Jack Is Home!
Updated: May 29, 2019
It's with great joy and thankfulness that we announce Jack has made the transition home after 182 days in the NICU. Six months, two hospitals, three major surgeries, so many doctors, nurses, specialists and therapists — and countless evidences of God's kindness in the process.
As you might imagine, the simple blessing of having all of our kids under one roof now seems unbelievably profound. And from a parental perspective there's nothing sweeter than seeing Ella and Rose interact with their little brother after months of anticipation. Jack's demeanor has changed completely since graduating from the NICU. He smiles easily, especially at his sisters, and seems very happy to be home.
In the discharge process we were told again and again that our boy is a miracle; that babies born at 24 weeks usually have severe complications or a grim prognosis, and that some don't leave the hospital at all. The Lord has extended remarkable mercy to us. The latest example being that all signs of retinopathy in Jack's eyes have vanished (he was stage 2 and headed for surgical intervention just weeks ago). The Lord healed his eyes! Every breath Jack takes testifies to God's glory and every smile reminds us of this precious gift we've been given.
As we reflect on the last six months, it's impossible to put into words how God has answered prayer after prayer on our behalf. We've learned daily of the Lord's persistent lovingkindness and faithfulness, and we are trusting Him to provide in the weeks and months ahead.
Our appreciation for all of you who have read, prayed and encouraged us cannot be expressed, except to say that we are confident God will bless your faithfulness to Him, and honor all the ways you have steadfastly loved us through this journey. THANK YOU!
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Jack's lungs are expected to catch up and recover in the years to come but getting to that point will not be easy. Many challenges lie ahead as we transition to a home version of the NICU and learn how to navigate a new normal. It took several days to get trained on all the various machines, meds and therapy protocols required to treat Jack's chronic lung disease and apart from very fastidious care he will most certainly end up back at the hospital. He is fragile and very susceptible to germs. A common cold could mean major setback.
In addition to 24/7 oxygen support and monitoring of vitals and oxygen saturation, he needs some kind of medication or therapy (none of which he likes or takes easily) 13 different times around the clock. The curve for adapting all of that to our home has been pretty steep and we'd be grateful for your continued prayers for endurance.
We'll continue to post occasional updates here as the next chapter of Jack's story unfolds. Be sure to subscribe if you want to be notified when a new post goes up. But for now we pause to celebrate this major milestone in Jack's story and give thanks to the One who carried us to this summit.
Our final weeks in the NICU were filled with visits from family and dear friends. I'll sign off with some snapshots of a few memorable moments.
Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."