Holden | A Miracle on Day Six
May 18, 2011 My heart is elated and my eyes have been visited by tears of joy frequently during the past couple of hours. Cheryl and I are simply in awe of the miracle that God is performing on our baby boy.
“His chances of survival are slim. Out of all the diseases that plague babies, hydrops is bad. Really bad.” I’ll never forget the fear, the uncertainty that penetrated my heart the night that our doctor informed us with these words. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to purge from memory the fortress that seemingly rose against my hope and faith that day. However, I knew that somehow, some way I had to remain strong and be the pillar of solidarity that my family would need in the coming days.
I don’t think I’ve ever prayed like I prayed the day that Holden was born. I cannot remember the exact words because it was more than just words. The greatest recollection I have of that prayer was the encompassing feeling of peace that I felt when the nurse came over and asked if I wanted to see my baby boy. It was surreal.
Fast forward to today. They’ve been draining ounces upon ounces of fluid from Holden over the past six days. He weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz at birth and today he weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz. The weight loss has been the lymphatic fluid that his body has been draining and the doctors have been removing through a tube inserted into his chest.
Tonight, the doctors were making their rounds and came to give a report from the most recent X-ray to Holden’s nurse. Cheryl, Huntley and I happened to be there. The report from the latest X-ray showed that there is apparently NO LONGER A HOLE IN HOLDEN’S LYMPHATIC DUCT and the fluid drainage has completely stopped. His lungs look absolutely normal and they will be removing the tube used to drain the fluid in the morning. The doctors and nurses seemed shocked. They just couldn’t believe that the duct had healed completely in six days. In some cases, this duct never heals up, some times it takes weeks or months. The news touched our hearts deeply and we are incredibly thankful. We truly believe that the prayers, the thoughts and the support from Holden’s friends and family have made all the difference in the world. We’ve placed our trust in Christ since day one and truly believe that Holden is a miracle.
Unfortunately, we won’t be bringing him home tomorrow. His lungs still have some work to do and they’re weaning him off of the oscillator (breathing machine). He has a little bit more work to do but we feel like this was the biggest obstacle he had to overcome. I can’t wait for everyone to meet little Holden and hope that he captures your heart as he has ours.
Please take a moment to post a comment or share with a friend. We love hearing from everyone and have been so encouraged by it all. Thank you to everyone who is supporting us in this time of need. We appreciate it immensely.
Here is an X-ray of Holden’s chest from earlier in the week. The black area on the right is the lung that is okay, the one on the left (in the haze) is surrounded by fluid. Also notice the shape of his chest/torso due to the fluid retention.
Here is tonight’s X-ray. You can see the lungs beautifully!
Jeriann: Thank you, Jesus! This is wonderful. I'm so happy for you all and little Holden. I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery, but I'm so grateful that duct healed up SO quickly! God is so good and faithful!! Love you guys. Btw, great pics!!
Mariea Rummel: The power of prayer is REAL! So happy for you, the family and for Fighter Holden! Much Love.
marie rios: I have tears of joy for you and your entire family. God is great. I have been praying for all of you. So happy and what a miracle baby boy you have. Blessings to all of you.
Adrienne: The power of prayer is unreal. God bless your beautiful family Scott! Much LOVE!
Amy Layton: God is so good! I had tears in my eyes reading your post but they were happy tears! My heart is joyous for you and your family right now! We still remember that you told us about your "secret news" the day o our shoot back in November! What a blessing, a miracle, and a wonderful witness all in one little man!
Norma Mathews: Thank you Jesus! You are all in my prayers. Love you all!
Lara Rios: I am very happy for you, your baby and your family... One of the most powerful expressions I have ever heard was "Expect a miracle"... They do happen! Congratulations!!!
Zach: Keep the good news coming friend!
Derron Lee: Holden's a strong little guy! It's simply amazing! Looking forward to have Logan and Chloe play with Holden soon! =) Take care, Derron
Whitley Pollet: I am so happy for you and your family. Your past two posts have brought tears to my eyes. I will continue to keep your beautiful baby Holden in my thoughts and prayers. You have a beautiful and incredibly strong baby on your hands!
Tim Sarquis: This made my morning...week...month!! I can only imagine the joy you and your family are feeling right now. This is great news Scott. Looking forward to meeting him!
Dave: Thanks be to God! Such a blessing to know that God still works miracles. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
Emily Flynn: Praise the Lord for this miracle and sweet baby boy! We continue to lift you all up in prayer.
Leah West: Scott & Cheryl - So amazed at the goodness of God. This post brought tears to my eyes and reminded/overwhelmed me of God's love for us!!! Holden is beautiful! I cannot wait to see him. Love you and your family much!
