The other morning while taking a walk, a woman passed us and as usual, commented on the cute baby in the stroller. In a grandmotherly tone, she reminded all of us that the sun was in the baby's eyes. We looked at each other but none of us felt it necessary to correct the woman or to blurt out, "He's blind," to a total stranger. Instead, we said nothing.
As I've said before, the most frequently asked question is whether or not Victor can see anything at all. The ophthalmologist has said since last August that he didn't believe Victor could see anything, not even light. He based this upon his exams where he would shine a light in Victor's eyes. Victor would not flinch or squint or squirm or make any reaction at all.
While we didn't like admitting it, this was our observation as well. I have taken Victor outside in the bright sunlight and seen his eyes roll up toward the sun with no reaction. I have fed him in front of a window and moved in and out of the sunlight to see if his pupils would react and they did not. There were those times in the beginning when we felt like he got excited when the Christmas lights were turned on but that was just explained away as our own wishful thinking and Victor's excitement to be playing on his back.
On Friday, we visited a park while waiting for Andrew to finish his last class before spring break so we could head home. Just before leaving I put Victor down on his back to change his diaper. I even thought to myself, It's awfully sunny but it won't matter to Victor. But then I noticed something. Isaac was standing above him and was partially blocking the sunlight. When Isaac moved and the sun fully hit Victor's face, he squished his eyes closed. I told Isaac to stand there again, and then to move out of the way again. Victor again clearly closed his eyes tight against the light. John came over and observed the same thing. He ran for his ipad so we could document this reaction.
Back in the van we told the just-awakened Mariana about what happened. She nonchalantly said, "Oh yeah, the same thing happened to me this morning." She explained that when she fed him breakfast, they were sitting in front of a row of full length windows and the sun was shining in. He was fussing and not eating. She wondered whether it was the sun in his eyes so moved him and sure enough, he calmed down and started eating.
When Heidi Baker prayed over Victor, her words were that his healing would be a progression. And last week at church, there were more prayers for Victor's ultimate healing.
These are the things that make you go, Hmmmm..... and ponder them in your heart.
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The saga continues
There is a part of Victor's story that I haven't shared much. Maybe I've hoped it would not be a reality if I ignored it. Maybe I just didn't want to see it in print or hear the words plainly spoken. It is this: The condition that has caused Victor's vision loss is also associated with a number of other medical conditions including, but not limited to, seizures, endocrine issues including stunted growth, mental retardation, and behavior issues such as aggression and over eating.
The ophthalmologist prepared us with dire warnings of all of these. Thankfully the endocrinologist has so far been less concerned. An initial exam, bloodwork, and his statement that these secondary issues are only present in 20% of the cases have helped to suppress the fear and worry. However, there are other concerns. It is apparent, and was as early as Victor's first bottle in the NICU, that he does not have a shut off valve when full. He will eat until you stop feeding him and I've had to do my own trial and error to determine how much to feed him. Further, the neonatal follow-up clinic is concerned because his head circumference is growing at a much slower rate than his height and weight.
In my humble opinion, Victor has suffered enough and I don't think any of us need anything else to deal with for a long time. But I learned a long time ago that my opinion isn't always the best one when orchestrating lives in the universe. There's a much larger picture, a battle being fought, and lives in the balance. I know I'm much better off placing this in much larger, more capable hands.
I am asking, begging, God to spare Victor from any other physical or mental hardship. I ask you to ask for the same thing.
We thank you.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
The ophthalmologist prepared us with dire warnings of all of these. Thankfully the endocrinologist has so far been less concerned. An initial exam, bloodwork, and his statement that these secondary issues are only present in 20% of the cases have helped to suppress the fear and worry. However, there are other concerns. It is apparent, and was as early as Victor's first bottle in the NICU, that he does not have a shut off valve when full. He will eat until you stop feeding him and I've had to do my own trial and error to determine how much to feed him. Further, the neonatal follow-up clinic is concerned because his head circumference is growing at a much slower rate than his height and weight.
In my humble opinion, Victor has suffered enough and I don't think any of us need anything else to deal with for a long time. But I learned a long time ago that my opinion isn't always the best one when orchestrating lives in the universe. There's a much larger picture, a battle being fought, and lives in the balance. I know I'm much better off placing this in much larger, more capable hands.
I am asking, begging, God to spare Victor from any other physical or mental hardship. I ask you to ask for the same thing.
We thank you.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Disappointment
"Pleeeeeasseee, can I have one of those loom things to make bracelets?"
"But, Mom, it's the role I always dreamed of. I don't know why I didn't get it."
"She keeps pushing me away and it hurts."
"The lies she has told are spreading."
"There are three things going on that weekend and I don't know which one to choose. No matter what I do I'm going to miss out on something."
It's hard to watch my children face disappointment. I want to take it away. There are times when I am the source of that disappointment (as in the case of those silly loom bracelet making things and my steadfast household ban, due to the amount of junk already in the house, two girls who need to learn the art of cleaning up after themselves, and the knowledge that this fad will pass just as quickly as other money making ploys in the past) and I could take that disappointment away with a simple change of mind. But I remain firm. Other situations are caused by factors outside my control. I could try to step in and manipulate and argue for my child. I hold my tongue. There are times when I can do nothing, even if I wanted to do so. Instead, I pray.
So why don't I give my children everything they want and more? Well, for one, it's not financially possible. But even if it was, I hope that I would still make the same choices. My children are going to face disappointment in life and there will be times I can't do anything to take it away. I pray that they learn this lesson now. I also want them to learn where to take their disappointments; God is ready to hear their sorrow and to redeem it. For now, the sadness comes from a friend who has wronged them but someday that may be an employer. Today, she doesn't get a role she wants (actually, she was 10 when the above scenario happened) but someday that might be not getting a first college choice or the death of a dream career. Right now a plan gone awry, thwarted by unfair circumstances might seem like the end of the world but someday it might be an unexpected diagnosis. Lessons learned in disappointment today will not only teach coping skills for the future but will also grow them into the person God wants them to be. I also want my children to experience disappointment because this is where we learn empathy and compassion for others.
