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I know up until now... you've been getting wonderful blog updates from my husband... I have been waiting to post until I felt a little stronger... well that could be a long road ahead, so I decided it was time I needed to tell you all about my boys, Ford and Hayden.
They are my greatest accomplishment... I know they are still very, very sick, but looking at them reminds me just how blessed I am. Being their mother is the most important job I have or ever will have. I don't know about other mothers out there, but the hardest part about having two very premature babies... is there is nothing you really can do to make them better... not to mention the guilt you have that your body couldn't take the sweet babies to term. What a helpless feeling. Fortunately we have some of the best doctors and nurses around watching out for them and any new health hurdles they encounter... and trust me that is almost a daily occurrance. That is why Trey and I are always asking for your prayers for our sweet boys who certainly should not have to go through all of this. Just last night our Ford had a rough night... his blood pressure and blood gases were not in a good place at all... and he just wasn't looking like himself. He had to go on more blood pressure medicine and more oxygen support. The doctors told me today just how sick they are... they tell me that a lot, but I try to ignore it and just believe GOD is going to heal my babies in time because he knows how much we need them. That is one of the reasons I wanted to write about my babies tonight... because they need you... they need the power of prayer and so does their proud mommy and daddy.
Thank you for joining us in this NICU journey with Ford and Hayden... we look forward everday to your words of encouragement and prayers. We love the stories from those of you who've had 25 weekers who saw many rough times, but brought your precious babies home.
Everyday does seem like a new challenge for Hayden and Ford... today it is their kidneys and blood pressure... and of course as always their lungs which are just so fragile... doing work their bodies really are not prepared to do. I pray every day that the Lord will begin to heal their lungs so their other organs can also work more efficiently. The doctors say this is the time in the boys healing where they are the sickest... there was a honeymoon phase where their lungs were working okay... then their chronic lung disease really kicked in and their little bodies are just so stressed. I tell you that is hard to hear, but I have to believe they are going to make it... that God is going to give these boys the strength to overcome all of this... and soon we will be a family in Tyler again. I just pray the Lord will continue to work miracles in our lives because he knows how much Trey and I need Hayden and Ford and how much love he knows Trey and I will give them.
I wish the doctors could tell me the boys were going to be okay, but I guess that is where our FAITH comes in... no matter how sick they are... I know Hayden and Ford are going to be healthy little twins one day... riding bikes, playing in dirt and loving on their mommy and daddy who long to hold them and make it all better.
Right now some of our greatest joys are changing their diapers, taking their temperatures and holding their tiny little hands. We can't wait until they are off the ventilators and in our arms. I just stare at them for hours upon end... praying with them and talking to them about what our lives are going to be like once they come home. Trey and I probably spend 12 hours a day at the hospital each day... maybe more. Trust me, I don't leave their bedsides willingly.
In closing I just want to say I feel blessed... blessed because I am Hayden and Ford's mommy... they are beyond handsome and sweet. Blessed because there are so many East Texans who love us and pray for our baby boys every day... blessed because we have such wonderful friends and family all over the world... blessed because we have doctors who love and believe in Ford and Hayden... and SO Blessed because we have the Lord on our side who gave us these miracles in the first place.
We wish you all many blessings,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden
Milestones and Hurdles
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66 comments:
I can only imagine how you are feeling. I am the mother of a special needs child and a child who spent her first two weeks in the NICU in Dallas due to a collapsed lung. I know you are exhausted. Continue to have a strong FAITH. God will take care of you and your family. My family prays for your twins safe recovery. I pray that God will bring you peace. God Bless!
The Dunns
Hawkins, Texas
My husband and I had premature twin boys and spent the first part of their little lives in the NICU in Dallas. It is definately a place you can't comprehend unless you have been there.I too felt so helpless and guilty, but I also saw how God changed me forever. He taught me to trust Him and see Him for the awsome God that He is.
I pray for Ford, Hayden, you and your husband everyday. I pray for Gods hands to just hold them tight and that he will heal their little bodies.
Although it just seems like yesterday we were where you are, our boys just turned seven and are doing great. I appreciate you sharing your journey with us.
The Dublins
Dana, it was wonderful to hear from you. you brought me to tears... bless you for being so strong. the first post here is from my friend jenny and i admire her strength as well, it takes a very special mommy to handle those special needs.... and GOD knows who to choose.... you are his chosen. GOD will not fail you, he is in control. I pray for you daily and will continue to spred your story and encourage others to pray. GOD bless you all. all GODS love.
Kim McCartney, Hawkins TX
Tears roll down my cheeks and my heart goes out to you whenever I read your updates. I pray earnestly for your daily strength and your precious boys healing. Never, never, never give up on the God who never gives up on us!! He's still in control and in the miracle business!!!
Sue in Tyler
We want to extended our prayers to your family during this trying time. I know it has to be so rough, and I cannot imagine. I always think "It has to be a sense of a blessing as God is letting us know he knows how strong we are by giving us these obstacles because if we were not strong enough to handle it he would not give it". These little guys, and you as mom and dad are in our prayers each day.!!.
God Bless,
Shan & Floyd Williams
Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I want u to know my heart goes out you and your family. Nine months ago I was in your shoes sitting ina Houston hospital. I look back now and wonder how I was able to hold myself together. I'll admit I had my pity parties and questioned everything from myself to my faith. After six weeks we got to bring our little miricle home with a heart monitor and oxgyen, but that didn't help sleep any better. While sitting up late one night watching her sleep I came accross this poem and I immediatly felt at peace with myself. I stopped trying to figure out what I had done wrong to knowing that she was everything right. I hope it helps you as much as it did me!!!!
-His-
Ashley
Diboll, Tx
How Preemie Moms Are Chosen
(Adapted from Erma Bombeck)
Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger. "Beth Armstrong, son. Patron Saint, Matthew. Marjorie Forrest, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia. Carrie Rutledge, twins. Patron Saint ... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity." Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a preemie."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly, " smiles God. "Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel."
"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just the right amount of selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'mama' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see – ignorance, cruelty, prejudice – and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air. God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."
As a mommy of twin NICU graduates, I understand the roller coaster, the pain, the joy, the excitement, the dissapointment and quite honestly it never gets easier. BUT, one day you'll look back at all this and joke with your handsome little men about their grand entrance into the world. Faith, prayer and support from loved ones is what helped us thru that difficult time and I pray it will help you thru this time in your lives. I like to say that our 4 weeks and 1 day of NICU stay helped to prepare me for being a mother of twins. Chaos (and lots of love) fill my days and I wouldn't have it any other way.
You are so blessed to have Trey by your side in this time. If he's anything like my husband, he's the one reading charts and talking to respiratory therapists as you treasure the diaper changes and the touch of little fingers.
May God bless you with strength, courage and understanding in this difficult time. My prayers are with you, Trey and little Hayden and Ford.
Sarah Carter
Lufkin, TX
Walk with me daddy,
and hold my little hand.
