Hi friends, (all 65 of you!) thankyou all for your prayers this year!
Many ups and downs and too many close shaves to even remember them all.
Many times of despair and times we have also known divine peace.
Praying God will bless you as you earnestly seek Him.
With much love
Greg, Ange, Em, James and Georgie.
PS Georgie not too bad at present, been taking her out for walks in the afternoons.
Anyone passing through Dubbo please come and see us.
ph 68850072
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday pls pray re pneumonia.
Still battling. Georgie is at home but the pneumonia is unrelenting.
All very tired up for about 4 hrs each night lately so only getting a couple of hours sleep.
Have had a lot of difficulty getting a GP for Georgie as I suspect most drs just don't want to know about her.
This was initially at the paediatricians prompting as he considered his time too important to spend on Georgie.
Had a bit of a breakthrough there when I met a friends sister at Christmas carols on saturday night - she phoned a dr friend of hers who has even been praying for Georgie on a prayer chain. She will take her on in the new year and can do home visits.
The main issue is that she get through the pneumonia now. Hospital drs are so hard now about antibiotics etc.
Funny thing happened to day. Georgie needed some decent chest physio. I prayed at lunch time that a certain nurse would come out today- and she did! She said "I'm not actually meant to be here today in fact I was out on another job but they rang me at about 12.45 and said leave that job and go out to Georgina". (I didn't tell her about the prayer......)
Yesterday our dogs strayed off and didn't come back which they don't normally do. Got a phone call and they were at a farm up the rd. Went to get them and met a lovely family with ten kids. we got talking and basically they have a daughter whom they care for at home much like Georgina. They were at westmead under the same drs etc and in the same ward. There were some awful similarities. Their little girl has maybe a kind of autism which causes bad seizures. The mum said she used to see Georgie in Dubbo hospital when she was in with her girl - yet we never saw her in there. She said every time she walked past Georgie's room she just wanted to go in and cuddle her and talk with her as she looked so beautiful.
Anyway it was mutually beneficial talking.
Wow - what can happen when your dogs go walkabout.
Had a visit today from Hooleys at Murrumbatemen who have laboured long in prayer for Georgina. They testified that each time they were despairing for Georgina they were told "pray for life" so this is what they have been doing ever since.
All very tired up for about 4 hrs each night lately so only getting a couple of hours sleep.
Have had a lot of difficulty getting a GP for Georgie as I suspect most drs just don't want to know about her.
This was initially at the paediatricians prompting as he considered his time too important to spend on Georgie.
Had a bit of a breakthrough there when I met a friends sister at Christmas carols on saturday night - she phoned a dr friend of hers who has even been praying for Georgie on a prayer chain. She will take her on in the new year and can do home visits.
The main issue is that she get through the pneumonia now. Hospital drs are so hard now about antibiotics etc.
Funny thing happened to day. Georgie needed some decent chest physio. I prayed at lunch time that a certain nurse would come out today- and she did! She said "I'm not actually meant to be here today in fact I was out on another job but they rang me at about 12.45 and said leave that job and go out to Georgina". (I didn't tell her about the prayer......)
Yesterday our dogs strayed off and didn't come back which they don't normally do. Got a phone call and they were at a farm up the rd. Went to get them and met a lovely family with ten kids. we got talking and basically they have a daughter whom they care for at home much like Georgina. They were at westmead under the same drs etc and in the same ward. There were some awful similarities. Their little girl has maybe a kind of autism which causes bad seizures. The mum said she used to see Georgie in Dubbo hospital when she was in with her girl - yet we never saw her in there. She said every time she walked past Georgie's room she just wanted to go in and cuddle her and talk with her as she looked so beautiful.
Anyway it was mutually beneficial talking.
Wow - what can happen when your dogs go walkabout.
Had a visit today from Hooleys at Murrumbatemen who have laboured long in prayer for Georgina. They testified that each time they were despairing for Georgina they were told "pray for life" so this is what they have been doing ever since.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday
Not too bad the last couple of days. Seems to be getting a bit of strength back to cough and overcome the pneumonia.
Last day of school today!
Last day of school today!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday
Well Georgie got through the night OK.
I got up at about 2am til 4am and she was very peaceful but it seemed scarcely breathing. I just sat with her reading and put her on some oxygen which the Lourdes hospital nurses brought out. These times are so special and it is not a strain to be up at that hour when she is so restful and peaceful. Just speaking the word over her and praying.
