Monday 20 May 2013

Broken Hearts Made Whole

Tomorrow at 9:30am Ontario time, my mom will be sharing on television about Hope's story.  It's on CTS here, not sure what channel that will be for each of you, but it's 51 at our house.  I believe it will air at 9:30am here as well, but I'm recording all morning just in case.  I'm looking forward to watching it when I get home from the hospital.  Please join me in praying that her story not only draws people closer to the Lord and gets them on their knees, but that it raises awareness for organ donation and that it floods the gates of Heaven with prayers for a heart for Hope.

Today was a day I have been dreading.  It was the first day of training for the run with Heart Beats in October.  The last time I ran, was for the run last October!  Seven months later, I've begun to run again to work towards my goal of running the entire 5 km without needing to walk.  As we get closer, I'll post a link for anyone that would like to sponsor a runner on our team.  If you're interested in running, let me know and I can send you the info to sign up for the 5 or 10 km run or the walks.  My faithful running buddy arrived this morning and I dragged myself outside.  It was honestly not as horrible as I had anticipated.  The last 10 minutes were much harder than the first, but I have survived and I'm truly looking forward to the exercise and the time it gives me to chat with friends as we run.  Last year we ran as team Hope Holly Lincoln.  We plan to have the same name this year and run for the 3 babies that started this journey together.  I was thinking our team t-shirts should say, "Running for broken hearts made whole" or something to that effect.  We know that Lincoln's broken heart was made whole in Heaven.  Holly's 1/2 heart was made whole when she received her transplant last August, and we await that day that Hope's 1/2 heart will become a whole.  We pray that is here on earth, but know that Jesus will give her a perfect heart in Heaven, even if not here on earth.

I had an amazing afternoon cuddling Hope and looking into her beautiful face.  I was struck by how amazing our God is today.  Hope was created with only 1/2 her heart, but there were also people created with incredible brains that found ways to surgically keep a child with 1/2 a heart alive.  That absolutely amazed me today.  I looked down at my precious girl and imagined a heart 1/2 the size it's supposed to be and yet working overtime to keep her organs running and her body alive.  It's simply a miracle and absolutely incredible to witness.  Every heart beat is a miracle and I choose to celebrate each one.

Hope was getting a bit warmer as the day progressed and I'm worried she may develop a fever overnight.  Shawn noticed that her heart rate was a bit higher as we headed out for the day and we are hoping it's nothing.  Please join us in praying against infection.  Our cardiologist is wonderful and told me this morning that he overruled the decision to lower Hope's heart meds at this point.  They may consider it in a few days, but he felt she still needed the higher dose and I couldn't agree more.

My mom arrives tomorrow night, she flies out after her interview.  Over the next week my entire family will slowly arrive in Calgary.  We had hoped to go on a family vacation this year, it's the only time we're all together.  With Hope's serious condition, it was clearly not an option and they've all chosen to come here so we can be together.  I keep telling Shawn that once they all arrive, both our entire families will be in the same city.  Could there be a more perfect time to receive the call that a heart was found for Hope?  Last night I had a dream that the call came when our house was full of people.  I could only make out the face of one friend, but perhaps the rest were family.  I was amazed that as I grabbed my things to rush to Edmonton in my dream, I felt total and complete peace.  Lord, give us your peace until you give Hope a heart that is no longer broken.

35 comments:

  1. A perfect Heart WILL arrive for Hope <3

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  2. For Calgary viewers, Huntley Street comes on at 9:30 AM on Global (Ch. 211)

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  3. Praying for your family and that a heart will come to Hope very soon!

    I would love to watch your Mom tomorrow - do you know what show/channel this will air on in Saskatchewan?

