Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 11, 2008 - Ups and Downs

To start, on this September 11th, I take a moment to reflect on the victims of the attacks on 9/11, and gratefully remember the brave actions of firefighters, police, EMT's, other public workers, and even clergy that ran TOWARD the destruction to do what only a brave few can.

On this Thursday morning, I'm happy to report to you that even though Max's medical numbers are still down, his spirits are up. He's making funny faces, and he even told me a joke this morning. We've been sitting here in his sunny hospital room talking all about animals and zoos this morning, which is a good sign.

Yesterday, to give my other son Levi some specific attention, we were blessed with amazing tickets to the Seattle Mariners. It was much needed afternoon away for some good dad-son time.

Max is starting to act like Max, at least in spurts, but we still need his body to get better!

Please continue to pray for his recovery.

Thanks, everyone!
Sam Middlebrook

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm taking this latest post as measured good news. "starting to act like Max" has to count for something. No?

Thank you,

Chuck Barnett
Arlington, WA

Anonymous said...

Max,
I am asking God this morning to help you get better very soon so that you can go to the zoo! I love the zoo... I wonder what your favorite animal is? I have the most fun when we go see the zebras.

Love, Laura Warner
Tomball, Texas

Unknown said...

Max,

I want you to know I am praying for your complete recovery. You are a very special boy with a great spirit! This "journey" you are on is a tough one, but God will help you make it through..and so will Mom and Dad.
I love you,
Auntie Pat

Anonymous said...

Dearest Max and Family-
We are praying constantly for you all and are NOT suprised how God is working in people, moving them closer to Him by coming together! You would be amazed at what He is doing, simply because of you! Blessings are pouring your way, and God IS NOT DONE! Blessings in your day, and may God answer your prayers for a speedy recovery! With MANY hugs and much love from your local Meridian Scool District, Bellingham, WA. xxooxxoo

Anonymous said...

what a good sign...and we're praying for a full recovery with miraculous speed.
much love,
the potts fam

Anonymous said...

Hi Max,
I'm a Momma and have been a Grandma for a number of years and I know how important you little guys are. Gotcha in my prayers and will get our church, Genoa United Methodist Church, to put you on our prayer list, starting tonight.

Hang in there and remember God loves you! You are a very important guy.

Blessings,
Marty

By the way I live in Southeast Houston, Texas close to Ellington Air Force B

Steven Latham said...

Max,

We love ya, little man. We know your mom and dad are proud of you for how hard you are fighting. YOU ARE SO STRONG!!

I have two 3 1/2 year olds - a boy and a girl. I bet you guys would be great friends!

I am praying for you every day! You, too, mom and dad...

Steven Latham
Fredericksburg, Virginia
ozrufus on the AGF

Anonymous said...

Hi Max - I'm praying that you come back soon. My office chairs miss you using them as a jungle gym! Please give your Daddy a hug for me this morning.

Hi Levi - I'm glad you had a great time at the Mariners game. I can't wait to see your new jersey. Can you give your Dad a hug for me too?

Dude - much love to you and your wife. Thousands are praying - hisnumbers WILL turn. You know where I am if you need me.

Grant

Aubrey Harns said...

Hi Max,
I don't know you or your family, but we are brothers and sisters in the Lord. My family has an active prayer chain and your name was sent to all of us through my cousin. I want you to know we are praying for your restored health and His blessings of peace and wellness for you and your family. It is my great wish that you feel the love that is being sent your way from all around!
Blessings,
Aubrey Harns & Family
San Diego, CA

kirsten said...

thanks for continuing to keep us updated. we are watching, we are standing with you, and we are praying.

in the name of our all-merciful & almight God,
-k

Anonymous said...

Saying a prayer for you today!

Stacy Yoakum
San Jose, Costa Rica

Anonymous said...

Max,

I hope you're feeling better today. You've had a tough time, but your dad is proud of the way you're hanging in there. I trust that our loving Father will be pleased to help you get better soon.

Bill Moore
Clinton, South Carolina

Anonymous said...

My children Cora (7) and Bonner (4) have included you in their prayers each night, Max. They are fervently hoping that your are up and playing again soon. We are in Southern Wyoming.

To Max's family...hang in there. A local boy that my son goes to pre-school with was admitted to the children's hospital in Denver with HUS last weekend. We are praying for a speedy recovery for both boys.

Anonymous said...

Max,

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better. I am happy you are feeling well enough to tell jokes.

Here is one for you ...
Knock,Knock
Who's There?
Max
Max who?
Max no difference to you, just let me in.

Still praying for you!