Fortunately the reflux she had so much over winter has left her alone for the past few weeks.Praying it stays away.
Ange thinks the UTI has now pretty much cleared up. Thankyou Lord.
Yesterday afternoon Barb Malcolm brought her two daughters out and two young sisters who were very good friends of Georgie. They have made a habit of coming every Friday afternoon since Georgie got back. It is wonderful to see them come in and hold her little hands and talk with her. They all pray for her. They left a card for her which was beautiful telling of their love for her and her friendship. They are such a blessing.
The Lourdes hospital nurses who came out were a welcome relief. No arguing or haggling over what should or shouldn't be done, no opinions etc just helpful. They brought out an oxygen unit which will help her when she has times of breathing difficulty.
They are going to try to find her a GP who can come to the home as we have had no luck ourselves. If this can be done and she has oxygen at home then there is little need for her to go to hospital esp as we find ourselves exhausted by the time she comes out of hospital again.
They have also undertaken to look into some minor things for her which will make some things better for her. They also wanted to get some blood samples done and see what she really still does or doesn't need in terms of things like liver function test etc. This is important to know for even simple things like how much panadol we can give. The reality is that nothing has been altered since she left Westmead almost a year ago and little has been investigated on any basis to see whether she does or doesn't need it. Not talking in terms of seizure meds here just the extra things she gets.
Also going to investigate the necessity for the central line which has an infection in it and is quite likely the culprit for the high temps etc. It has really only been used a few times this year and last time she went to hospital they didn't even put her on a drip.
Well it is a great relief to know we can do most things at home now and with a bit of extra back up and support.
She is in God's hands. Safe.
I got up at about 2am til 4am and she was very peaceful but it seemed scarcely breathing. I just sat with her reading and put her on some oxygen which the Lourdes hospital nurses brought out. These times are so special and it is not a strain to be up at that hour when she is so restful and peaceful. Just speaking the word over her and praying.
Fortunately the reflux she had so much over winter has left her alone for the past few weeks.Praying it stays away.
Ange thinks the UTI has now pretty much cleared up. Thankyou Lord.
Yesterday afternoon Barb Malcolm brought her two daughters out and two young sisters who were very good friends of Georgie. They have made a habit of coming every Friday afternoon since Georgie got back. It is wonderful to see them come in and hold her little hands and talk with her. They all pray for her. They left a card for her which was beautiful telling of their love for her and her friendship. They are such a blessing.
The Lourdes hospital nurses who came out were a welcome relief. No arguing or haggling over what should or shouldn't be done, no opinions etc just helpful. They brought out an oxygen unit which will help her when she has times of breathing difficulty.
They are going to try to find her a GP who can come to the home as we have had no luck ourselves. If this can be done and she has oxygen at home then there is little need for her to go to hospital esp as we find ourselves exhausted by the time she comes out of hospital again.
They have also undertaken to look into some minor things for her which will make some things better for her. They also wanted to get some blood samples done and see what she really still does or doesn't need in terms of things like liver function test etc. This is important to know for even simple things like how much panadol we can give. The reality is that nothing has been altered since she left Westmead almost a year ago and little has been investigated on any basis to see whether she does or doesn't need it. Not talking in terms of seizure meds here just the extra things she gets.
Also going to investigate the necessity for the central line which has an infection in it and is quite likely the culprit for the high temps etc. It has really only been used a few times this year and last time she went to hospital they didn't even put her on a drip.
Well it is a great relief to know we can do most things at home now and with a bit of extra back up and support.
She is in God's hands. Safe.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Things gone pear shaped again
Hi after Georgie's rapid recovery (Sunday Monday) she has now been battling for the last two days and nights with a chest infection which flared up in hospital and was partly overcome by the treatment for the UTI. It has been pretty constant for the last 48 hrs so none of us has had much sleep.
We have let palliative care know and they will come out in the morning to see what help they can be eg provide some oxygen etc and giving some advice on pain relief. Just having to play it all by ear and seeing what she and God want to do.
If she deteriorates we will probably have to take her to hospital tonight.
The strain on Ange particularly is awful and she is on her own most of the day with Georgie.
So again we value your prayers.
We have let palliative care know and they will come out in the morning to see what help they can be eg provide some oxygen etc and giving some advice on pain relief. Just having to play it all by ear and seeing what she and God want to do.
If she deteriorates we will probably have to take her to hospital tonight.
The strain on Ange particularly is awful and she is on her own most of the day with Georgie.
So again we value your prayers.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday
Georgie came home again this morning.
