We still can't begin to express how much love we have felt from friends and family. To those of you who have written on Facebook and this blog, please know that we are soooo grateful for your love for us. Some friends printed out tonight a few of the things that were said, and I read them to Jude a little while ago. As I read prayers, it was really fun to see that God has been answering specific prayers people have prayed...such as peace for us...and to know His love...and guidance. So, thanks so much. And, if you feel led, please keep writing out prayers. I am about to go join Brandon with Jude when the little man is done visiting with Uncle Jeff. When I do, I am bringing the computer this time so I can read aloud the messages you guys have written. I haven't had time to read them myself, so I am looking forward to it. :-)
Today has been another long, crazy day...with many talks with doctors, lots of crying, and lots of praying. The Lord has walked us through it, and it is definitely a moment by moment journey. I will try to summarize it briefly.
He didn't have the MRI done today because of his instability. He had a pretty rough day. His blood pressure has continued fluctuating considerably. It seems that much of the day, the numbers have flashed angrily telling the nurses it's too high or too low. Sweetly though, they seem to calm down when we are at his bedside.
The head of the department came in to talk with us today to basically let us know how very severe his problems are. She said that in all of her time in this field, she hasn't seen many babies with brain images this severe. She explained that there is a chance that, just like the neurosurgeon at Pres wouldn't operate on him because of his heart defects, the cardiac surgeon over at Pres might not operate on his heart defects because of what is happening in his brain. She was basically presenting us with the decision of continuing to pursue the treatments or take him off life support. It was the fourth time we have been approached with this...all by different people. So, as you can imagine, these have been incredibly difficult days.
We fully believe in God's power to heal. We know that He is good and that He loves us and that we can trust Him. We know that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. He can heal Baby Jude. We don't know if that is His plan or not, but we are going to give Him every opportunity to do it.
If the Lord does call our baby boy home with Him, we are forever going to treasure these days we have with him. They have been so sweet, and we are growing more and more in love with our son every hour. A few days ago, I realized that I was holding back part of my heart from him out of self protection. The Lord showed that to me, and I confessed it and prayed for help to give him everything. He answered that prayer, and the sweetness of these past few days (especially the quiet nights) I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
If the Lord lets us take him home to Cruces, he is quite possibly going to face severe disabilities...possibly more challenging than anything we can even imagine at this point. We don't know. He does though. And, we are going to walk the road He has for us. It will be a hard road, but there will be much purpose and joy in it...and there will be Jude. :-) And, He will enable us to do whatever He calls us to. As I said though, we fully believe that God can heal our little boy. We also believe that He can do incredible things through children and adults with disabilities. We believe they have much to teach us and much to give us. And, we have much love to give Jude.
We don't know what the Lord has for us...but we know Him. We know that He is our Father, and "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows (James 1:17)." Jude's middle name is Matthew. It means, "gift of God." This little boy is truly a gift from our very good Father.
30 comments:
Mandy, Brandon, Caleb anf baby Jude are constantly on my heart and in my prayers. I pray for Jude's healing and sensitive diligent care. For peace, rest and God's guidence. And most of all that you would know that God loves you! God bless you!
Baby Jude is a precious gift - fearfully and wonderfully made - every hair on his head is known by God - I know you know and believe this. We continue to pray for peace, comfort, healing, strength and the grace and mercy of God to rain down on you all. Thank you for taking the time to keep us all updated. Enjoy your time with your handsome little man. Love and hugs!
May you sense the Lord's loving presence today, keeping you close to His heart, assuring you of his tender care and covering you with His grace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace and strength in God's love. Family is a precious gift enjoy your time together.
Isaiah 41:10 keeps coming to me over and over when I think of you and your journey ... I'm praying it for you and lifting you up. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I wish I was there to help, but my help is weak, frail and human. I know that Father God's help is never-ending and perfect for what you, Brandon, Caleb, Jude and all the doctors and nurses need ... love to you all -- Adrienne
Last night we prayed for comfort for all of you, for healing and for God's will and direction to be clear. We prayed for a place for you to stay so that you can be close to Jude. I have all of my friends praying as well, two families who have experienced this same thing (perhaps not the exact same diagnosis, but their baby born with many difficulties and life hanging in the balance, them living in the NICU) So know that these women, who have walked this road and know far more what to pray for you and your family, are doing just that.
