After Jacob's death, Karen created this blog to record insights in her grief journey. I would periodically write my insights on notes posted to my Facebook page. We feel it would be best served if we combined our efforts so I am beginning the process of copying those notes to this blog. They won't be in chronological order but I will put the original date on each one. Here's the first one:
Six years ago today, Karen and I were awakened by a telephone call from a transplant nurse telling us that they had found a heart to replace Jacob's failing heart. It was a day that will never be forgotten by us.
I reviewed that day via Karen's and my Carepage updates on that eventful day. Here they are for you to get a sense of the day:
Posted Dec 21, 2004 6:01am
Our Christmas wish has come true!!! We got the call that Jacob had a new heart ready at 4:00am. By 5:30, he was being prepped for the operation. They say it normally takes 8-12 hours. His surgery will be more difficult because of the scar tissue from his previous surgeries.
Once again, prayers are in order:
1. Prayer of comfort for a grieving family.
2. Prayer of thanksgiving that we have this new opportunity.
3. Prayer of wisdom and direction on behalf of the surgical team.
4. Prayer of traveling mercy for the many family members that will be coming.
5. Prayer for strength for Jacob.
6. Prayer for strength and patience for us.
Thank you, Lord. You knew endurance was waning. Now I ask anew for more as we face this new exciting but scary challenge. Great is thy faithfulness!!!
Posted Dec 21, 2004 10:31am
Okay, here we go. Jacob went into surgery around 7.00 As of now, they are preparing him to go on the heart-lung machine. The next few hours will be so critical. Please continue to pray for our wonderful doctors and nurses. This will be a very long day for them.
Please continue for the family that has lost a loved one. This is so overwhelming for us, but yet, we are so thankful. Jacob was very upbeat this morning when we saw him. He wanted to see his brother and sister before he went in, but they took him so quickly. He thought about asking the doctors to wait an hour, but we convinced him this was not a good idea. I know I am rambling but I feel like I have had 50 cups of coffee in me (and I've only had 2). We are excited, nervous, scared, thankful, etc. I am upstairs typing this now because I can't sit still and I am driving all the "patient" people crazy. As we find out more news, we'll let let you know.
Posted Dec 21, 2004 1:25pm
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow! The new heart is in and it is beating. The doctor is making sure all the stitches are tight and trying to control excess bleeding. He still has a long way to go and has to get off the heart-lung machine. Please continue to pray - this has been a long day for our doctors, nurses and Jacob. We do feel your prayers and support.
Posted Dec 21, 2004 4:13pm
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee. How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art!
It's my (Richard) turn to give a report but words escape me. My heart (and eyes) are overflowing with with relief, joy, excitement, gratitude, and appreciation for my God, family, and friends who have been with us this morning (in body and/or spirit).
We met with the surgeon in one of those "consultation rooms" which are usually used to break bad news. However, we met in there because of the crush of people who were in the waiting to support us and as anxious as we were to hear the report.
Dr. Kantor said it was a difficult surgery. He expressed surprise that Jacob's old heart had held out so long - that it was basically shot. I strongly believe that it was the prayers of so many that sustained him to get to this point.
Next he shared that pulmonary hypertension was also a big concern, given his impaired lung dynamics. He went on to say that his pulmonary blood pressures were staying within acceptable norms. Once again, I see God's intervention.
Obviously, the next days are critical. Pray for God's healing hand in these ways:
1. A minimum of bleeding to occur
2. Acceptance of this new heart (no rejection)
3. The pulmonary pressures to stay in reasonable norms.
4. The left lung to regain its function.
5. Jacob's body to recuperate quickly
And pray for the grieving family. We don't know details and won't know details for at least a year. We only know that they flew the new heart to the hospital by helicopter from an outside source.
It's been an exhausting, exhilarating, and spirit-filled day. Difficult days lie ahead but we are now striving toward health not trying to delay a death. Jacob will begin recuperating in the CICU and we hope to be out within the next two to three weeks.
We'll keep you posted as updates come. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Posted Dec 21, 2004 10:31pm
Sorry to update so soon but this exemplifies the spirit of Jacob. He is very much aware of what's going around him. Though, he can't speak because of the ventilator tube down his mouth and his hands are secured to restrict movement he is communicating his desires.
A doctor walked in with a cup of coffee in his hand. When Jacob saw it he pointed to it with his finger and stuck his tongue out. He was thirsty! The nurse said that if things go right tonight, they may take the tube out and he would be able to eat. I joked, "no hot wings yet," and Jacob snapped his finger as if to say, "oh, man!"
He has not lost his spirit! But pray that his spiritedness won't cause frustration as we can't understand a lot of his motions or he can't have all that he wants - like a coke!
What a joy he is! What a joy he gives!
Well, that was six years ago. Today I'm sitting in my living room in my NC cabin enjoying the love of a grandson, Tucker, and a granddaughter, Libby Kate. I'm also enjoying the company of their parents, Ben & Beth, Katie, and Karen. Plus, my brother David and his wife, Bonnie, and their daughter, Brook. And a topping of three dogs. WHAT A WONDERFUL ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE THAT IS BOUNTIFUL!!!!
That day was like a rafting trip down a raging river of stage 4 & 5 type rapids.
This day is like a lazy float ride down a meandering stream.
That day the fabric of love in our family was stretched and tested.
This day the fabric of love in our family was enhanced and enjoyed.
That day God showed His faithfulness in extending Jacob's life.
This day, the loss of Jacob tests our faith in God but His love is evidenced in the hugs and kisses of children and the conversation of family.
What a contrast of days!
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