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  4. Continuing prayers and healing messages in Ontario. Hope there is a re-run on Charlotte's interview. Working when it will be aired. :(

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  5. Thanks for sharing your dream - and I will be praying for you & Hope's heart. I also am going to ask the Lord for the heart to be provided while your families are together! Love the support they are showing you! ~Wendy (NOrway)

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  6. Let's hope that dream was prophetic! Always praying. - Kathleen

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  7. Dianne Ducheno Johnson21 May 2013 at 19:06

    Praying for you & your family Amy. After reading your update on Hope on Tuesday May 21st and her downgrade my heart sunk & tears fell. I am praying that Hope begins to improve through the night as she is now back in Edmonton. May God give Hope the much needed strength to fight off this infection and inflammation within her little body. May God also touch Hope and heal her heart whether it be here or in his Heavenly home. I ask that God be with you , Shawn & Sadie through this yet another turn on Hope's rollercoaster and that this ride come to a stabilized stop soon. My heart aches for all the trials God has put before you all. May all your prayers be answered soon and may your family be once again joined under your new roof and live as a family for years to come. Praise God for all he does .

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  8. I saw your mom share your story on 100 Huntley today and my heart goes out to you and your family. As a wife and mother of two children of my own, my youngest being 4 months, I couldnt imagine what you are going through. Your story has touched me If I could give your little girl my own heart I would I am praying for you and your little girl God bless you and keep you.

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  9. I am praying for you, your husband, Hope and extended family. Jolene

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  10. I have just heard through friends that baby Hope has gone to Heaven to be with Jesus after a very rough day. My heart breaks for Amy, Shawn, Sadie and family.

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    1. Cheryl, Montreal21 May 2013 at 21:49

      Oohnoo..plleeasse Lord no! There was suppose to be a healing here...my heart is breaking for them too and sweet little Hope ...my your soul and body rest in peace with the Lord.

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    2. There was a healing, Cheryl, she is whole now. No more pokes, no more pain, no more tears.

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    3. Cheryl, Montreal21 May 2013 at 22:13

      I have to remind myself of this... I find myself being angry and so sad to hear this news.

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  11. Lesleyanne Banks21 May 2013 at 21:46

    I'm so very sorry for your loss, Amy, Shawn, Sadie and extended family. I have followed your blog from the beginning and my heart breaks for you all.

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  12. Cheryl, Montreal21 May 2013 at 21:55

    My condolences Amy, Shawn and Sadie and families...your blog has indeed mended hearts and bent thousands of knees. You will always remain as a symbol of faithfulness, courage and determination. You have shown us how to lean on the Lord ...now let Him carry you through the coming months. We are praying for that.

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  13. Dianne Ducheno Johnson21 May 2013 at 21:55

    Hugs for you all. My deepest thoughts & prayers are with Amy, Shawn, Sadie and all the extended family. May God be with each of you as Hope's heart is now whole.

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  14. Rest in peace baby Hope. You are with God now in Heaven with the heart you deserve. Prayers go out to the rest of the family.

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  15. Your story has inspired so many people from the beginning. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless and sending love and prayers

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  16. So so so sorry Amy, Shawn and Sadie. Thinking of you as you all grieve the huge loss of Hope. She's finally well but we had all hoped it would somehow be on this side. So glad you family is around/coming to Calgary.
    "The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms" - Deut 33:27

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  17. Praying for you, Shawn and Sadie tonight as you've had to say goodbye to your sweet Hope for our time here on earth! Remember that this life is but a breathein all of eternity. One day you will dance with your daughter who is whole and well with all the angels and saints! Crying tears with you and praying for you. Sending love at this incredibly difficult time!

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  18. Amy, Shawn, Sadie and all your families - our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time. There is a lot we could try to say, but this isn't the time for words. We just want to send you our love. We will be praying for you.

    from Regina

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  19. My heart is breaking with yours tonight. May Hope be at peace as her heart has been made whole. Know that in her short life she has touched more lives then most people do. May your family brace each other and remember she is now free of pain. May your family take comfort with knowing the Lord has brought peace to Hope. In this time of saddness know your not alone and many who have lost faith or fallen off course have returned to the Lord throught your story. Your strength has been amazing and I pray the Lord continues to show you his plans for your family. May you always rememeber how Hope has touched many lives of people from around the world.