I have so many things to learn,
that I dont yet understand.
Teach me things to keep me safe,
from dangers every day.
Show me how to do my best,
at home, at school, at play.
Every child needs a gentle hand,
to guide them as they grow.
So walk alongside me daddy,
we have a long way to go!
.Helen Bush.
This is from The Turner Family in Enloe, Texas. We saw your story about you and your children on KLTV,We all hope and pray that your children keep doing well and get to come home from the hospital soon.Keep your faith and they will be ok.
Regards;
Turner Family
Dear Hughey family,
I am not a big computer person, but hearing your story on the evening news tonight, I really had a strong feeling that I should write to you. Dana said that the comments help keep her going, I remember searching for someone who knew what we went thru when our son was born. So here are some words of encouragement from our family to yours. Scotty, our son, was 1 lb 12oz. I was care flighted to Dallas and he was taken by emergency c section. we stayed 3 mos in the hospital. As you said - it was a rollercoaster. The feeling of Gods presence is very easy to feel while in the NICU. Looking back at our experience, it has given me a whole new relationship with the Lord. I saw miracles and prayers answered everyday, even on the tough days. Today, Scotty is 7 yrs old. He is my one and only and I love him more than life itself. I dont know what it could possibly feel like having 2 babies in the NICU, but I do know what it is like to have one. God has a plan for your children just has he has mine. The nurses used to tell us to rest now because soon you will be having late night and early morning feedings! I know you all will have a wonderful life together. God is with all of you and miracles will continue to happen. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
Dana, I just sat here at my computer and watched the extended version of your interview. Honestly, I wept for you. Not out of pitty, but out of a deep love and understanding of what you are going through. Like I had said before, we JUST went through this in August of 2007 with our twin girls. I know how you feel on the days when things start out so well, and in an instant they can turn. It's so hard to find a "safe" place with your emotions to guard yourself from the extreme highs and lows...as a mother, I am not sure a place such as that exist when your children are as sick as they are. But, my sweet friend, you are so totally right when you say that the Lord is your Doctor! I am standing in agreement with you and praying for all of you daily, that God's miraculous healing power will manifest itself and this amazing journey will change the lives of people all over the world.
Our girls are now 5 months old. One of them is still having some difficulties due to a brain bleed that they noticed during a routine ultrasound at Dr. Harris' office while I was pregnant. She also has a dilated left lateral ventricle in her brain as well. We will be in Plano on Tuesday for a follow up sonogram and to determine the next step in her treatment. I would be honored to come by and just give you a hug and tell you face to face that YOU WILL MAKE IT!! Your boys are BEYOND blessed to have you as a Mommy. The joy and light in your eyes when you spoke about them was amazing and your husband looks filled with joy as well. Hold on to God's word... Isaiah 66:13 "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." God's might is greater than anything we could imagine...so is His tenderness. Rest assured that no problem is too big for Him to handle, and no pain is beyong His healing touch! John 14:18 "I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm - I will come to you!"
Hang on to Him for He has all of you in the palm of His hand...
In His Great Love,
Kristi Cole
Dana, Trey, Ford & Hayden,
Your story has truly touched my heart. I don't go a day without checking your blog to look for updates. I wanted to share my prayer for all of you, if I may...
Dear Precious Lord,
As I sit here at my computer, my baby monitor on in the background, I know my precious angel is sleeping soundly in his crib. Dana and Trey don't know that sense of comfort yet. Lord, I pray that you will send your comfort in other ways. I pray they will continue to lean on you for strength and support. And Lord, I pray for sweet little Ford & Hayden. They are beautiful. They are YOURS. YOU created them, and know every hair on their heads. You know the trials they will encounter, and you know the outcome. Lord, I pray that they will grow in strength and size. I pray that you would heal their tiny little bodies. I pray they will be able to go home soon, and they will grow into handsome young gentlemen. I know Dana and Trey are so proud of them already. Lord, bless they Hughey family. Be with them each and every second of each and every day. They need you Lord. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.
I will continue to check for updates every day, and look forward to many more good reports.
Sheila Hartin
Yantis, TX
Trey & Dana,
WOW!! We are so happy for the both of you, yet we are concerned about the new family...
We honestly feel bad that we haven't kept in touch.. Please know that SEVERAL prayers are flowing from Ally and I from Oklahoma..PLEASE, let us know what we can do.. !!
Lots of Love
Shawn & Allyson Clynch
Dear Hughey Family,
My heart went out to you when I heard why you had been absent from the morning show. However, when I heard Gillian say you were in Ft. Worth, I felt an immediate calm. Our grandaughter was life-flighted to Cooks when she was barely 24 hours old and had open-heart surgery when she was barely two days old. She is now 6 1/2 years-old and a pure joy. You, your husband, family, and your boys could not be at a better hospital. The Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Cooks are excellent and beyond professional, they all display such a unique caring quality.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you the peace and strength you need while you care for each other as well as your sons.
The Mulford Family
Flint, Texas
You and your boys are in my daily thoughts and prayers. I spent 5 excruciating weeks in NICU with my daughter. I remember hearing the doctors and nurses tell me how sick she was. I remember hearing the words without it really sinking in. Since I couldn't touch her at all for the first 2 weeks, all I could feel was the absolute joy I felt when I would see her beautiful face. I think that was God's way of keeping me focused on her and relaying my strength to her little body through His grace.
The daily battles were brutal. When I wasn't able to be at the hospital (I was in another recovering from c-section), I was on the phone hourly for updates. My heart would sink when I would hear those "bad" day reports. Then two hours later, it would be better. It was an emotional turmoil to say the least.
Even when the doctors were telling me that "if" she survived, she would be "slow", I kept saying, "so be it, she is here." Last year I was able to tell her developmental pediatrician that God made her strong because He knew that I needed her strength. Almost five years later, my precious little girl is rambuctious and wonderful (and definitely not slow!).
God has special plans for the Hughey boys. There are sand boxes, baseball games and tons of hugs and kisses in your future. Keep your faith, give your guilt to God and know that this is preparing these boys for something spectacular in His plan. May God continue to bless your family. Faith Love and God do conquor all.
Dear Dana,
Your strength is inspiring. I have and will continue to pray for your family and your special little boys. Every moment you spend with your boys will give them strength..they'll feel your love. When your boys look back through all of this, they will be so proud of you.
nacogdoches,tx
I am not a local to your community but I heard about your twins and I had to come and read about your precious miracles. I am too a mother of miracle twins. My girls were born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 1 lb 2 oz and 2 lbs 1 oz. My bigger twin spent 79 days in the NICU and my smaller one had many more obstacles to conquer and she spent 145 days in the NICU and survived Hurricane Katrina while a patient at Tulane Hospital.
Many things are going through your mind now I am sure but you sound like such a strong person and your babies can sense that. I am sure they are fighters and they will conquer just like my girls did. My twins are now almost 3 years old and more precious to me than anything. I know you feel the same way about your babies. Just know they are in good hands and one day soon the NICU will be a distant memory.