Hard to believe she recovered so rapidly.
Yet on only Saturday night the dr asked Ange several times between about 2am and 4am to call me to come in as he did not think she would last.
Looked very very comfy this morning.
Hot as up here today.
Hard to believe she recovered so rapidly.
Yet on only Saturday night the dr asked Ange several times between about 2am and 4am to call me to come in as he did not think she would last.
Looked very very comfy this morning.
Hot as up here today.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday
Georgie had a settled night last night and was mostly off oxygen.
The nurse remarked "she is so tough!" The same nurse had been very concerned with the breathing on Friday night. She will still need to battle off the chest infection completely. The dr said the other night she did not know that the anti biotics could catch it.
The UTI she had is being treated but she developed another complication with a chest infection.
On Friday night her breathing was so rapid and so shallow and at times there were even pauses in the breathing and she just was not keeping her oxygen sats up enough.
I rang two other hospitals to speak with palliative care staff and also the palliative care nurse at the hospital (who has never been brought in before as nobody lets her know when Georgie is there- I did not even know there was one) They all gave useful advice. The staff worker at the hospital seemed very helpful and said she could be a go between to stop all the pressure from drs etc. This we have found has become worse than dealing with the sickness itself.
I rang my old dr from Nyngan who is a very good GP who passes through Dubbo fortnightly about possibility of home visits. This would be something good to pray about as Ange and I have had it with the hospital and the stipulations they are putting on us.
Yesterday afternoon we had a lovely time where Em, her school friend Helen and our pastor's son Tim were all baptised at the river. About 80 people came down from various churches and some school friends.
The kids all went swimming afterwards.
I will put some photos up some time.
It was a very moving ceremony and Em shared some of her faith journey of going through some valleys esp when she was separated from us when they were forced to stay at Dubbo when we were with Georgie in Sydney in 2007. She said the Psalms became a real comfort to her during the loneliness and worry.
The nurse remarked "she is so tough!" The same nurse had been very concerned with the breathing on Friday night. She will still need to battle off the chest infection completely. The dr said the other night she did not know that the anti biotics could catch it.
The UTI she had is being treated but she developed another complication with a chest infection.
On Friday night her breathing was so rapid and so shallow and at times there were even pauses in the breathing and she just was not keeping her oxygen sats up enough.
I rang two other hospitals to speak with palliative care staff and also the palliative care nurse at the hospital (who has never been brought in before as nobody lets her know when Georgie is there- I did not even know there was one) They all gave useful advice. The staff worker at the hospital seemed very helpful and said she could be a go between to stop all the pressure from drs etc. This we have found has become worse than dealing with the sickness itself.
I rang my old dr from Nyngan who is a very good GP who passes through Dubbo fortnightly about possibility of home visits. This would be something good to pray about as Ange and I have had it with the hospital and the stipulations they are putting on us.
Yesterday afternoon we had a lovely time where Em, her school friend Helen and our pastor's son Tim were all baptised at the river. About 80 people came down from various churches and some school friends.
The kids all went swimming afterwards.
I will put some photos up some time.
It was a very moving ceremony and Em shared some of her faith journey of going through some valleys esp when she was separated from us when they were forced to stay at Dubbo when we were with Georgie in Sydney in 2007. She said the Psalms became a real comfort to her during the loneliness and worry.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Georgie gone to hospital today
Georgie gone back into hospital this afternoon as she is battling infections and hospital made us bring her in there for treatment.
Ange fighting off drs etc.
Nurses helpful.
Have contacted an old dr friend who will try to get some help with home visits rather than have to keep going through the hospital who only slow things down.
Ange fighting off drs etc.
Nurses helpful.
Have contacted an old dr friend who will try to get some help with home visits rather than have to keep going through the hospital who only slow things down.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
wednesday
Had a phone call from a friend today who said they still pray daily. Jesus said we should not give up in prayer.
Last night Georgie just looked so frail, small, pale and tired and still so beautiful. Covered her in prayer and went to bed about midnight or so. She was still there this morning.
Thought to give her some spinach for iron last night but was too late to go and get any. Ange said don't worry Peggy Lovell came to visit today and brought a bunch. Reminded me of the verse "before you call I will answer you".
Last night Georgie just looked so frail, small, pale and tired and still so beautiful. Covered her in prayer and went to bed about midnight or so. She was still there this morning.
Thought to give her some spinach for iron last night but was too late to go and get any. Ange said don't worry Peggy Lovell came to visit today and brought a bunch. Reminded me of the verse "before you call I will answer you".