But there are times my Mommy Heart aches as much (sometimes more) as my child's heart does. I find myself asking God, Why? And in those moments I need to remind myself that I don't want to teach my children entitlement and happiness. I want to teach them empathy, faith, and joy. It is in our disappointments that we grow the most. It is in reaching out to God when we don't understand, that we learn faith. It is in learning that life isn't all roses and "going my way" that we learn joy despite circumstances.
So rather than jump in and fix it for them, I will stand with them. I will listen. And as the days go by and the time is right, I will teach them what I really want them to learn. Together, we will decide if there is a course of action which should be taken. If they need to speak to someone, together we'll choose the words that need to be said and how it should be said. I will be the encourager from afar when it comes time to do that, however. Learning to question, debate, and stand up for yourself is best done by yourself, not by Mom.
Kids, this is my prayer for you. And you can find me sitting here on my hands and holding my tongue so that I don't jump in and try to fix it.
I will not jump in and try to fix it. I will not jump in and try to fix it...
"But, Mom, it's the role I always dreamed of. I don't know why I didn't get it."
"She keeps pushing me away and it hurts."
"The lies she has told are spreading."
"There are three things going on that weekend and I don't know which one to choose. No matter what I do I'm going to miss out on something."
It's hard to watch my children face disappointment. I want to take it away. There are times when I am the source of that disappointment (as in the case of those silly loom bracelet making things and my steadfast household ban, due to the amount of junk already in the house, two girls who need to learn the art of cleaning up after themselves, and the knowledge that this fad will pass just as quickly as other money making ploys in the past) and I could take that disappointment away with a simple change of mind. But I remain firm. Other situations are caused by factors outside my control. I could try to step in and manipulate and argue for my child. I hold my tongue. There are times when I can do nothing, even if I wanted to do so. Instead, I pray.
So why don't I give my children everything they want and more? Well, for one, it's not financially possible. But even if it was, I hope that I would still make the same choices. My children are going to face disappointment in life and there will be times I can't do anything to take it away. I pray that they learn this lesson now. I also want them to learn where to take their disappointments; God is ready to hear their sorrow and to redeem it. For now, the sadness comes from a friend who has wronged them but someday that may be an employer. Today, she doesn't get a role she wants (actually, she was 10 when the above scenario happened) but someday that might be not getting a first college choice or the death of a dream career. Right now a plan gone awry, thwarted by unfair circumstances might seem like the end of the world but someday it might be an unexpected diagnosis. Lessons learned in disappointment today will not only teach coping skills for the future but will also grow them into the person God wants them to be. I also want my children to experience disappointment because this is where we learn empathy and compassion for others.
But there are times my Mommy Heart aches as much (sometimes more) as my child's heart does. I find myself asking God, Why? And in those moments I need to remind myself that I don't want to teach my children entitlement and happiness. I want to teach them empathy, faith, and joy. It is in our disappointments that we grow the most. It is in reaching out to God when we don't understand, that we learn faith. It is in learning that life isn't all roses and "going my way" that we learn joy despite circumstances.
So rather than jump in and fix it for them, I will stand with them. I will listen. And as the days go by and the time is right, I will teach them what I really want them to learn. Together, we will decide if there is a course of action which should be taken. If they need to speak to someone, together we'll choose the words that need to be said and how it should be said. I will be the encourager from afar when it comes time to do that, however. Learning to question, debate, and stand up for yourself is best done by yourself, not by Mom.
Kids, this is my prayer for you. And you can find me sitting here on my hands and holding my tongue so that I don't jump in and try to fix it.
I will not jump in and try to fix it. I will not jump in and try to fix it...
Sunday, December 29, 2013
What I learned in 2013
This morning during church we listened to 9 people share what they have gone through in 2013 and what they have learned from it. Well, actually I didn't get to listen to all 9 testimonies because Mr. Victor was being noisy, happy, but noisy. Thankfully, two very dear people rushed to the lobby when they realized Eden was going to be speaking and offered to watch the loud baby so I could hear her speak. After that I tried to listen on the lobby TV but the sound wasn't the greatest. I was definitely blessed by what I heard so I'm certain that anyone who heard all 9 was especially blessed and challenged.
See Eden's testimony here.
I'm proud of you, Eden. I don't think I had stage presence like that until I was in my 30s!
See Eden's testimony here.
I'm proud of you, Eden. I don't think I had stage presence like that until I was in my 30s!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Great news!
We have a finalization date! November 4 it is.
Remember way back when we asked you to pray for favor with the judge so we wouldn't have to return to Utah for finalization? Well, you prayed, God answered. In some ways this makes our adoption finalization anti-climactic. The judge and lawyer will be there. We'll be here. No family picture in the courtroom.
We can't fill the courtroom like we did last time.
We can't have a group prayer over Victor in the courtroom (we will forever be thankful to the judge who believes it's a free country and this falls under a free speech issues, thereby allowing this for HopeAnne's adoption).
We won't release butterflies like we did last time; wrong time of year.
And we won't have a big open house to celebrate because we can't have all of those germs through our doors.
Even more so than HopeAnne's adoption, we have been surrounded by such a large community of people from all over. We want to have you celebrate with us. This is a big deal. Finalization means that Victor is officially a King with all of the rights and privileges of being an heir. Nothing can change that. He will be forever ours. His birth certificate will be legally changed, listing us as parents. In the eyes of the law, he will finally be what he has been to us all along, our son.
So what to do? What to do? This has been our question.