We are praying for you, asking our God to give you strength, peace, guidance and courage. And asking for a special measure for Caleb. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.
The Carbaughs are dear friends of ours. I wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and your sweet little boy. Much love from Illinois.
Jana
Dearest Mandy & Brandon,
I just read the latest update on precious baby Jude. Thank you for taking the time to update all of us, so we can continue to pray specifically, and so that we can walk this difficult journey with you.
I praise God that Jude's blood pressure is more stable when his parent's are near -- that is because he KNOWS his mommy & daddy.
Christian brothers & sisters are praying for Jude all over the world. May you feel the presence of all of us holding Jude & the rest of his family up to our Heavenly Father! May it bring you peace.
Much love and prayers to all of you. I also want to thank you because reading your blogs are teaching me so much. Your spirit and faith overwhelm me.
We are praying for you guys. I can't imagine walking through this - but God is with you, I know. Gordon joins me in sending our love and prayers.
Dear Jude, Mandy and Brandon,
I pray that God continues to provide you with His perfect peace that casts out fear. I pray that His love would envelop you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers 24/7 and will continue to be!
Love,
Hannah Dunn
We pray for peace and healing. Mandy, you are such a strong person. May the Lord bless you and provide for your needs during this time. Jude is here for a purpose. He is a gift from God.
You are in our thoughts and prayers throughout the day. Travis and Erin Morgan
Praying that Jesus, who lovingly reached out to heal so many, will touch Jude, heal his heart and his brain. So sweet to read your trust and praise for the Lord, Mandy and Brandon, may he give you great peace and joy. Love you!
Dear Mandy & Brandon,
our prayers are with you. We praise God that He is with you and that you are not alone. I pray that you can also have confidence in Romans 8:28, that God is working good in Jude's situation, although not immediately seen. Love & prayers.
Mandy, Brandon, Caleb and Jude,
You have been on our hearts all this week. We are in constant prayer for your whole family, the doctors & nurses, and those beside you in NM. Mandy, you have been a wonderful witness to what living in God's grace means. We will continue to pray for you and hope that life wins the day. Love, hugs, and tears, Chris & Kathryn.
To the dear Pelton family,
We continue to praise and pray for you. We praise that God continues to be faithful to answer prayers in His time! And we pray that our Great Physician and Healer would touch baby Jude and bring strength! We pray for Caleb to have understanding beyond his years and a sense of God's nearness to Him. Remember to continue to stand on, cling to, and live by the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6..."Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge HIM and He WILL direct your steps."
Glad that Brandon's family is on their way too, so you can all be together! Jude is blessed with a great family! It is no surprise he feels peace, love, and care when you are nearby!
Continued love and prayers!
The Kanes :)
I'm in tears reading your words. The Lord has given you so much courage.
Lord, I pray for Brandon and Mandy to get some sweet time with baby Jude today. I pray for your peace to rest over them. I pray you would protect Jude from pain. Give Mandy and Brandon wisdom and discernment to know how to make the hard decisions facing them today.
I pray for Caleb. That he would have sweet times with his brother and that he would be wise beyond his years. I pray he would enjoy his time with friends and family.
I love you and pray my husband has been a blessing to your family the past few days. Jude, he so enjoyed meeting you, buddy!! We love you little man!
Mandy and Brandon,
Baby Jude has already had such an impact. I know that in praying for your family, I have drawn closer to the Lord. God is using Jude to bring people to Him all over the country. There are people all over Colorado (and I'm sure the whole country) who have never met Jude, yet we are all brought together in prayer. Have courage. Have faith. You are not alone. Prepare for God to do great things through your son, whether he's here for a week or 40 years. Jude's life has weight - it has meaning - it has purpose.
Brandon and Mandy and Jude and Caleb: We've been praying throughout the day and night for each of you, longing for your hearts to be comforted, and for you to know what steps to take as they are required.