Many prayers will be said for your sweet boys. I will definitely keep up with your blog and think positive thoughts for you and your family.
Kristi Fontenot
West Monroe, Louisiana
Dear Dana and Trey,
I must have missed the earlier newscast informing East Texas of what you have been through. I just saw your story in this evenings news, and hearing you speak brought tears to my eyes. I had to come on here and read more of your story and write to you. I have 2 little girls, Madison will be 3 in May and Alana will be 1 in March. The hardest thing I've ever had to go through with them, Alana being born with Jaundice, and for days not being to hold her except to nurse her, because she had to stay on the Bili bed for light therapy treatments. Her bilirubin levels kept going up and if they went too far she would have to be hospitalized and would possibly suffer brain damage. I was so scared. I read more about jaundice in the information packet they sent home with me from the hospital and found out that babies born before their due date are more susceptible to jaundice, because before they are born their body naturally filters the bilirubin out of their blood. I chose to induce my labor, only 2 days before her due date. After reading that I couldn't help but feel guilty, and wonder if I hadn't induce and had let her come when she was ready, would she have had jaundice. Her body would have had more time to get rid of that, but I didn't give it to her. It hurt to watch her laying on those lights and knowing that I couldn't pick her up and cradle her in my arms because she was sick and I had to leave her there so she could get better. Mommy's arms couldn't make it go away, but Mommy's (and Daddy's) touch could make the treatments easier and a little bit better. She still felt loved. I can’t imagine what you are going through. Dana, you said that you feel guilty that your body couldn't carry them to term. The fact that you were able to carry and protect them for 6 weeks after your water broke, and deliver gorgeous LIVE baby boys, is absolutely amazing to me. I've heard that the longer you go without delivering after your water breaks the less likely it is that your baby/babies will survive. You protected your boys for 6 weeks! Do you know how incredible that is? THAT alone is a miracle! You have so much to be proud of. God has been with you and blessed you so greatly, and will continue to do so. Congratulations new Mommy and Daddy. You have so much to look forward to. I can't wait to hear you telling us the funny stories of what your boys are up to when you are back in your anchor chair, in the future. The four of you and your extended family will be in my prayers each day and I will add you to the prayer list at church. God Bless you all and His peace be with you!
Allison Westerfield
Winnsboro, TX
May the Lord God bless and keep you and your little sweethearts, Ford and Hayden. I pray that He heals their little bodies, and that they continue to grow stronger each day. I pray for strength and comfort for you both. Little Ford and Hayden WILL grow up to be wonderful young men that will make their parents proud. I pray that the doctors and specialists are each guided by the Lord with each procedure and care they give your boys. I believe that the Lord WILL heal them.
My husband and I watched the interview this evening and were moved by this situation. We had a very scary situation with our own baby, now 5 mos, but all is well now...and all will be great with your boys, thanks to the Lord!!
Take care of each other!
God Bless You ALL!
The Schells
I just moved to East Texas from Oklahoma and heard your story and wanted to share mine with you....
I know it is hard being a 1st time mom, and to top it all off, a mom to preemie twins.. I am a mother of preemie twin boys.... My boys were born 10 weeks early and had several of the same problems your little guys are facing... They spent 3 and 3 1/2 months in the hosp. in Tulsa... It was hard for me, but with God's love and support, I made it... My family was a BIG help too... My twins are now 14 months old and doing GREAT...
My thoughts and prayers are with you and prayers are with you and your family.. You are doing a GREAT job... Keep it up...
Michelle
Lone Oak, Texas
Dana & Trey it was so great to hear from the both of you. I cried for you knowing the ups and downs that you are going through.
Hopefully before long it will only be a memory. A blur to you both. Because the boys will be at home in Tyler TX. I am praying for the four of you right now, lifting you up to the Lord. Dear Jesus let them feel your presence and your comforting arms around them, continue to give them strength and dear Jesus when they feel that they can not bear to hear or do anymore refill them both with renewed strength and faith. Dear Lord continue to give the doctors & nurses the knowledge to care for little Ford & Hayden. Lord you said ask and you shall receive, right now I am asking that you heal these babies in a way that all the world will be amazed by your mighty works. By your stripes they are healed.Keep your guardian angels by their bedside. Dana I miss your morning smile. God Bless you all, Nacogdoches viewer
We miss seeing you in the mornings.We wish you the best. I just want you to know I know that the Lord is watching over you and your babies. There is so much love for you and your family from everyone that it is clear that you will be chasing those 2 beuatifull babies around your yard and dad will be planning their football games before you know it. We miss you and can't wait to hear you have taken the babies home.
Trey and Dana, You guys look so tired. Please hold onto each other and stay strong. I'm almost sure this will be the most trying time you guy's will go through. When I pray for all of you, I really! feel in my heart these babies will soon be home with their Mommy and Daddy. I know it has to be the worst time to feel helpless when you look at them. And Dana, I know exactly how you feel when you talk about the birth being early. As I mentioned, I had 4 miscarraiges (one was 4 1/2 months) before our Son was born emergency c-section. You wonder why your body could not carry these babies and what did I do to be punished like this. But I promise it does get better. They will! be home soon healty and happy and all of this will be a nightmare that happened in the past. God Bless your little family.
Dana and Trey,
I wept this morning as I watched your interview. I had triplets at 23 weeks, and I know the helplessness you must feel not being able to make everything better. But I know that your touch, your voice, and especially all of the prayers for your family will continue to allow your boys to grow and thrive. Please know that even though we have never met, we are constantly praying for your sweet miracles. Every night when we put out little boy to bed, we pray for Ford and Hayden, and for strength for the two of you. Someday you will be praying with your boys before bedtime, and know that it is the greatest feeling in the world. Hang in there, try to get some rest, and thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your journey.
Dana, Trey, Ford & Hayden
It was absolutly great to see you all on the news last night and this morning. We watch always and wait for updates as well as keeping up on this site. I just want to say I am glad you felt the strength to put a post yourself. You did say that you spend so much time in the NICU with the babies and that is very important to them and their progress. We were there and witnessed it first hand. Sad as it may sound there was a baby girl in NICU when we were there who's family abandoned basically and she only had nurses and doctors who obviously could not stay just with her. Her progress was much slower than any other baby in the unit. Those boys need to hear your voices and feel your touch as often as possible. Keep up the good work. You look great and keep smiling.
Dana and Trey,
As a mother, i ache for the two of you but am encouraged greatly by your faith and preserverance. Just know that when you cannot hold your precious boys, they are embraced by the Lord, the very spirit which created them; the healer, the only one that sees the inner and outer workings of their tiny bodies; and the I AM, the very God who goes before them with a banner of victory! And when you feel you cannot bare anymore... you too are embraced by that very same God, who too knows the you inside out and is able too heal your brokenness and wave that very same banner before you. It's these very times that will make blessings when your boys have so creatively colored a mural on thir bedroom wall or kept you up all hours of the night. praise God for your strength. My family too is praying and believing with you!
