3.25.2008

Pray Please?

We just wanted to let everyone know what is going on up until this point. We have decided to have Grace go in for the hybrid surgery (which consists of two parts). The first of these parts (tying off her pulmonary arteries) is going to take place tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.
The 2nd part of surgery will be on Thurs. but we aren't sure at what time yet. We just wanted to let you all know this and ask you to please pray for her and pray for her doctors performing the surgery that all will work out as it should.

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers...please keep it coming. :)

Hugs and Kisses from Bug and Grace and hugs and air kisses from Topher. ;)

8 comments:

Super Daysh said...

Praying for you guys and know that all will work out as it should! Love you all and wishing for the best!

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...

Thanks for letting us know!! We will be praying throughout the day today and tomorrow! We have such faith that little Gracey will continue her life upon this earth for many, many years to come.

Miracles happen every single day, and I feel strongly that Gracey will be a miracle herself :)

I've been sharing Gracey's story with my friend who lives in New York and she told me of a wonderful example of a "fighting spirit" today. This is what she said:

"When I lived in Manhattan I used to sit out on my fire escape and watch people walk on Second Avenue. I remember once seeing a father, son, and daughter. The son looked about five and the daughter was a toddler. She was wearing a very cumbersome brace on her legs. It basically forced them apart with a bar between her knees and also stabilized her hips. Despite the fact that she had to basically swivel fully at the waist to take each step, there she was with a proud and focused look on her face, making her way up the avenue with her dad and brother. It always struck me that despite the fact that it surely would have been easier to be carried or pushed, this little girl looked so determined to walk. I bet Grace has that same fire."

I truly agree with my friend! Gracey is a fighter, and she'll keep fighting for the chance to live a full life like the rest of us :) And what an even stronger spirit she'll have for it!

I am praying that the doctors will make wise decisions and that their hands will be exact on Gracey's tiny little heart. What's so wonderful is that you have the opportunity to be at a hospital dedicated to children, and that these doctors are some of the very best in the world. I don't find that a coincidence :)

Toph and Buggy, I am so very proud of your maturity and exceptional faith! Just think, after the trials and challenges that you are facing so early into your marriage, teenagers will seem like no trouble at all! :)

Amy

Christina said...

Hi, I found your blog and had to leave a comment. Grace is so cute!

My son who is now 11 months old was also born with a heart defect (Transposition of the Great Arteries) and had open heart surgery at PCMC when he was 5 days old.

I am a member of a local support group for families with children (and some adults) who have congenital heart defects. It is called Intermountain Healing Hearts and has been a great resource for us in learning more about helping our son. The website is www.IntermountainHealingHearts.org. Our kids are all seen at Primary Children's and we are working with the hospital to provide information and assistance to the families. We have a child in our group that has had the hybrid surgery and a few children who have had heart transplants.

I know this must be a crazy busy time as you are preparing for surgery tomorrow. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you! You can contact me at christina@intermountainhealinghearts.org with any questions or if we can help you out in any way!

Sending hugs and prayers your way,
Christina Davis
www.jacobsheart.blogspot.com

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...

Christina - that's really nice of you to offer your support :)

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to comment on this blog. In a situation like this, I'm sure it's nice to know you're not alone. It's also great to know that children are making it through these very difficult medical issues and living healthy lives :)

I just read your blog from the time your son was born and his story is amazing! I encourage everyone here to read it. It has encouraged me even more for Gracey because I can see that Jacob had all of these same tubes and wires poking his little body, and now he is an active 9 month old.

I'm so happy he's doing well, and he's a darling boy! :)

Again, Buggy and Topher, we're all praying hard for tomorrow at 8:30!! We'll be anxiously awaiting news when you have a single moment to update.

carolyn q said...

Hi Andersen Family,
I happened to be at PCMC on Monday evening visiting some of our members of Intermountain Healing Hearts in the PICU and as I walked by I saw your little Grace under the lights.
I know that Christina posted about the group, but please know I am thinking of your family today and praying that all goes well with Gracey's surgery and I will be checking back for updates.
Heart Hugs,
Carolyn Quigley
President, IHH

Anonymous said...

Hello!
I just wanted to let you know I am fasting and praying for little Grace. So is everyone else. I called and put her name (and yours)on five Temple rolls this morning, before the surgery. These five were added to the six other Temple rolls you were already on. There are people praying for her across the USA!
We love you
GRandpa and Grandma Atkinson

Super Daysh said...

Wow! You got lots of good comments today!! We love you Bug and are praying for little Gracey and you and Topher too. xoxoxo