2hearts - archive

Talitha

The information below is a list of the emails and mesages posted to Moira Baptist friends who prayed for Talitha in 2001. These pages formerly appeared on Moira Baptist web site.

Friday 16th

Just a quick line before I catch some zzz's.

Talitha is doing great. Every day sees her more relaxed and settled. She only cat-naps during the day, but is going about six hours straight at night, which is brilliant. We have started on spoon feeds and she is also able to suck small amounts from a syringe, so hopefully we'll not have the ng tube down much longer! I even got a tiny smile today. She's a little darling. God has given us our wee girl back!

She is still quite floppy, especially her little head, but she'll get there. There is a wee determined thing shining through!!

Warm regards

Deb & Alb

Tuesday 13th

Hi David,

Talitha has had her CXR and echo. They are recommencing her on digoxin and running augmentin for a week - there are a couple of patches on today's x-ray in her upper lobes, so just to be on the safe side. She is also getting home this afternoon! The dig is to ensure that if she has another episode, her heart will cope better.

Thank everyone again for their continued prayer.

Deborah

Update at 9.20 pm ...... Talitha is Home!

Monday 12th

I have just had Al on the phone. The ward is hectic. Talitha is rescheduled for chest x-ray and cardiac echo in the morning. Her bloods from today showed her white cell count to be raised and they are querying a virus now. If she doesn't spike a temp in the next 24 hours we may get her home in the next day or two. The other kids are really missing her as am I.

Deborah

Saturday Night

Dr Craig saw Talitha this morning. Last night was tough on her - they needed venous access, and her peripheral circulation had shut down. Her O2 sats were in the 70's but today she is back in the 90's, but still a bit cool. Her core temp on admission was high. They took an x-ray and thought that she may have a chest infection but Dr Craig has seen it and is happy enough. He reckons that they see this quite a bit with babies with Down's syndrome. Temperature control can be a problem and it can go either way for no apparent reason. She will have a repeat echo on Monday morning.

Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Albert & Deborah

Friday night/Saturday November 10th

Albert has taken Talitha down to get checked out in Belfast. I think that there may be something up with her heart function. Earlier I thought that her colour wasn't as good as it had been - ever so slightly. As the evening went on, her peripheries cooled down and then she went quite mottled. I couldn't get her warmed so gave her a warmish bath which didn't do much. I'd asked Alb at that point to ring an ambulance as her colour drained and she was unresponsive, although she was in a deep sleep - unlike her. I thought that we were losing her.

She had been doing well today (Friday). Tuesday afternoon through to Thursday, she had been really unsettled and agitated, barely sleeping day or night. She had really bad colic, although I did wonder if there was something deeper. But we got stuff from the chemist and from yesterday afternoon, she had been really placid and sleeping well.

Dr Craig did tell Albert that the echocardiogram they did on Tuesday showed a small leak at one end of the patch and also a leaking valve. He reckons that the hole may close over by itself and isn't too worried about the valve at this point. I do worry about her right ventricular function and pulmonary vessels with the length of time she was in failure prior to surgery and just hope and pray that this is nothing more than a neurotic mother. She is still quite chesty although no worse than on discharge - slightly better if anything, as Albert gives her heaps of chest physio.

Deborah

Please pray not only for Talitha but for Albert and Deborah to have the grace they need each day.

Ps 33:20-22 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Thanks

David

Tuesday

Praise the Lord. Talitha is home!

Wednesday 31st Oct

Talitha came back to the ward today. She is doing really well. She still requires a bit of oxygen but once her chest clears properly, she should be fine. THEY ARE TALKING OF HOME IN 4-5 DAYS! GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED. Psalm 48-1

We are indebted as a family to all of you who prayed for our precious little girl and ourselves. We have felt so weak many times, but it is at these very points that His strength is made manifest. We know you will likewise join in praise and thanksgiving.

