tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post8876664758948786275..comments2024-02-18T20:23:25.771-07:00Comments on Through the Calm and Through the Storm: While we're waiting...Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-45461436528772960402009-07-28T06:38:29.413-06:002009-07-28T06:38:29.413-06:00Cristi, I'm just re-reading this in light of w...Cristi, I'm just re-reading this in light of what's happening now and praising God for all the ways He's been working in His perfect timing. Lauren has such a resilient spirit I know she'll bounce back after the transplant and take off at full speed - probably while juggling pagers or something ;-)Laurel (aka Free Food)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-85661784377367895562009-07-28T03:50:21.162-06:002009-07-28T03:50:21.162-06:00Today, July 28, 2009, the waiting is over! I prai...Today, July 28, 2009, the waiting is over! I praise God that Lauren has a new heart! What a blessing this little girl has been and will be to so many. God, I pray for this whole family as they continue on this journey through much transition... give them strength... Your grace... Your mercies... We know that GIGATTAATTGIG!!!!!!!PS, God Loves Youhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17407714924314242953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-481088882372974562009-07-19T11:45:02.446-06:002009-07-19T11:45:02.446-06:00What a smart person you are to look for the accomp...What a smart person you are to look for the accomplishments and not at the impediments. When we are climbing a mountain, the top can look very far away -- until we look down and see how far we have come.<br /><br />I understand what you are going through. I have two handicapped children (of four birth children), took in a handicapped child from Siberia, and both my grandchildren were born with birth defects. Of these children, my spina bfida daughter (who has several other "issues" as well) was given a 50% chance to live at the time of her birth (now spina bifida is an "easy" thing, sort of -- unless you are the parent or the child), the Siberian lad was given a 0% chance of living past a few months as was my younger son (CHARGE syndrome, which was not even known until he was 12 -- we believe he may have been the first in the USA to survive -- plus 11 other smaller defects and one other serious one which required a tracheotomy for nearly two years), and now a granddaughter fighting to survive OEIS Complex (another rare defect -- it happens once in 440,000 births and only one doctor at Stanford University Hospital where she is being treated has ever seen it; he refuses to discuss the "odds" of survival but fortunately for my son and wife is an irrepressible optimist). <br /><br />Perhaps it will help you to know that, except for the granddaughter, these children for whom there was little or no hope are now in their 30s -- happy, productive, and all that good stuff.<br /><br />I know the road is rocky. I have been down it. I also know that the road, i.e. the journey, is what it is all about, or to return to the mountain metaphor, the climb is usually more important and more memorable than the summit. Hang in there! God has a way of using these experiences to the good of a greater number of people. I am sure that Lauren has already been a blessing to many people in many ways. <br /><br />If you get a chance and have not done so, read Dale Evans Rogers' book, Angel Unaware. It is very touching and especially meaningful to parents of children facing obstacles to a healthy and normal life.<br /><br />I will ask my prayer group to pray for Lauren, and I will pray for her, too -- and for her family. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />BethElizabeth Mahlouhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00334700057953625321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-25412453385809073772009-07-11T13:05:53.870-06:002009-07-11T13:05:53.870-06:00Your Walter Reed family also continues to pray for...Your Walter Reed family also continues to pray for Lauren. Reading your anecdotes, I am truly amazed by how much Lauren's mind has grown. (Trust me, she already knows more than many of our new interns!