The Bryan's
Hungtington, TX
I want you both to know that you all are in my prayers. I had a son in 2002 that had to be put on 100% life support due to a bleeding mass on his right lung. It didn't look good for him (colton) the lass kept getting bigger and bigger I had nothing left to do but turn it over to God I kid you not the very next morning I went into the NICU to visit him and the doctor showed me Colton's x_rays and the mass was GONE. Now you remember that is in control and with God all things are possible. Dana I can tell you as a mother that I understand how it feels to be totally helpless when it comes to you kids but as a child of God I can tell you that it is better for them to be in Gods hands than ours. So keep the faith and remember that one day your husband will be teaching them how to play ball and then before you know it he will be teaching them about girls...... Just don't forgoet to teach them about the Lord..... In Gods Love, Jill Kelley Wells, Tx
I just want you to know that I'm praying for you, your husband and your precious little boys. I have a one year old little girl born at 30 weeks, also due to PROM, but at 29 weeks. The NICU stay is definitely a roller coaster, and you certainly have to hold on to the "good" days or hours. My little one had no problems for the first week, and then suddenly had apnea spells-this was so hard because we started out so well. Somehow, though, those little preemies know how to fight. I know you have a long road ahead, but keep your faith in God and keep talking to them and touching their little hands, it seems like a long way off, but it won't be long until they're in your arms. Our prayers are with you daily, preemie parents are certainly special and only other preemie parents truly understand. God Bless and Gig'em!Misty Lewis Aggie Class '01
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful little family. I have a one year old little girl who was born at 30 weeks. The NICU is a roller coaster, but you just have to keep your faith in God-you were chosen to be their Mommy and a preemie mommy too! This is just proof that miracles do happen-preemie parents seem to understand the miracle of a child so much more. I am praying for you to have strength and for your baby boys to keep hitting wonderful milestones! God Bless and Gig'em!
Misty Lewis
Fightin Texas Aggie Class '01
To the best mommy and daddy that Hayden and Ford will ever have,
I pray for you and your family every night when I go to bed. I hope that those boys will gain strength every passing day. I look forward for the day that those 2 get to come home and be with y'all. I hope one day we will see y'all at the zoo. Hang in there and be strong. We are here with you!!!
My husband and I having been praying for you since the news of the boys' birth was announced. When we saw the previews of your interview with Gillian, we made it a point to be there together on the couch, to watch as you shared your hearts with your "adopted" family of KLTV viewers. I can say that we both cried, laughed, and swelled with pride at your testimony of faith. You see, we also are the parents of two boys. They are both happily married, successful, and just good men. We went through many difficulties over the years and things were not often smooth, but the scripture says that "Love never fails" and I can testify to that one personally. I once heard someone say that having children is like giving your heart permission to walk outside your body. This is so true. I am looking forward to the time when your family is on the Power of Prayer segment at KLTV. Know that we join our prayers with thousands of others (as I wrote to you before) in anticipation of what God is doing in Trey, Dana, Ford, and Hayden Hughey's lives.
Dear God, as you look upon us,
We know that you might have to squint.
We're located here in NICU:
It's the nursery that we rent.
There are many alarms and sirens,
Connected to condos and flats.
The Nurses tape our booties on,
And dress us in funny hats.
We have a lot in common;
All of us were in a hurry.
For many different reasons,
Our storks came a little early.
Some of us don't know why,
We bursted out from our bubbles.
We entered into this world,
Never meaning to cause any troubles.
Mommy and Daddy are worried sick
About the odds that we must beat.
Plese God, help them realize,
That seeing us grow is a treat.
Breath by breath, we'll learn to breathe.
Ounce by ounce we'll tip the scale.
We're like a boat in the ocean,
That knows not sink-only sail.
For we are living miracles,
Mommy and Daddy must simply believe,
That you have angels wathcing over us;
From the time we arrive, till the time we leave.
God Bless you Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden. We will never stop praying for you all.
Dear Trey and Dana,
I do not miss one day of reading your blogs and being moved and uplifted by the generous spirit of these wonderful thoughts and prayers. You are blessed and have been blessed every day by the continued love shown to you all and the continued battle the boys are fighting.
Our love is always with you four.
Pam J.
Dana, I know that things are not great right now but God is still in control. You are missed on GMET but I know that you are where you need to be at this point. Keep your faith strong and keep praying for "Prayer is the key to Heaven but faith unlocks the door." You and your family are ever present on my mind. Take care of yourself.
Love and prayers
Melanie O.
Kilgore, TX.
Dear Hughey Family,
I watch the morning news on KLTV every morning;therefore,I immediately noticed the absence of your bright and cheerful smile when you were put on bedrest. I have been following your story on the news as well as following the updates on your blog. When I saw your interview on the noon newscast and the extended interview on the KLTV website, I just felt compelled to write to you!
My husband and I have been blessed with 2 healthy girls ages 9 and 4. Our girls both came into this world with a couple of complications. We had a scare with our 9 year old because of fluctuations in her heart rate and a bowel movement in utero which led to an emergency c-section. As a result, she stayed in the NICU for a week. Our 4 year old was born during a scheduled c-section but suffered from jaundice. My heart just goes out to your family because I know how I felt when everything wasn't the perfect scenario that I had imagined in my mind! It just didn't happen the way I planned it and it is just really hard to hear that something is wrong with your baby...and the guilt that I did someting wrong...I can relate to how you are feeling. I guess that is why I am writing...your story really touched my heart! I am praying for your family and am so touhed by the comments that you made during your interview. You have the best outlook! Your STRONG FAITH in God will get your family through this tough time...it is all part of God's plan as you know! Stay strong and keep the faith! We can't wait to see you back in the anchor chair reporting on how well your sweet boys are doing!!!
Lannette B.
Whitehouse, TX
Hey you guys...all 4 of you. Okay, I will admit it, I cried when I say Gillian's Story on you guys. I will have to admit, the tissues where flying off the wall here at the station. You guys make me strong. You guys make me continue to believe in God and all of his miracles. My sister Theresa had an early hatcher too, he was 25 weeks. Now he is the smartest kid in his class. He is in high school and making waves. We continue to pray for you and look forward to seeing you very soon...right back where you belong...in East Texas!
Scirto
Dana and Trey: Please know of my constant daily prayers for your precious boys, Ford and Hayden. Philippians 1:6 says, "He who began a good work in you will be FAITHFUL to complete it!" I am claiming this for your baby boys. The power of prayer is a mighty tool......you are now a witness of this! May you feel God's strength and love each day. Much love, Sunni Brookshire
As I love you thru the glass, the hours seem so slow to pass. I stroke your skin, and hold your hand; this isn't exactly what I had planned. I cast my eyes up to the sky, and say a little prayer; that the Lord will hold you in His arms, and keep you in His care.So sleep and grow my baby, and dream of clouds of foam, and I will Love you thru the glass until you can come home.
