Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Tuesday Update

Well tomorrow will be decision day. We got to the hospital around 7 a.m. this morning to be with Emmalee as she came out of sedation. She had her eyes wide open ready to see us! It's such a blessing to see our little girls eyes...you can just get lost in them and somehow they bring you such comfort. We were able to meet with Dr. Oliver today and just asked him his honest opinion on what he thought we should do or what direction he would go or just to see if he saw any hope to keep going on. He told us things we wanted to hear and things we didn't. He told us he's see miracles happen and that you can never give up hope. He told us that we needed to make sure we both agreed on the time if we did decide to let her go Home. So we've talked and we are going to run an echo tomorrow on her heart and see if there is any improvement...he thought that would be best. If we didn't see any then he was certain that they had done everything they could and that he would be at peace with the decision to let her go. She is having an EEG done on her head right now, just to check again. Our God is Mighty and can to mighty works. He's the only one who can perform a miracle in her body. But we are also trying to prepare ourselves in case He askes us to make that decision. Actually we are letting Him do that by way of the results from the echo tomorrow. Either way we will accept His will for our lives and for little Emma's life. But we are still praying for that miracle in our little girl's body and we ask you to stand there with us too. Nothing is impossible for God!
Love
Jon, Ali, and Emmalee

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali, God brought to mind Abraham and Isaac to me today and how He rewarded Abraham for his faithfulness. You two have been nothing but faithful to Him above and He is and will rain blessing down on you. He is a MIGHTY God and nothing is impossible for Him. I love you both and Emmalee very much and am praying with you and crying with you. Sarah

Lynette said...

Ali,
I'm hoping and praying for peace, strength and miracles for you all.
Lynette

Anonymous said...

You are all in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

"Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, and beside us and above us and beneath us and all around us, To him be the glory in your life...and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever."
(Ephesians 3:20,21)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen." (Romans 15:13)
I pray that you have peace and strength this week.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali, my heart goes out to you. What a true testament of faith you have been through all of this. I have my church out here in California praying for you. How amazing that a baby can touch so many people. We love you and are praying for a miracle. Candie

The Athearns said...

You guys have been on my heart all day. Your faith and strength amaze me. We are praying for a miracle along with everyone else.

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali-
I am praying for you guys today. Very few people will ever understand the days that you are facing, but know that we are all here to listen, to cry with, and to pray with you! Love you so much.
Angie

Anonymous said...

Jon & Ali, we are so thankful for your trust and confidence in God's faithfulness! Only He knows the plans that He has for you all - and we are praying for His hand to 'do mighty things' today for little Emmalee.

In His Love
The Muellers (Wayne & Judy)

Anonymous said...

Please know you all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith inspires me. Love, Sheri

Anonymous said...

Ephesians 3:17-18
...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

We love you three and are praying that you continue feel Christ's love during every second of the day.

Chris, Matt, Ella and Jack

Krautkremers said...

Jon and Ali,
You continue to be in our prayers, day and night. We pray that God will give you a peace in whatever decisions you will have to make.
All our love,
Ross, Debbie and kids

Krautkremers said...

Jon and Ali,
We continue to keep you in our prayers (day and night). We pray that God will give you a peace in whatever decision you need to make.

Ross, Debbie and kids

Anonymous said...

May God deliver a true miracle to your precious little girl. I am so glad that you had some time with her without sedation. I think that is so important....you really can't get to know them very well when they are under. We are praying for a miracle here like never before.

Your testimony has been amazing. I honor you both for that......please know that God gives grace and he doesn't expect you to be strong 100% of the time. Jesus was that example in the garden.

We need to enjoy and love our little ones no matter how much time we have with them. Do we ever truly know? We are praying that you will have 70+ years with little Emma......and then eternity after that!

May you have an awake little girl to hold, cuddle and take tons of pix of.....May you have your miracle.....Truly nothing is impossible with God....as you have already stated.....

God has used you both to remind all the rest of us, that if God chooses ...either way.....He will give us the strength to go on....YOU will be blessed for your heart and courage to even speak truth, when the feelings didn't line up.
Most of us fall short in this area. Thank you for being in the presence of God as you walk through this....

Miracles and dancing in heaven is what we are praying for!!!