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday 30th Oct
Some up and down days - the weekend was pretty good really.
On Saturday night Georgie just seemed to be more "there" than normal and so I stayed up until 1am reading to her when she went off to sleep. I think I've probably said before that as time has gone on we are more sure that Georgie can hear and probably even understand some of what we are saying. She often wakes up just from little touches now and sometimes from speaking to her she will open her eyes.
Been stinking hot up here lately but on Thursday we put down some turf so we now have a back lawn and James and I finished it IN THE RAIN - drizzled on and off during the night and we got 9mm of rain which helped no end. It cheered us up no end esp Ange.
Georgie has had episodes of rigors shaking lately maybe every few days her temp will suddenly flare up and she will shake. At the most recent blood test (that we were able to get a copy of that is) she still had a bacterial infection which she picked up in ICU at Westmead in 2007.
James enjoying the cricket season.
Em in Sydney on an art/history excursion overnight. Em and a friend and another fellow all getting baptised on Sunday.
This verse got me today.
Psalm 50 v 23
"Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honours me, and I will surely save all who obey me"
On Saturday night Georgie just seemed to be more "there" than normal and so I stayed up until 1am reading to her when she went off to sleep. I think I've probably said before that as time has gone on we are more sure that Georgie can hear and probably even understand some of what we are saying. She often wakes up just from little touches now and sometimes from speaking to her she will open her eyes.
Been stinking hot up here lately but on Thursday we put down some turf so we now have a back lawn and James and I finished it IN THE RAIN - drizzled on and off during the night and we got 9mm of rain which helped no end. It cheered us up no end esp Ange.
Georgie has had episodes of rigors shaking lately maybe every few days her temp will suddenly flare up and she will shake. At the most recent blood test (that we were able to get a copy of that is) she still had a bacterial infection which she picked up in ICU at Westmead in 2007.
James enjoying the cricket season.
Em in Sydney on an art/history excursion overnight. Em and a friend and another fellow all getting baptised on Sunday.
This verse got me today.
Psalm 50 v 23
"Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honours me, and I will surely save all who obey me"
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A few pics
Thought I'd put a few pics in for interest.
One is of Ange and Georgie at home going for a walk.
Another is of a mate praying for Georgie back at Westmead last year. (he had a son who is fine now who also had a trip to Westmead with hydro encephalytis and was in a coma for several days but was granted a miracle. The drs went in 3 times to take him to theatre for an operation and each time he sat up in bed. This unnerved the drs....)
The other is of one of the nurses at Westmead lovingly caring for Georgie.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dear friends we thank you most sincerely for your continued support. We really value your continued prayer. I've been asked for a few specifics etc.
Dad said the other day God gives us grace one day at a time. Sometimes it is hard to feel it and other times there is a sudden peace which takes you beyond yourself.
We are asked "how are you bearing up" to be honest only just at times - there is no solution at hand really. People ask is it time consuming? Yesterday although we have lived in our house for nearly a year i said to Em "can we get TV out here?"-made me realise how infrequently we sit down.
It is hard and often continuous work with little respite. The respite we do get is from the Dubbo base hospital when Georgie is sick enough to warrant going in there and even then it is very stressful because it is always another case of life and death and talks of quality of life and suffering etc. and all of the worrying that comes with that always wanting to do what is right and not just what is easy or convenient for drs however nicely they try to put it all.
These times and talks are very demoralising and so we hang on at home until it is either completely beyond us or just plain unfair to Georgie. She escaped dying again last week when she was in there-against all expectations from medicos really. Nurses were very relieved to see her rally again and re-stabilise.
It is a cruel process and ange and i have been pondering lately the fact that we have not become nervous wrecks. esp as it was our 3rd night and day continuously with little rest. Georgie has just been so sick. Up at 3am the other morning I said to Ange "Now we are having fun!!!" Thank God for a sense of humour.
We have prayed all manner of ways and fasted and whatever else yet her life hangs by a thread it seems.
One thing we have become more certain of is her ability to be aware of what is going on so that she can be woken by touch or even sound and i think she can understand as well yet just cannot communicate back to us.
It tears our hearts out continually.
The strain is hard on Emily and James as well who have to watch her suffer sometimes. Yet Georgie must still be very determined to live. Drs say the whole medical world believe she has"superior genes" which we don't know about that, but sustained by prayer and by God for reasons not known to us we can only press on, believing that he who has begun a good work will see it through until the day of completion....To God be all praise.
