So many good things have happened over the last two days that I'm not sure where to start. The biggest development was probably his switch over from an oscillating ventilator to a standard ventilator. The picture at the right is the high tech oscillator drain sitting on top of the oscillator (which I'm sure costs more than I make in several years). No, the drain isn't hiding behind the Styrofoam cup; it is the Styrofoam cup. This is the only modern medical equipment I can truly understand. Anyway, the oscillator pumps hundreds of shallow breaths into Benjamin every minute which is better for his fragile lungs, but if he stays on this machine for too long, it can keep his lungs from working properly in the future. Needless to say, we are very happy that the oscillator is no longer in Benjamin's room. I'll have to ask whether they recycle the cup for the next patient.
The nurses also rolled one other large machine out of the room today. Ben was receiving nitric oxide to improve blood flow in his lungs, but he no longer needs that either. I get the feeling that the doctors and nurses are surprised that he is off of these machines so quickly.
The best part of all of this, though, is getting to see Benjamin start responding to us. For the first time yesterday, Benjamin was able to wrap his little fingers around my finger. That was a moment of pure parental bliss that will never leave my mind as long as I live. His grip was not the light grip of a baby barely holding on to life, but a grip that would have pulled out all of his wires and tubes, if the rest of his body would have cooperated.
Even after this, God was not through giving us late Christmas presents. Today, I saw Benjamin open his eyes for the first time. I don't think he wanted to look me directly in the eye after all of the pranks he's been pulling, but we got a nice long look at each other. My son knows who I am now - we have seen each other face to face.
In all of this great news, the days are still not without sadness. I see my wife sitting quietly in an empty nursery every day, pumping milk for a child who may never be able to drink it. I will never be able to comprehend how difficult and disappointing it is for her right now, but she continues to walk by faith nonetheless.
I'll wrap this up by showing you my new most favorite picture in the world. I have seen the Mona Lisa, as well as masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and many others, but this smile on my wife's face as she looks at my only son makes all those other works look like finger paintings.
May God give us all the strength to smile like this when times are tough,
Whit, Adrienne, and Benjamin
32 comments:
How incredibly beautiful and wonderful! God bless you three!
I continually look forward to your updates. So many people are praying for you and your family. Your faith astounds me. It's a driving force. To know that we are in God's hands and taken care of.
Hi Whit, Whilst I never had the opportunity to meet you I have heard all about you and Adrienne from the Malan's when they were in Oz.. Just want you to know that there are people all over this world praying for a full and happy life for Benjamin, and I just hope that helps somewhat... also Deuteronomy 33:12 came to mind.
Kristy
You inspire us all!
I'm so thankful for little Ben's progress this week. I'm so thankful for the high tech medical equipment (such as foam cups) that help keep Ben alive and help him to grow stronger. I'm so thankful for the grace with which you have handled this unexpected turn of events in your lives. I'm thankful for the support you are receiving from all over the world. And I'm thankful for a God who has His arms wrapped tightly around you right now.
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
WOOOHOOOO!!! Baby Banjamin not only has a mohawk but restraints as well.. Are you sure he isnt my child?..lol.. loved the new picture of mom smiling and must say, the grip of the finger made me cry like a fool. Praying for all as usual.. hugz, chloe
p.s. bed head products will make that mohawk shine brightly..smilin'
Whit, I've been reading your posts every day, and this one brought the most tears to my eyes. Your descriptions help us all feel like we're right there with you, even if we are only able to pray from far away. But, feeling like we are right there helps make our prayers more real for your family. Anyway, I think the tears today are a result of the happiness I hear in your words and see on Adrienne's face. I don't know if you know me, but Adrienne should (from OC). God bless you all.