Dana,
I met you this summer when you and Trey came to our Howdy Hamburger Supper for Rusk Co. Aggies. I want you to know that I am praying for y'all and those two sweet babies. I was so glad to see the update on the news last night. I admire your courage. It was so easy to see what good parents you two already are and I hope it won't be too long until you are able to bring those two sweeties (class of 30?) home.
Cathy Hooper
Dear Dana & Trey
We are all praying for you & those sweet little babies. I know how you feel. My niece has a beautiful little boy that was born at Galveston. Poor little Zach only weighed 2lb 15 oz when he was born. It was iffy there for a little while but we prayed & had faith & now he weighs 10lbs & is doing very well. He is 7 months old but still not normal size but he is doing good in every other way. I have faith that your two boys will do the same. They are very beautiful & I know it is killing you not to be able to hold them, but that day will come & then you will not be able to put them down. They will be very spoiled. The first time they laugh at you will take your heart away. All my prayers are with you all.
Dearest Trey & Dana,
I just watched the video of two of the sweetest babies I've seen in a long time (other than my own grandtwins of course...haha)who are now 9 years old as of last month,but as you know they also were premies and we all know GOD is good and is letting these boys grow healthy & strong in their little temporary homes until those Dr.'s say those magical words "It's time to take your sons home ", which I know won't be soon enough for you both. I admire each of you so much for being such a "Good Mommy & Daddy" and staying as close to those precious babies every hour on the hour and I know how tiring it is, but just know that the entire Brazos Valley (Gig'em Aggies) is praying for you all, and we'll have a home coming for those sweet, sweet babies soon ! My love to each & everyone of you......
Love,
Daphne Weedon
Dana and Trey: Watching your interview touched my heart so much. I see the exhaustion on your faces, but I also see the sparkle in your eyes when you get to talk and share things about your boys. Other than the encouragement and support you get from reading the blog, I know that your faith is the one thing keeping you going, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I pray daily for your family. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. May the Lord continue to watch over you and give you peace and strength to get through each new day.
Dana, After watching your interview last night I was reminded of our family's stay in the NICU. My twin boys were born at 28 weeks and were 2 lbs 10 oz each. One of the boys had a PDA surgery also. They will be 3 years old in April and are normal boys with no problems. We were in the NICU for 60 days. Your journey has been long and I cannot imagine being in the hopitial for so long before having the twins. God poured out his Grace on my family and I know he will on yours. Looking back it never crossed my mind that I would not oneday walk out of that NICU with both of my boys. Keep beleiving that God is in control. If there is one thing I could tell you that I have learned through my experiance having twins in the NICU and raising them is this... God sometimes gives us little treasures that are difficult, not because he thinks we are strong enough to handle them, but because he is stronger than the difficulties. God has taught me that I need him every hour of every day (2 boys @ 2 years old = all day rodeo!) I will keep your family in my prayers. I know that you will walk out of that NICU with two little boys! May God have the Glory!
Your sister in Christ,
Jennifer Pace
Tyler, TX
My name is Samantha Douglas Im 20yrs old I live in east texas with my husband and we just had our first babies which were also twin boys on the 12th of January they were born at 27 weeks weighing 2'7 and 14 inches long they are at Lewisville Medical Center up by Dallas I am goin down this same kind of road you are and I just want to say if we just keep praying and being there with are children they will pull through.If you need a closer friend just keep me in mind because I know how it gets we only get to see our boys on the weekends and the 5 days in between are longer than ever but we will keep your boys in are prayers.
The Douglas
Rusk,Texas
Trey and Dana,
I am constantly praying for your family. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but continue to lean on the Lord for strength.
I plan on our boys playing together at the next REL reunion...maybe just Hayden though since Ford seems to be taking after Trey! ;)
Nicole (Shafer) Thomas
Dana and Trey,
I believe it is time for the two of you to spend some time alone together ... living, loving, laughing, RESTING and getting back into shape.
Before you know it, your Angels will be home running you in two different directions!
Mediate together on Psalm 121 says the Great Physician in Jesus' name.
Dana & Trey,
The boys have grown so much from the first pictures to the video in the story. It will be no time before the four of you are back in East Texas, especially with the nationwide support from viewers and visitors to the website. It truly is amazing. Ford & Hayden-- The GMET crew thinks about you daily... There really were as Scirto said tissues flying around the station hearing your story.
Stay strong... -Cody Lillich
I know what you're going through. Our twin boys turn 3 on March 8th and were born back in 2005 at 25 weeks along. If you have any questions or need to talk/vent or anything at all, please feel free to contact me at jjrapelje@yahoo.com. We went through A LOT with our boys and they're both here and running me ragged (along with their little brother who turns 1 in April and was born at nearly 37 weeks.) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care. Jen
How blessed WE are to have your wonderful family in our lives! What a blessing it was to get up Friday morning and see you and Trey on TV!!! It brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I don't know how it feels to have a child born early or be crictally ill, but I do know what it is like to be a Mother. Being a Mother is a wonderful experience and yet it can be a scary time. You never want to see you child hurt, you never want to see them cry but you have to put them in the hands of the Lord. My son, who is now 24, spent a lot of hours in the ER at ETMC in Tyler while he was toddling. He was all boy! He would climb and pull up on anything and that meant lots of falls and knots on the head. And being a first time Mom I took him to the ER cause I didn't want anything to be wrong with him. Dana, your bright smile has won the hearts of many people here in East Texas and now those little miracles God has blessed you and Trey with have also won the hearts of all East Texans and I know that will never change. We will always be asking about them and their progress many years from now. I know they are in the hands of God and He will see them through and He will also see you and Trey through. While watching your entire interview I witnessed a blessing I saw you and Trey having Faith in God! That alone will see you through and you put that with all the prayers that are going up for the 4 of you, you will only witness MORE miracles happening to Ford and Hayden. Thank you so much for allowing us to follow your family! I can't wait to see you with Clint again in the mornings but I also know that being a Mom your kids and family is priority! Keep God first guys and know that back at home we are praying. We love you all as family and that is something you can bank on. I know you have a wonderful support group outside of the viewers which is great but please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We love you all dearly and only wish the best for all. Tell Ford and Hayden they are loved and we are helping to fight for them!
Debra Bunt
Gladewater, Texas
My husband and I had a very similar experience 2 1/2 yrs. ago. We had our 3rd child on May 9, 2005. Ella was only 24 wks 5 days along when she decided to come into this world. We live in Rusk, but had her in Nacogdoches, so they sent us to Shreveport for our NICU stay. She only weighed 1 lb 12 oz and was 13 3/4 inches long. Oh what a road ahead of us we had! I was not due until August 24th, so being 3 1/2 months early was something I could not even comprehend.