We've decided to have a virtual celebration. Since we can't invite you all to our home to share with each other what Victor has meant to us all, we'd like to hear from you in writing. Please write to us, letting us know what Victor's story has meant to you. How has it changed you? What have been your thoughts in these past 6 months? What has God been speaking to you? What has been your prayer for Victor? What are your prayers for his future? Please take some time to write your thoughts down and send them to us. Either leave a message here (although we know many people are unable to post here, sorry, I'm the most technologically unsavvy person and don't know why your posts don't show up), on Facebook, send an email to kingzoo@comcast.net, or send us a real letter. We will save these for Victor and I may anonymously post some of them on this blog. I have a feeling words are going to mean much more to him than pictures.
Oh, and please pray that there are no complications surrounding this date and finalization.
Remember way back when we asked you to pray for favor with the judge so we wouldn't have to return to Utah for finalization? Well, you prayed, God answered. In some ways this makes our adoption finalization anti-climactic. The judge and lawyer will be there. We'll be here. No family picture in the courtroom.
We can't fill the courtroom like we did last time.
We can't have a group prayer over Victor in the courtroom (we will forever be thankful to the judge who believes it's a free country and this falls under a free speech issues, thereby allowing this for HopeAnne's adoption).
We won't release butterflies like we did last time; wrong time of year.
And we won't have a big open house to celebrate because we can't have all of those germs through our doors.
Even more so than HopeAnne's adoption, we have been surrounded by such a large community of people from all over. We want to have you celebrate with us. This is a big deal. Finalization means that Victor is officially a King with all of the rights and privileges of being an heir. Nothing can change that. He will be forever ours. His birth certificate will be legally changed, listing us as parents. In the eyes of the law, he will finally be what he has been to us all along, our son.
So what to do? What to do? This has been our question.
We've decided to have a virtual celebration. Since we can't invite you all to our home to share with each other what Victor has meant to us all, we'd like to hear from you in writing. Please write to us, letting us know what Victor's story has meant to you. How has it changed you? What have been your thoughts in these past 6 months? What has God been speaking to you? What has been your prayer for Victor? What are your prayers for his future? Please take some time to write your thoughts down and send them to us. Either leave a message here (although we know many people are unable to post here, sorry, I'm the most technologically unsavvy person and don't know why your posts don't show up), on Facebook, send an email to kingzoo@comcast.net, or send us a real letter. We will save these for Victor and I may anonymously post some of them on this blog. I have a feeling words are going to mean much more to him than pictures.
Oh, and please pray that there are no complications surrounding this date and finalization.
Monday, September 30, 2013
A time to ask
On the same day that we were given Victor's diagnosis of Bilateral Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (or Septo Optic Dysplasia), we also found out that Heidi Baker was scheduled to be in the area for a conference this past weekend.
Heidi Baker and her husband, Rolland, are missionaries in Mozambique and founders of Iris Ministries. Heidi has also prayed over many who were once blind but who now see. The question was asked, "Do you think you should try to get in to see her?"
But her conference was full.
So we tried the friend of a friend of a friend who was on the planning team.
And we found out earlier this week that the door was shut.
The question came back, "Do you think you should try another method? Wait for her in the parking lot, perhaps?"
I prayed. Oh, how I prayed. And we fasted along with many friends and family members. Fasting for Victor's sight, to grow closer to God, and for clarity in this situation.
Finally, the response came to me, "You have to ask."
Whether or not Victor ever sees doesn't matter to me. I love him as he is, I know he is our son, and we will do whatever we need to do to give him the best chance at life. But if we have not because we ask not, then I need to ask. If we don't see miracles because we don't ask for them, then I need to ask.
So we went to the conference at the time we thought Heidi would be ending her talk. We walked right in without a ticket. And she had just gotten started.
(Father, forgive me for I have sinned - walking in without a ticket and all. On the other hand, I'm certain Jesus never charged money when He was speaking to a crowd. And to be honest, we did have a friend at home who had willingly offered to post bail if necessary. Oh, and we did park in the "Reserved for the Worship Team" parking place. I'm truly sorry. On the other hand, I guess the event organizers can be thankful that our friends didn't cut a hole in the ceiling and let us down with ropes.)
We listened to her speak, and speak, and speak some more, and say she was about to wrap up, only to repeat that again 40 minutes later. She spoke on compassion and joy and the Holy Spirit and evangelism.
And then the session was over and we did our best to push through the crowds, step over those slain in the spirit, only to get closer to Heidi. We inched our way. A man asked if he could pray over Victor. He prayed that blind eyes would see. We inched closer. A woman carrying a baby asked if we wanted to get to Heidi. She parted the way for us to inch closer. Finally we were on one side of the podium; Heidi was on the other. One of the event leaders came and asked us if we wanted Heidi to pray for our baby. She then led Heidi right to us.
She sat down and she took Victor in her arms. And my baby, who has a difficult time settling down, slept soundly in her arms for the next 15 or 20 minutes while she ignored the crowds to focus on us. She reminded us that the same Jesus who healed the blind, loves our son and can heal him, too. But she mostly spoke to us of adoption, and love, being forerunners, and bringing our story to many. She held our hands and looked at us with love in her eyes. She silently prayed. Then she touched her finger to her lips and touched Victor's eyes.
Heidi Baker isn't the focus of our worship. But she serves the same God we do, one who still does miracles today. And she has the gift of healing. We had to ask.
And Victor slept through the night, from that moment until 6:00 this morning. That has never happened before.
This morning, a friend who works for the airlines had the privilege of checking Heidi Baker in at the airport and they talked about our precious Victor.
These are not coincidences; these are God moments. Each and every one orchestrated by Someone bigger than all of us and all of our circumstances. Each one a miracle in itself.
We have to ask.
Heidi Baker and her husband, Rolland, are missionaries in Mozambique and founders of Iris Ministries. Heidi has also prayed over many who were once blind but who now see. The question was asked, "Do you think you should try to get in to see her?"
But her conference was full.
So we tried the friend of a friend of a friend who was on the planning team.
And we found out earlier this week that the door was shut.
