Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Tough Morning...Please Pray

Max has a lot of anxiety about the processes of being hooked up to the dialysis machine. The catheter that they use for Dialysis is in his groin, and because it is new and because his blood platelets and red blood cells are low, it is not healing and is painful. The nurses are great, and they do their best not to tug at all, but Max gets really nervous that it is going to hurt.

Today was the hardest day yet getting him hooked up to Dialysis. He cried a lot, I cried a little and then we had to sedate him to get it done. I am sitting next to his bed while he sleeps through his dialysis...Pray!!!

Pray that his anxiety is reduced. Pray that his incision heals. Pray that his red blood cells multiply and his platelets increase exponentially.

Thanks so much for your responses, they really do mean a lot to all of us!

Shannon

60 comments:

Unknown said...

Sending you a virtual hug. Charli and I will pray right now.

Anonymous said...

Hello, Sam and Shanon (sp)!

We have been faithfully lifting Max and you up to the Lord since we first heard from BJ and girls. Fact is, he's not far from my mind it seems, so there's really nothing "faithful" about it; pray just happens.

Chuck Barnett
Arlington,WA

Anonymous said...

Hi Max. I'm Phil from the AGF and I live in Colorado. You are such a brave boy! Being sick and in pain is not fair or fun, but I'm hoping and praying that you get better very soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Max! My name is Jodie and I am in Houtson, TX. I just wanted to say hello and let you know that we are all cheering for you!
Hang in there BIG BOY!!

Anonymous said...

aw buddy, that's hard. stay tough though. we're all praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Max,

Pull through brother!!

Kyle Roberts
Richardson, TX (outside of Dallas)

Unknown said...

Hi Max,

My name is Cathy and I live in Arizona. My sister Theresa lives in Bellingham and attends Christ the King Church. She found out you had a map with pins pointing out all of the different places people are praying for you. I thought I would add Arizona to your list. But more importantly wanted you to know that we are praying for your quick recovery. I know being in the hospital isn't much fun so try to make the best of it and just know we are all sending our love and prayers your way. I have a 7 year old son that is in school today but when he gets home I'll make sure he gets to say hello to you as well.

Cathy in AZ

The Venables said...

Hi Max,
I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and I know God is watching over you every step of the way. Hang in there!
-Addie
Houston, TX

Anonymous said...

To Max:

Times are not fun right now but think of better times to come, like playing in the snow with your parents. :) ...be not afraid, only believe.

To Sam and Shannon:

I can remember spending the first two weeks of my son David's life at Childrens. You are surrounded by caring individuals who will do whatever it takes to heal Max. I am praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

Sam and Shannon. I just found out about Max's condition and I promise to deligently pray for his recovery, and that the two of you, and Levi, find comfort in God's promises and support from your family and friends.
Jim Brooks
Houston, TX

Steve Hindman said...

Hi Max and Sam and Shannon - I'm just back from a trip and got your emails. Prayers, hugs and sunshine to you!

Steve Hindman
Bellingham

Anonymous said...

Hey Max, I just wanted to encourage you to be brave. I know how scary it can be to have tubes and machines hooked up to you because I once was really sick and spent over two months in a hospital. When you get scared just close your eyes, take a deep breath and say, Jesus loves me this I know and picture His arms around you giving you special courage! Remember that He loves you even more than your whole family and all the people on your map put together. That's a Whole Lotta Love just for you Max! I'm sorry this is so hard right now but I'm praying that God will make it easier very soon and that you'll make a full recovery in record time. Theresa
Bellingham
P.S. My family in Arizona will be praying for you too.

Unknown said...

Just a quick note to say that we are still praying for your quick recovery and for energy for your parents.

Prayers,

Derek and Anna

Anonymous said...

Stay Strong. Prayers and mojo sent!

Anonymous said...

Dear Max,
We are saying, "Howdy, from Tomball, TX - right next door to your grandparents. We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Next time you are in Tomball, come next door and play with Corran on his playground. We love you guys so much!

Anonymous said...

hang in there and I am praying that you recover fast.
I will pray for you everyday

Anonymous said...

Shannon, As a mom I am lifting you in prayer and pray for God to carry you when you are weary, comfort you when you cry and smile with you as Max heals!
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; Therefore I will wait for Him." Lam. 3:22-23

Hang in there! Kristen Oudman,Lynden

Eddie.Boyer said...