Along the way, she had her heart surgery, laser surgery on both eyes, a severe hemorrhage in her brain, and struggled so much with the ventilators. It was 2 steps forward, 1 step back.
With the help of family, friends, and most of all prayer, we survived!
Our Ella came home on her due date. They even told us to expect possible blindness, deafness, some mental retardation, and handicaps...well, our God is bigger than all of those things! Ella Beth came home on her due date with the help of oxygen, but only needed that for a few months. She is now a healthy 2 1/2 year old little firecracker. She is a healthy, beautiful answer to prayer! Her big brothers definitely know she is in charge!
Please know so many people are praying for you. I remember how helpful the emails, cards, and words of encouragement were to me during our time too. I hope you are feeling God's love and strength through all of them.
I noticed your verse at the end of your blog. That is the exact verse that gave me strength when I needed it most. Keep leaning on God. He has your precious baby boys in His hands.
Melonie H.
Rusk, TX
jmel95@juno.com
Dana and Trey:
Like so many others, we have watched you and loved you on kltv, but never knew we had a direct connection, and truly might not have found out for some time without this unfortunate event.
I called Bill the other day about some oil business and my wife, Karen just out of nowhere asks me to ask if he has any relation to the Hughey twins. At that moment, I truly had no idea what she was talking about, so sounded pretty dumb when I asked if he knew anything about some twins....I simply did not make the connection, but when he said they were his son's boys, it suddenly all came together. Had no idea.
Actually, Karen and I sold the Hughey's their home at Cedar Creek Lake. We were their agents and really loved meeting them and getting to know them. Such fun folks and now this, so we feel we know you even more personally, and while you were in our prayers before, somehow there is a different feeling about the whole thing.
I have contacted a good friend and minister whose child was also very premature and he will add you guys to his prayer list and probably contact you also for strength and comfort from their experience. Name is Eston Williams, wife Kathy.
So, we will let you go, but know that along with so many others, we are with all of you and look forward to meeting the boys at the lake this summer.
Stan & Karen Fernald
Johnson Monroe, Realtors
Cedar Creek Lake
sfernald@johnsonmonroe.com
Dana and Trey, I forgot to tell you that I have also added you to my family blog site for prayers. I have family that are not in East Texas so this will reach a few more that will pray for you and your boys. My blogsite is http://jeffanddebrabunt.blogspot.com
Debra Bunt
Gladewater, Texas
I'm sorry its, http://www.jeffanddebrabunt.blogspot.com
Trey & Dana - Watched the video with tears pouring down our faces. STAY STRONG! I check daily for updates and was so glad to see the video of you. God is in charge and he will sustain you. I cannot believe how much the boys have grown. You have tons of people praying for you - all 4 of you. We love you guys! Can't wait until Ford and Hayden are sitting at the "kids table" at holidays. Trey J, Sara & Randall
Dana and Trey,
I am a grandmother of the sweetest little 2 year old grandson and I have a grandaughter due Aprill 22. But even as I write this my heart is still broken because today Feb. 2 would have been my 1st grandson's 4th birthday. He died at 4 months old of S.M.A. I wanted to share the poem that i constantly repeated while he was with us and we even had it engraved on the back of his tombstone: It's not how wide the sky, It's not how deep the sea, It's how sweet the time between hello and goodbye. I know your little angels will one day go home with you to Tyler but please remember those words whenever you get down and depressed. I will pray for a quick and speedy recovery for your sons and I will pray for the both of you too. There is aa reason that this has happened. There are lives being changed because of hearing your story. You may never know how but it is happening.
God bless!
A fan in Lufkin
I know exactly what you are going through. I have twin little girls who are in NICU at Presbyterian Dallas right now. They were born on January 3rd, just 5 days before your boys and they were at 28 weeks gestation. Savannah is doing really well and is finally off of all the tubes and everything. She had to have surgery at 2 weeks old to fix a heart murmur because medication did not work. The only thing she still has is a feeding tube and hopefully we don't have a set back. Hannah is doing okay but still on the ventilator. She has had a collasped lung which is better now, but her little lungs are still not strong enough to get off the ventilator. I am always at the hospital with my little girls also and I pray for them all the time to grow and become stronger so that they can overcome all of this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers also. I know that your little boys will overcome everything as well. They are such sweet little boys. Keep your head up and stay strong. That is what I tell myself every day because I know my little girls need me to stay strong so they can continue to get stronger. God bless you and your family.
Cathy H.
Van, Texas
Aunt Dana and Uncle Trey,
I took pictures of Ford and Hayden and copies of your blog to school. All of my teachers and friends are going to pray for Ford and Hayden. They are sooo cute. I think Hayden looks like you and Ford looks like Uncle Trey (when he shaves). I miss you soooooo much. I think you should sing to the boys. I think they would like that I always like to hear you sing. I love you.
Logan
Dana, Thank you for sharing your story. Your faith in God through these trying times is truly uplifting. I have no doubt you sharing your story will bring so much hope to people in whatever their situation. Tears came to my eyes and my heart goes out to you when I saw you and Trey on your interview and as I read your updates. My husband and I continue to pray for your daily strength, peace and your precious little boys healing. God Bless!
B&B Rowland
Longview, TX
Dear Hughey Family,
I am a faithful morning viewer of GMET and have been keeping up with your progress through KLTV.com. I have been praying for your family on a daily basis. You have incredible strength and a strong faith in the Lord that will get you through this. Continue to support each other and rely on God to work his miracles for your two precious boys.
I will continue my prayers for you and may God bless you all!
Amy in Daingerfield, Tx
Our daughter came into this world with an emergency c-section at only 26 weeks. I delivered her in Plano due to eclampsia. My liver and kidneys simply began to shut down and I felt such an irrational betrayal of my own body. I was simply in disbelief and angry. Afterall, I took all of the vitamins, followed all of the doctor's orders, including complete bed rest the entire second trimester. I was constantly in and out of the doctor's office and hospital. None the less, our little one was born at 1 pound 12 ounces and only 12 inches long. I wasn't even able to see her for days due to being in the ICU myself. Fear fueled me with all of the "what if's." The first time that I saw her she didn't even look human, yet my heart longed to hold her and tell her I was so sorry and how much I loved her. I sat at her bedside for three long, tedious months only to leave once to see my step son graduate high school. I have never experienced such an ever present roller coaster of emotions as I watched her struggle for life on the vent, not to even mention all of the possible complications which were discussed many times. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful nurses and doctors watching over our little one. However, their honesty about everything that could go wrong was too overwhelming. I could only take one day at a time and a few times only a couple of hours at a time. I would simply sleep at her isolete and leave only to eat, shower, and pump. Many times the nurses would try to get me to leave to take care of myself, but I couldn't. I would count down the hours down to the minutes for those precious "touch times." After a while, the doctors made the decision that I could kangaroo care her even though she was on the vent. The normal rules didn't apply to us. I learned to sit for three hours and longer at a time with her on my chest praying that she would recognize my heat beat and sense the overwhelming love for her. I became pro with the NICU lingo and even though the brain bleeds and brady's were continous amongst other things, my heart always lurched with the continuous ringing of alarms. We encountered the dreaded infection, collapsed lungs, etc. I had her quickly baptised for the "just in case" scenerio as I had witnessed quite a few code blues.