The question came back, "Do you think you should try another method? Wait for her in the parking lot, perhaps?"
I prayed. Oh, how I prayed. And we fasted along with many friends and family members. Fasting for Victor's sight, to grow closer to God, and for clarity in this situation.
Finally, the response came to me, "You have to ask."
Whether or not Victor ever sees doesn't matter to me. I love him as he is, I know he is our son, and we will do whatever we need to do to give him the best chance at life. But if we have not because we ask not, then I need to ask. If we don't see miracles because we don't ask for them, then I need to ask.
So we went to the conference at the time we thought Heidi would be ending her talk. We walked right in without a ticket. And she had just gotten started.
(Father, forgive me for I have sinned - walking in without a ticket and all. On the other hand, I'm certain Jesus never charged money when He was speaking to a crowd. And to be honest, we did have a friend at home who had willingly offered to post bail if necessary. Oh, and we did park in the "Reserved for the Worship Team" parking place. I'm truly sorry. On the other hand, I guess the event organizers can be thankful that our friends didn't cut a hole in the ceiling and let us down with ropes.)
We listened to her speak, and speak, and speak some more, and say she was about to wrap up, only to repeat that again 40 minutes later. She spoke on compassion and joy and the Holy Spirit and evangelism.
And then the session was over and we did our best to push through the crowds, step over those slain in the spirit, only to get closer to Heidi. We inched our way. A man asked if he could pray over Victor. He prayed that blind eyes would see. We inched closer. A woman carrying a baby asked if we wanted to get to Heidi. She parted the way for us to inch closer. Finally we were on one side of the podium; Heidi was on the other. One of the event leaders came and asked us if we wanted Heidi to pray for our baby. She then led Heidi right to us.
She sat down and she took Victor in her arms. And my baby, who has a difficult time settling down, slept soundly in her arms for the next 15 or 20 minutes while she ignored the crowds to focus on us. She reminded us that the same Jesus who healed the blind, loves our son and can heal him, too. But she mostly spoke to us of adoption, and love, being forerunners, and bringing our story to many. She held our hands and looked at us with love in her eyes. She silently prayed. Then she touched her finger to her lips and touched Victor's eyes.
Heidi Baker isn't the focus of our worship. But she serves the same God we do, one who still does miracles today. And she has the gift of healing. We had to ask.
And Victor slept through the night, from that moment until 6:00 this morning. That has never happened before.
This morning, a friend who works for the airlines had the privilege of checking Heidi Baker in at the airport and they talked about our precious Victor.
These are not coincidences; these are God moments. Each and every one orchestrated by Someone bigger than all of us and all of our circumstances. Each one a miracle in itself.
We have to ask.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Gratitude and apologizing
First of all, thank you.
Secondly, I'm sorry.
Thank you for joining us in fasting and prayer for Victor's sight. There are at least 30 people storming Heaven's gates for the miraculous healing of Victor's eyes. There are probably many more that I don't know about.
Our senior pastor wrote these words in his weekly email:
But you know, I've had this sense that this time of fasting and prayer is as much about each of our hearts as it is for Victor Noah. His healing may even be secondary.
So I say I'm sorry because I know that some of you are experiencing spiritual attack in the midst of your prayer and fasting. Trouble at work, sickness, unexplained anger, Facebook attacks and distractions, I've heard of all of these just in the first day.
Friends, press on. Play some worship music. Pray more. Send your prayers Heaven-ward while you allow God to do some heart work. This is all about His glory, it always has been and always will be.
Secondly, I'm sorry.
Thank you for joining us in fasting and prayer for Victor's sight. There are at least 30 people storming Heaven's gates for the miraculous healing of Victor's eyes. There are probably many more that I don't know about.
Our senior pastor wrote these words in his weekly email:
I love the picture the Apostle John paints for us in Revelation chapter 8 verses 1-5, about what happens with our prayers:
These verses from Revelation come to mind in the context of two “prayer events” I’d like to share with you this morning…
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But you know, I've had this sense that this time of fasting and prayer is as much about each of our hearts as it is for Victor Noah. His healing may even be secondary.
So I say I'm sorry because I know that some of you are experiencing spiritual attack in the midst of your prayer and fasting. Trouble at work, sickness, unexplained anger, Facebook attacks and distractions, I've heard of all of these just in the first day.
Friends, press on. Play some worship music. Pray more. Send your prayers Heaven-ward while you allow God to do some heart work. This is all about His glory, it always has been and always will be.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In our own ways
HopeAnne: I was crying in my bed last night.
Me: You were? Why didn't you call me? What were you crying about?
HopeAnne: I was thinking about Victor's eyes and I was crying.
Once again I am both humbled and amazed at the responses of our friends and family. You have embraced Victor, his story, and our family. You've cried tears for him. You've shouted that this is not fair, he's overcome so much already! And now many of you are willing to fast and pray for him, each in his/her own way.
Our God is a God of miracles. I believe that. I believe that He wants us to ask for Victor's sight. He is calling some of us to fast for Victor's sight. I believe that He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
I also believe that He wants to do a work in each of our hearts and this is about so much more than Victor's sight.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Me: You were? Why didn't you call me? What were you crying about?
HopeAnne: I was thinking about Victor's eyes and I was crying.
Once again I am both humbled and amazed at the responses of our friends and family. You have embraced Victor, his story, and our family. You've cried tears for him. You've shouted that this is not fair, he's overcome so much already! And now many of you are willing to fast and pray for him, each in his/her own way.
Our God is a God of miracles. I believe that. I believe that He wants us to ask for Victor's sight. He is calling some of us to fast for Victor's sight. I believe that He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
I also believe that He wants to do a work in each of our hearts and this is about so much more than Victor's sight.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Seeing clearly
Victor had another torture session with the pediatric ophthalmologist yesterday. It's so bad the doctor himself used the word torture. I have to admit that I'm not sure I would handle it well myself. Once again Victor has proved himself a fighter as the doctor kept hoping Victor would tire himself out and stop moving his head.