The UnitingCare home help are a great help and reprieve to Ange and a real God-send. The head lady is always very positive and encouraging.
Dad said the other day God gives us grace one day at a time. Sometimes it is hard to feel it and other times there is a sudden peace which takes you beyond yourself.
We are asked "how are you bearing up" to be honest only just at times - there is no solution at hand really. People ask is it time consuming? Yesterday although we have lived in our house for nearly a year i said to Em "can we get TV out here?"-made me realise how infrequently we sit down.
It is hard and often continuous work with little respite. The respite we do get is from the Dubbo base hospital when Georgie is sick enough to warrant going in there and even then it is very stressful because it is always another case of life and death and talks of quality of life and suffering etc. and all of the worrying that comes with that always wanting to do what is right and not just what is easy or convenient for drs however nicely they try to put it all.
These times and talks are very demoralising and so we hang on at home until it is either completely beyond us or just plain unfair to Georgie. She escaped dying again last week when she was in there-against all expectations from medicos really. Nurses were very relieved to see her rally again and re-stabilise.
It is a cruel process and ange and i have been pondering lately the fact that we have not become nervous wrecks. esp as it was our 3rd night and day continuously with little rest. Georgie has just been so sick. Up at 3am the other morning I said to Ange "Now we are having fun!!!" Thank God for a sense of humour.
We have prayed all manner of ways and fasted and whatever else yet her life hangs by a thread it seems.
One thing we have become more certain of is her ability to be aware of what is going on so that she can be woken by touch or even sound and i think she can understand as well yet just cannot communicate back to us.
It tears our hearts out continually.
The strain is hard on Emily and James as well who have to watch her suffer sometimes. Yet Georgie must still be very determined to live. Drs say the whole medical world believe she has"superior genes" which we don't know about that, but sustained by prayer and by God for reasons not known to us we can only press on, believing that he who has begun a good work will see it through until the day of completion....To God be all praise.
The UnitingCare home help are a great help and reprieve to Ange and a real God-send. The head lady is always very positive and encouraging.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday
Georgie came home on wednesday afternoon and has been Ok. She battled off another round of whatever it is she has been fighting in hospital without any real intervention ie no anti biotics etc. We had long talks with drs which are very draining and against some predictions she pulled through again. She is just not ready to go anywhere that is all there is to it. She is in the Lord's hands and we trust Him as her Father so we must just be resolved that He has these things in His hands for whatever reason. Still we pray. I think we have almost learnt what it is to pray continually, even though sometimes it is not much more than a "Lord; Georgie..."
Took her for a walk yesterday evening - in the wheelchair. (I have to add this as a girl from school thought I meant Georgie was walking by herself and told her whole class!) If only.
"The Lord is faithful.... He will strengthen and protect you".
2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Took her for a walk yesterday evening - in the wheelchair. (I have to add this as a girl from school thought I meant Georgie was walking by herself and told her whole class!) If only.
"The Lord is faithful.... He will strengthen and protect you".
2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday afternoon
Hi went in to see Georgie this afternoon and she was pretty calm and peaceful.
Nurses said "I think she's rallied again".
Head nurse said "don't worry she does this!" She is the most unphased person and so cool and never seems to tire of us turning up with Georgie on heaven's doorstep time and again.
She still has a bit of a temp but is tolerating feeds again pretty well so possibly come home again in a day or two.
Nurses said "I think she's rallied again".
Head nurse said "don't worry she does this!" She is the most unphased person and so cool and never seems to tire of us turning up with Georgie on heaven's doorstep time and again.
She still has a bit of a temp but is tolerating feeds again pretty well so possibly come home again in a day or two.
Monday
Georgie went into hospital on Thursday afternoon after becoming really unstable.
She probably has several infections and who knows what else.
She is up and down and it has been a case where she could go either way.
Drs say at times she is deteriorating then at others she is rallying etc. then we were told she may be sent home. We really don't know.
She probably has several infections and who knows what else.
She is up and down and it has been a case where she could go either way.
Drs say at times she is deteriorating then at others she is rallying etc. then we were told she may be sent home. We really don't know.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Hi there a quick update. Georgie been at home again since last saturday. She has had a few ups and downs and been less stable than normal. Things are not really right and we don't know just why or what it is.
Her care has been very constant of late. (ie day and night)
"Of all the places God lives our humble human heart is the most precious to Him. (Robert Street - Holiness Unwrapped)
(Psalm 51 10- 12)
Create a pure heart in me, O God and put a new and loyal spirit in me....