Tena: Oh, Scott and Cheryl! I too had tears of joy and my heart skipped a beat as I read this amazing report due to God's love for you guys! All praise goes to Jesus for He has been listening to all the prayers and He cares about you all so much. This thought comes to mind as I write this...God already has Holden's life planned out! He knows the future and we can only imagine the great things He has in store for Holden and the rest of his precious family. We will continue to pray for him and all of you...every day. Much, much love ~ Len & Tena Valenti ♥
Arren: Wow wow wow. You and your family are certainly something special Scott. I read that with tears of joy and warmth in my heart. It is moments like this that you have to put your faith in the Lord and let him guide you. I know that this has been a very trying time for you all, but I know it has made you all that much stronger. Holden is a lucky little boy to have you. The Lord must have known you and your family could take in and care for one of his Angels. God Bless you and enjoy that beautiful little boy :)
alisa greig: God is good and I believe He has plans for Holden to do amazing things and touch many--continued prayers for his strength and healing. Thank you for sharing.
manus: hey scott, thanks for sharing. will continue to pray for you and your family during this time.
Linda Trudeau: ...your images, faith, heart and hope for your son are beautiful...praying for his continued miraculous recovery.
Shirley Buxton: Wonderful! God is a healer!
Casey: My husband and I are part of your uncle & aunt's (Greg and Jodi) Bible study group. We've been praying for Holden and your family during this time and I'm THRILLED to see God's answer to prayers in such a profound way. I love your blog and your heart is clearly seen through your words. Best to you guys and Praise Him!
tasha shoemake: All things are possible with God! I cannot stop crying after seeing the xray photots! "Lord I'm AMAZED BY YOU!"
Angela Rodriguez: So thankful!! God is so good!! He is definitely still a miracle worker!! Praying for Holden's complete recovery.
Tasha Shoemake: "Lord Im AMAZED by You"...this song keeps running through my mind as I wipe the tears away.
kjrsten: Scott, tears, tears, tears! This is what life is all about, family, loving so deeply, seeing God's hand work miracles in your life. This post is beautiful. My husband was born with hyaline membrane (it was 1969 so there were no medical treatments at the time to cure him) the Dr's said he wouldn't live through the night, told his parents to hold say goodbye.... Miracles HAPPEN! You're little holden is a living miracle!!!!
amita kotecha: dearest scott, i am so glad to hear things are going better for baby Holden and your family. God is generous to his children, and is watching over you and your family. i can only imagine the thoughts you are having right now as you go through this trying time. i am praying for you, and hope that my prayers send Holden the power to continue to fight. my baby girl was also in the nicu, and i know that miracles happen, and am praying they happen for you too. lots of hugs, amita
Nathan Holmes: Praise the Lord! Holden was included on our prayer list this past weekend. We will continue to pray until he comes home. God bless!
Jessica Ringor: Such good news! Stay strong!
Orbie Pullen: This is great news! You and your family are still in me and Rebecca's thoughts. Let us know if you need any help with anything.
Monica Vela: Our God is AWESOME! Holden is AWESOME! You guys are AWESOME! :D
Duana Sargent: Scott & Cheryl ~ How wonderful!! What an awesome testimony!! God is so good!!
Megan Clouse: This is so wonderful!! I'm so amazed and grateful for this great news! (And he's even cute in his xrays.)
stan and rozann Evans: So happy to hear the good news...beautiful pictures Scott..so full of love. Your pictures are always beautiful...your writing is beautiful too. You should do more of it!
Lisa: Happiness :-) ...and your friend Megan is right - he is even cute in his xrays! Hi, Holden!!!
Bobbie Shoemake: Scott & Cherly we are thinking and praying for all of you , especially our miracle guy! He is such a cutie. I can only imagine your heart seeing him so taped down. Ryan Holston is a miracle & Nicole Salyards, both miracle's & other's I could mention!!! Hold on , help is on the way! : )
Elinor Schwartz: What wonderful news about Holden. If I had no faith and belief in God, I sure do now. My prayers for his speedy recovery.
kandy lunsford: Auntie & Uncle are so excited to hear the wonderful news! Our God is truly wonderful! Wish we could be there....Much Love
Bettina Madsen: Awe! God is a Great God! I cannot wait to meet little Holden!! We will continue to pray for him. Thank you Jesus for the miracle!!!!
Courtney: God is GOOD! And prayer is powerful.
Jackie Royer: This renews my faith. What a beautiful testimony...what a beautiful family.
andi: thinking of your whole family! this is such wonderful news. he looks beautiful and i can't wait to see more of him.
Natalia: By chance got to your blog and read about your baby boy. Your words are touching. God Bless Holden and Your Family. May he recover very soon, gets to go home soon, and grows strong and healthy!