On Thursday we had a meeting with Angela’s Paediatrician. It was always going to be an important meeting for us. After consulting her Cardiologist he explained to us the complexities of Angela’s unique anatomy and problems. Essentially she has many interrelated heart defects. However any benefits gained by further surgery are outweighed by massive risks.
We prayed that after this meeting the way forward would be clear and believe those prayers were answered. After discussing her heart in the context of all her other problems we have decided to take a course of palliative care. This means the focus of Angela’s treatment in the coming months will be on keeping her comfortable and happy.
Thank you to everyone who prayed and thought about us this week. We will continue to update this blog with developments as we cherish Angela for all her days on this Earth.
22 comments
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June 1, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Anna JB
I cannot fathom the enormity of this decision for you guys. We have been praying for you with this issue and we will not stop. We know God has a plan for Angie’s life, here and in eternity and knows each day ahead before we do. May God’s Spirit be with you; guiding you and comforting you and caring for you every single moment of every day as you move beyond the making of this decision, trusting in God each step of the way. We love all four of you so much and ache with you that you have to go through this.
June 1, 2008 at 9:33 pm
June Prott
Anna has said in such a lovely way just what we all are feeling and thinking. We continue to pray for you daily. Our love June and Neil.
June 2, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Brenda
As you may have guessed I am not a religious person at all. I am not one to believe that ‘this is god’s plan’, though I do understand that my beliefs are not what is important.
I think what is happening to your beautiful girl just sucks! I am so truly sorry that decisions like this even have to be made. It really is just so unfair. I think you are both such strong people and I wish the 4 of you so much.
In life we have to make decisions that are right for us, our family and out babies. I know how hard these can be. I know turning off Zak’s machines were the hardest decision S and I have ever had to make. But we make these terrible decisions for our little ones and what we believe is best for them.
I may not share the same faith as you but I do have faith that sometimes amazing things happen. I have everything crossed that something truly amazing happens for your family.
I looked at the slide show in the below post and i think it was so special that you were able to take both of your beautiful girls out for a fun day.
Huge big fat hugs to you all
xxx
June 2, 2008 at 5:29 pm
rach g
We pray God’s had upon you all
June 3, 2008 at 2:41 am
Cory Family
We thank God for the wisdom and courage He gave you as you made your decision. We pray that He will give you His peace, as well as the reassurance that He is still in control of all your lives. Special hugs for all of you. With lots of love from the Corys
June 3, 2008 at 5:25 am
Cory Family
FOOTPRINTS
One night a man had a dream. He dreamt he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest time of his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it, “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed you the most, you would leave me.”
The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trials and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
June 3, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Dale
I havent’ been very good at writing but have been reading and you are in my thoughts constantly. I pray that God will continue to give you peace in this decision and that his blessing will wrap around you all.
All my love, Dale.
June 3, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Dominic Steele
Dear Jen and Paul,
Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Cathie and I are on your side and love you guys! Don’t know what to pray but we are praying!
Yours in Christ,
Dominic
June 4, 2008 at 9:40 am
bonnie
Am praying for you all.
Michael & I are moving to the Cathedral so I won’t be seeing you much, but will continue to pray that God will strengthen and comfort you.
June 4, 2008 at 9:47 am
Bronwyn Campbell
Jen and Paul
Can’t imagine what is like to be you. Don’t really know what to say except that I pray the time you have all together will be so, so precious. Thinking and praying for you, Bron
June 4, 2008 at 11:14 am
McGrath Family
Dear Jen and Paul,
We know that you have sought God’s plan for Angela and that He will carry you through whatever lies ahead. We will be praying. Nan Williams used to always pray for each member of the family that God would hold us in the palm of His hand. We continue that prayer for all of you now.
Love
Q, Megan, Craig and Trevor
June 4, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Ruth
We’re praying for you too.
June 5, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Parkins
I just wrote a whole (probably very wordy) speil and lost the whole lot! I’m praying. You know the rest. Big Hugs
Sue
June 6, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Lissie
Jen, Paul, Lydia and little Ange – Thank you 4 being so brave. My thoughts are with you guys.
Love cousin Lissie
June 8, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Jane Kabanoff
We are lifting you all to our God in prayer, knowing He is faithful to carry you through this really hard (understatement) time.
June 9, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Lisa Herbert
I’m with Brenda, sorry Paul.
You and Jen are constantly in my thoughts… And not just because of Jen’s amazing white chocolate treats.
The first time I met Jen I knew straight away she was human sunshine, emitting light and love that I’d rarely seen. Her adoration of you and her family was memorable and immeasurable.
I wish you both just as much strength.
June 10, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Therese
Been praying for Angie and all of you for a long time. Found Angie’s blog through friends at CIM.
Your courage and dependence in God humbles me. Keep relying on His Sovereignty and strength.
June 10, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Kylie Marty
Dear Jen and Paul,
our hearts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you lovely time with Ange.
love Kylie, John and Catherine
June 13, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Michelle Lucas
Loved the photos from featherdale. Well done on being so strong the last 6+months and on deciding your path forward. The only parenting advice I was ever given (or that I listened to) was that you are the best parents your little one could possibly have. You know best. Sometimes that doesn’t feel true and we search for answers and ask God and pray about it, but I do believe that God helps us and when I see the way you parent to both your girls I believe that you 2 know what is best. I hope you have some happy times ahead (though there are sure to be some sad times too) and that even when things are crazy you can find a bit of happiness each day.
Lots of Love – Justin, Michelle and Cooper
PS We should start biblestudy on Skype soon – we’ll be in touch.
June 14, 2008 at 9:38 am
Craig
You are in my prayers
June 17, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Ben, Ekayi & Isaac
Dear Paul & Jen. We have no idea how difficult it must be at times for you both and not really sure what to add except that we are thinking and praying for you and the family.
June 20, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Lissie
Hi Jen, Paul, Lydia and Angela, just want to let you know that thinking of you guys. I hope things are going ok and to be absolutely honest I hope that something really really great comes to you guys soon… you absolutely desevrve it. Aunty Kim and Uncle Leigh included in that thought…well hope you guys are ok and thanks again for being so strong.