Her care has been very constant of late. (ie day and night)
"Of all the places God lives our humble human heart is the most precious to Him. (Robert Street - Holiness Unwrapped)
(Psalm 51 10- 12)
Create a pure heart in me, O God and put a new and loyal spirit in me....
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday 30th oct
Georgie had a trip to hospital on Thursday (midday) but is coming home again today.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
THursday 22nd Oct
As I said in the post on Monday things change quickly. Georgie has had a rattley chest again the last few days. When she is like this she can sometimes get sick very quickly and end up in hospital. She doesn't look happy at the moment. Ange has been trying to get her out for walks twice a day to help her chest. What a tireless mother!
Was there ever a more devoted mother?
As I have written this just now a scene comes to mind of another mother - Mary and of her anguish as she watched her beloved son - indeed The Christ, brutalised and crucified and seen His agony and she powerless to help, a witness until the end. Devoted yes. Many sorrows in this world. Just before Georgie got sick we were listening to Rhema FM together one morning after an early trip out to our block and a Rwandan woman was speaking of how she had witnessed six of her seven children and her usband killed before her eyes by men with machetes and she having escaped with one child only yet now she had found joy again in Jesus. Georgie said to me "that is so sad, but she sounds so happy" I said "yes because she has found Jesus now"
Well sorry if this seems rather glum today! - We are very tired again as the constancy wears us out.
Was there ever a more devoted mother?
As I have written this just now a scene comes to mind of another mother - Mary and of her anguish as she watched her beloved son - indeed The Christ, brutalised and crucified and seen His agony and she powerless to help, a witness until the end. Devoted yes. Many sorrows in this world. Just before Georgie got sick we were listening to Rhema FM together one morning after an early trip out to our block and a Rwandan woman was speaking of how she had witnessed six of her seven children and her usband killed before her eyes by men with machetes and she having escaped with one child only yet now she had found joy again in Jesus. Georgie said to me "that is so sad, but she sounds so happy" I said "yes because she has found Jesus now"
Well sorry if this seems rather glum today! - We are very tired again as the constancy wears us out.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday 19th Oct.
Dear brothers and sisters Georgie has been having a good couple of weeks again and this has been much more relaxing to not be on edge all the time.
Her breathing was a bit heavier this morning so we pray that with the warm day (without wind!) she can get outside and get some sun. On saturday Ange said that was about Georgie's best day since being home. They took her for a walk in the chair down the road too along with Em's friend who was up from Sydney.
James and I went bushwalking up at the Warrumbungles for the day on Saturday. It was fantastic.
When we were fixing Georgie up in bed the other day we left her on her side momentarily and she rolled over rapidly onto her back but got a fright and was moving around quickly with her arms as she probably had a sensation of falling. We thought for that to happen she would have to have some sense of awareness and balance to be working. Little glimpses of Georgie still. Sometimes she tries to move but we are told that due to neuropathies from being immobile so long plus seizures that even if she tries to move one part maybe another part will move instead etc. Very complicated.
Still nothing is too difficult for God.
We still get stories of people who wake up in the middle of the night with an urgency to pray.
We all know that she has these good times and that sometimes even later that day she can be having a tough time again.
So thank God while we can and pray for more.
"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart"
Luke 2 v 19
Her breathing was a bit heavier this morning so we pray that with the warm day (without wind!) she can get outside and get some sun. On saturday Ange said that was about Georgie's best day since being home. They took her for a walk in the chair down the road too along with Em's friend who was up from Sydney.
James and I went bushwalking up at the Warrumbungles for the day on Saturday. It was fantastic.
When we were fixing Georgie up in bed the other day we left her on her side momentarily and she rolled over rapidly onto her back but got a fright and was moving around quickly with her arms as she probably had a sensation of falling. We thought for that to happen she would have to have some sense of awareness and balance to be working. Little glimpses of Georgie still. Sometimes she tries to move but we are told that due to neuropathies from being immobile so long plus seizures that even if she tries to move one part maybe another part will move instead etc. Very complicated.
Still nothing is too difficult for God.
We still get stories of people who wake up in the middle of the night with an urgency to pray.
We all know that she has these good times and that sometimes even later that day she can be having a tough time again.
So thank God while we can and pray for more.
"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart"
Luke 2 v 19
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wednesday 14th
Been a fairly settled week really for Georgie. Last night as we said goodnight she was just awake and peaceful and smiling.