He still has some Stage 1 ROP but the doctor is not concerned about it, believing that it will continue to resolve on its own. He is concerned, however, about Victor's sight. Please join us in praying for Victor's eyes. We are praying that the exam in 2 weeks (yes, they are going to torture him again in two weeks) will show nothing of concern. John's prayer last night included the prayer that Victor won't even need glasses. We want him to clearly see his loving friends and family so we covet these prayers. We know that it is the prayers of all of you that has brought him to where he is today. Let's pray sight to his eyes.
He still has some Stage 1 ROP but the doctor is not concerned about it, believing that it will continue to resolve on its own. He is concerned, however, about Victor's sight. Please join us in praying for Victor's eyes. We are praying that the exam in 2 weeks (yes, they are going to torture him again in two weeks) will show nothing of concern. John's prayer last night included the prayer that Victor won't even need glasses. We want him to clearly see his loving friends and family so we covet these prayers. We know that it is the prayers of all of you that has brought him to where he is today. Let's pray sight to his eyes.
Victor with his great grandmother
HopeAnne loves to mother him (or is it smother?)
Monday, July 15, 2013
And...
...the news we've all been waiting for...
The home oxygen has been ordered. When it arrives, Victor will have his carseat test. This means that he has to sit in his seat for 2 hours without brady or major desats. Then tonight John and I will "room in" with Victor for a minimum of 6 hours to prove that we know how to handle him and his machines. If all goes well, we will be discharged in the morning! The doctor will not even consider a flight, so we will head east in a rental car, making frequent stops (doctor's orders are every two hours) to accommodate a preemie on oxygen who has never been upright in his 3 months of life.
Please pray:
-that the oxygen arrives in a timely manner
-that Victor passes his carseat test THE FIRST TIME!
-that all goes well rooming in
Many, many thanks for all of your prayers. The neonatologist confirmed this morning what the nurses have been telling us all along, Victor's progress is amazing and not normal. He credited this to the many long hours I spent here nurturing our precious baby. We also credit the God who knew Victor before he was even born and who has all of his days numbered. Being God's designated mother to Victor is my pleasure and honor and while I'm ready to be home, this months of bonding have been so special. I'm glad we'll be reunited with the whole family soon.
The home oxygen has been ordered. When it arrives, Victor will have his carseat test. This means that he has to sit in his seat for 2 hours without brady or major desats. Then tonight John and I will "room in" with Victor for a minimum of 6 hours to prove that we know how to handle him and his machines. If all goes well, we will be discharged in the morning! The doctor will not even consider a flight, so we will head east in a rental car, making frequent stops (doctor's orders are every two hours) to accommodate a preemie on oxygen who has never been upright in his 3 months of life.
Please pray:
-that the oxygen arrives in a timely manner
-that Victor passes his carseat test THE FIRST TIME!
-that all goes well rooming in
Many, many thanks for all of your prayers. The neonatologist confirmed this morning what the nurses have been telling us all along, Victor's progress is amazing and not normal. He credited this to the many long hours I spent here nurturing our precious baby. We also credit the God who knew Victor before he was even born and who has all of his days numbered. Being God's designated mother to Victor is my pleasure and honor and while I'm ready to be home, this months of bonding have been so special. I'm glad we'll be reunited with the whole family soon.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
In his time
In your time, in your time
You make all things beautiful,
In your time
Lord, please show me everyday
As you're teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time
Lord, my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time
In His Time, Diane Ball
A friend reminded me of this song after we posted our prayer request yesterday. I remember this song as being on a video of music and scenery that we had given to my grandfather when he was sick with cancer. I hadn't thought of this song in years. I listened to it last night before bed and each time I woke up the words of the song were a prayer in my head.
Many thanks to each of you for the prayers and words of encouragement. Yesterday was filled with several obvious attacks. Discouragement came and went and peace prevailed.
First of all, let me just say that we received three miracles yesterday!
Miracle #1 - The pediatric ophthalmologist came yesterday, just hours after we sent out the prayer request. Like I said yesterday, this exam was a week overdue and multiple phone calls by the NICU doctor and NP got nowhere.
Miracle #2 - The results of the eye exam were just what we asked for! Praise God! Pray specific prayers to get specific answers and so that you will know you have received a miracle. After 4 weeks of exams, Victor's eyes had not changed at all. Yesterday, (for those of you who understand) his eye development has progressed to Zone 3 (out of 3) and the minimal ROP has started to regress as well. They believe the rest will clear up as well and he will not need any treatment or surgery to correct this in the future. Best news: We should be able to go home! There is only one thing holding this up and you will see that in the prayer requests below.
Miracle #3 - Victor actually lasted on room air through 2 feedings, about 8 hours (he was still receiving oxygen during his feeds). While he is back on minimal oxygen now, we are moving in the right direction. It is still believed that when he arrives in PA, he will no longer need oxygen.
Miracle #4 - Victor Noah, born at 25 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb. 13 oz., is alive and doing extremely well and is celebrating his third month of life today! I think ice cream is in order for celebration. Well, at least one of us can have some ice cream to celebrate. Even the doctor today admitted that Victor has been ahead of the curve in everything. Most babies born at this gestation and weight would not even be considered for discharge until 40 or 42 weeks (Victor would be 40 weeks on July 26).
Prayer requests -
The mission team to New Mexico left in the wee hours of the morning. Many thanks to those who posted pictures and videos so I could pick out my children in the crowd. After a long flight delay (but they were treated with food vouchers that they all used at Dunkin Donuts), the last photo was of the inside of their plane. Please pray for life changing experiences over the members of the team and everyone they come into contact with from airport personnel to the people they serve. Andrew's team to Juniata County, PA leaves at 1PM tomorrow. Pray the same over them.
