continue to guide and give wisdom to Sam's doctors and nurses as they take care of him. Lord in your mercy.
ReplyDeleteI have never met any of your family, however, I heard of Sam thru a mutual friend. I have been praying for each one of you for the past week. #TeamSam
ReplyDelete1 I cried out to God for help;
ReplyDeleteI cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands,
and I would not be comforted.
3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
(Ps 77:1-4, NIV)
Maryland friends are praying.
He's got the whole world in His hands...even when, and especially when, it's completely out of ours. Continuing to spread the word and having my church family pray for Sam and all of you alongside me.
ReplyDeleteI added Sam's name to our church's prayer ministry this morning - Custer Road United Methodist. This prayer chain has never let me down, they are awesome when it comes to sending up prayers. Stay strong for Sam, and know that many prayers are being said for Sam and his medical team, family, etc., everyday. You are right, that hospital is a great facility, you are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteI am praying diligently and I posted you on my Facebook so other prayer warriors can pray from him as well. I can't imagine what you are going through. I'm praying for a miracle and peace for you guys. Stay strong and let God lead your decisions. I know you don't know me but I am praying.
ReplyDeleteWe will continue to pray Ann. We love you and your family, and we are here with you.
ReplyDeletePraying, praying constantly, keeping Sam and all of you foremost in our thoughts, reaching toward you across the miles. God be with you all.
ReplyDeletePensándote y sigo mandando la mejor energía y rezos para que todo salga bien para Sam y ustedes. Gracias por dejarnos saber cómo están.
ReplyDeletePensándote y siguiendo con la esperanza en alto. Muchos oraciones por Sam y tu familia. Cuídate mucho tú eres la roca de tu familia .
ReplyDeleteLoeffler Family....we are praying hard in Valparaiso. Hugs from Deena and family
ReplyDeletePraying fervently for Sam and you all.
ReplyDeleteAnn, Jim, Aaron and Sarah - our son Brandon has formed a wonderful relationship with Aaron at CU Boulder and we were saddened to hear of Sam's accident. We send positive thoughts your way and wish Sam a full and speedy recovery. It appears that he is in great hands. Thank you for posting the blog with which we can follow his progress. Jacques and Marla
ReplyDeleteSam and your family are in our prayers here in Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeletePraying for Sam, his doctors, and for all of you from Valpo. May God watch over you now and always.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you and praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteTammy Ommodt
Ann, Please know that Sam and the entire family are in my prayers. I love what you said in the blog...God has got this, and He loves Sam more than we can imagine. The week ahead has many challenges so I encourage you with these words from our Mighty God...
ReplyDeleteYou will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:20-21
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has not worries in drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
May your roots run deep Ann as you wait and trust our Sovereign God, who did not leave us forgotten in a fallen world but sent His Son to be born in a manger and die on a cross that we may live eternally. As I have heard it said many times...I do not know what the future holds but I know WHO holds the future.
Debbie Kingsley
Still praying. I remember meeting the twins when Jonathan did his concert in Maryland. They stole my heart. I can't believe how much time has past and how much they have grown. My heart aches for what you are going through, but I believe God has a plan and that everything will work out according to his plan for your family's lives. I pray Sam receives rest, healing, and strength for a full recovery, and that someday, I will meet him again :)
ReplyDeleteMy prayers go out to Sam, and to you, and to your family for strength of your spirit, mind and body that only our perfect, loving Father can provide. May you feel His love and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteLaura Glenn
I have been praying constantly for Sam and for your family and for those who are caring for him. I continue to ask Him to hold all of you in His loving arms and bring the healing that Sam needs.
ReplyDeleteAnn, Jim, Sarah, Aaron, and Sam,
ReplyDeleteI understand how difficult all this is for you. This is something no parent or child should ever have to go through and I am so sorry. We went through a similar event in our daughter, Betsy's life when she was 16, and spent 14 days in Shock Trauma and 2 years in recovery from an auto accident. She is perfect now and is the mother of a beautiful 6-year-old girl. The power of prayer and positive thinking is amazing. We are praying for you. Betsy is a twin as well and the bond between them was an amazing thing to witness during that very traumatic time. This is the season for miracles. We are praying for a full recovery. Take care. Judy Snyder (ELC Choir member)
From long ago and far away Valpo days, Ann and Jim, I'm sending prayers from Baltimore for your family. Most especially to Sam, that God continues to watch over him. Jami Schaefer-Cuka
ReplyDeleteO Ann, I'm so sorry. I continue to hold you all in my prayers, and have called on all my prayer warriors, too. We pray for Sam and his hospital caretakers and his family. Sending hugs your way ♡
ReplyDeleteO Ann, I'm so sorry. I continue to hold you all in my prayers, and have called on all my prayer warriors, too. We pray for Sam and his hospital caretakers and his family. Sending hugs your way ♡
ReplyDeleteI have walked in the valley with my daughter, not a similar journey- but yet one of frightening decisions, and the unknown of outcomes. I lift you and Ann up with the tenderest of care, and the greatest respect. I pray for you all in a non-ceasing way- as I know first hand- the other side of this. God is with each of you - restoring the balance of fright with one of hope. The illness is with healing both seen and unseen. God is Reconciling without revealing. Knowing that Sam is a precious child of God- even at times whom you may get mad with or shout at occasionally- wondering how this could be happening to Sam- God is your pillar- and you know He can take it :) ) Sam is precious to God- he knows every hair on Sam's head and THAT in itself is amazing. As I have been praying- I realize that so much time has passed since I was delivering Lasagne to your family after Sarah and Sam were born. Holding them when they were babies. Oh my Gosh- I am holding you so very close to my heart. I do know that with everything that is happening or not happening- Our Lord has you under His wing, he is crying and trying and comforting in a most HOLY and Tender of ways that can't even be acknowledged because of the unknown. During my journey-God sent me HIS earth Angels- people he knew I needed, and that my family needed. I know that God is doing the same with you! My ONLY advice is to say YES to the help being offered, let them stand with you- pray with you- even though you might just want to scream and be angry- that is okay too. What ever you are feeling- God already is sending to you those you need. God is sending his best to stand with you- to journey through this with Aaron, Ann, Jim and Sarah. Even with all the things that are being tested in your life- God keeps sending those that you need, that will walk with you = say the words that you need, or not say any at all. More than anything dearest Loeffler family- YOU ARE LOVED. There is nothing more that we as humans can do than LOVE you. There are no words to describe what you are feeling and what you are going through. While there may be no promises being made by the Doctors- there are promises our God has made to us. You know through your faith what those promises are. So - in the silent scarey moments I pray you can FEEL and thake in this MAGNIFICENT -HUGE-STRONG- RESILIENT verb we know as LOVE. LOVE in action. The LOVE that surrounds Sam- that surrounds EACH of you, with the most magnificent LOVE of them all being from the Divine. I pray that you can take it in when you can. Live in the love- if you can- because if you live in the opposite of LOVE the fear- with everything going on- it will do damage. I pray for everything good to lift you up, give you strength and most of all I pray for the PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING TO FILL YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS- during this time of trial and illness. Know that I love you - how I wish I was there to hug you, to cry with you, to encourage you. I hope that my words can be felt in your and Jim's soul. I love you all with all my heart and am praying that you will see all the ways that God is right there with you- Holding you up- wiping away tears, setting courage into motion - just when it is felt in your heart and your souls. This is the season of Immanuel and each of you is experiencing His presence in a powerful way. God with US. Unending Prayers and much Love- ~Suzanne Preudhomme
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