Hi everyone, sheldon here. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated the emails and prayers you sent. I was really sick and don't remember much of my stay at the hospital. It was nice having visits, now that Iam feeling better I would like more visits. I would like to thank all the doctors and the nurses for the care that they gave me to get better. On the top of my list I would like to thank God for staying at my side. But most of all I would like to thank my mom and dad because they didn't leave my side. I could feel their love the whole time. Thank you everyone!!
p.s. I kicked my brothers butt on the video game Flatout
p.p.s why do seagulls live by the sea?
because if they lived by the bay, they would be called bagels
Sheldon Swampy
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Keepin' On
As you've likely noticed, the update schedule has fallen off substantially. Sheldon continues to slowly improve, but progress towards gaining strength is slow. He still has periods where he sees double, and will be seeing an ophthalmologist on Tuesday for this reason. Tests are still trickling in, and we're hoping we'll know more about what caused this problem in the coming week or two.
Main complaint from Sheldon: he's very itchy from all the places he's been stuck with needles and probes. Main complaint from his brothers-in-law: he's lost none of his ability to handily defeat them at video game racing.
...and a few jokes for the faithful people still checking this blog:
Q: If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it naked or homeless ?
Q: What's pink and fluffy
A: Pink fluff
Ok, I'm done.
Main complaint from Sheldon: he's very itchy from all the places he's been stuck with needles and probes. Main complaint from his brothers-in-law: he's lost none of his ability to handily defeat them at video game racing.
...and a few jokes for the faithful people still checking this blog:
Q: If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it naked or homeless ?
Q: What's pink and fluffy
A: Pink fluff
Ok, I'm done.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Update and Reflection
Don't forget to check out B&V's message below this post. Nothing new to report, but to say that Sheldon is doing okay this evening at home. Everyone had a good sleep last night, and is greatly relieved to be back.
Regarding this blog, I think we'll keep it up for a little while yet, until things stabilize a bit. Updates will probably get less frequent however, which is actually a good thing. Unbelievable stats on this webpage, by the way. Over 4000 unique visits to this page in about 2 weeks. I'm thinking I should start selling banner advertising. (To, um, raise money for Sheldon of course...) I suspect some of those visits may be repeats, though.
A while back, I wrote that we were "watching and waiting" to see what God would do. I have just a few thoughts about prayer - feel free to tune out, as the Sheldon update is done, and I'm feeling the pull of the soapbox.
Prayer is not ever a guaranteed miracle, and it doesn't take much praying to figure that out. We need to pray, because as children we need to talk to the One who has control and loves us. We need to let him know what we want, what we're happy about, what upsets us, and so on. This is totally appropriate, of course. For example, my baby daughter comes to me when she wants a cup of milk, and often I give it to her. But really she has no idea why sometimes I don't (for example, it's been sitting out all night). She asks, though. In this case, there were literally hundreds of people praying for Sheldon, and we're so thankful that God seems to have given us what we asked for. Did all those people praying make a difference? It seems so. But why did it happen to begin with? What about the other kids in PICU who have people praying? The bottom line is, I don't know. God is good, loves us, and knows more than we do.
That said, I do know: Hundreds of people were talking to God when maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. Our family pulled together in a totally unique way, and not just the immediate family. A lot of reflection was done on what is important. Churches had a chance to really demonstrate love. Strangers had a chance to show compassion. We gained a new empathy for families with children in ICU. We feel fortunate in a new way to have Sheldon with us. And who knows what else went on or will happen; we're still watching.
Regarding this blog, I think we'll keep it up for a little while yet, until things stabilize a bit. Updates will probably get less frequent however, which is actually a good thing. Unbelievable stats on this webpage, by the way. Over 4000 unique visits to this page in about 2 weeks. I'm thinking I should start selling banner advertising. (To, um, raise money for Sheldon of course...) I suspect some of those visits may be repeats, though.
A while back, I wrote that we were "watching and waiting" to see what God would do. I have just a few thoughts about prayer - feel free to tune out, as the Sheldon update is done, and I'm feeling the pull of the soapbox.
Prayer is not ever a guaranteed miracle, and it doesn't take much praying to figure that out. We need to pray, because as children we need to talk to the One who has control and loves us. We need to let him know what we want, what we're happy about, what upsets us, and so on. This is totally appropriate, of course. For example, my baby daughter comes to me when she wants a cup of milk, and often I give it to her. But really she has no idea why sometimes I don't (for example, it's been sitting out all night). She asks, though. In this case, there were literally hundreds of people praying for Sheldon, and we're so thankful that God seems to have given us what we asked for. Did all those people praying make a difference? It seems so. But why did it happen to begin with? What about the other kids in PICU who have people praying? The bottom line is, I don't know. God is good, loves us, and knows more than we do.
That said, I do know: Hundreds of people were talking to God when maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. Our family pulled together in a totally unique way, and not just the immediate family. A lot of reflection was done on what is important. Churches had a chance to really demonstrate love. Strangers had a chance to show compassion. We gained a new empathy for families with children in ICU. We feel fortunate in a new way to have Sheldon with us. And who knows what else went on or will happen; we're still watching.
Message from the Harders
It is impossible to express our gratitude to those of you who visited us in the hospital and the many more who provided support, encouragement, offers of help, incredible food, and most importantly prayer!!