Love

Albert & Deborah

with Ariel, Caleb, Bethany & Talitha

Tuesday afternoon 30th Oct

Hi Folks,

I have just had Deborah on the phone to tell me that Talitha came off the ventilator this morning. A real answer to prayer as she has been slowly improving since her surgery last Monday. They have been removing her support drugs over the last few days to get her ready for it. We are thankful that she came off it fairly easily as she has been in failure for so long, it can cause permanent lung damage. Now she just has oxygen wafting around her face, which she has had since being in I.C.U when first admitted. So hopefully that will be able to be reduced in the coming days.

We would like to thank all for their prayers for Talitha; they have been greatly needed and appreciated. God has used and blessed the medical staff who operated and looked after her these past months while in hospital. We can now allow ourselves to look forward to getting her home in the near future.

Praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer. Psalm 66:20

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. Eph 6:18

We can truly say that God both hears and answers prayers of his people. Thankyou.

Will be in touch again.

Sunday 28th Oct

Talitha has had a fairly stable weekend. They have started weaning down the cardiac support drugs - adrenaline, dopamine etc etc etc! The chest drain is still in situ, and this mornings chest x-ray showed some improvement. They had to increase her ventilation slightly but it is not such a big thing as she still is doing a fair bit on her own. Keep praying everyone!

Yours in Christ

Deborah

Deborah writes about the past week.

Today's news:

They repeated a cardiac echo this morning (Friday) and there is slight improvement in the function of the right side of her heart. She has fluid collecting round her right lung and they have had to put in a chest drain today to try and shift that, so hopefully that will improve things, respiratory wise.

The operation itself was a success. They managed to do what they set out to do. When we spoke to the surgeon on Monday, he wasn't sure how good her valves would be, but said he'd done what he could under the circumstances. The subsequent echos have showed the repair to be first class and the valves to be working brilliantly. Praise God!

The problem that they encountered on Tuesday when they weaned back the sedation was that the right side of the heart and her lungs weren't functioning properly. We did worry about damage to the pulmonary vessels with the increased pressure in her lungs prior to surgery, but everything is in place and they are taking it slowly, one thing at a time. She is still on all her cardiac support drugs and there are small improvements every day. On Tuesday her peripheral circulation had totally shut down and this was pushing her core temperature up. Organ shutdown was a big possibility, and losing her a reality, but she was sustained through it all.

By Wednesday evening her little hands and feet were pink and warm, an answer to all of your prayers no doubt. Hopefully now with this drain inserted, her blood gases will improve and they will be able to reduce the amount of ventilation further. They didn't intend trying her off the ventilator until Monday anyway.

Please continue to pray both for Talitha and the team looking after her, and also convey our sincere appreciation to them. The cardiac surgical ICU is fantastic. The staff are all lovely - highly skilled and 100% dedicated. From the surgical crew and cardiologist, down to the nursing staff. If I ever need my arteries done I hope I end up there!

Thanks again.

Deborah

Thursday 9.00 pm

Albert phoned to say Talitha is making some progress but it is slow. She is still on the ventilator but is being gradually weaned off it. She is likely to be in ICU over the weekend.

David

Wednesday 10.15pm

Deborah has just left a message on our answering machine to say Talitha is still critical but a little improved - still stable. Her circulation is better than it was. She is on nitrous oxide for her lungs. Please, please keep praying.

Tuesday 23rd 2.00 pm

Albert just phoned to say Talitha is unwell. She is having some problems with her heart not functioning properly. He has already gone to join Deborah in Belfast. Please pray for them just now.

David

Monday night 22nd

Albert has just phoned to say Talitha has had her surgery and is doing well. Keep praying for a full recovery. More details later.

Friday 19th Oct

Just a quick line. Albert says that Talitha's temperature is staying down and that she is a bit more settled today. The anaesthetist was to come and see him later on in the day, so it looks like surgery is to go ahead as scheduled. I intend returning tomorrow, after I have recruited some babysitters!

I was reading in Job yesterday. A remarkable man who, after suffering afflictions that we cannot even start to think about, can say "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him". Puts things in perspective.