God bless you so very much.....

Trying to share your pain, but falling so far short....

Grace, peace and a goodnight to you all!

((hugs)) karla and crew

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon, I can't begin to know what to say to you except that I love you and my heart aches for you. "In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." You are experiencing one of the hardest things you ever have in your entire lives. We know God is a God of miracles. You keep holding onto him as He is holding you right now.
With much love, mary

Anonymous said...

Ali, Just wanted you to know that we are praying for peace and guidance for all of you. I pray for a miracle for Emmalee. God be with you all. Donna Fedie

Anonymous said...

Hey Jon and Ali, I've just read your entire blog and you have been so faithful to God. He will bless you for our faithfulness. I am praying for a miracle.

Courtney Stiegelmeier

Anonymous said...

Ali & Jon,
I'm again looking at the beautiful pictures of Emmalee and praying for you all. She is pretty!! Miracles do happen all the time, I hope this is one of them. I do beleive that God does have a plan, and all of your friends & family will be with you every step of the way. Faith, Love and Blessings to you during this turbulent time. Again, a parents love is so strong, hold on to that!!
Christine

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
I know you don't know me but Amanda A sent me an e-mail about your little girl. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you!
Tonya

Anonymous said...

All things are possible with God! I just know that He is going to heal Emma.
The Lord bless you and keep you.

Love and peace,
Karen

Anonymous said...

Romans 8:26-27
"In 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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

Praying for you and love you.
Angie

Anonymous said...

Dearest Ali and Jon and Emmalee'
Please Know that I am Praying for your miracle and through Him all things are possible. My heart is hurting for you. In Christ, Kelley Erickson

Anonymous said...

Tommy Walker wrote a song that says:
I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands
(that's Emma's verse)

(and this verse is for you)
He know my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call.

Jon and Ali--
God sees you. He sees your tears. He is a God of compassion, kindness, and comfort. In fact He calls Himself the wonderful counselor and Prince of Peace.

And he sees Emma. He formed her heart, and her life is in His hands. Take comfort that the God of the universe cares about your family today!

Love you all,
Van Hal family

Anonymous said...

Jon, Ali and Emmalee,
Grace peace and blessings, trusting God to provide the needed rest and needed healing on dear Emmalee. She has touched our hearts and brought us to our knees asking our blessed Savior for His Will to be done, our prayer is healing, peace and boldness.

It seems strange to think that you could see the healing you have and not have God finish it, but that is my logic and not God's. There have been several mornings I read your posts and it brings us not only to tears, but back to call on God to interceed. Asking God for healing if it's His Will, and as Romans' says, sometimes not saying anything, but rather trusting that the Holy Spirit is interceeding for us, because our words are not enough. Yet after the tears, God grants us peace, and the strength to make it another moment.

Tears probably come quicker for what we have survived and the days we faced not knowing what was going to happen, yet there are things that you are facing, we did not face, so therefore we pray for you, and ask God to walk with you step by step. Our words can not fix, nor can they bring healing or joy, but more we express to let you know that you are cared for and loved and not alone.

"God, we pray right now, that as Jon and Ali and Emmalee are in St Mary's that you hold them, that you provide the peace and joy that only you can, that you bring healing to Emmalee. Grant the doctors and nurses wisdom and skill, a continued compassion and grant Jon and Ali peace, knowing that you are in control and have that unconditional love for them. Bless them Lord, in your name we pray, amen"

Jon and Ali in reading the posts, and all God's Word that has been shared - it is easy for us to see that Emmalee has touched us and many others with her life.

She is a blessing and we continue to pray, trusting God to provide the healing and trusting God to provide all your needs, Jon and Ali. Thanks for letting us share in Emmalee's life and we are praying through the night for God's mighty hand around all three of you.

The verse that God gave me through it all, when we were just holding on was Jermiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. For if you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me and and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from the nations."

For us this meant that God knew everything we went through, He never left us alone and nothing was apart from Him, no matter what, at the times it was a matter of survival, yet after He is bringing healing, a deeper faith and more peace, not with out bumps mind you, but peace.

God's blessings as you try to rest, our prayers are with you and God has you covered.