The pediatric ophthalmologist has said that he wants to see Victor one more time, next Friday. We have convinced the neonatologist that we can schedule Victor with someone just as qualified in PA if he would PLEASE let us leave earlier than that. He promised to check with the eye doctor on Monday. Please pray for favor with the eye doctor, that he would allow us to go home!
Pray for the decision to fly or drive. We have gotten a different answer from each person we talk to. Earlier in the week we were convinced to fly and were also told we'd be leaving Monday or Tuesday so we booked our flights for Thursday. Now this doctor is telling us to drive. Whatever. We really don't care (well, the Good Doctor is not a fan of driving but he'll get over it, I actually love to see the sights even though it may just be a blur in passing), we just want to go home.
Pray for the kids at home with various care-givers.
If you didn't believe in prayer before Victor Noah, you have to now. How much more proof do you need?
You make all things beautiful,
In your time
Lord, please show me everyday
As you're teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time
Lord, my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time
In His Time, Diane Ball
A friend reminded me of this song after we posted our prayer request yesterday. I remember this song as being on a video of music and scenery that we had given to my grandfather when he was sick with cancer. I hadn't thought of this song in years. I listened to it last night before bed and each time I woke up the words of the song were a prayer in my head.
Many thanks to each of you for the prayers and words of encouragement. Yesterday was filled with several obvious attacks. Discouragement came and went and peace prevailed.
First of all, let me just say that we received three miracles yesterday!
Miracle #1 - The pediatric ophthalmologist came yesterday, just hours after we sent out the prayer request. Like I said yesterday, this exam was a week overdue and multiple phone calls by the NICU doctor and NP got nowhere.
Miracle #2 - The results of the eye exam were just what we asked for! Praise God! Pray specific prayers to get specific answers and so that you will know you have received a miracle. After 4 weeks of exams, Victor's eyes had not changed at all. Yesterday, (for those of you who understand) his eye development has progressed to Zone 3 (out of 3) and the minimal ROP has started to regress as well. They believe the rest will clear up as well and he will not need any treatment or surgery to correct this in the future. Best news: We should be able to go home! There is only one thing holding this up and you will see that in the prayer requests below.
Miracle #3 - Victor actually lasted on room air through 2 feedings, about 8 hours (he was still receiving oxygen during his feeds). While he is back on minimal oxygen now, we are moving in the right direction. It is still believed that when he arrives in PA, he will no longer need oxygen.
Miracle #4 - Victor Noah, born at 25 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 lb. 13 oz., is alive and doing extremely well and is celebrating his third month of life today! I think ice cream is in order for celebration. Well, at least one of us can have some ice cream to celebrate. Even the doctor today admitted that Victor has been ahead of the curve in everything. Most babies born at this gestation and weight would not even be considered for discharge until 40 or 42 weeks (Victor would be 40 weeks on July 26).
Prayer requests -
The mission team to New Mexico left in the wee hours of the morning. Many thanks to those who posted pictures and videos so I could pick out my children in the crowd. After a long flight delay (but they were treated with food vouchers that they all used at Dunkin Donuts), the last photo was of the inside of their plane. Please pray for life changing experiences over the members of the team and everyone they come into contact with from airport personnel to the people they serve. Andrew's team to Juniata County, PA leaves at 1PM tomorrow. Pray the same over them.
The pediatric ophthalmologist has said that he wants to see Victor one more time, next Friday. We have convinced the neonatologist that we can schedule Victor with someone just as qualified in PA if he would PLEASE let us leave earlier than that. He promised to check with the eye doctor on Monday. Please pray for favor with the eye doctor, that he would allow us to go home!
Pray for the decision to fly or drive. We have gotten a different answer from each person we talk to. Earlier in the week we were convinced to fly and were also told we'd be leaving Monday or Tuesday so we booked our flights for Thursday. Now this doctor is telling us to drive. Whatever. We really don't care (well, the Good Doctor is not a fan of driving but he'll get over it, I actually love to see the sights even though it may just be a blur in passing), we just want to go home.
Pray for the kids at home with various care-givers.
If you didn't believe in prayer before Victor Noah, you have to now. How much more proof do you need?
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Prayers felt, Part 2
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:30
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heartsthrough faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen it at work.
When Andrew was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis and needed cranial reconstruction surgery. While the surgery may have been old hat to the neurosurgeon/plastic surgeon team (we were told that Children's Hospital of Philadelphia performed at least one of these surgeries a week), it was new to us and the idea of allowing my son's skull to be removed, reshaped, and replaced was a tad bit scary. Okay, that's an understatement.
I purchased a stamp that said "Handle with Prayer" and the Sunday before his surgery, we announced to the congregation what was happening that week. We shared specific prayer requests, asked for continued prayer, and then said that anyone wanting a reminder to pray could come forward to have his hand stamped with the visual reminder. Our first prayer request was obviously for Andrew's health and safety. Secondly, I asked that I would be able to sleep the night before the surgery. I'm somewhat of a sleep snob. I need my bed, my pillow, and my house to get the best night's sleep. I also need complete darkness and no noise. And something to worry about? Even a small anxiety could keep me up all night. I knew I needed sleep that night to get through the upcoming days.
The first answer to the prayer came from a pastor friend at another church. He knew about the surgery and had also shared it with his congregation that Sunday. He called to say that one of the women in his church had a vision while praying and wanted to be certain he passed it along to us. She said she saw Andrew on the operating table and above him there was an angel, prone, hovering, protecting. That image got me through a lot in the next couple of days. And the morning of the surgery? I awoke from a very deep and restful sleep, ready for what that day would hold.
After 8 hours of surgery, we were told that all had gone well. He spent another week in the hospital, struggling with lethargy and anemia. He was sent home still not feeling the best but it was a new week, after all, and they needed the bed for new surgery patients.