Thanks again for all your prayers. Prayer changes things.

Deborah

Thursday evening 18th October

Just a brief update. Talitha's heart and respiratory rate remains unchanged this evening. She is still getting regular chest physio and they don't reckon her chest is actually that bad. Her consultant thinks that it is more her heart function at this point, although her temperature is still up.

Thanks

Deborah

Thursday 18th October (Morning)

Dear friends and prayer partners,

I arrived at Belfast yesterday morning and didn't think that she looked that great. I thought that she was struggling a bit more than she had done on Monday. I spoke to Dr Craig, Talitha's consultant and he rang a member of the surgical team who have provisonally booked Talitha in for surgery on Monday. However, Alb and I went out last night and when we came back, she'd had blood gases done as Norma, her nurse, felt also that she was working harder with her breathing, but they showed no significant changes at that point. I was meant to stay last night and Alb come down home (as my folks had to leave here at 6am). However I had a gut feeling and was totally petrified of being on my own and getting a call to the room like before so, consumed with guilt, I came home. Every little hurdle is harder to deal with. It has been so long. I don't know how I would cope without God. Albert rang the ward this morning and apparently they had to get a Doctor out during the night as she spiked a Temperature of 39.8 and her respirations are sitting in the 80s. They are getting her checked over shortly. PLEASE PRAY THAT TALITHA STABILISES AND THAT SHE MAKES IT TO HER SURGERY ON MONDAY. If she required ventilation again, it would put the surgery back. She is so close. The enormity of the operation hit home yesterday and, even with the assurance that God has a plan for her life and that He will bring her through this - it is huge. Now with the uncertainty of everything, and the possibility of her deteriorating again, it makes it even harder.

Love to all

Deborah

Pray also for:

I also came across another family in Belfast whose three year old fell into a fire in Tajikistan, where they were missionaries. This happened days before the attack on America. His Mum has faith that he will live and has had assurance from the Word of God, even though eveyone else in ICU is waiting for him to pass away. They need prayer.

Tuesday 16th October

I thought that Talitha wasn't so great yesterday, struggling a bit with the breathing but she settled. She seems to get more out of puff than before when being sick etc. which is probably an indication that she really needs her operation. Her renal ultrasound and micturation scan is scheduled to take place tomorrow so we just pray that her kidneys are okay.

Deborah

Sunday 14th October

My parents are here for the week. At the minute, Talitha is fairly stable. She has a low grade temperature and every couple of days will spike a high one - the cause is unknown. Yesterday they took more samples to check for a chest or urinary tract infection. The previous ones came back clear. She is to have a kidney function test and renal ultrasound this week, as apparently a UTI can cause scarring to the kidneys. Then another test of some sort in six weeks. Meanwhile, she is having antibiotics prophylactically, so hopefully she will not develop anything major which would set surgery back. When her temp comes down, she is quite bright and we have started developemental physio.

One of these days I will forward you an up to date photo. When I see the others that I have on disc, it reinforces the 'power of prayer'! I met Helen, Jed's mum on Monday.

Yours in Christ

Deborah

Fri 05-Oct-01 20:50

Talitha is once again requiring chest physio and suction. We are praying that she will not develope more serious complications as before and remain well for surgery. Please pray likewise. The doctor reckons she may have picked up another viral thing that is doing the rounds down there. I omitted to mention that she has been vomiting with every feed since last Friday and her weight was down this week. They did increase her volume on Wednesday but have since decreased it, as they reckon she isn't coping with the increased amount. I am so amazed when talking to people out there just how many are going through so much, some with a whole heap of more worries than ourselves. I came across this a while back and thought it would be nice to share with anyone out there having a hard time.

That weakness and pain so hard to bear,

That sorrow and trial too,

It did not last - it passed away,

HE MEASURED - AND BROUGHT ME THROUGH.

***

Not a moment too long did it remain,

Though t'was hard to bear 'tis true

But there came an end, with a spiritual gain,

HE MEASURED - AND BROUGHT ME THROUGH.