Jeff and Cheryl

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine for one moment the decision that you will have to make tomorrow...but God can! It is in Him that we all can put our trust! Know this that no matter what happens or decision are made, you had the best doctors, the best nurses, the best hospital, the most up to date machines and medicines and yet through all of that...God is in control and it is in His perfect timing that we need to rely HIM! I pray that you find peace in the medical decisions that will be confirmed through testing. Praise and trust God for the hundreds of unseen miracles that are happening. Know also that Emmalee has touched and witnesses to so many people through her suvivor strength she has already shown...we love you!!

Anonymous said...

Ali, Ali~ Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. God is not done yet. Emmalee may just need more time to heal. Be patient. Ask the doctors more questions until you are clear you understand everything they can tell you. Your patience and bravery will be Emmalee's legacy.
You are in my prayers.
Becka

Jenny S said...

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

Ali and Jon,
We are praying for a miracle for your sweet girl, that God's hand will heal her little body. We also pray for strength and peace for the two of you.

Jenny and Mick

Anonymous said...

My dearest Jon, Ali and Emmalee...I've continued to cry out to the Lord for the three of you throughout the night...Isaiah 40 has been ministering to my heart this morning, particularly the 11th verse..."He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young..." I have prayed for His leading and presence to be overwhelming close to you this day...we love you so much. Uncle Doug and Aunt Suzi

Mark & Jennie said...

praying hard, across the ocean. love, peace, strength and grace be poured out on you each today. Crying out with you.

Shoemaker Family said...

Matt 10:29-31 Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.

Praying for you in Michigan.

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali,
I work with Annie at Archiver's and have been closely following Emma's progress. I've been praying harder than I've ever prayed before for little Emma. Never give up hope! We are all pulling for her and praying that a miracle will occur. Bless you all
Amy Jacobson

Anonymous said...

Dear Ali and Jon,
Faith, Hope, and Love - you exemplify
all three. Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through these hard times and the difficult decisions to be made. Stay strong for your precious Emmalee. She is so beautiful! Vonnie Otte

Karen & Chad said...

My heart has been heavy for you!!! Chad and I have been praying and will continue to pray for strength and peace and guidance!
Chad and Karen

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali,
Your amazing strength and faith has touched me so deeply. I read these posts daily and cry with you every day and wonder how you remain so strong. You are both such amazing people. Emma is so loved by so many people. I have never in my life felt so much for someone I haven't even met yet- little Emma is truly special and has touched so many lives. We are all praying so hard that she pulls through this.
Please don't give up hope! We are all praying for a miracle.

~a co-worker of Grandma Annie

Anonymous said...

Jon & Ali-
Your strength,love and faith are truely inspiring.
We are praying for you both and your beautiful little Emmalee.
All our love-
Carrie, Billy & Ava

Unknown said...

Michelle McCallum posted a link to your site, and I wanted to know that prayers are coming your way from NYC too!

His strength is perfect

Anonymous said...

Emmalee is already loved by so many.What a precious girl. You have honored and celebrated her life and allowed all of us to do that with you. We are continuing to pray 24/7 and truly believe Emma's life has touched and changed so many lives already. We love you!
Bill and Jackie

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,

I cannot fathom the path you are walking but know that those who have walked it before speak of a "peace that passeth understanding". I believe that such a thing exists and that you have already experienced some of it. May you feel His presence guiding you in your decision for Emmalee and know that it is the right thing.
Love,
Carrie

Angela said...

We are praying for your precious little girl.

God bless....Angela
www.bixbyblabs.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

We serve a God of miracles. Jon and Ali, our God will provide. We are praying and waiting for God to bless. Why wouldn't God wait till 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to blitz the QB, cause a fumble, and score a touchdown to win by 1 with no time on the clock. God can heal Emma and we are waiting for Him to save the day. In fact, I am planning a celebration party tonight to celebrate the miracle. Philip and Chelsea

Anonymous said...

We serve a God of miracles. Jon and Ali, our God will provide. We are praying and waiting for God to bless. Why wouldn't God wait till 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to blitz the QB, cause a fumble, and score a touchdown to win by 1 with no time on the clock. God can heal Emma and we are waiting for Him to save the day. In fact, I am planning a celebration party tonight to celebrate the miracle. Philip and Chelsea