Miracle is a word we are hearing a lot these days. Early on in this journey we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive. Then we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive without suffering extensive brain damage. Well, we brought Sheldon home yesterday... he is very weak and tired but the same friendly, caring and smart boy he has always been!! We believe God used the wonderful staff in the PICU, surrounded by your many prayers and good wishes, to perform a miracle for Sheldon.
At a very dark time, when we felt no hope, God spoke to us and said “It is YES, unless and until I say no. LIVE IN MY YES." We both felt a tremendous peace come over us. After that we would say "right now, today, Sheldon is still with us, we will celebrate that." The very next day was the first time there was a slight improvement in his condition. You all know the rest of the story! We expect there will be more bumps along the path, but we continue to trust God as he works His will in Sheldon’s and our lives.
Sheldon is enjoying all the emails! He just can't believe they are all for him. He would love to have a visit, if you'd like to come. We expect he will be ready for visitors early next week, but please call ahead.
Thank-you so very much for everything!!
Love, Ben and Viola
Miracle is a word we are hearing a lot these days. Early on in this journey we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive. Then we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive without suffering extensive brain damage. Well, we brought Sheldon home yesterday... he is very weak and tired but the same friendly, caring and smart boy he has always been!! We believe God used the wonderful staff in the PICU, surrounded by your many prayers and good wishes, to perform a miracle for Sheldon.
At a very dark time, when we felt no hope, God spoke to us and said “It is YES, unless and until I say no. LIVE IN MY YES." We both felt a tremendous peace come over us. After that we would say "right now, today, Sheldon is still with us, we will celebrate that." The very next day was the first time there was a slight improvement in his condition. You all know the rest of the story! We expect there will be more bumps along the path, but we continue to trust God as he works His will in Sheldon’s and our lives.
Sheldon is enjoying all the emails! He just can't believe they are all for him. He would love to have a visit, if you'd like to come. We expect he will be ready for visitors early next week, but please call ahead.
Thank-you so very much for everything!!
Love, Ben and Viola
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
FAQ: Some Details, or Lack Thereof
Here are a few details for all of the patient, faithful swampfans around the world. We would love to have better answers to many of these questions, but this really is all we know.
Q: Is Sheldon still the same boy we knew?
A: So far, we as a family can't pick out any differences in Sheldon's behaviour, except that he may be a little calmer, for lack of better description. This is truly good news, and so far a great relief. He still loves video games, his family (especially his baby niece), and candy.
Q: What about his memory? short/long term?
A: Short term seems fine, long term seems fine. Really, it remains to be seen.
Q: What about other organs? How are his heart, lungs functioning and at what capacity?
A: This remains to be seen, but they're all working on their own.
Q: Will he require physical therapy for his limbs? How are they working out for Sheldon?
A: Sheldon has taken a few steps at a time, but is very, very weak. We don't know yet about Physio.
Q: Does he require any meds?
A: He's not currently on any medication except his usual asthma stuff. (I think)
Q: How is his breathing?
A: His throat is sore, and his voice is a whisper, but less swollen. He has a bit of a raspy cough.
Q: Can he return to a regular diet?
A: He's been eating ordinary food, but his stomach is a little testy.
Q: What is his long/short term prognosis?
A: We have no idea, since we haven't got a diagnosis. This is in God's hands.
Q: Is Sheldon still the same boy we knew?
A: So far, we as a family can't pick out any differences in Sheldon's behaviour, except that he may be a little calmer, for lack of better description. This is truly good news, and so far a great relief. He still loves video games, his family (especially his baby niece), and candy.
Q: What about his memory? short/long term?
A: Short term seems fine, long term seems fine. Really, it remains to be seen.
Q: What about other organs? How are his heart, lungs functioning and at what capacity?
A: This remains to be seen, but they're all working on their own.
Q: Will he require physical therapy for his limbs? How are they working out for Sheldon?
A: Sheldon has taken a few steps at a time, but is very, very weak. We don't know yet about Physio.
Q: Does he require any meds?
A: He's not currently on any medication except his usual asthma stuff. (I think)
Q: How is his breathing?
A: His throat is sore, and his voice is a whisper, but less swollen. He has a bit of a raspy cough.
Q: Can he return to a regular diet?
A: He's been eating ordinary food, but his stomach is a little testy.
Q: What is his long/short term prognosis?
A: We have no idea, since we haven't got a diagnosis. This is in God's hands.
Q: When will he be able to return to a normal lifestyle? When can he return to school?
A: We don't know when he'll get back to school or a normal lifestyle, but my suspicion is that patience will be in order for him and his family.
A: We don't know when he'll get back to school or a normal lifestyle, but my suspicion is that patience will be in order for him and his family.
The Downs and the Ups
So Sheldon and his parents have been sent home by the emergency staff. They checked his brain pressure and it was normal, presumably ruling out seizures. He will get another CT scan soon, but for now, he's at home with his exhausted, worried parents. Stay tuned...
Please pray fervently
Sheldon is heading back to Children's Hospital emergency. He started having double vision this evening and medical staff advised mom and dad to bring him back immediately. Please pray that the doctors will have wisdom as they evaluate Sheldon.
Also, mom and dad are beyond exhaustion and are having a very difficult time coping with this setback. They will need a dose of supernatural power to sustain them through what looks to be yet another sleepless night at the hospital.
-Crystal
Also, mom and dad are beyond exhaustion and are having a very difficult time coping with this setback. They will need a dose of supernatural power to sustain them through what looks to be yet another sleepless night at the hospital.
-Crystal
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