I grasped onto my faith, family, and friends frantically, although many times it was simply crying and laughing with the other mothers which helped me cope. Although most people can empathise, it is those who have faced this most trying time themselves who can give the rest of us such strength, courage, and hope.
I will never be the same nor will I take life for granted. My daughter was finally released from the hospital after three months. She was released on oxygen and a heart monitor due to the brady's which lasted about a month. We have been home for about seven months but continue to be in isolation due to her Chronic Lung Disease. She is doing fantastic and her high blood pressure is now under control thanks to her medicine. She has physical therapy and developmental therapy on a continuous basis and doing fabulous. She has taught me such patience, trust, love and courage. Even though she is so much smaller than other babies and of course developmentally behind, each one of her milestones in which she meets means so much more to me. I don't take anything for granted for this precious life that has been given to us. She truly is "our little miracle." I have heard of other "macro-preemie" mothers become agitated and frustrated when stangers ask them about their "very small little wonders;" however, I believe in always sharing with them what a true miracle she is and how I am so blessed. I pray that the Heavenly Father will give you and your family the love, courage, strength, and patience that you will need for this very special journey. I also pray that this may bring greater puclic attention to these true "tiny miracles."
God bless,
The Martel's
Tyler, Texas
Our daughter came into this world with an emergency c-section at only 26 weeks. I delivered her in Plano due to eclampsia. My liver and kidneys simply began to shut down and I felt such an irrational betrayal of my own body. I was simply in disbelief and angry. Afterall, I took all of the vitamins, followed all of the doctor's orders, including complete bed rest the entire second trimester. I was constantly in and out of the doctor's office and hospital. None the less, our little one was born at 1 pound 12 ounces and only 12 inches long. I wasn't even able to see her for days due to being in the ICU myself. Fear fueled me with all of the "what if's." The first time that I saw her she didn't even look human, yet my heart longed to hold her and tell her I was so sorry and how much I loved her. I sat at her bedside for three long, tedious months only to leave once to see my step son graduate high school. I have never experienced such an ever present roller coaster of emotions as I watched her struggle for life on the vent, not to even mention all of the possible complications which were discussed many times. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful nurses and doctors watching over our little one. However, their honesty about everything that could go wrong was too overwhelming. I could only take one day at a time and a few times only a couple of hours at a time. I would simply sleep at her isolete and leave only to eat, shower, and pump. Many times the nurses would try to get me to leave to take care of myself, but I couldn't. I would count down the hours down to the minutes for those precious "touch times." After a while, the doctors made the decision that I could kangaroo care her even though she was on the vent. The normal rules didn't apply to us. I learned to sit for three hours and longer at a time with her on my chest praying that she would recognize my heat beat and sense the overwhelming love for her. I became pro with the NICU lingo and even though the brain bleeds and brady's were continous amongst other things, my heart always lurched with the continuous ringing of alarms. We encountered the dreaded infection, collapsed lungs, etc. I had her quickly baptised for the "just in case" scenerio as I had witnessed quite a few code blues.
I grasped onto my faith, family, and friends frantically, although many times it was simply crying and laughing with the other mothers which helped me cope. Although most people can empathise, it is those who have faced this most trying time themselves who can give the rest of us such strength, courage, and hope.
I will never be the same nor will I take life for granted. My daughter was finally released from the hospital after three months. She was released on oxygen and a heart monitor due to the brady's which lasted about a month. We have been home for about seven months but continue to be in isolation due to her Chronic Lung Disease. She is doing fantastic and her high blood pressure is now under control thanks to her medicine. She has physical therapy and developmental therapy on a continuous basis and doing fabulous. She has taught me such patience, trust, love and courage. Even though she is so much smaller than other babies and of course developmentally behind, each one of her milestones in which she meets means so much more to me. I don't take anything for granted for this precious life that has been given to us. She truly is "our little miracle." I have heard of other "macro-preemie" mothers become agitated and frustrated when stangers ask them about their "very small little wonders;" however, I believe in always sharing with them what a true miracle she is and how I am so blessed. I pray that the Heavenly Father will give you and your family the love, courage, strength, and patience that you will need for this very special journey. I also pray that this may bring greater puclic attention to these true "tiny miracles."
God bless,
The Martel's
Tyler, Texas
Our daughter came into this world with an emergency c-section at only 26 weeks. I delivered her in Plano due to eclampsia. My liver and kidneys simply began to shut down and I felt such an irrational betrayal of my own body. I was simply in disbelief and angry. Afterall, I took all of the vitamins, followed all of the doctor's orders, including complete bed rest the entire second trimester. I was constantly in and out of the doctor's office and hospital. None the less, our little one was born at 1 pound 12 ounces and only 12 inches long. I wasn't even able to see her for days due to being in the ICU myself. Fear fueled me with all of the "what if's." The first time that I saw her she didn't even look human, yet my heart longed to hold her and tell her I was so sorry and how much I loved her. I sat at her bedside for three long, tedious months only to leave once to see my step son graduate high school. I have never experienced such an ever present roller coaster of emotions as I watched her struggle for life on the vent, not to even mention all of the possible complications which were discussed many times. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful nurses and doctors watching over our little one. However, their honesty about everything that could go wrong was too overwhelming. I could only take one day at a time and a few times only a couple of hours at a time. I would simply sleep at her isolete and leave only to eat, shower, and pump. Many times the nurses would try to get me to leave to take care of myself, but I couldn't. I would count down the hours down to the minutes for those precious "touch times." After a while, the doctors made the decision that I could kangaroo care her even though she was on the vent. The normal rules didn't apply to us. I learned to sit for three hours and longer at a time with her on my chest praying that she would recognize my heat beat and sense the overwhelming love for her. I became pro with the NICU lingo and even though the brain bleeds and brady's were continous amongst other things, my heart always lurched with the continuous ringing of alarms. We encountered the dreaded infection, collapsed lungs, etc. I had her quickly baptised for the "just in case" scenerio as I had witnessed quite a few code blues.
I grasped onto my faith, family, and friends frantically, although many times it was simply crying and laughing with the other mothers which helped me cope. Although most people can empathise, it is those who have faced this most trying time themselves who can give the rest of us such strength, courage, and hope.
