Saturday, July 3, 2010

Update on Vivian - 7/3

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Pictures on the cabinet across from Vivian's bed. Sweet Hopsy from the blog Monograms and Manicures made the darling Lilly banner with Vivian's name, and my wonderful longtime friend Heather wrote the scripture verses in beautiful calligraphy

I don't have much to report on today, which I'm learning in this world is a good thing. I've become a big fan of quiet, uneventful days. I'm making up for such a short update by posting extra pictures.

Last night Vivian's nurse washed her hair and this time put it in French braids. I tied hot pink bows at the ends after Robert and I arrived this morning. I have absolutely no idea how you French braid someone's hair when she is lying flat on her back, but Vivian sure looked pretty!

We had a different doctor yesterday and today. Dr. Wick is pleased with the progress Vivian is making and is considering extubating her tomorrow. We'll see if Dr. Matson agrees when he sees Vivian in the morning, but Robert and I are excited to even be talking about getting her off the ventilator.

Robert and I went to a movie tonight. We saw The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which was outstanding, if not exactly relaxing. We are unwinding at home tonight with some wine and cheese. Dots went to Inks Lake for the weekend with my brother and his family (big thanks, Jonathan!). Will is out with friends.

I can't emphasize enough how much Robert and I appreciate your company on this dark and unexpected road we've been traveling the past nine days. The Lord has been faithful as has each of you.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

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Our pretty girl in her French braids

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Vivian's room as viewed from the hallway

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Robert relaxing in our roomy seating area while watching the World Cup in his German football jersey. Notice our lovely view!

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A "wide-angle view" (ha!) of our cozy nook. It's a good thing neither of us has long legs

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Vivian resting quietly under a beautiful prayer quilt made by a couple at Creekwood United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas

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Close-up of the Lord's Prayer on Vivian's quilt

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Women at our church knit this beautiful prayer shawl. I have been using it to keep warm in the ICU and to feel covered in God's presence and love

19 comments:

Christie said...

I love the French Braids! Sweet girl...with her beautiful blanket...

Let's pray tomorrow is the day for extubation!

xo

Sandra said...

Patience is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself during this difficult time. That was always hard for me. I wanted improvement = like yesterday, but quickly learned that's not how God works. Learning to wait with peace and calm is a good thing. Going home at night and sleeping in your own bed while also having some time together is also one of the best things you can do for yourself. Glad you're doing that. xoxo

Carrie Green said...

Eloise,

Thank you for your updates. I continue to pray for each of you and am thankful to receive your news so that I know how to pray and so that i know how yall are doing. I am so thankful that you are holding up so well! Thankful also that Vivian is such a fighter!! I knew from the moment that I met her that I liked her. She looks beautiful in her braids. Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING to help you. I'm just a phone call away. Praying for healing. Love to all of you, Carrie

Habakkuk 3

Habakkuk's Prayer

1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth . [a] 2 LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
3 God came from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Selah [b]
His glory covered the heavens
and his praise filled the earth.
4 His splendor was like the sunrise;
rays flashed from his hand,
where his power was hidden.
5 Plague went before him;
pestilence followed his steps.
6 He stood, and shook the earth;
he looked, and made the nations tremble.
The ancient mountains crumbled
and the age-old hills collapsed.
His ways are eternal.
7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress,
the dwellings of Midian in anguish.
8 Were you angry with the rivers, O LORD ?
Was your wrath against the streams?
Did you rage against the sea
when you rode with your horses
and your victorious chariots?
9 You uncovered your bow,
you called for many arrows.
Selah
You split the earth with rivers;
10 the mountains saw you and writhed.
Torrents of water swept by;
the deep roared
and lifted its waves on high.
11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens
at the glint of your flying arrows,
at the lightning of your flashing spear.
12 In wrath you strode through the earth
and in anger you threshed the nations.
13 You came out to deliver your people,
to save your anointed one.
You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness,
you stripped him from head to foot.
Selah
14 With his own spear you pierced his head
when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,
gloating as though about to devour
the wretched who were in hiding.
15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
churning the great waters.
16 I heard and my heart pounded,
my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones,
and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
to come on the nation invading us.
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

Carrie Green said...