***

In a wonderful way He revealed Himself,

In a way entirely new,

Jehovah that healeth thee,

HE MEASURED - AND BROUGHT ME THROUGH.

***

Tis always so with our loving Lord,

Be the trials many or few,

He times them all - His appointed time,

HE MEASURES - AND BRINGS US THROUGH.

***

Child of God in trial, it will soon end

Trust Him for His Word is true,

Be patient and wait, in His good time

HE'LL MEASURE - AND BRING YOU THROUGH.

I am off to bed. Caleb Jesse turned 5 today. One of the nurses arranged a session in 'Super Bowl' - her daughter is the manageress and they were brilliant - threw a party etc for him. But I'm whacked.

Deborah

Thursday 4th Oct

Tuesday was tough. Another little baby who had come in last week, was selected for surgery on Wednesday. If someone had come and spoken to me I might have taken it a bit better, but hearing it in casual conversation and then realising it wasn't Talitha that was going to be taken was really hard and I cracked. But we are really blessed to have the knowledge that God's timing is perfect and we have to leave it there. (Keeps you out of the psych unit) :) Looking back, I was probably up there too long. It is hard as you feel torn between everything and everyone. Mr Gladstone, the surgeon is now on two weeks vacation but has assured us that Talitha will be one of his priority cases on his return. We will let everyone know when we get a date for surgery.

We really appreciate you all.

Love Deborah

4th October

hi, you will all receive some photos from me shortly. I sent away a couple of films a month ago and they have finally arrived back on disc. Talitha has improved so much since then. But for some of you out there, who are praying for her and constantly sending us your love and support yet haven't seen our baby girl, here is a peek! There are two or three pics taken on the 18th August - the day she was admitted. As you can see, she was so well. They don't always get it right! Tuesday was tough. Another little baby who had come in last week, was selected for surgery on Wednesday. If someone had come and spoken to me I might have taken it a bit better, but hearing it in casual conversation and then realising it wasn't Talitha that was going to be taken was really hard and I cracked. But we are really blessed to have the knowledge that God's timing is perfect and we have to leave it there. (Keeps you out of the psych unit) :) Looking back, I was probably up there too long. It is hard as you feel torn between everything and everyone. Mr Gladstone, the surgeon is now on two weeks vacation but has assured us that Talitha will be one of his priority cases on his return. We will let everyone know when we get a date for surgery. We really appreciate you all.

Love Deborah

1st October 2001

Hi there, Just a quick line to update you on Talitha's progress. I don't know when Deb last wrote as we are like ships passing in the night at the moment. Talitha has been slowly improving over the past few weeks and the consultant put her before the surgeons a fortnight ago but still no sign of surgery. Deb got her off the siezure drug on Friday so that should help her to be a bit more active as it had a sedative effect. We would appreciate targeted prayer concerning her surgery as the surgeon goes on holiday for a fortnight at the end of this week and they normally only operate on Monday and Wednesday. We were told on Friday that there would be nobody brought in from home this week but then on Fiday afternoon a child was brought in for surgery this morning,(Monday) so we are a bit frustrated that Talitha and another baby Tom waiting in the ward, have not been selected. All we can do is take it to the Lord for his help as it is out of our hands, so we would appreciate your support. It has been 6 weeks since she has been admitted and we are both getting a little weary and the other kids are acting out because of the length of her stay. We have been very patient and need to continue looking to the Lord for help as we would have cracked up by now if we did'nt have him for support and refuge at a time of need. We have had a tremendous response to everyones prayers and it is so true that with God nothing shall be impossible. Thanks so much from all of us. I think even the Doctors were surprised that her MRI was O.K. I hope to go back either Tue or Wed to relieve Deb.

Hope this finds all well.