Em and James still on school hols.
Had a couple of visitors lately which has been nice esp as Georgie has been a bit easier to look after the last couple of weeks. The Sydney Lemons and the Watsons came out too. It was good to have some normal things going on at home.
Praying for our friend Norma who has just gone to Samoa to do some chaplaincy work.
Em and James still on school hols.
Had a couple of visitors lately which has been nice esp as Georgie has been a bit easier to look after the last couple of weeks. The Sydney Lemons and the Watsons came out too. It was good to have some normal things going on at home.
Praying for our friend Norma who has just gone to Samoa to do some chaplaincy work.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
THursday 8th Oct
Thanks to all those who regularly pray. I still believe that prayer is the answer.
Georgie has generally been more settled after that terrible weekend recently and we are glad she did not go back to hospital. (Thinking out loud here ....I sometimes wonder what would have happened had she never been taken to hospital in the beginning and just allowed to sleep at the show. She got so frightened at the hospital. Well we will never know.)
She has had a few infections here and there.
Been up and down at night a lot lately so all very tired.
God is good and his mercies keep coming.
The home care help has stayed at the reduced 4 hrs weekdays but for how much longer no one can say.
Georgie has generally been more settled after that terrible weekend recently and we are glad she did not go back to hospital. (Thinking out loud here ....I sometimes wonder what would have happened had she never been taken to hospital in the beginning and just allowed to sleep at the show. She got so frightened at the hospital. Well we will never know.)
She has had a few infections here and there.
Been up and down at night a lot lately so all very tired.
God is good and his mercies keep coming.
The home care help has stayed at the reduced 4 hrs weekdays but for how much longer no one can say.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday 28th Sept
Hi Georgie has had a very rough weekend with seizures and vomiting. It is pretty serious (again)
She has had one of her meds altered and it it could be this but then maybe it isn't.
Ange is just about had it. Have been thinking at times what is the point of all of this? Yet we can only do what we know to do - otherwise you would do nothing at all.
As I was reading Samuel last night I found this passage about Joab the leader of David's army and how a hired army had come against him. They formed themselves into battle. Joab against the Syrians and his brother against the men of ammon. It struck me how this is what we do as Christians. When the enemy is too strong for our brother we go to help him and vice versa. They formed into battle as this is what they knew to do - the rest was up to God.
2 Samuel 10 v 9 When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel’s best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. 10 And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. 11 Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
She has had one of her meds altered and it it could be this but then maybe it isn't.
Ange is just about had it. Have been thinking at times what is the point of all of this? Yet we can only do what we know to do - otherwise you would do nothing at all.
As I was reading Samuel last night I found this passage about Joab the leader of David's army and how a hired army had come against him. They formed themselves into battle. Joab against the Syrians and his brother against the men of ammon. It struck me how this is what we do as Christians. When the enemy is too strong for our brother we go to help him and vice versa. They formed into battle as this is what they knew to do - the rest was up to God.
2 Samuel 10 v 9 When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel’s best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. 10 And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. 11 Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
Thursday, September 24, 2009
thursday 24th Sept
Hi there praying friends of Georgie. Georgie has had a reasonably good week at home again now.
The weather has been warming up a bit which will be better for her chest.
We all went for our first family walk with Georgie the other afternoon with her in her wheelchair. We stopped and talked with one of the neighbours. It was hard for her as she hasn't seen Georgie since before she got sick. This is hard really.
"suffering" changes many things. Some friends go and then others come.
It was heartening last Sunday at church to hear that a Vanuatuan fellow has the churches in Vanuatu still praying for Georgie.
A friend from a little country church said on Sunday morning that a guy was praying for Georgie in their service and then a prayer like he'd never heard before just came forth. The guy praying said he had never been so moved by the spirit in a service before.Indeed this gave them hope that God was still on the case.
The weather has been warming up a bit which will be better for her chest.
We all went for our first family walk with Georgie the other afternoon with her in her wheelchair. We stopped and talked with one of the neighbours. It was hard for her as she hasn't seen Georgie since before she got sick. This is hard really.
"suffering" changes many things. Some friends go and then others come.
It was heartening last Sunday at church to hear that a Vanuatuan fellow has the churches in Vanuatu still praying for Georgie.
A friend from a little country church said on Sunday morning that a guy was praying for Georgie in their service and then a prayer like he'd never heard before just came forth. The guy praying said he had never been so moved by the spirit in a service before.Indeed this gave them hope that God was still on the case.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday 16th
Hi Georgie has survived another trip to hospital and is back home with us again today.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
thursday
Georgie has been stabilising again and the drip turned off today as she is mostly tolerating almost full feed.