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  20. My deepest sympathy goes out to Amy, Shawn and big sister Sadie. I know this is a difficult time but do take one day at a time and remember to cherish all the fond memories you had with Hope. Some days, will be tougher than other but, if you ever need help you can always ask!! I will be praying for you as Hope has touched many peoples hearts and live from around the world.

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  21. leanne plouffe21 May 2013 at 23:32

    Amy, I know we haven't talked in years but I came across your blog and it breaks my heart knowing how devestating Hopes passing must be for you and your family. But I know God will carry you through the weeks and months and years to come! I'll be praying for you. Love you Leanne Plouffe

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  22. A very dear friend of mine who knows you informed me tonight of Hope's return to heaven to be with Jesus. Her broken heart has truly been made whole, although not in the way we were hoping, I thank God for answered prayers. My prayers are now with you, Amy, Shawn and Sadie, that God would give you comfort.

    Because of your brave Hope, I have discovered and chosen Jesus to be a part of my life and for that I will be eternally grateful. I know I am not the only one that Hope touched - Your little angel left a legacy that will never ever be forgotten, God put her on this earth to save me and others like me and gave her an amazing strong family to be with while she was here. I am truly sorry for your loss.

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    1. Praise God... moved to tears by your testimony. God is being glorified through this little life and will continue to be. To Him be the glory.

      Koslowski family, we will be praying for you. May the Word of God and His constant presence be your strength and comfort during this difficult time of sacrifice. You are loved by many and lifted up by many, many hearts and voices.

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  23. Sending my thoughts prayers and love to you and your family. May you find comfort knowing that Hope is whole and in the hands of The Lord .

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  24. I know you have just entered the darkest time and the loneliest road. I am praying for you and your family as you endure each day without your daughter and as you anticipate the day you will see her again, in heaven. I do not say this lightly when I say that I know how you feel. You are not alone in the darkness.
    Much love, Em

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  25. Amy, Shawn, Sadie
    I am so sorry for your loss, I am in tears and feel so broken that your sweet baby girl has now joined my sister in heaven.
    I'm praying for you all.
    Lots of love

    Randi

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  26. Words are not enough...praying you will be surrounded by those you love, lifted up on the wings of eagles. Your blog was an inspiration to me, actually Amy you were my inspiration. Fighting and staying strong for little Hope. Sharing your ups and downs, the realities of your life helped me and so many others. May God bless you and your family.
    L. G. In California

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  27. I just watched ur mom talk with Moira on 100. I too will b praying for u the mother & ur mom, the very brave grandmother & for ur precious Hope. Ur very trying situation leaves me without words. Isaiah 49:16
    Ur sister in Christ, Barb from Northern BC

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  28. I just watched ur mom talk with Moira on 100. I too will b praying for u the mother & ur mom, the very brave grandmother & for ur precious Hope. Ur very trying situation leaves me without words. Isaiah 49:16
    Ur sister in Christ, Barb from Northern BC

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  29. Praying for you and for sweet Hope as she is now held tightly in God's arms. Much love and strength to all of you. I have cried many tears and prayed many prayers tonight. I will continue to send you all the strength I can pull together. Love to you all.

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  30. I am soo saddened to here of Hope's passing. My deep condolences to you each. May she now rest in peace

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  31. Amy,

    Thank you for continuing to praise Jesus in the midst of losing your own child. You are such an inspiration. I'm so sorry for the pain you and your family are going through. Hope's short life was so impactful. I wish I could have the impact on people like she had.

    The image of you choosing to worship even at your child's funeral will forever be in my mind. I heard this song and couldn't help but think of you.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGPS8sa-bRQ

    Praying for God's presence to be with you during these difficult days. So looking forward to meeting you and little Hope in heaven. What a glorious day that will be!

    Love in Christ,

    Jenn

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