-Karen (Reynolds) Cuellar
Dearest Whit and Adrienne,
So, not only does he spurn classic literature, but he also tried to sneak out when you were away! This does not bode well for those teenage years! Adrienne, you're really going to have to keep an eye on him . . . old Dad might be tempted to fall into some male bonding my-son-is-rebelling-in-grand-fashion mentallity if you are not careful. Dad uses fond terms to describe Benjamin's outrageous hair and behavior even now. I will pray for strength to endure these strong wills! :)
God is amazing! Once again He pushes out Man's barriers and defies the doctor's designs for recovery! Hallelujah!! Thank you for sharing the breathtaking pictures. Baby and Mommy are beautiful. Now, Whit, don't let Benjamin see you too often. You don't want to frightenn the poor chap. Let his lovely Mother fall in his line of sight and calm his poor nerves after he catches a glimpse of you. :)
We love you all, and continue to pray for strength, for peace, for patience.
Love,
Michael & Jennifer (Corum) Michener
What a great picture... I might have to print that one out myself. :) (for the record, I'm talking about the one with adrienne, not your cup) hahaha... Whit, I think the Spirit is with you in writing these updates, because I think we're all feeling the joys and the frustrations you are through your words. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us. I love the Gatewood 3! :)
We love you three so much and are sending HUGE hugs from Texas!!! We are in constant prayer for you as well as the Huntsville church and many of our friends. God is so good and I know that He has answered and continues to answer so many of our prayers on behalf of Benjamin and your precious family. Adrienne, you look so beautiful with your handsome baby boy!! Keep up the pumping; I assure you it is worth every milliliter you can get! It really is liquid gold! Whit, thank you so much for your postings as we check them daily! I know God is with all three of you and He is your sustainer! What a great and powerful God we serve! Stay strong in the Lord; we love you guys!!!
chris, tanya, kayla, and tyler
Thanks so much for sharing Ben's progress with us. God continue to amaze and encourage us! May God be with all of you every step of Ben's recovery. We cannot wait to meet beautiful Ben.
Love you all,
Jennifer, Sam, and Chris
Velcro restraints?! Man, they sure have come a long way...make sure that Ben realizes he has it easy. I had to have tongue-depressor splints attached to my little arms...to keep questing hands away from those interesting stitches...but, you might hold the tongue depressors over his head and threaten him with them so that he'll behave from now on...
My friends, each new post and communication is a true testament to his awesome power and wondrous compassion. Know that we are all still praying for Ben's continued well-being, as well as your and Adrienne's strength and perseverance...I love you all and hope to see you soon.
Aaron Corum
Velcro restraints are a good thing! That means he has great strength!! WONDERFUL! I'm so happy to hear of his progress. We were reading your blog to all our nursing staff in the ICU where I work. His progress is truly amazing and I give glory to God for the prayers He is answering!
We all had to laugh at the styrofoam cup! We too will use the cups to make some invention for something that we need at the time! Glad to see other hospitals doing it as well!
Dear Whit and Adrienne
We are very content with this news, and am glad Benjamin is showing signs of restlessness (in a good way of course)!! This means he wants to hurry up and go home! YIPPEE!
We love you guys, and God is totally working here ... AMEN!
Miss you, and send love to the rest of the family for us.
We hope Ben continues to grow stronger everyday!
Love Brooke (in NZ) and Fernando (in Brasil)
Your faith is a great encouragement to us. We are praying for you. We have prayed for Ben's complete healing...and we have prayed for strength for you as you endure this difficult time. We will continue to pray.
Love, Nicole & Jason Whaley
Velcro?! I wouldn't have thought, but I guess it really is useful for everything.
Your posts are so inspiring; I am amazed that you find the energy to write and encourage so many people in a time like this. Thank you for these beautiful demonstrations of faith.
Whit and Adrienne, what a precious baby you two have been blessed with. The pic of Baby Ben and his mommy is awesome. We continue to pray for you several times a day. Meagan has also prayed for Baby Ben to feel better. Who could say "no" to a 2 year old? We will continue to watch for more posts to your blog. We have also asked several friends to pray. You have a *HUGE* support system out there.
Baby Ben, you are so blessed to have your mommy and daddy as parents. What a precious baby you are. *HUGS & KISSES* to you.