Pam & the Howell family
So. Barrington, IL

Anonymous said...

Prayers sent from Eastern NC.
David

Anonymous said...

Max, Sam, Shannon and Levi -

All of the staff and kids here continue to pray for you all and the hospital staff. How fun to make it to a Mariner's game and so good to hear that Max has his spurts of being himself. Praise the Lord!

Staff and Kids at Hillcrest Kids Early Learning
Bellingham

Anonymous said...

Hi Max,

It's me Chanse again. My mom said I can visit you on Sunday the
14th. Is that ok? Love Cousin Chanse


Sam and Shannon,Just checking to be sure this works for you. Call me 512.5286. Love Krisit

Seana Olberg said...

Our family is praying for your complete recovery. God bless you and your family.... keep up the smiles and laughter!

Anonymous said...

Just read about your plight on AGF. I have daughter your age. I will keep you in our prayers for a speedy recovery. Keep the smiles coming! You'll be out of there before you know it. To mom and dad, this too shall pass. Be strong, we'll pray for you too.
Duncan(novice gitbox player)
Pasadena, Maryland

Anonymous said...

I don't know you, Max, but I do know you are on your way to being healthy again and that soon you'll be FREE to get out there and go the zoo to see the animals in person! - Diana at SCHARP

Anonymous said...

Hi dear ones,

I wanted you to know I sent a note around my work (SCHARP@Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center) for prayer and encouragement for our little Max.

Take care all,

Auntie Pat

michaelmag said...

Hey max,its great to hear that your spirits are lifted a bit.So much of the body healing has to do with your mental attitude!Trust me on that one.Keep your chin up and ask for ice-cream.

Anonymous said...

I'm also encouraged to hear that Max is being more like Max!

So, Max....you brave little dude, here's hoping that tomorrow brings you improved 'numbers ' and 'more news' that you're acting like your old self!

Dave from Ottawa Canada

Unknown said...

Dear Max,
It's me, Colton from Arizona. I just wanted to check on you to make sure you are OK. My mom says you were talking about animals today. I like the rattle snake Max what do you like? I will send you a note tomorrow night. I am praying for you every, every, every, every single night.

Your friend,

Colton
I am 7 years old :) so mom is still typing for me.

Anonymous said...

Hi Max this is Miss Kareena from church. I heard your song that you love to sing on the radio called Blessed Be Your Name and I turned it up for everone to here.Thank you for always sharing Gods love.

Anonymous said...

Max,
I pray that your body will be healthy soon.
God Bless You!
Penny
Milton, WI

Anonymous said...

Hey Max.....just checking in from Buford GA again.......KEEP ON FIGHTING MY LITTLE MAN!!!!

My 6yr old son Sean says "Hi Max and to you like Poke'mon?"

Carl and Renee said...

My husband contacted you today though your email. I think you might be talking tomorrow. Max's story sounds very similar to our son Caleb's story 9 years ago. He contacted the e-coli bacteria and it then progressed to the HUS. We spent almost a month in the hospital. Caleb is now 16 years old. He has made a complete recovery and has no long term affects. We treasured the prayers of others and felt God's presence. We pray for a complete recovery for Max and strength for your family as you take this journey. (When Caleb was feeling better at one time and didn't need his dialysis one day, we made a trip to the zoo. We took his big brother along and had a great time. Hopefully you can do that soon too.

Anonymous said...

Dear Max,
We are praying for you and your family. We live in Tomball next to your grandparents. We are looking forward to you coming to play on Corran's playground the next time you visit your grandparents.

Sam, Shannon and Levi, keep the faith! PRAYER WORKS!!!

Anonymous said...

You are being prayed for way up in Alaska. My small group, church and husband and i have been praying since my sister called from Beliingham (She is from CTK).

God is your buddy, when you are scared, sad or feeling icky he knows. We are praying that you'll be good as new soon. You are all in the biggest best hands of all-GOD. Karla and Chuck Tyler
Anchorage, Alaska

Dave said...

Hi Max...
the sunny day was perfect for your first time out to the garden. Bet it was nice to see something besides your room. Sounds like you're having tons of fun...even though you're sick. Some really special things have happened. The most special thing of all will be when your doctors say it's time for you to go home!

Levi...you are a trooper! Hope you loved the game. Did you eat a Mariner's hot dog? We watched the game and looked for you and your dad!

Shannon and Sam....we continue to lift you up and give thanks for your faith and the way you are mirroring Jesus. There is joy in the morning...yes?

Continuing to pray
Dave & Nancy N.
Bellingham,WA

Anonymous said...

GOD is able