That first week home was awful. We realized that Andrew probably should not have been discharged and likely had needed another blood transfusion before coming home. After a week of begging him to eat and moving only when forced to go from bed to sofa and back again, we were very concerned. So you can imagine my surprise when, one afternoon, he not only got off the sofa but asked to go to MomMom's house. I called my mom who was happy to oblige. I can't remember exactly, but I think they went to McDonald's (at that point we were willing to give the kid whatever he would eat) and to a farm's petting zoo.
John came home a little while later and asked where Andrew was. I said, "You're not going to believe this, but..." and told him the story. He asked me what time and I told him it was around 2PM. He then told me that he had been in a meeting with several pastors. At the end of the meeting, one of the men asked if he could pray for Andrew. The time of that prayer? 2:00. At supper time, a woman from church came with her daughter to bring us a meal. She asked about Andrew and I told her that he wasn't home and why. She asked, "What time was that?" When I told her she said, "I had this strong feeling that I needed to pray for Andrew so I gathered the kids around and we all prayed. It was at 2:00."
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. Please keep praying.
Victor is doing so well. The fact that I forgot to ask how much he weighs today tells you that it's no longer my biggest concern. I do know that he was 4 lb. 10 oz. yesterday and looking so much like a miniature baby instead of a plastic corpse. All of his nurse friends, when assigned to different babies, stop over to congratulate him on his big boy bed and to comment about his size. We are looking forward to busting out of here but once again, saying good-bye will be difficult. We have made so many good friends.
His need for oxygen goes down everyday. I am so thankful to God for that!
He will see the eye doctor today or tomorrow. Rather, the eye doctor will see him. Please pray for complete healing here.
Victor is showing so many signs that he is ready to eat but we are waiting on the occupational therapist who is on vacation. Pray for her first available appointment next week and that in this week of waiting, Victor would be preparing his suck-swallow-breathe so we can make fast and furious strides.
When I returned to Utah last weekend, it was difficult knowing that there were no more trips to break up my stay. Each trip home, and the family's trip here, gave me something to look forward to. However, I found out this week that my mom and Mariana are planning a trip out here the week of July 6. I couldn't be happier. I'm so excited to introduce Victor to his very special MomMom and for Mariana to see how much he has grown and gotten darker. So many nurses have commented to me about Mariana and the times she held and sang to Victor. He's ready to hear your songs again, Sweet Daughter!
And now, another poem by moi:
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had clean hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy is more fuzzy,
Isn't he?
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:30
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heartsthrough faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen it at work.
When Andrew was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis and needed cranial reconstruction surgery. While the surgery may have been old hat to the neurosurgeon/plastic surgeon team (we were told that Children's Hospital of Philadelphia performed at least one of these surgeries a week), it was new to us and the idea of allowing my son's skull to be removed, reshaped, and replaced was a tad bit scary. Okay, that's an understatement.
I purchased a stamp that said "Handle with Prayer" and the Sunday before his surgery, we announced to the congregation what was happening that week. We shared specific prayer requests, asked for continued prayer, and then said that anyone wanting a reminder to pray could come forward to have his hand stamped with the visual reminder. Our first prayer request was obviously for Andrew's health and safety. Secondly, I asked that I would be able to sleep the night before the surgery. I'm somewhat of a sleep snob. I need my bed, my pillow, and my house to get the best night's sleep. I also need complete darkness and no noise. And something to worry about? Even a small anxiety could keep me up all night. I knew I needed sleep that night to get through the upcoming days.
The first answer to the prayer came from a pastor friend at another church. He knew about the surgery and had also shared it with his congregation that Sunday. He called to say that one of the women in his church had a vision while praying and wanted to be certain he passed it along to us. She said she saw Andrew on the operating table and above him there was an angel, prone, hovering, protecting. That image got me through a lot in the next couple of days. And the morning of the surgery? I awoke from a very deep and restful sleep, ready for what that day would hold.
After 8 hours of surgery, we were told that all had gone well. He spent another week in the hospital, struggling with lethargy and anemia. He was sent home still not feeling the best but it was a new week, after all, and they needed the bed for new surgery patients.
That first week home was awful. We realized that Andrew probably should not have been discharged and likely had needed another blood transfusion before coming home. After a week of begging him to eat and moving only when forced to go from bed to sofa and back again, we were very concerned. So you can imagine my surprise when, one afternoon, he not only got off the sofa but asked to go to MomMom's house. I called my mom who was happy to oblige. I can't remember exactly, but I think they went to McDonald's (at that point we were willing to give the kid whatever he would eat) and to a farm's petting zoo.
John came home a little while later and asked where Andrew was. I said, "You're not going to believe this, but..." and told him the story. He asked me what time and I told him it was around 2PM. He then told me that he had been in a meeting with several pastors. At the end of the meeting, one of the men asked if he could pray for Andrew. The time of that prayer? 2:00. At supper time, a woman from church came with her daughter to bring us a meal. She asked about Andrew and I told her that he wasn't home and why. She asked, "What time was that?" When I told her she said, "I had this strong feeling that I needed to pray for Andrew so I gathered the kids around and we all prayed. It was at 2:00."
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. Please keep praying.
Victor is doing so well. The fact that I forgot to ask how much he weighs today tells you that it's no longer my biggest concern. I do know that he was 4 lb. 10 oz. yesterday and looking so much like a miniature baby instead of a plastic corpse. All of his nurse friends, when assigned to different babies, stop over to congratulate him on his big boy bed and to comment about his size. We are looking forward to busting out of here but once again, saying good-bye will be difficult. We have made so many good friends.
His need for oxygen goes down everyday. I am so thankful to God for that!
He will see the eye doctor today or tomorrow. Rather, the eye doctor will see him. Please pray for complete healing here.
Victor is showing so many signs that he is ready to eat but we are waiting on the occupational therapist who is on vacation. Pray for her first available appointment next week and that in this week of waiting, Victor would be preparing his suck-swallow-breathe so we can make fast and furious strides.
