Day 6 - June 21 - Struggles Continue
Just off the phone with Eric. Not the birthday he was hoping for, though he appreciates your reminders that we are thinking of him, too.
Connor's neck has still not responded to traction and drugs the way that was hoped, so the doctors have decided to proceed with manual manipulation some time later today, or maybe tomorrow. That's obviously a big deal, and it is very scary. The threat to Connor's spinal cord and the concern over the possibility of dislodging blood clots, and now adding manual manipulation, is too much for those who must stand aside and wait. Pray that God will protect Connor's life and spinal cord, and guide the hands of the doctors that must exercise this course of action. Pray that God will encourage the family through this exercise.
As if that wasn't enough, Connor's heart is responding erratically, though I don't know precisely how, other than the medical staff have given injections to stabilize his heart. Pray that God would steady Connor's heart, strengthen it, and take it off the list of concerns that burden Eric and Cherié.
Finally, Eric is concerned about his only daughter, Joélle, who is carrying the burden with the rest of the family, but is a bit overlooked in the support that the family receives. Visitors and phone calls are usually friends of Eric and Cherié, and she needs some encouragement of her own. Friends of Joélle, now would be a good time to rally. Pray that God provides Joélle with the specific encouragement she needs.
That should bring you current on the pressing concerns of Eric, Cherié, Connor, and Joélle.
Let me add one of my own. Birthday wishes, however well intended, can be hard to take in light of the current situation. Be gentle and encouraging. The last thing I intended with announcing Eric's birthday was to add more to his concerns. Easing his burden would be a well-received birthday gift.
Brad
Michigan
posted by Brad Williamson @ 10:57 AM
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5 Comments:
You do not know me, but I am lifting Connor and your whole family up in prayer on a continual basis and will continue to do so.
We humans were created by God to be able to experience more than one great emotion at any given time. And while I know that your hearts are burdened with sadness and worry, I do want to recognize that today is Eric's birthday. Eric, your writings have shown such a strength of character and love for God that I am certain that even as He weeps with you over Connor's pain, suffering, and circumstances... He celebrates you.
Continued prayers...
Sally
Los Gatos, CA
To the Williamson family and friends - I don't know any of you, but have learned of your situation through another friend's blog (a Hume connection - they go far!). I've read through this blog, and have been encouraged and touched by the outpouring of love and prayer from your friends and family - it's exciting to see God at work in so many ways.
As 'extended Christian family' and a Fresno local, and with the info in this blog, I feel somewhat close to you all and will be praying for you as you go through this.
Praise God for the hospital and staff at CRMC - Connor is in good hands there! I will continue to pray for Connor's healing, and for strength and peace for Eric, Cherié and Joelle. I will also pray for the doctors and nurses who are caring for Connor, for their wisdom, discernment and skill in treating him.
God is good, all the time! I'll be watching the posted needs to see if there is anything tangible that I can do for you since I'm close by. Praying for you all.
Amy
Fresno (Clovis actually, but close enough!)
Our family has been praying for yours since we heard the news on Monday. Though we are members of West Hills, I don't know that we have ever exchanged more than the casual "Sunday morning hello," much to our regret. Let Joelle know that we have indeed been remembering her by name before the throne from the beginning.
The following is from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.
"There are times in spiritual life when there is confusion, and it is no way out to say that there ought not to be confusion. It is not a question of right and wrong, but a question of God taking you by a way which in the meantime you do not understand, and it is only by going through the confusion that you will get at what God wants.
[In Luke 11:5-8] Jesus gave the illustration of the man who looked as if he did not care for his friend, and He said that that is how the Heavenly Father will appear to you at times. You will think He is an unkind friend, but remember He is not; the time will come when everything will be explained. There is a cloud on the friendship of the heart, and often even love itself has to wait in pain and tears for the blessing of fuller communion. When God looks completely shrouded, will you hang on in confidence in Him?
[In Luke 11:11-13] Jesus says there are times when your Father will appear as if He were an unnatural father, as if He were callous and indifferent, but remember He is not. . . If there is a shadow on the face of the Father just now, hang onto it that He will ultimately give His clear revealing and justify Himself in all that He permitted.
[In Luke 18-1-8 Jesus asks] when the Son of Man cometh, will He find faith on the earth? Will He find the faith which banks on Him in spite of the confusion? Stand off in faith believing that what Jesus said is true, though in the meantime you do not understand what God is doing. He has bigger issues at stake than the particular things you ask."
From our family to yours, may you know the reality of His presence, may you see His hand in all things, and experience the peace that passes understanding which will guard you heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4).
Hi Joelle, I don't know if you remember me, but we used to be friends in Morgan Hill. I've been praying for your family, and especially for you over the last week. I remember when we used to play barbies and with your awesome great dane and the one time the Connor was in a full body cast and we got to pull him around in a wagon. Just know that I'll be praying and I hope that God gives you all the strength in the world.
-Lizzy
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
That is my favorite verse, I hope that it encourages you...and if you get a chance, go to the page in your bible where Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon meet (page 560 in my bible)...depression and "life is meaningless" to beauty and love and perfection. I know that you may be at the top of the page right now, but I will keep praying that you reach the bottom :)
Hi Joelle & family
I remember when you were in Kids Choir at SVCC, back then. Phil asked me if Conner was in it, but I don't think he was old enough yet, although I knew him from seeing you all at church. You are both beautiful children, although now beautiful adults as I see from all the photos posted. I think about you and your family daily and am praying for God's mercies to be with all of you and especially for peace during the high's and low's. I also think of you all every Christmas when I play the Circle of Friends CD that your mom, Debbie, and Jeanine made. It always brings back such fond memories of my SVCC family (now WHCC). I love that CD, and maybe you and Conner even sang in a song. I'll have to check again this December. Can't wait til then, and can't wait to check back on the blog to see what other miracles God will perform next for Conner. He's so amazing & awesome!
Much Love & Prayers to Jesus,
The Castro Family
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