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-62515765083609891652009-07-10T19:57:22.089-06:002009-07-10T19:57:22.089-06:00Hi Cristi - My name is Toni Jill, I was Caryn'...Hi Cristi - My name is Toni Jill, I was Caryn's first roommate at CNC and got to see her for a few minutes this summer at Myrtle Beach and she told me about Lauren. I wanted to write and let you know that my husband Chad and I are praying and I sent your story to a couple that we are friends with who went through a similar situation with their son Todd - who had a liver transplant. The Greene family is also praying for you as parents who know what you are going through and can pray like none of the rest of us can. But tonight, I pray peace for you and your family and rest for your weary souls. I will check back with you soon but wanted you to know that we are here....Love in Christ, Toni Jill (Parris) CoxToni Jillhttp://www.xanga.com/tonijillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-10235321850264925902009-07-09T20:48:43.831-06:002009-07-09T20:48:43.831-06:00another from KFA (Stephanie). your story amazes an...another from KFA (Stephanie). your story amazes and inspires me. I think about you guys every day and know that her heart is out there and waiting on the perfect moment. HUGS! thanks for keeping us updated.Stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-18852629915886849432009-07-08T07:02:18.521-06:002009-07-08T07:02:18.521-06:00You continue to amaze and inspire me with your fai...You continue to amaze and inspire me with your faith and strength. I pray that God's plan does not include too much more waiting!Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00246000537666581560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-2495217184286540332009-07-07T22:06:37.638-06:002009-07-07T22:06:37.638-06:00Another Mom who found you and Lauren through KFA. ...Another Mom who found you and Lauren through KFA. Thanks for the update. You are an amazing inspiration so I wanted to share it with you. Even in this waiting God is using your spirit and willingness to share to bless others too.<br /><br />Peace,<br />WendyWendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08702915525568304644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-31165252386644588242009-07-07T11:14:46.720-06:002009-07-07T11:14:46.720-06:00I admire your ability to turn from your sadness to...I admire your ability to turn from your sadness to eternal hope in the Giver of Life, who hears all of our prayers and, as you said, waits to answer them in just the right time. You inspire faith in me and everyone who watches you and Lauren wait. I agree....Lauren sounds like she would be an awesome doctor someday. Maybe that's what God has planned for her...Jerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05833465524974906463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-67718157862056059152009-07-07T10:07:14.713-06:002009-07-07T10:07:14.713-06:00I pray for Lauren to get a new heart daily. Also ...I pray for Lauren to get a new heart daily. Also for you to keep your strength. Does she have a Webkinz? My son is Lauren's age and can pretty easily navigate Webkinz world (not the toddler one, the regular one).Heather aka Sarah's momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-47389520468040141432009-07-07T07:31:26.431-06:002009-07-07T07:31:26.431-06:00We wait with hope. :)We wait with hope. :)YMinisterswifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01199938373104456135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-29431638999385933642009-07-07T06:04:18.406-06:002009-07-07T06:04:18.406-06:00All of Lauren's acquired medical knowledge wil...All of Lauren's acquired medical knowledge will be helpful when she heads off to med school some day:) Seriously though, you and your family are such a blessing and encouragement to so many. We think of you guys and keep you close in prayer.<br /><br />Karen ConwayKaren Conwaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-33888515574948047592009-07-06T23:44:09.049-06:002009-07-06T23:44:09.049-06:00Now you've got me crying right before bed! :) ...Now you've got me crying right before bed! :) So excited to see all the things Lauren is learning, doing, growing . . . and I can't wait until she and Nelson can play together again! Still praying with you!!Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14220650712443552210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-76568734475191887092009-07-06T22:47:13.240-06:002009-07-06T22:47:13.240-06:00I pray for Lauren and all of you daily, I'm gl...I pray for Lauren and all of you daily, I'm glad to read your update and see the encouraging moments, as exhausting (mentally and emotionally) as all of this must be! We will continue praying...Sheila Langenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-46262635431169186252009-07-06T21:58:10.127-06:002009-07-06T21:58:10.127-06:00Cristi-I found you through KFA and have been "...Cristi-I found you through KFA and have been "following" your story for a while. I can not imagine the day-to-day life you guys are living right now, but your strength and endurance will succeed over this triumph. <br /><br />Lauren is already so strong and amazes me each and every day. Her road may be unclear now, but she has the strength to succeed!<br />Hang in there friend!<br />HE will overcome all!<br />~ElyseElysehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04100019358485843850noreply@blogger.com