Debbie, Randal, and Meagan
You are all in our prayers. Mike and I have both been following the blog and getting phone reports from home. Our hearts ache for you and we plead to God for comfort and healing. Even Molly in her sweetest little voice has been praying "Baby Benjamin, feel good!"
Your faith is inspiring and we praise God for all the blessings you return to those He would call children. We can't wait to see you all again when we are up that way next. . .
We love you!
Beth, Mike and Molly Daugherity
Whit & Adrienne, We're praying for your precious baby boy. When our Christian friends face times like this, I think of Paul's words to the believers in Romans 12:15--"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Our hearts are saddened for Ben and for you for what you are facing right now, but we rejoice with you in your faith and the small victories that you post each day. With hope and love, Sada & Ben
Whit, Adrienne, and Ben,
Aha, restraints alreaady, well, Velcro should work a little better than the tongue depressor restraints but beware, Aaron became very adept at escaping his restraints. I guess we will have to trust the NICU guard to keep him in line!
Seriously, we are all so very happy to hear of the progress and pray that he continues to become more independent and stronger so that he can have his 2nd surgery. We rejoice that each day brings that closer. Our Father is so powerful and compassionate.
Adrienne, as a mother, I wish you strength and peace. I am so glad to see that you are taking pictures of each precious smile. The picture is beautiful. God bless you all. We love you and are continually praying for you. Vickie and Joe Corum
Just wanted to let you know that I love the faith you and your wife display. It is very heartening for me and my family. Know this GOD IS IN CONTROL. It may not seem like it at times, but He definately is. I can't wait to meet Ben. If he needs a touch-up on that fauxhawk, just give me a call. ha ha
Love you guys,
angiemcc
Hey Gatewood Family:
So happy to hear of the great steps of progress. We want to continue to be sure that you know that you guys are so loved. Continue to take every available opportunity to rest in the Father. Thank you for the beautiful picture of Momma and Ben. I love to read of your faithful responses to the events of each day. Hang in there Gatewoods. We love you.
Shawn and the Mayes gang
Whit, Adrienne & Benjamin,
This is my first visit to your sight but your family has been in our prayers for sometime. I too shed tears of joy and compassion as I read your most recent entry. Our God is powerful and merciful. I am so thankful that he has your whole family in his hands. Guiding the Dr.'s also as they make decisions and as He suprises them with the results. God bless your all.
Karen Lewis Quail CoC
Keep fighting, all three of you! We love your little boy so much already, and know he's going to be a special friend for our little girl coming in April. We look forward to them learning together all about God's beautiful world.
We've shed many tears and raised many prayers over Benjamin. Our prayers will continue, and we anticipate better and better news. God must have a special calling for his life, since he's training him to be a fighter right from the start.
We love you!
words fail me for the beautiful picture you posted online--it truly should be in the lourve or the british museum. Adrienne's face reflects the capability of the human heart that God created in his own likeness. He is faithful!! We are keeping you all in our thougths and prayers. Dave and JJ
Well little Ben sounds just likes his uncles.. always getting into trouble :) Our love and Prays are with you all.
Wyatt and Tammy
Australia
You guys are in my prayers. I'm glad to hear of the progress Ben is making and I hope it continues every day. God bless you all.
Amy
Whit, Adrienne, & Ben,
You are constantly brought before the Father by so many of us that sometimes I think I can hear the angels chanting, "Ben, Ben, Ben, Go Ben!" We love you all so much and are rejoicing with you over every moment of progress! And you are right, there is nothing more beautiful than the eyes that dance with love and the smile that not even the universe can contain when a Mommy is looking at her baby!
Jeanne & Van
My sister, who lives in Huntsville and received your news through their prayer email list, forwarded this to me since we went through a very scary time with our newborn as well. My daughter is proof that God is a truly AWESOME God. He will never abandon you and your family. He will show Himself constantly in ways you least expect. It sounds like you are already hearing the things He has to tell you, and to those things you can cling.
