Friday, May 9, 2008

Friday Afternoon Update

Knowing that hundreds of you are checking the blog on a regular basis throughout the day, I wanted to write and give you some additional information.

Please pray for clarity and an understanding of what is really taking place in Lindsay's body. There seems to be some confusion about the infection, what kind it is, it's location, and the next steps. Her "output" has slowed done and her lungs are obviously a concern. The kids have an meeting this afternoon with the head of the Cardiology Department. Hopefully we will get some more definitive information at that time.

They are trying to adjust medications where possible and are backing down the paralytic since she has not "awake-awake" in two days.

Laura shared that Jon cried this morning and said, "I just want to pick her up and hold her." Jon, I want you to know how very proud we are of you, and for the way that you had literally stood with Lindsay during the past 30+ days. Jon and I share the same "passion" for hospitals, so I probably appreciate more than anyone how stretching this has been. You are a good Daddy, Jonathan Groen.

Laura, it's hard for me to even type this without bawling. Mom and I are so proud of you and the strength that you have demonstrated not only in caring for Lindsay every day since her surgery, but being able to put aside your own grief from the miscarriage so that you can give "Bear" all of Mommy.

Warren & Phyllis have driven to and from NH just about every day to support the kids and their "Little Pink!" I know that their trip away right now is hard on them.

Jan has been there living out of a suitcase since the day of surgery. Zach and I miss her big time, but know that right now she is needed in MA to help with Tanner and Laura and Jon.

Our daughter Julie has taken on Zach's homeschooling responsibility to free Jan up. Julie, Mom and I are very proud of you ...

Well enough of the mush -- thanks to all of our family and friends who have stood by our family during these difficult days.

And most of all, thank You Lord for the way you are taking us THROUGH.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart and eyes weep with you Bill and Laura and Jon and Jan and Warren and Phyliss...all my head and heart can do is pray...and oh what a privilege it has been to do so on your behalf, and to continue to do so. Lord Jesus help us now! We need a miracle! We need your direction and guidance and extreme clarity that will take us above, beyond and through this storm.
Beyond reason and doubt speak to everyone who has a say in this and make your will and way plain and clear for all to see.


The words to this song came gently and softly to my heart and though my lips can't sing them for you, I hope you find some comfort in them for your minds, your hearts and souls as you cling to Hope with all the blessed hope in you!!


"God sent His son,
they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

BECAUSE HE LIVES!!! TRUST HIS HEART AND HIS HAND.

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

Praying for you now with all I have.

Stephanie Paul

Anonymous said...

Brought tears to my eyes must reading the update. Continuing in prayer for you all.

Paul Wolpert

Printed out the blog to take home to Linda.

Anonymous said...

heartfelt prayers surely bathed in tears.
Again what words... but the Holy Spirit takes our groanings to the Throne.

Thank you Bill for sharing your heart and your family.
Love you all.

Anonymous said...

Well, Laura and Jon~
As not only your sister/sister-in-law but as someone watching from the "side lines" I agree with Dad that the way you guys have been getting through is a true testament of God's presence in your life. It's been amazing to me to watch a mother and father be so strong for their little girl. Again, not only as your sister but as a mom of a little girl almost the same age I just don't know how you do it. Along with Mom and Dad, I AM PROUD of you guys!! You have been such wonderful influences to me at this time! Laura~ the day I was there and you prayed for Lindsay... I want to be a mom like you! To hand your little girl over to God with such peace. It blew me away!

Thank you God for giving me a not only a strong and beautiful niece but an amazing sister/friend and a strong brother-in-law. (Tanner you know Aunt Julie loves you too :) ) My prayer is that God with touch our little Lindsay and as everyone else has said... blow the doctor's and nurses away so they can see OUR GOD and HIS WORK on Lindsay!

I love you both very much!

(see what Dad started... he's such a mush :) )
~Julie

Anonymous said...

I will keep praying. I wish I lived closer and could do more.

Melanie Lyons
NJ

Ruminator said...

As a father I can't imagine how hard it must be to not be able to pick up dear Lindsay and hold her close to your chest Jon. With God's help you have been an inspiration to why we have the hope that we have in Christ! Lindsay has drawn me closer to Christ and all I can say is thank you. I sure hope that when the storm comes, I will have the steadfast love and trust that you and Laura have shown in Jesus Christ our friend and savior.

Micah

Anonymous said...