28th September

This was sent to me today, with an article on Providence. I thought it was lovely. Help me to watch beyond my altered skyline For that first faint glow of morning sun. Let me wrap myself in faith, and snuggle down with hope. I couldn't help but think of all these poor people affected by the recent acts of terrorism. Well, we both came down home this evening and I am trying hard not to feel guilty! Talitha has slept night and day since Thursday really. Very settled. Albert will return early am. The other kids are really excited at both of us being home together. Even though it does not seem like it, it has been a month. Talitha had a repeat EEG yesterday and is going for an MRI scan at 9am Monday morning. I knew that there wouldn't be any changes in the EEG so it didn't come as a shock when the Neurologist spoke to me yesterday evening. I read when I was waiting for it to be reported on - "According to your faith, be it unto you". I know that she is going to be fine! The neurologist basically said that at this point he is convinced that she has nothing epileptic going on and the abnormal EEG is indicative of damage to the brain. They are running the MRI to identify which areas are affected, to what extent and the implications of it. Hopefully after Monday they intend to wean her off the phenobarbitone. She is pretty drowsy at the minute and they reckon that this is the cause. Thanks for all your e-mails. Talitha is being prayed for by individuals and churches in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, New Zealand, America, Brazil, Botswana and Albania. For this we are really grateful. It makes a difference!

Your prayer, love and support is invaluable!

Love to all

Deborah & Albert

25th September

Dear friends,

Just a quick note to ask you all to pray for Talitha's surgery date. The information I was given regarding theatres in the RVH was correct. Albert overheard the surgeon telling another parent today that they aren't able to carry out a lot of cardiac operations, due to staff shortages. Another reason for this prayer request is that the surgeon is actually going on holiday the end of next week. We are not sure exactly for how long. Talitha is still oxygen dependant and we are concerned that if left longer, she could not only take another serious lung infection, but be left with permanent lung damage. However God knows these things and PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!

Warm regards to all,

Deborah

22nd September

Talitha has picked up an infection. They are not sure where, but she has a nasty sounding cough and has been running a high temp since yesterday morning. Also, there may be a delay with surgery. She was brought up at the surgical conference on Friday but her Consultant reckons they are having problems shifting people out of Cardiac ICU. I spoke to another mother whose little girl has had the same operation as Talitha needs who also has Down's. Apparently three cardiac theatres lay empty last week as they can't get night staff for ICU/recovery. It must be very frustrating also for the staff, working with inadequate resources. The staff in Clark Clinic have done their bit, it's up to the surgical team now so we just have to wait. Pray that she will have a speedy recovery from this latest setback and that a slot will come up in the near future for her surgery.

Love to all.

Deborah

18th September

Just to let you all know that the Neurologist has had a look at Talithas MRI results and according to one of the Doctors on the ward, it is "normal for a baby of her age". We are so thankful - God answers prayer! The Neurologist is going to meet up with Albert in the morning. Albert has spoken to Dr Casey one of the consultants - a really nice guy, and a couple of other Doctors and he says they "seem pretty shocked". That's the feeling he's getting anyway. That verse in Psalm 138 v 8 keeps coming before me. There is a big ward round in the morning. They have one every Wednesday, so we hope that Talithas consultant will approach the surgeons this week. They meet up and discuss cases on a Friday. Meanwhile, they reckon they will keep her on the phenobarbitone, for now anyway. I guess no one really knows what is going on as even the Neurologist thought on Friday, that the EEG results were not indicative of epileptic type activity but of damage. Albert says that she is looking good. A bit grizzly but definately signs of teeth! I know kids with Down's are normally delayed teething but this baby has a style all of her own! Will post some photos asap. Awaiting a couple of films by mail. Will keep in touch.

Keep praying and love to all.