Sam, Shanon, and Max,

We are praying for you down here in north Houston! I believe in a God who heals- and he just so happens to love children as well.

Phil. 4:6-7

Eddie Boyer & your Grace Crossing familiy

Anonymous said...

Dear, Sweet Shannon...my heart is so heavy for you. Know that we are all praying constantly! May you feel the presence of the Lord today!
Ann Vallee

Michelle said...

Hi Max, First I want to tell you that you are so big!!! So many people are so very proud of you. I think you should maybe be superman's sidekick. I'm sure that hanging out in the same room all day is quite boring and I'm happy to hear that you made a new friend to talk to and play with. I know you're having a tough time with some of the things you have to do during your stay but I also know that you are a tough cookie. You stay superman strong and remember that all this yucky stuff is going to make you better. I have a big boy just like you who is almost 4, his name is Gavin and his Pa plays guitar just like your daddy. Maybe you and him can write a new song together. You, your brother, your mom and dad are in my prayers. God is so so strong and bigger than the highest mountain and He will make you strong too. Thank you for telling us all how you are doing. Love and lots of praying from Lynden,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys! We will continue to pray for Max, please let us know if you need anything done in town or stopping by your house to make sure everything is okay, let us know!
Shari, David, Ashley & Ella!

kschei said...

Max, Katie and William have asked that we have the picture of you up on our computer throughout the day so they can walk into the office and look at you. I caught William in here standing with his head just over the top of the desk whispering while looking at you this morning - you are loved little man. Take a deep breath and know that all of this will be for His Glory! You're already an incredible testimony at FOUR YEARS OLD! Talk to you soon...

myra mae said...

Hi there Sam, Shannon, and Max.
I go to church with JR and Nancy and wanted to let you know I've been praying every step of the way. When I was a child, I had HUS at the age of 6 and can COMPLETELY understand what you all are going through - including the physical pain! Hey Max - hang in there tough guy - you're a champ!!
Much love and many prayers to you all,
Myra

Unknown said...

Max, Shannon, Sam and Levi, you are all in our prayers. May God give you courage, healing, rest and peace.

Love,
Heidi Burkham Baker
Temple, TX

Sharon Richards said...

Hi, Max. My name is Sharon and my son Nathan is good friends with Alex Swetman. I don't know if you ever remember meeting them but they, and myself wanted to say hello and that we are sorry you are sick. We are thinking of you often.

Angie Campbell said...

Hi Max,
I am praying for you so hard. My son is also your age and was in the hospital with a similar virus in May. I know how scary it can be for you, but know that the doctors are there to help you. We are all praying for you!

Angie, Darrell, Trace, and Carson Campbell
League City, TX

new2raw81 said...

Max,

Hey big guy, you don't know me but I wanted to let you know that my wife, my 17 month old son and myself have been lifting you up to our Father in heaven. Your daddy has become a special person to me through the developingworship forum, so that means YOU are special to me as well. Although I may never see you face to face, please understand that we are praying for your recovery just as we would for our own son. Get well soon, Max, and rest in God's arms as He heals your body.

Chris Copeland
reddcee81

Anonymous said...

He sent his word and healed them...He will be for us what we need him to be...I've asked friends to pray who can make intercession for him..it is God's will for us to be healed

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

We're praying for you guys!! Our family is just going to adopt you for our prayer time and keep lifting you all up. My daughter went to kindergarten today and told them all about Max, and they all prayed for him there. I think the same thing happened in my son's second grade class. (Evergreen Christian School) We'll just keep checking each day for updates and pray your little family through this! Being a mom of little ones, I totally get this, and so I am loving on you guys through cyberspace. Hang in there, we haven't ever met you, but we're in it with you!
Sasha, and the Brodeur Family

Anonymous said...

Hi, Max! Hang in there, and I hope you feel better and better!

A friend from Houston

Madison Hill said...

Hey Max I just wanted to let you know that the Kindergarden class at Evergreen Christian School is praying for you.
To mom and dad,
Both my daughters were born premature (by the way your serman really touched our hearts). Being in the hospital is tough as a family. There are lots of moutanins and valleys. It is amazing the strength God gives you as a parents, holdfast to him. We are praying for you.
The Hill Family, Bellingham

Anonymous said...