Laura, Jon, Tanner and Lindsay ,

I am thinking and praying for you guys all the time. Wish I could be there. Love you guys!
-Megan

Anonymous said...

Bill, thanks for pulling the curtain back a little and showing us the human side of all this. Sometimes, it all gets so clinical sounding... We can only imagine how hard this is. But how much harder if not for a faithful God and heavenly Father who has promised to be with us and for us through all of it. The least we all can do it hold all of you up in earnest prayer. May God be present for all of you in very noticeable ways this day. We all get weary, but...
"Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Ps. 121:4).
Love,
Tim and Pat

Unknown said...

OKay, all of you have the biggest hearts, the strongest faith, and such a love for each other, it just blows me away. We are totally praying for each one of you, and Jules like you said, standing from the sidelines, I am amazed at all of you standing with one another and fighting together. Lindsay is such a special girl, but she was chosen to be Jon and Laura's and in your family for a time like this with this love and support that she needs. You all are a blessing to me, and I really wish there was more we could do, my bags are packed just let me know when and I'm there for anything. Thank you all so much for sharing your hearts with us, and being so open to what God has for you all in this journey. You are a really special family and mean the world to us with all you have done for us with our children especially. Love you bunches, Melissa , Bri, and kiddies.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Yes, Yes to all that has been said.
The affects of your allowing us to stand with you, praying and weeping and seeking the face of God for you has in turn affected each of us.
Lindsay's life has already had an impact and the ledger is not closed.
With much love and a heart so grateful to know you all. LVS

Anonymous said...

Laura,
You have been so strong, in faith and in spirit. I am awed by the way you have handled this whole ordeal. YOu amaze me every day. You are a great Mommy. Lindsay and Tanner are very lucky to have you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this new news! I'll be praying for you all!

~Deborah

Anonymous said...

Jon & Laura,
Yesterday I was reading my Bible and went back to some verses I memorized from Psalm 37 years ago.
"If the Lord delights in a man's (person's) way, He makes his steps firm;
Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Ps 37:23-24.

The word picture I see is of a parent holding their child's hand, and when the child stumbles, he cannot fall because the Mommy or Daddy has a firm grip on their hand. God has got your hand, Jon & Laura! He won't let you fall!

Uncle Fenton

GarretJulie said...

I was making Emma dinner and we were listening to the Ipod and this song came on.. brought me to tears thinking of you guys and had to come and share it.
"Praise You in the storm"
By: Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Laura,

We are so sorry to hear of the set back of Lindsay again. We are praying fervently that things will turn around again for your sweet little girl. You both have shown your faith in the Lord so much through this whole time, and have been an inspiration to many people. Jon, there will be a time that you will hold your little Lindsay again-keep believing that and hold on to your faith. The Lord loves you both,and Tanner, and Lindsay too.

Our Love and Prayers,
Milo and Nancy

Anonymous said...

Bill & Family,
My heart aches and crys out for you all to our precious Lord. I just spoke with my Bill (Pruitt) and he feels the same way. We just hold on and never lose HOPE. We don't know the why's on so many things in this world, but we do know the ONE who can bring everything together and make it right. Just remember all the love you have for Lindsay, Jesus has more than we can phathom for you His children. Will continue through the storm with you. Stand firm.

It's All About Him, Linda Lazenby, TN.

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, Jon, Jan, and Bill,
Words fail me at this time,but please know that you are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. I trust that as the hymn says, you are finding that "He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater..." anf that He will "...take you THROUGH."

You are LOVED and interceded for by thouse of us who love you.
Judy Jalovick, NJ

Anonymous said...

I also am a big Casting Crowns fan...their songs are so sound! Every time I hear "praise Him in This Storm", I pray for you all. (by the way, guess what is the ringtone on my phone :-) )
Remember the Scripture in the song- I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth -
and be encouraged!!

Jan, it was strange not having you at Keswick for Ladies Day, but you are where God wants you and I applaud you for that. You are making great sacrifices to care for your daughter and her family and it is a wonderful thing to watch! It was cool hearing your voice the other day...I will continue to pray for you as you witness to many and demonstrate to us all how to be a godly woman! Thank you for that.

Bill and Zach, hang in there. I know it is hard being so far away! We are proud of how you are carrying on while Jan is away...

We are praying for you all!!! and we are praising HIM in this storm!
Love,
Mike and Dani Plourde

Anonymous said...

Many things about tomorrow
I dont't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
and I know who holds my hand