We'd have come to pray with you and share your experience, but our daughter was in the hospital and has required us extra during this time.
Your love for Jude is precious to us and to God who sent him to you.
MANY are praying and loving you now. We trust you to the everylasting, never tiring, always loving arms of our Savior.
Amigos seguimos en oracion esperando Dios atienda las necesidades de su corazon. El esta presente, el es un padre amoroso los queremos queridos Mandy, Brandon, caleb y Jude hermoso!!
El gran amor del Señor nunca se acaba, y su compasión jamás se agota.
Cada mañana se renuevan sus bondades; ¡muy grande es su fidelidad!
Por tanto, digo: «El Señor es todo lo que tengo. ¡En él esperaré!»
Bueno es el Señor con quienes en él confían, con todos los que lo buscan.
Lamentaciones 3:22-25
A few months ago I read the book, Heaven is For Real - a true story about a little 4 year old boy who went to heaven. In the book the boy tells his Dad over and over how much Jesus loves children. It reminds me of when Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me," in Matthew 19:14. I can't help but find peace in his love for Jude, despite any uncertainty that lies ahead. He is loved.
We are friends of Jeff and Julia, who has shared your blog and situation with us. Please know that the prayers for Jude go much further than just the people you know. Your story has been shared and prayed for by many.
Dear Lord, I pray for and lift up high to you this family who is going through a tremendously difficult time right now. I pray specifically for Baby Jude and his healing Lord. He is fearfully and wonderfully made in your image and you know every day of his life. I pray that he will overcome the obstacles that have been placed along his path and that his story will be a story that will reflect your love, kindness, and sovereignty. Lord, I pray for Mandy and Brandon as they juggle being with Jude and being with Caleb. I pray for strength, courage, and peace. I also pray for Caleb and that his patience and understanding would be beyond his years right now.
Our sweet Father in heaven, we don't always understand situations like this and how they bring you glory, but we trust that you are indeed using precious Jude and his story for your good and for your glory. We pray that you would provide immense comfort, peace, and wisdom for Brandon and Mandy as they walk this journey. We pray that we would trust your providence and take comfort that your ways are not our ways. We won't ever truly understand this side of heaven and that's hard for us to grasp. We are thankful that you alone are God and you are on your throne...that before the foundations of the world, you set apart Jude and wrote His story.
"The Lord is king forever and ever...O Lord you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear..." Psalm 10:16,17
Brandon & Mandy... we love you guys very very much. We are clinging to the promise that the Lord is "near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Praying that you would be BLESSED as you hope in Jesus. Praying that God's power would come down and touch your sweet little boy with life, healing, and love. And we are praying that God would give you rest in body and soul. And P.S. Jude is absolutely beautiful!
We are holding your family up in our prayers. Thank you for your amazing testimony to all those around you. May God continue to uphold you in this difficult time. Baby Jude is so beautiful and will be such a blessing to all he comes in contact with.
Mandy, I'm praying through your prayer requests all throughout the day but also praying that you get to spend lots of time with Jude and that he stabilizes enough so you can hold him & get that precious quality time with your sweet baby boy. *hugs* ~elizabeth house
I am asking and trusting God to heal baby Jude. He is the God of miracles. May He bless you all abundantly, beyond what you can imagine!
Mandy, Brandon, Caleb, and especially Jude, you are all in our hearts and prayers. May the peace of God which passes all understanding, wash over you. I am so greatful for your faithful service to Him even through these difficult times. You are all truely a light on the hill shining Christs love.
Jude is a beautiful baby! I just wept reading your updates. Sometimes there are no words.....I'm praying for all of you. Love, Kristy
Hi! My Jude is 6 and starting kindergarten on Monday. He and I just prayed for you sweet Jude Matthew. We prayed that you would grow strong and that God would heal you. We prayed for strength for you and your entire family. We also asked that God would allow you to open your eyes so that your Mommy could see them. We don't understand His ways, for His ways are not our ways, but we know that He will bring good into all things and they will bring Him glory. We're lifting you up buddy and giving you big high fives all the way from Texas. xoxo
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