Day 108 - October 1 - Surgery
Connor has come out of surgery. While he is healthy and came out of the surgery itself well, the procedure was unsuccessful. In fact, they didn't even do the procedure after they tested Connor's diaphragm. Upon testing, they found very little response in his diaphragm, which translates into "his phrenic nerve is damaged". What this means is that they can't stimulate the nerve to make the diaphragm work, so there is no reason to install something that isn't going to work.
Needless to say, this is a bit disappointing. Connor's biggest fear, going into the surgery, was that it wouldn't work - and that is where we are now. So he and I have talked about what this means together, and now he is resting and sleeping off the anesthesia.
What DOES it mean? Well, the first thing I thought was "Well, our hope isn't in machines anyway." My second thought was "Well, we were thinking of this as a temporary thing until God restores Connor fully". And my third thought was "Well, I didn't really want the doctors to get the glory anyway - I want God to get the glory."
Truthfully, this is disappointing, but we are reminding ourselves that we are sitting squarely in the middle of God's plan for us. We're not especially keen on it at times, but we remind each other that God has a plan for us in all this, and take comfort from that.
Cherie, Joelle and I took a status check after we heard the news. Once we had settled a bit after talking with the doctors, and before we spoke with Connor, I asked each of my girls if they had been told "no" in answer to our continued prayers. None of us sense that we've had our prayer requests denied, and so - we continue to trust that God will be faithful to His word. We continue to lift up our hearts' desire; that God will fully restore Connor, in this life, for His glory. We will trust that God's plan for us is one to prosper us, and not to harm us.
Thank you for your prayers. We continue to pray for you, that God would bless you and teach you as you journey with us through this valley.
Eric
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 11:53 AM
12 Comments
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12 Comments:
Tex, Cherie, Joelle, & Connor - I'm very sorry to learn that the pacemaker wasn't going to work. I know you had high hopes for it, even if you believed it to be only temporary. Another hurdle to overcome...well, maybe not so much a hurdle as an unexpected change of direction. But one you'll find your way past it as you have all the others, one step at a time. Thinking of you always.
Lisa S.
You guys continue to amaze me.
I'll contiune to keep lifting you up in prayer.
I love what you said here, "We continue to lift up our hearts' desire; that God will fully restore Connor, in this life, for His glory. We will trust that God's plan for us is one to prosper us, and not to harm us."
You know I feel the same way, and will continue to be praying in this way!
Love in Him!!
Kim
This is not what we had expected.
Could we have placed our expectations in the wrong area?
I must believe GOD is making sure everyone knows when Connor breaths on his own, it is GOD's work alone.
Our continued prayers for strength, hope and healing.
GOD bless.
Connor,
I'm so sorry that the surgery didn't go as planned. Please know that I am with you in spirit and heart. This may sound strange, but I prayed that while you slept under anesthesia, God would show you what He is doing and why, and that you would capture a glimpse of all the lives you've touched. I wanted you to be encouraged that you're not going through this trial for nothing. I guess, though, that if we already knew the outcome and the whys of every situation, we'd have no need for faith. I love you, Connor, and I'll never give up hope and I'll never stop praying!
Aunt Tonya
Connor,
Hebrews 12:2-3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the CROSS, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that YOU WILL NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART."
Jesus is alive, and he's with you, right there, right now, where you are. In my mind's eye I can see him gently stroking your forehead with his hand, telling you to lean on him and not grow weary. You've already shown such incredible strength and faith. Hold fast, no matter what the devil does. You are our HERO Connor. You're one of the strongest people I've ever known. Keep your head, and heart, in the fight. You're not alone.
Connor, Eric, Cherie & Joelle,
After reading Brad's blog about the outcome of the surgery, I had this immense feeling of "You Go God!" then I felt horrible for not feeling.....horrible about the outcome.......and I didn't blog my thoughts. But I kept thinking to myself, "Eric, do you have a no? If not, keep asking and believing."
I walked around my unusually quiet house trying to make sense of what I was feeling and the message in my heart. I am not faced with this in the same way that you all are, and I in no way mean to minimize the outcome of the surgery. However, my prayer has been that Connor wouldn't need the pacemaker... and that God would get the glory, that it will be an undeniable miracle of our Mighty Loving God when Connor is fully restored. Then I went back to my computer and saw your entry Eric and smiled.
So I will lift up my heart's desire with all of you.
I continue to be blessed beyond words at your faithfulness, unity and love for God and eachother. Thank you for the impact you have had on my life, it is profound.
Abundant Blessings,
Kym
Morgan Hill
We're still praying and we still know God is in control. Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on what we can see (that seems to be baffling even the smartest of humans... hmmm). Miss you all and love you,
Kristie for the Robinsons
Dear Eric and family,
My first reaction to this news was surprise and disappointment. My second was, "Oh, my. I wonder how Eric is going to deal with this?" Your response brought me to tears. All of a sudden I felt like you were MY Dad, (although I'm older than you). Your words lifted me up; centered me again on what is truth. I too want God to get all the glory for what is progressing in Connor's body and through this journey.
My faith seems to go from weak to strong - strong to weak, but at least it's still kickin'. I still believe God is in the business of doing miracles. I still believe that He has much more in store for Connor's body. Meanwhile, He is doing much more in the hearts, minds and spirits of many.
Thank you for holding fast. The Love of God has poured through my heart for your son and your family. I love you most sincerely, although I have never met any of you. We truly are one in the bond of God's Love.
God has something greater than a super-surgery in Mind for Connor. I continue to expect Great Things!
Always,
Renée
Lebanon, TN
Williamson Family and especially Connor,
My heart breaks at the disappointment regarding this procedure not working out, but I am blessed and encouraged on your outlook and we do in fact journey with you guys, even if we don't know you personally.
Thank you for being open to us even though you don't know us. Thank you for keeping us all updated on Connor. We will continue to keep this all lifted up to the Lord.
The Rizzi Family
Norco, CA
First I must say thank you for being so dedicated to taking the time to update us all on this blog. I can't imagine how you all must feel, but I still believe there is a plan He has that we just aren't aware of yet. Continue to uplift Connor as he handles this new information about his diaphragm. We will continue to pray for all of you.
-The Vaiana Family
Morgan Hill
God is still in control--thank you for reminding us of that. The posts in the last 24 hrs by friends everywhere have been so uplifting that I have nothing to add. Thank you all for your support for the Williamson family! a friend in Christ
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