Eloise,

Thank you for your updates. I continue to pray for each of you and am thankful to receive your news so that I know how to pray and so that i know how yall are doing. I am so thankful that you are holding up so well! Thankful also that Vivian is such a fighter!! I knew from the moment that I met her that I liked her. She looks beautiful in her braids. Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING to help you. I'm just a phone call away. Praying for healing. Love to all of you, Carrie

Janet said...

It everything continues in the right direction which I pray it will, I will try to come by to see you and Viv. I have a Dr.s appt. in medical city @ 2:15 on Wednesday. So if it is ok I will stop by about 1:00. Do you need anything? Can I bring her a stuffed animal? She looks so good, keep up the good work and I will continue to life her up to the Lord our God. xoxo

Jessica Ryan said...

So happy to hear of the progress and I hope she does get to get off the ventilator tomorrow. That would certainly be a Happy 4th Indeed!!! The quilt is lovely and the braids are adorable. I am so glad that you were able to go to the movies and then home to enjoy a glass of wine!

Maggie said...

I love the picture of Vivian under the quilt, covered in the prayers of those who made it. Please know that the prayers of so many are enveloping her and your whole family.

maryelizabethroche said...

My prayers continue...God Bless your little girl, and all of your wonderful family.

M.E.

Jan M said...

If any of you must be in that room, I am so grateful it is being filled with handmade things that convey God's love, healing and strength. May today bring celebrations, great or small, to you.
The view from my recent hospital room looked about the same! Maybe Baylor and MC shared architects!

The 5 Bickies said...

Your nurse is indeed talented if she can french braid like that! I am thinking of you all as we head off to church this morning. We continue to pray and follow you on this journey.

Sherrie said...

The prayer quilt it lovely. I am glad things are stable with Vivian. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara K. said...

There are certainly many angels looking over your sweet little girl. Her hair looks lovely and the quilt is just beautiful. Thanks for the update!

Dianne said...

God bless you all, especially your sweet girl Vivian. I find that this is the first place I come to in the morning to see how she is doing. Thank you so much for the updates. I am carrying her in my heart and sending a very positie vibe into the universe as well as lots of prayer to God. He is beside you all through this challenge. Pray believing! xoxo

Ruby's Fairy Godmother said...

Vivian is so loved.
Thank you for the update. I am honored to be praying for Vivian and for your family!
I am looking forward to a wonderful cap to the 4th of July with the hope that Vivian is taking off the respirator!!!
Norah

Anonymous said...

The braids are adorable! The quilt is just lovely. I'm still praying that the Lord will heal your sweet girl soon.

Melissa said...

Dear Eloise,

I have not seen your blog in awhile, and was taken aback when I read your posts.

You have my prayers for Vivian and you and your entire family.

I am so glad that she is a facility with excellent care.

May she heal quickly and completely.

Much love.

Melissa

3 Peanuts said...

The french braid look so pretty. I love the prayer quilt and the beautiful shawl that is keeping you warm...and of course the Lily letters made by Hopsy are so cheerful. She is so thoughtful.


But what I love the most is how you are resting in God. The Bible verses and your faith is HIM and HIS plan are inspiring Eloise.

Lots of love and our prayers for recovery on the 4th of July:)

Kim

Charlotte said...

She does indeed look very pretty! Yes, quiet, uneventful days are sometimes a real blessing. She needs the time to recover. I love what you've done with the place! :)
Still praying...
love
lottie

Maureen said...

Eloise,

Vivian continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. The quilt and shawl are lovely and must bring you a great deal of comfort. Take care of yourself and thank you for keeping us updated.

M.