Hey Max, as soon as you are better I think you should get as much ice cream as you want. Praying for you from San Angelo, Texas.

Anonymous said...

Hi Max, You may not remember me but I met you over at Jared and Rachels house last summer. I am Jared's Mom and Grandma to Jackson and Jaden. We know that this is a hard time for you and we are telling Jesus how special you are and asking Him to make you well again. He knows how special you are to Him but we think you are a great little guy too and want to see you jumping arround and teasing your brother real soon. We know how much your parents love you and we are also asking Jesus to help them not worry too much and to be as much help to you as they can be. Its good to have nice parents like you have when you feel so lousy. I bet the nurses are taking good care of you maybe even spoiling you a little. Thats ok because anyone as cute as you should be spoiled a little now and then. Grandmas understand this. You obey the Doctors and your parents and most of all listen to Jesus when he tells you how much He loves you and how He is taking care of you every minute of the day and nite. Our love and prayers John and Donna Bryant
(I sent this again today because I wasnt sure it sent correctly when I typed it yesterday. Sorry if it is a duplicate.)

Anonymous said...

Max,

Keep talking to Jesus. We are talking to him about you in our prayers. He loves you and is with you.

Love,
Braden, Bethany and Caden Hoelzle
Victoria,TX
(The city where Hurrican Ike is headed)

Anonymous said...

Hi Max! I'm praying for you in Houston, and I know that our God is watching over you. Hang in there, buddy, and then let us all hear the story of your great recovery!!
love and blessings,
Jessica Foust
Houston, Tx

Snow Mommy said...

Max,
You may not know everyone in your church family, but we are ALL praying for you. Stay strong and hang in there.
The Snow family, Everson

Anonymous said...

Hi Max: Domonique has told me about you and your brother lots of times. We are praying for you, I know it is not fun to be sick and in the hospital. Jesus knows what a special little boy you are and we are asking Him to bless you and your family

Dom's Aunt Shirley

Anonymous said...

Hi Max...My name is Margie and I live in Janesville, Wisconsin. My friend in Texas heard about you and sent me an e-mail. It must be exciting knowing people from all over the country are praying for you. God is watching over you... stay strong.

Anonymous said...

Dear Max and family- hey sweet pea, I haven't met you but you are my little brother in spirit, so special and amazing. I am in complete agreement with all prayers your dad prays over you. Lord God, give Max a warm hug today and let him relax and have fun painting!

Bonnie
Bellingham CTK

Unknown said...

My sister has told me that your a brave little boy! Hang in there kiddo!

Nicolette Hunter
London Ontario Canada

Unknown said...

My name is Barb and I wanted you to know I am praying often for Max and the doctors and nurses (mom and dad, too). My son is Derek Thornton and he passed on the website, so I can continue to pray for current situations. God Bless! Barb

Anonymous said...

Hi Max,

I check your blog every day for updates, to see how you're doing! You are a very brave little man! Being in the hospital sure isn't fun....but, I'm hoping that you'll feel better soon!

Dave from Ottawa Canada.

Anonymous said...

Max,
We will be praying for you to get better soon! I heard about your story and wanted to join the many others who are praying for you. I know this is a tough time and hope it will get better quickly. Remember, Jesus loves you and will take care of you.
With love and continued prayer,
Marie
Atlanta, Ga.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Max.

You're a courageous little guy, and I know that you know that God is with you. Lots of people in San Marcos, Texas are praying for you and your mom and your dad and your brother. Keep praying--God is listening!

Lisa Hanna said...

Hey, found your blog through Angie Campbell. My family will be praying for Max and his full recovery, and strength during the difficult treatments. What a brave boy--I know God is watching over him!

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you both. I am originally from Tacoma Washington, but settled in Texas 14 years ago. Today I live in a town called Kyle, just south of Austin.

Hang in there! You are surrounded by love.

Anonymous said...

Hi Max, My name is Heidi and I live right here in Seattle. I know your grandma Nancy and she told me about you so I'm praying for you too. Some day I'd like to show you my puppets, I think you'd like them!

Anonymous said...

