Friday afternoon we headed down to NC for Mayzie and Emilia's graduation . All the girls were in the car packed and ready to go and the phone rings...normally I would have just let it ring since everyone was already in the car. (The troops can get restless when not in motion ). BUT I didn't , I answered it and I was glad I did. It was the cardiac transplant team calling to discuss their decision for Teresa.
Their decision was to not list her right now. Their concern was that some of the data in the Cath. was inconsistent . Some of the data showed her lungs were improving and might be able to accept a new heart BUT there was a lot of concern as to if there was enough vasculature and if it would be able to accept the new blood flow . So , they are not saying no, they want to wait and repeat the heart Cath. in a few months and at the same time do a cardiac MRI to also measure the blood flow to her lungs and if these 2 tests together are consistent then they will make the decision to list her.
Needless to say we are very disappointed but we are trying to be optimistic. If it were up to me (and being the control freak that I am ), I would be on the phone tomorrow shceduling the cath. and MRI trying to get it done ASAP! But I am going to wait on GOD. This is HIS plan and HIS timing . I know HE has something already planned for Teresa and we will have to wait, be patient and trust in God. God is always good in everything .
We got in the car ,put on a happy face and headed to NC.
Paw4People/Paws4Vets, what an amazing organization !
We had the honor of being part of a truly inspirational weekend . It was standing room only for the 20 children and Veterans whose family and friends came together to support them as they graduated with their service dogs.
The children's stories were all incredible. They have all been able to overcome so many obstacles with the help of their dogs , some physical but most socially and emotionally .
Emilia was so happy ! She even got up in front of the entire graduation and spoke about how happy she was to have Mayzie. Her level of confidence has increased drastically since Mayzie has come into her life. Her writing ability and vocabulary have also improved. She writes daily in her journal about Mayzie .
Next to graduate were the Veterans. Paws4Vets provides service dogs to Vets who return home from war and are faced with many life changing emotions and circumstances . Many of the Vets suffer from Post Traumatic Stress disorder . The dogs have been trained to help them emotionally and physically with their stress. Their stories of survival and triumph were awe-inspiring. To sit next to them and witness their pride and achievement was very moving . We were honored to be able to "Thank " them for their service to our country .
After graduation ,photos and a special dinner, the girls had some time to relax and look for shells on the beach . Even Mayzie loved looking for shells!
We are so grateful to everyone for your continued prayers, love and support for Teresa. We pray God will sustain her and keep her safe as she waits for HIS timing for her MIRACLE !
Ann, I am so relieved that their answer was not "no", but I can only imagine how hard it was for you to hear "wait" yet again. I wanted to share something with you, in the hopes that it will encourage you a little.... Anyway, since it is Palm Sunday we decided to pull out "The Passion of the Christ" DVD and watch the movie again. I'd seen the movie when it first came out, but I couldn't bear to watch it again until this evening, just because it is such an emotional, painful thing to "witness". This time I found myself struck with how often, from the first moment of the film until the last, the movie reminds the viewer of the foretelling of what would happen to Jesus..."He was wounded for our transgressions..." from Isaiah...700 years before Christ, etc. All the details of what would happen to Jesus were known by God long, long before they would happen. NONE of it was a surprise to Him. After the movie I checked your blog and saw your latest update about Teresa.... So, even though it wasn't the news I was hoping to hear, I am newly reminded that God has a plan for her too (just as you also said), and while we may not know what it is (yet), the plan is in place and it will not be frustrated...not by transplant teams, or vascular systems or insurance companies...or anything else. I just want you to know that I'm on my knees for the long haul and I'm going to keep praying for this sweet little girl and the whole Bartlinski family. We have 229 folks on the Facebook prayer group and it's my hope that each one of us will continue to dig in with dogged, white-knuckled prayer on behalf of your family and especially this precious daughter, as we wait til God reveals his plan.
ReplyDeleteI must echo the words written in the previous response and in your post, God has a very special plan for Teresa. I was also disappointed in the news from the transplant team, but also glad to read that they did not say no transplant, just wait and see.
ReplyDeleteHow proud you must have been of Emilia yesterday when she talked in front of the group. That is quite an achievement for a young person.
You and your family have done so much for these precious children God has put into your lives. My prayers continue to be with your entire family. I continue to believe that God is going to bestow a very special blessing on your whole family. Keep the faith. He is able to do more than we can ever think or ask.
God Bless!!
What they said Ann - it's not a no - it's a later...and just maybe our Father knows that later is better! Regardless - He has the conn!
ReplyDeleteAnd thrilled about the gradutation - great joy for you guys!!
hugs - aus and co.
As always we will continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteSo very happy for Emilia and the positive changes since Mayzie has entered her life. What a wonderful experience it sounds like you all had a the graduation.
Blessings - The Carrs
Well, I've got a dissenting opinion. God gave us hands, voices, brains to develop technology etc. I would say "Get on that phone". Got expects us to act to assist those in need. "I was sick and you looked after me...whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me". Just my two cents. Sending you strength for your journey with your children.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and your entire family. I had my little boy come home in October and was told that his pulmonary hypertension was so severe he would not survive the surgery to repair the multiple congenital defects in his heart. They told us he was inoperable to go home and enjoy the next few months. After begging for another opinion and lots of prayers they decided to go through with the surgery. While he did have post-op complications he is now doing wonderful and unrecognizable from the weak frail little boy of less than a year ago. I know God has plans for your little girl and that she will be another miracle just like my boy. Please let me know if there is anyway I can help you in fundraising for the medical costs that you are going to endure.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
-Tricia