I will never be the same nor will I take life for granted. My daughter was finally released from the hospital after three months. She was released on oxygen and a heart monitor due to the brady's which lasted about a month. We have been home for about seven months but continue to be in isolation due to her Chronic Lung Disease. She is doing fantastic and her high blood pressure is now under control thanks to her medicine. She has physical therapy and developmental therapy on a continuous basis and doing fabulous. She has taught me such patience, trust, love and courage. Even though she is so much smaller than other babies and of course developmentally behind, each one of her milestones in which she meets means so much more to me. I don't take anything for granted for this precious life that has been given to us. She truly is "our little miracle." I have heard of other "macro-preemie" mothers become agitated and frustrated when stangers ask them about their "very small little wonders;" however, I believe in always sharing with them what a true miracle she is and how I am so blessed. I pray that the Heavenly Father will give you and your family the love, courage, strength, and patience that you will need for this very special journey. I also pray that this may bring greater puclic attention to these true "tiny miracles."
God bless,
The Martel's
Tyler, Texas
Our daughter came into this world with an emergency c-section at only 26 weeks. I delivered her in Plano due to eclampsia. My liver and kidneys simply began to shut down and I felt such an irrational betrayal of my own body. I was simply in disbelief and angry. Afterall, I took all of the vitamins, followed all of the doctor's orders, including complete bed rest the entire second trimester. I was constantly in and out of the doctor's office and hospital. None the less, our little one was born at 1 pound 12 ounces and only 12 inches long. I wasn't even able to see her for days due to being in the ICU myself. Fear fueled me with all of the "what if's." The first time that I saw her she didn't even look human, yet my heart longed to hold her and tell her I was so sorry and how much I loved her. I sat at her bedside for three long, tedious months only to leave once to see my step son graduate high school. I have never experienced such an ever present roller coaster of emotions as I watched her struggle for life on the vent, not to even mention all of the possible complications which were discussed many times. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful nurses and doctors watching over our little one. However, their honesty about everything that could go wrong was too overwhelming. I could only take one day at a time and a few times only a couple of hours at a time. I would simply sleep at her isolete and leave only to eat, shower, and pump. Many times the nurses would try to get me to leave to take care of myself, but I couldn't. I would count down the hours down to the minutes for those precious "touch times." After a while, the doctors made the decision that I could kangaroo care her even though she was on the vent. The normal rules didn't apply to us. I learned to sit for three hours and longer at a time with her on my chest praying that she would recognize my heat beat and sense the overwhelming love for her. I became pro with the NICU lingo and even though the brain bleeds and brady's were continous amongst other things, my heart always lurched with the continuous ringing of alarms. We encountered the dreaded infection, collapsed lungs, etc. I had her quickly baptised for the "just in case" scenerio as I had witnessed quite a few code blues.
I grasped onto my faith, family, and friends frantically, although many times it was simply crying and laughing with the other mothers which helped me cope. Although most people can empathise, it is those who have faced this most trying time themselves who can give the rest of us such strength, courage, and hope.
I will never be the same nor will I take life for granted. My daughter was finally released from the hospital after three months. She was released on oxygen and a heart monitor due to the brady's which lasted about a month. We have been home for about seven months but continue to be in isolation due to her Chronic Lung Disease. She is doing fantastic and her high blood pressure is now under control thanks to her medicine. She has physical therapy and developmental therapy on a continuous basis and doing fabulous. She has taught me such patience, trust, love and courage. Even though she is so much smaller than other babies and of course developmentally behind, each one of her milestones in which she meets means so much more to me. I don't take anything for granted for this precious life that has been given to us. She truly is "our little miracle." I have heard of other "macro-preemie" mothers become agitated and frustrated when stangers ask them about their "very small little wonders;" however, I believe in always sharing with them what a true miracle she is and how I am so blessed. I pray that the Heavenly Father will give you and your family the love, courage, strength, and patience that you will need for this very special journey. I also pray that this may bring greater puclic attention to these true "tiny miracles."
God bless,
The Martel's
Tyler, Texas
Our daughter came into this world with an emergency c-section at only 26 weeks. I delivered her in Plano due to eclampsia. My liver and kidneys simply began to shut down and I felt such an irrational betrayal of my own body. I was simply in disbelief and angry. Afterall, I took all of the vitamins, followed all of the doctor's orders, including complete bed rest the entire second trimester. I was constantly in and out of the doctor's office and hospital. None the less, our little one was born at 1 pound 12 ounces and only 12 inches long. I wasn't even able to see her for days due to being in the ICU myself. Fear fueled me with all of the "what if's." The first time that I saw her she didn't even look human, yet my heart longed to hold her and tell her I was so sorry and how much I loved her. I sat at her bedside for three long, tedious months only to leave once to see my step son graduate high school. I have never experienced such an ever present roller coaster of emotions as I watched her struggle for life on the vent, not to even mention all of the possible complications which were discussed many times. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful nurses and doctors watching over our little one. However, their honesty about everything that could go wrong was too overwhelming. I could only take one day at a time and a few times only a couple of hours at a time. I would simply sleep at her isolete and leave only to eat, shower, and pump. Many times the nurses would try to get me to leave to take care of myself, but I couldn't. I would count down the hours down to the minutes for those precious "touch times." After a while, the doctors made the decision that I could kangaroo care her even though she was on the vent. The normal rules didn't apply to us. I learned to sit for three hours and longer at a time with her on my chest praying that she would recognize my heat beat and sense the overwhelming love for her. I became pro with the NICU lingo and even though the brain bleeds and brady's were continous amongst other things, my heart always lurched with the continuous ringing of alarms. We encountered the dreaded infection, collapsed lungs, etc. I had her quickly baptised for the "just in case" scenerio as I had witnessed quite a few code blues.
I grasped onto my faith, family, and friends frantically, although many times it was simply crying and laughing with the other mothers which helped me cope. Although most people can empathise, it is those who have faced this most trying time themselves who can give the rest of us such strength, courage, and hope.
I will never be the same nor will I take life for granted. My daughter was finally released from the hospital after three months. She was released on oxygen and a heart monitor due to the brady's which lasted about a month. We have been home for about seven months but continue to be in isolation due to her Chronic Lung Disease. She is doing fantastic and her high blood pressure is now under control thanks to her medicine. She has physical therapy and developmental therapy on a continuous basis and doing fabulous. She has taught me such patience, trust, love and courage. Even though she is so much smaller than other babies and of course developmentally behind, each one of her milestones in which she meets means so much more to me. I don't take anything for granted for this precious life that has been given to us. She truly is "our little miracle." I have heard of other "macro-preemie" mothers become agitated and frustrated when stangers ask them about their "very small little wonders;" however, I believe in always sharing with them what a true miracle she is and how I am so blessed. I pray that the Heavenly Father will give you and your family the love, courage, strength, and patience that you will need for this very special journey. I also pray that this may bring greater puclic attention to these true "tiny miracles."
God bless,
The Martel's
Tyler, Texas
trey and dana
we continue to pray for god to keep you strong. Please continue to know that you all hold such a wonderful place in the hearts of so many through christ, We love you guys,
Matt and Ashley
We were so inspired by your story on TV. We pray the Lord will continue to comfort you, give you peace, and help those precious babies go home with full health.
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