Sam & Shannon,
We have been praying for Max since we received word of his illness. I pray for peace for you as well as comfort and healing for Max.

Judy Doggett
Houston,Texas

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you Max, Sam & Shannon. May HE give you peace, comfort and healing during these difficult times. You are loved.
Judy Doggett
Clear Lake Texas (Houston)

Unknown said...

Dear Max,

I hope you get better soon. I am Colton. I live in Arizona. I will pray for you every night to make sure you get better. Bye Max. I will write again soon.

Colton
P.S. My mom is typing this for me :)

ak47 said...

Max,

You're in a tough place but things will get better. They always do! I'll be praying for you and your family. I'm from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Anonymous said...

Dear Max and Levi and your Mom and Dad, too...

We want you to know that we are praying so hard for each and every one of you as a family from way across the whole Country from our home at Cape Henry by the Chesapeake Bay in VA Beach, VA.

Is there an e-mail address where we may send you a little fiddler's tune or some Joy Bells ringing to brighten your days and bring you all peace and courage and for you Max, comfort and healing?

Our e-mail is jpbarnes4@verizon.net

Lots of love to each of you from our family in Virginia Beach....

Ray, Janet, Molly Anna Banana and Buddy Bean Barnes

Molly Anna Banana and Buddy Bean are our adopted Rescued Shetland Sheepdogs and they are really good prayer buddies. We paw-miss cuz good Sheep Dogs is they!

Anonymous said...

Hi Max, we just want you to know we are talking to God a lot about you. We have a little boy named Jake who is 5, and we know how much little guys like to run around and have fun. We are asking God to get you and your brother back to having fun really soon!

Kimberly said...

Hi Max,
We continue to pray for you and you are now on our prayer board in our living room. Know we will pray for you and your mom and dad daily. Our kids are "Prayer Warriors." We understand not wanting to be poked,it's no fun and sometimes hurts but the doctors need to do what is best for us so we can heal. Being in the hospital can be really tough so we will pray that God will FILL YOU WITH SO MUCH COURAGE! We'll pray that you'll receive your super powers to handle all that comes your way. We are happy to know you are blessed with a special friend in the hospital who can do fun things with you like paint. Hang in there, You're Amazing!!

Country Chick said...

Hi Max and Family... We are the Sande Family in Everson, WA and we have friends who go to your church in Bellingham.... We are praying for you!! Take care!
John & Janine
Rachel, 9, Rebecca, 7, Sarah, 4, and Anna, 2, Sande

Anonymous said...

Hey Max,
This is Jake from Los Angeles, CA. I wish you the most full and complete healing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Don't forget to fight!

Anonymous said...

Max, Sam, Shannon - and Levi...we have been reading your blog DAILY and have been praying for you SEVERAL TIMES a day...

We look forward to hearing about your new friend, Marcy, and all the fun things you get to do with her. We hope your leg feels better and that your numbers start going in the right directions!

Loving you from down in Lake Stevens, Tiffan & Duane

Perks said...

love you Max and so does Jesus...He will provide all the strength you need.
blessings and praying,
michael p
Psalm 46!

stampmama said...

Hey Max and family,
We attend CTK on Saturday nights. Then, I'm on the worship team at Sunrise out in Custer on Sundays. Just wanted to let you know that you can add the Sunrise Women's ministries women to your prayer team. Also, our worship team prayed for you tonight at practice. Hang in there. God continues to be faithful even through this trial.
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Hello Sandy; thanks for answering my question through Nancy Jones in Abilene who put Max on our church prayer chain. I appreciate it.

I'm still unable to add a comment, without signing in or something it doesn't give me the opportunity. But you might please pass this message along, as I thought they might like to have comments from Louisiana and probably tomorrow or the next day we'll be moving to the Texas Coast to work and could also send one from that area, wherever we end up.

My husband EA and I have prayed for Max and we believe he will be just fine and soon! We have some history with this kind of thing and ours did not turn out well but Max is having better numbers and many people are praying. He is so precious in the picture. We have 5 grandbabies and we love them so much, our heart goes out to this family.

So our prayers continue and we hope you'll put out an email when Max is well and we can all be praising God for that.

EA and Donna Click from Abilene, TX but working in the Alexandria, Louisiana area.