Deb & Alb

10th September

Just another quick update. I am back home. Now that Mum has returned we are dividing the week up - I'll stay in Belfast one half, and Albert the other. Talitha is looking a bit brighter these past couple of days. The MRI scan had to be cancelled, as a paediatric anaesthetist wasn't available. We don't know when it will be. It is hard to believe that she has been in Belfast over three weeks now. I hope that both Talitha and ourselves never have to go through another 3 weeks like it. I learned when one of the nurses was handing over during the week, that Talitha had arrested in resus. We didn't know that. Initially you think - what if.......and then when you realise again just how sick she was and with the knowledge that it could have been prevented......what if. My Aunt e-mailed me shortly after Talitha was admitted and, knowing the circumstances, reminded us that all of this was in the permissive will of God. That He knew exactly what was going to happen just as when Jesus raised Lazurus from the dead. We have drawn so much strength from that reassuring knowledge. God has a purpose in this. Meantime continue to pray for Talitha and also the staff that look after her. She is in excellent hands up in Clark Clinic. The staff are very good - from the consultants down to the staff at ward level. Dr Craig has advised us that surgery should go ahead as planned, although we don't have a date yet. If it is left too long, the extra pressure on the lungs can cause permanent damage. Will be in touch on my next visit down home. I should be here this time until Thursday evening.

Love Deborah & Albert & little Talitha xo

7th September

Just a quick line to let you know that Talitha is now off the ventilator and is back in Clark Clinic (Cardiac ward). She is still oxygen dependant but hopefully after her MRI scan (which they hope now to carry out on Mon or Tues next week), they will reduce her phenobarbitone which should help. She had quite a good wakey time yesterday morning although once again ICU left no IV access and they had to seek out a vein once she was transferred downstairs. She has been shaved down one side and looks like she has a mowhawk....! Get it out of the system while they're young I say. Has been excellent to have my Mum over but she has to return this weekend, as my younger sister starts Uni. Dad is away a bit with his work and Andrew, my youngest brother is still in High school. She has cooked, cleaned and schooled - my house has never looked so well.....! Just after Talithas birth when we were all consumed running to hospital, my eldest child asked if we had mould growing on the mantelpiece ....... no darling, it's called dust! Well, we are no forward really with a date for surgery but hope and pray that it is to be soon. I have visions of eating Christmas dinner in Belfast sick kids hospital! Trust you are all well out there and keep in touch.

Love Deb

2nd September

Talitha needs you all....! I'm just back from Belfast. We kinda ran out of clothes - walking around like a couple of scarecrows but low priority! Well, we've had another eventful week, with a few set backs but a lot of positive aspects to it too, and a lot to be thankful for. At the minute, Talitha is back in ICU on the ventilator. They moved her early this am as she wasn't able to keep her oxygen saturations up, even with it running at 90+%. She also needed a blood transfusion today. The reason being one of her lungs has collapsed but at least we know why now as she was desaturating for a few days there and it was quite worrying. They were working on her from 3.30am so she is pretty tired and well sedated. It is particularly hard for her as it is a major to get access as her veins and arteries aren't the easiest. They tried to put one into her bone marrow this am and arterial one without success but eventually went for another central line, into her heart. The periods of extreme agitation settled after they stopped her Captopril, although the Neurologist also increased her phenobarbitone at that time. I was hopeful that they could decrease it to a lower level now that she's settled but they want it left for the time being. They feel that it has been the increase in that and not the stopping of the other that has made the difference. I am still confident that during these times there wasn't any seizure activity going on. She won't have the MRI scan in the near future until everything else - the pneumonia etc is stable. We spoke to the other Cardiologist on the ward this am and he feels that it would be to Talithas benefit, to push the surgery forward. He is going to talk it over with her consultant. Please pray that they decide to operate soon. Like he says, the least thing can tip the balance for her and she can't cope. On a really positive note, yesterday Talitha had some really bright and alert periods where she was making good eye contact with us and looking all around her. We were able to have her out of the incubator for periods and she was really looking well and like her old self. The previous day she was very sleepy, adjusting to the increase in her drugs but yesterday was precious. We took some photos yesterday which I'll get Maria to scan in for you all when they come out. Today they shaved the front of her hair off, trying different veins in her scalp so she's looking a bit different! Well, I will go here. The kids are running riot here now I've put in an appearance! They're angels for Grandma - of course....! (I think that may be an exaggeration, but they do delight in winding each other up soley for my benefit). I should be flattered - it must take some effort!!!

