ANNIE GRACE SABIN - March 30, 2010 - August 1, 2010

ANNIE GRACE SABIN - March 30, 2010 - August 1, 2010

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Monday, May 17, 2010

Seeking A Miracle

Today has been a good day for Annie. She is still having some arrhythmias, but in general, they seem to be decreasing in frequency and rate. Her chest tubes are draining very little fluid and will probably come out in the next day or two. Everyone now seems to be focused on the ventilator. Annie is very weak from all that she has been through and requires a lot of support from this machine to breathe. This, combined with her anatomy and the possibility of continued airway obstruction, makes coming off of the ventilator a big hurdle for her. The doctors think it will probably take a few weeks for her to condition and build strength before they will be able to attempt to extubate her. They have told me that the day she is extubated will likely be very stressful and if she doesn't do well, they will have to re-intubate her. They would then give her more time to build strength and eventually, let her try again. They plan to be patient and give her as many tries as she needs, but there is a possibility that she will just not be able to do it. If she is unable to be successfully extubated, they will do a tracheotomy and we will bring her home on a ventilator. She would likely be able to come off the ventilator at some point (probably a year or two) as she grows and gets stronger.

I know that we have been granted so many miracles with Annie already: she took that first breath and even cried when she was born; we were able to hold and love and rock her for three-and-a-half-weeks before she had her surgery; we brought her home and for two days our entire family was blessed to be together; even her very life was spared when medical means to save her were all but exhausted. Our sweet Annie is a living, breathing testament of the power of prayer and faith, when aligned with God's will. She is alive, and every day I give thanks for that miracle. I feel so humbled and grateful for all that have exercised faith in Annie's behalf. Cameron and I cannot help but get emotional when we talk about the love and prayers that have carried us through this most difficult time. I believe that all of you have helped bring these miracles to Annie and our family. We will never be able to say thank-you enough, so please know that our hearts are filled to overflowing with gratitude for your part in her journey. Is it too much to ask for another miracle? I hope not.

Now that the focus is on helping Annie to come off of the ventilator, I find myself feeling anxious anticipation. Not because I don't trust in God's will for my daughter, but because, as her mom, I can't help but want every good blessing for her. Back in January, when I was reading about and researching her condition, I learned that coming home on a ventilator was a possibility. While this is certainly not the most important detail in her story, it has always mattered a great deal to me. Every wish of my heart is for her to be able to breathe, and eat, and grow, and play, and do all the things that babies do; and to do these things without being tethered to a ventilator. I have a friend that often asks me about the details of Annie's progress and our most current concerns for her so that she can pray specifically about these things (love you, Emily!). I am always impressed with this and love that she knows that Heavenly Father is interested in all the happenings along the way- not just the final results. With this in mind, I would ask you to please pray specifically for Annie to grow strong enough in the coming days and weeks to be successful in coming off of the ventilator. I know that Heavenly Father will not ignore these prayers offered in her behalf, and if this desire for Annie is compatible with His will, it is certainly within His power to grant this additional miracle. Having said that, I also know that coming home on a ventilator may ultimately be a necessary part of her recovery. If this is the case, then I trust that He, who knows best, will still bless Annie and our family in answer to these many prayers.

7 comments:

  1. Oh Amy, I'm so sorry that you, your family, and Annie are having to go through so much. We will most definately pray specifically for Annie to grow strong enough to breathe on her own and have another miracle. My 3 year old prays for Annie every day and will be thrilled to hear that Annie is getting stronger.

    We will continue to pray your you and Cameron and the rest of your kids too.

    Deanna---Mom to Gracie HLHS

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  2. Amy, Jessie and I love reading your posts. You and Cam's faith has helped us to understand more about the will of God and how miracles can happen through prayer. I honestly feel if we are ever faced with difficult challenges, we now have an awesome example of not only how to get through while saving your family and preserving your testimony, but also how to demonstrate faith in such a way that you built and lift others; even those who don't know you. Jessie and I have so much respect for you and Cam and thank you for sharing such personal experiences so Jessie and I may cry together at night while reading your feelings and wishing we could do more. Those small moments have strengthened our marriage and our faith. We love you guys and are praying always. Jerm

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  3. I started following your blog just tonight. I found it through another "heart baby" blog. Our son, Conner, has TOF and DiGeorge (I read your blog before Annie was born that said she would be tested for it- does she have it?)
    I love reading other blogs of families dealing with heart issues. It is so comforting to know there are many others out there, dealing with the same heartache and trials. You have a beautiful family. I will keep Annie in our prayers- she is very beautiful.
    -Annie
    http://annieandpaulstaten.blogspot.com/

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  4. amy

    I send my love and prayers to and I believe in miracles........I send you strength to endure and Send our love to annie.......Ivy

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  5. Amy, I will continue to pray for little Annie to grow strong and that she will be able to come off the ventilator. I don't think you can ask for to many miracles. I love reading your posts and i am so glad that you keep updating on sweet Annies progress! I think about you and Annie all the time and i am so grateful for your testimony and strength. You are such a great example of the power of prayer.
    Love,
    Morgan

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  6. I hope that Annie will continue to get stronger and that she will be able to be extubated successfully. She is so beautiful! You are such a strong Mama and I think that she draws from that. Heavenly Father has a way of preparing us for the things we will need to do. I sometimes can't believe that I can do the things I do for my daughter, but I know that Heavenly Father has given me the strength to do it. I hope that she doesn't have to come home on a vent, I will continue to pray for Annie, specifically that her lungs and airways will be strong enough to breathe on her own. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony.
    Hugs,
    Hollie

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  7. Amy thanks for the updates. The picture of you holding your sweet babe is priceless! She is so adorable. I am always thinking of you guys! Your little family and sweet Annie are in my prayers! What a strength you have! You are amazing & strong, and you sure passed on those qualities to your sweet baby girl! What a fighter she is :) Love ya!

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