safe and sound

baby caleb is home safe and sound with his family. thanks for all the prayers during their scary chapter.

updates

just received an update on baby caleb and wanted to update everyone on ruth as well.

we're expecting ruth to start hospice care this week. she has been slowly slipping away - very painful to watch someone lose a little bit more of life each day. please pray that the Father takes her home gently, and pray that the rest of us would know "what it means to be held" (new favorite song by natalie grant - not a new song, just a new favorite). here is a recent picture of ruth with her sister faith and dear friend "al" as we waited for her radiation appointment and enjoyed some great conversations with this incredible woman.

baby caleb's parents wrote an update and i wanted to post it for you here to share in this family's journey as you continue to pray for them:

caleb has continued to have a normal temperature and reasonable energy. However, there are a few unresolved issues regarding which we covet your thoughts:
1. His first urine culture showed a very small amount of bacteria, but enough for the doctor to order a retest to confirm a negative result.
2. The blood tests have shown an enzyme that indicates damage to the heart muscle. This might be a permanent or temporary effect of a viral or bacterial infection. We have to wait to see if it goes down. There is currently no obvious sign of heart dysfunction.
3. However, This morning, when he was asleep, the doctor heard, for the first time, a heart murmur. It is only noticeable when his heart rate is very low. This is likely benign and unrelated to his fever, however, they are ordering an ultrasound to further investigate.

Despite a difficult couple of nights in the hallway due to a lack of beds, we are now in a private room and we feel we are well taken care of and believe the medical care is competent and good. We have been overwhelmed by the help and pr of friends, gratefully receiving that and other reminders of the Shepherd’s presence with us. Please ask that we’d have wisdom and endurance and that by trusting Him we would miss none of the good He intends to work through this painful, frightening chapter.

…The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd.