Elizabeth Grace - Finally an Update!!!!

OK -- I got a tip about Elizabeth's conditions by looking on another child's page.  Then, I found another.  The jist that I got from those pages/friends is that Michelle & DJ have decided on another course of treatment -- though Michelle doesn't mention it here.  I also got the information that while Michelle states that Elizabeth hasn't woken up yet, another friend's page said she hasn't even moved.

I don't know what to say other than I want Elizabeth's pain to end.

I can't imagine what it is like to be in this situation.  I suspect that M & DJ feel they have to make ever effort to restore Elizabeth to health.  Living with the "what if we had tried one more thing" would be overwhelming.

But how much does one put their child through?

I'm not coping well with this at all.

I have lost a child.  I prayed for her healing without ceasing.  God took her.  It took me a while but I came to realize that God did answer my prayer (even if it wasn't how I meant it - to be healed and live on this earth healthy and for a lifetime).  When our daugther died, she was restored to health.  When is enough is enough?

If my concerns and random thoughts offend anyone, I ask for forgiveness in advance.  They are just my thoughts and conerns and I've chosen to toss them out here.

I'm confused, anxious, upset, disappointmed, painfully sad, etc.

No matter, please continue to pray for Elzabeth but mostly for her family and all the friends and even strangers that have been reached through and affected by Elizabeth's journey.

God bless you all!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunford



Thursday, August 13, 2009 12:01 AM, CDT

Day 321

It's been one week since I updated. I apologize and feel bad that I have left SO many people worried and wondering. I knew with saying nothing you would all keep praying and believing and I truly have not known  what to say. This is as real as life gets. Elizabeth is my life. So, these are the facts... Elizabeth has still not woken up but she IS breathing on her own. She is not on the vent. Her kidneys  are doing OK. She is on the maximum dose of voriconazole to treat her aspergillus and her liver is handling it fine. The incision on her brain is healing. There are many unknowns going on inside Elizabeth but while she is still fighting, we are still fighting, praying, hoping and believing in her. Each day brings more peace and more hope. When I sat down to write this, Elizabeth began another new day. I truly mean this when I say I am completely TRUSTING in God's WILL. He has carried her this far, He will not leave her. Keep Praying Keep Believing Love, Michelle

PS. I brought the boys to school today. They started 2 days late. They had a great day. I was very happy to meet their teachers and see their new school. Everyone was wonderful. Thank you, Jesus! Please keep the boys in your prayers, they love their little sister very much and they have been so strong.
 

Vanessa,

I just want to start off by giving you big (((((((((((((((((((((((Vanessa))))))))))))))))))))))) hug.  I have no words of wisdom, I know you are hurting, because this is your friend, and your friend's precious child.  I'm sending cyber hugs, just because I can't reach out and give them to you in real life, the only other thing I know is to pray. 

I pray for Elizabeth Grace to be healed from her sufferings, I pray that she is healed, whether it is on this plane or in God's perfect plane, that is His decision, I pray His will be done.  I pray for peace for Elizabeth Grace and her family, for comfort, for strength.  I pray that He will be with this family, and bless this family with His comfort and grace.  May He be with us all, through this trial and tribulation, and to help us all understand it and His perfect plan.  Lord, may You continue to bless this family, and us all.

Thanks. I've been checking their caringbridge site because I hadn't seen an update and I was worried. I've often wondered when I hear a few stories such as this-how much is too much when treating anyone but esp a child. The only thing that I keep coming back to is when you start treatment after treatment and are into long term complications such as hers, how would you know when to stop? What if the next treatment works? I think it would be impossible for me to make any decision other than to keep going on with treatments. Its so difficult. She remains in my prayers as always.
Thanks so much for keeping us updated. I know this must be difficult for you considering your loss. I lost my 1st husband in 2001 and even when I hear of someone's spouse dying that I don't even know it brings back a certain amount of grief. Take care.

I know your friend realizes what a good friend she has.  God bless.

 Vanessa.....we LOVE you and you could NEVER offend us!!!!   I ditto what Avis has said.   I am praying for peace and comfort for both Elizabeth Grace and her parents and family.    I have never gone through loosing a child but I can certainly imagine the grief and pain that they have to be feeling at this time.   I know if it were my child....I would try everything possible to get her well.   Praying for God's will in that baby's life now.


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I lost a child in-utero, but I do not know the pain - nor can I imagine if of having lost a child you have held in your arms. I do not know how I would act. What I imagine is going on is that Elizabeth has parents who want desperately to have their daughter back and don't want to let go without knowing that they have tried every option available to them.
Being able to say that healing will come when your child returns to the Lord has to be the hardest thing to do. I think it takes time and it sounds like Elizabeth's parents are not there yet.
One my brother's died when he was 36 - after being ill for about 3 years. My mother was his primary caretaker and fought to ensure he got every treatment possible for his illness. My brother finally told her one day that he was tired and ready to go. It took an incredible amount of my mother to say she understood and to tell him it was ok. I think at some point Elizabeth may find a way to tell her parents that without the use of words.
In the meantime, all you can do is what you are doing - being a friend.

Anne

Vanessa first I want to say I'm sorry for your loss of your daughter. I pray for the Dunford family daily. I ask that His will to be done not ours. I can only imagine what they are going through. Poor Elizabeth has gone through so much. Don't know how much more her little body can take. Lady you do not owe anyone an apology. Thank you for updating on here. I also get updates through Caring Bridge!!


Hugs Donna