When I returned to Utah last weekend, it was difficult knowing that there were no more trips to break up my stay. Each trip home, and the family's trip here, gave me something to look forward to. However, I found out this week that my mom and Mariana are planning a trip out here the week of July 6. I couldn't be happier. I'm so excited to introduce Victor to his very special MomMom and for Mariana to see how much he has grown and gotten darker. So many nurses have commented to me about Mariana and the times she held and sang to Victor. He's ready to hear your songs again, Sweet Daughter!
And now, another poem by moi:
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had clean hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy is more fuzzy,
Isn't he?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Prayers felt
Yesterday, someone wrote to me, "Do you feel my prayers?" The answer is, "Absolutely, yes!" The peace, the joy, the healing, are all from the prayers of so many of you. Many, many thanks.
I think the first time I really felt the power of prayer was when I was the lone female counselor for a week long canoe trip. Yes, you heard correctly. It was the summer after my freshman year in college and I was working at a daycare for the summer. This particular daycare was housed in and run by a church so for the week of Vacation Bible School each year, the daycare shut down. I decided to volunteer my help for the week at Bethany Birches Camp in Vermont, where I had worked the previous two summers. I expected to serve in the kitchen, or assist a counselor, but was shocked to be asked to co-lead the canoe camp. As it turned out, they had a dozen or so teen guys sign up for the trip, and one lone female. They had a male counselor but obviously couldn't send the group out with just one female. So I was it.
I don't think I had ever even been in a canoe prior to this experience. Keep in mind that I hate boats. I get sea sick. Granted, they need to be a little larger than a canoe for me to get sea sick, but the association kills me everytime I'm near water for a purpose other than swimming. Besides that, my family had once been enjoying a lovely afternoon on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains when we witnessed a crash between two speed boats. No cell phones back in the day and no 9-1-1 so we were the trauma response team until we could reach land. This traumatic experience colored every future endeavor involving boats of any kind.
Yet here I was, about to row a canoe for a week, portage with a large pack on my back and a canoe over my head, and pretend that I had been doing this my whole life. Thankfully the other counselor had been a mountain man for all of his life and he and his equally adventurous dog ran the show.
So, before embarking on my first an only week-long canoe trip, I asked some people to pray for me. I memorized John 14:27 so I could put it on repeat in my brain:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
And I had a wonderful week! I portaged like a trooper. I survived a week of being wet and damp, and all of my belongings as well. I did have the peace that passes all understanding and I most certainly felt the prayers of my family and friends. I might have even toyed with some delusions of being slightly adventurous.
So, yes, please know, that we feel your prayers. We know they are working. Please don't stop even though the end is in sight. Keep storming Heaven's gates to bring Big Vic home (Thanks, Nurse Amy, for the nickname).
Today the nurse practitioner told me that the inguinal hernia she noticed several weeks ago is gone. This is good news since this would have needed surgery to repair. He still has an umbilical hernia which may go away on its own or may need surgery down the road.
And now I get to hold him whenever I want! I'll probably stick to the same schedule we've been doing because it works for both of us but it feels more normal to know that I can choose when to hold my son.
Victor is just feeding and growing. Pray that we're out of here in three weeks! And pray that these three things happen in tandem:
1. Victor is released from the hospital
2. We have a court hearing
3. We (John, Victor, and I) are able to come home together
I think the first time I really felt the power of prayer was when I was the lone female counselor for a week long canoe trip. Yes, you heard correctly. It was the summer after my freshman year in college and I was working at a daycare for the summer. This particular daycare was housed in and run by a church so for the week of Vacation Bible School each year, the daycare shut down. I decided to volunteer my help for the week at Bethany Birches Camp in Vermont, where I had worked the previous two summers. I expected to serve in the kitchen, or assist a counselor, but was shocked to be asked to co-lead the canoe camp. As it turned out, they had a dozen or so teen guys sign up for the trip, and one lone female. They had a male counselor but obviously couldn't send the group out with just one female. So I was it.
I don't think I had ever even been in a canoe prior to this experience. Keep in mind that I hate boats. I get sea sick. Granted, they need to be a little larger than a canoe for me to get sea sick, but the association kills me everytime I'm near water for a purpose other than swimming. Besides that, my family had once been enjoying a lovely afternoon on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains when we witnessed a crash between two speed boats. No cell phones back in the day and no 9-1-1 so we were the trauma response team until we could reach land. This traumatic experience colored every future endeavor involving boats of any kind.
Yet here I was, about to row a canoe for a week, portage with a large pack on my back and a canoe over my head, and pretend that I had been doing this my whole life. Thankfully the other counselor had been a mountain man for all of his life and he and his equally adventurous dog ran the show.
So, before embarking on my first an only week-long canoe trip, I asked some people to pray for me. I memorized John 14:27 so I could put it on repeat in my brain:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
And I had a wonderful week! I portaged like a trooper. I survived a week of being wet and damp, and all of my belongings as well. I did have the peace that passes all understanding and I most certainly felt the prayers of my family and friends. I might have even toyed with some delusions of being slightly adventurous.
So, yes, please know, that we feel your prayers. We know they are working. Please don't stop even though the end is in sight. Keep storming Heaven's gates to bring Big Vic home (Thanks, Nurse Amy, for the nickname).
Today the nurse practitioner told me that the inguinal hernia she noticed several weeks ago is gone. This is good news since this would have needed surgery to repair. He still has an umbilical hernia which may go away on its own or may need surgery down the road.
And now I get to hold him whenever I want! I'll probably stick to the same schedule we've been doing because it works for both of us but it feels more normal to know that I can choose when to hold my son.
Victor is just feeding and growing. Pray that we're out of here in three weeks! And pray that these three things happen in tandem:
1. Victor is released from the hospital
2. We have a court hearing
3. We (John, Victor, and I) are able to come home together
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