Take care and love to all

Deborah & Albert

Mark 5v36; 41 And soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be aftaid, only believe" ........ Then he took the child by the hand, and said to her "Talitha, cumi" which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you arise" NJKV

30th August

Hi guys,

once again I didn't really feel like getting on this thing and doing an update, but I'm really so so glad that I did. Waiting for me was a pile of really encouraging messages from you all - the type of thing that really gives you a boost, points you in the right direction and keeps you going. I am down home until tomorrow. Yesterday was particularly difficult. When Talitha comes around, she is constantly crying, arching back and thrashing around. They have given her countless sedatives but with not much effect. It is very hard as they are having to give diazepam, which can suppress her breathing which is a big risk now that she isn't being ventilated, but if they don't sedate her she will tire and have to go back up to ICU to be re-ventilated. It seems like a viscious circle and no-one seems to know why she's been doing this since coming too - Tuesday late morning. Really distressing to watch her like that. She was seen by Neurology again yesterday and they feel that it is seizure activity and have increased her anti-convulsants and may commence her on another. Her mri scan will not be until next Thursday - provided they can get everything co-ordinated. (They have to slot her in and also get the Cardiac Anaesthetists there as well as the Neurology ones). Until then I think the plan is to keep her well sedated. The waiting is the worst! Yesterday her consultant discontinued one of the cardiac drugs that they commenced her on in ICU to see if that made a difference. Possible reaction. Anyway, thanks to you for the e-mails and for all your prayer, love and concern. She is really precious to us and we really really appreciate all your support.

With love to all

Deborah.

24th August

This is brief. Talitha is in hospital in Belfast. At present being ventilated and they are querying brain damage due to the fits she had en-route to belfast in the ambulance. The reason is unclear, but she was fluid restricted in our local hospital which caused an imbalance which they think is the reason. PLEASE PRAY. We know that God is in control and can overrule. Her EEG has today was abnormal and we are devastated, but have faith that she will come through this. With much love to all of you out there who are rooting for her.

Deborah xo

A verse of assurance which was given to me... "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands". This was really hard to sit down and write but PRAYER CHANGES THINGS and I know how much you all care.

13th July

Dear David,

Hi and thanks for your e-mail. Things have been busy as Talitha got home on Monday! She is doing okay - stable on her cardiac medication and gaining weight gradually. She has some days when she doesn't feed the best if she's sleepy, but I am able to tube feed her here. We were told on Monday prior to discharge, that Dr Casey, the cardiologist who had seen her the previous Thursday, expected her to get into difficulty (heart failure) in the next week or so, and if so they would readmit and commence her on another drug. At her check up on Wednesday though, her liver size was well down - she was a good colour, both better than they've ever been and no sign at all of congestion/heart failure at all. God is good!

Albert and I would like to thank you again for your prayer and concern. It is reassuring to us that there are other Christians out there remembering her before the throne of Grace.

Deborah

16th June

Dear David, Thank you for your e-mail. Your thoughts and prayers are really appreciated at this time. Yes, I've read Jed's history and it is truly amazing what God can do. We saw his picture with your church URL up in the neonatal unit that Talitha is in. She is still losing weight, with the reflux being a problem. (They are trying her on another couple of supplements over the weekend to see how she goes). Her weight will determine when the surgery will take place so we hope and pray that this will help. Will keep in touch and thanks again for taking the time to write.

Warm regards

Deborah

15th June

Deborah

Thanks for sharing your prayer request with us. We will certainly ask our folk to pray for her. We pray that you will know the Lord's grace and help every day. We have a wonderful God who cares for His children and who answers prayer. Perhaps you have read some of Jed's story on our web site. God not only has touched Jed but sustained his Mum and Dad in a remarkable way. We know He can do the same for you. Please keep us informed of Talitha' progress.

Ps 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

your friend in Jesus

David

Pastor - Moira Baptist Church

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