It has been five years since our daughter developed a very rare and serious heart complication shortly after birth. Our lives were changed forever by the presence of the Spirit during those very difficult times. Cleo is just the most amazing picture of health--you would never know that she had been so ill. And we know that through prayers of so many, God healed her. I feel a great peace around your family and I think that the Spirit will heal Benjamin through the knowledge of the doctors and all those taking care of him. I will be praying for you to continue to find comfort through God's word and presence as Benjamin's healing is carried out.
Please excuse my whimsical user name. My comment is serious.
My daughter, Gina, commented on the previous blog--she's expecting our first grandchild in just a few weeks, and is friends with Brian Rusher. Brian has lots of us praying for you!
Reading about Ben is very inspiring, and you can be sure I'll be praying for your little guy as the days go by. I know first hand that prayer makes all the difference.
At birth my baby, Ty, weighed 3 lbs, 5 oz--astounding for a baby ten weeks early. His tiny lungs were not ready for him to breathe on his own, but thinking himself to be a "big boy," he insisted upon breathing for himself. Talk about rebellious kids!
The nurses warned me that he might use up all his energy just breathing, and then be too tired to face the rest of the things he would be called upon to do if he was going to make it. And with such a low birth weight, he didn't have a lot to count on.
It was difficult to know what to tell little two-year-old Gina, so we just told her we didn't know yet whether God was going to let Ty come home and live with us yet, or if He was going to go to heaven now, instead.
Like Adrienne, I pumped milk for my little guy. Ty was so busy breathing that he couldn't be bothered to eat by himself. They used a tiny tube that went directly into his tummy to give him the milk. Another baby, Sarah, was in the NICU with him, and we was 14 weeks early. They were using a brand new method for feeding her; pure fat like you described they're using for Ben.
After four days, the doctors told us that Ty was going to make it. Praise God! But then, when he was 3 1/2 weeks old, he got a virus; antibiotics don't work on viruses.
But thankfully God works on viruses, and Ty kept gaining weight in spite of the virus; the anti-bodies in breast milk don't hurt, either. But when your little one is right in the middle of medical issues, everything seems to take forever!
God got a lot of glory through Ty's survival. At five weeks he got to come home and live with us, and we're still thankful for that.
God got a lot of glory, too, when Ty survived an 81 foot fall from a cliff twenty-two years later.
Ty is a good friend of Brian Rusher, and he's writing his Masters' Thesis in Bible right now.
My prayer is that you'll have a wonderful success story to relate thirty years from now, like I do.
To God be the glory---great things He has done!
God continue to bless you! I'll keep checking on Ben's progress,
Gae Frost
Whit:
What a beautiful child this is! Your message brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I talked to Merle yesterday, and she was so thrilled that her grandson seems to be hanging in there. Your wife looked so happy in that picture. I'm a hands on mom, so I know how frustrating that can be when you can't tough your kid. I have a 19 year old Freshman at Oklahoma Christian (my only son).
There is something awesome about having an "only son." God gave his only Son for us, and so we live for Him.
Ben is a living testament for his doctors who know a miracle when they see one.
Keep praying. Take one day at a time. I'll pray that his brain will be fully developed so he can beat you at chess when you are both older, like mine does (although I would never admit to being old).
Donna Anders
Oklahoma Christian University
djanders@cox.net
Hi, Whit. I can't resist telling you about Kevin Davis, a friend's son at the Stillwater Church of Christ in Stillwater, Oklahoma who had developmental problems, later had to have a shunt to relieve the pressure, etc. He even had to have 15 brain surgeries in one month's time when he was 21 or so because of complications. Don't panic. This story has a happy ending. This same kid who had 15 brain surgeries in one month later ran a marathon in Dallas. Kevin's case is rare for complications that he had, and he made the television news and newspapers. He is a walking miracle, and Ben can be too. Lift up your prayers and keep the faith.
Donna Anders
Oklahoma Christian University
You probably don't remember us, but we meet you both at the Clarks' home in Edmond, OK several years ago. I remember thinking then what a truly unique couple you were regarding your strong faith. You are a shining example of how I hope to live my life. Thank you for your inspiration.
Kari & Bobby
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