We have had some serious discussions with drs the last two days which is really hard going on us and on them.
The main dr this morning said he had spoken to Georgie this morning and she had looked at him. He was surprised and said "she does have brain function". Yes we know that. It is the first time I have heard a dr say this.
We have had some serious discussions with drs the last two days which is really hard going on us and on them.
The main dr this morning said he had spoken to Georgie this morning and she had looked at him. He was surprised and said "she does have brain function". Yes we know that. It is the first time I have heard a dr say this.
"Awake you who sleep
Arise from the dead
and Christ will give you light" Ephesians 5.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Hi Georgie went into hospital on Saturday due to just too much vomiting etc.
She has lost about 4 kg over the winter due to being sick so much so has lost the reserves she did have before.
The pneumonia has not cleared up properly and seems to keep coming back.
She has had worse times but must be able to tolerate food in her stomach. She is on a drip and just electrolytes with some nutrition now being added slowly.
The home care help we have had has been cut from 8 hrs to six and now 4 hrs per day monday to friday. We have a meeting which the head dr has called on friday to discuss all of this. He doesn't think it is enough - and we know it isn't.
Jesus promises we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.
Our elder's wife prayed beautifully at church on sunday for strength for us and for healing for Georgie. They are still at it which is wonderful.
God still reveals the riches of His grace to us in ways that are hard to explain but just warm our souls.
She has lost about 4 kg over the winter due to being sick so much so has lost the reserves she did have before.
The pneumonia has not cleared up properly and seems to keep coming back.
She has had worse times but must be able to tolerate food in her stomach. She is on a drip and just electrolytes with some nutrition now being added slowly.
The home care help we have had has been cut from 8 hrs to six and now 4 hrs per day monday to friday. We have a meeting which the head dr has called on friday to discuss all of this. He doesn't think it is enough - and we know it isn't.
Jesus promises we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.
Our elder's wife prayed beautifully at church on sunday for strength for us and for healing for Georgie. They are still at it which is wonderful.
God still reveals the riches of His grace to us in ways that are hard to explain but just warm our souls.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hi things have been really hard lately for all of us. To be honest we feel almost at the end of our tether after about 6 weeks of little sleep.
Georgie has just not been going so well and has been sick a lot. (more than usual that is)
We appreciate your prayers for strength. We are hanging out for the end of winter hoping Georgie's lingering chest trouble will clear and she will become more settled again.
Last night was the worst. All of Dubbo's electricity went out between about midnight and 3am. It seemed as though Georgie stirred and was sick for about the same 3 hours. It was pretty tough trying to suction her by torch light.
We are sure just pondering lately if it will ever end!
Well better go - a somewhat deflated Greg this evening!
On the positive side a little fellow we have been praying for who had a heart op a few weeks ago has been making steady progress which is heartening to see prayer being answered.
Georgie has just not been going so well and has been sick a lot. (more than usual that is)
We appreciate your prayers for strength. We are hanging out for the end of winter hoping Georgie's lingering chest trouble will clear and she will become more settled again.
Last night was the worst. All of Dubbo's electricity went out between about midnight and 3am. It seemed as though Georgie stirred and was sick for about the same 3 hours. It was pretty tough trying to suction her by torch light.
We are sure just pondering lately if it will ever end!
Well better go - a somewhat deflated Greg this evening!
On the positive side a little fellow we have been praying for who had a heart op a few weeks ago has been making steady progress which is heartening to see prayer being answered.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday 31st.
Hi there Georgie came home again on Thursday afternoon. I wouldn't say she was completely over the lingering effects of the pneumonia and tummy trouble but at least rested, rehydrated and back on track a bit. She has been fairly settled again over the last few days.
We received a number of messages from people who had said they had upped their prayer efforts during the week without really knowing.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:7
We received a number of messages from people who had said they had upped their prayer efforts during the week without really knowing.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:7
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday
Hi Georgie went into hospital on Friday night as she had become so sick.
The pneumonia which she had a month ago has been lingering on and basically making her very ill so that she could not keep any food or liquid down. It became quite serious and so we got her into hospital on friday night. She was quite dehydrated. The staff put her on an IV drip and a stomach drain. Since then she has basically stabilised and begun to be able to hold food down again. We expect that she will remain in hospital until tomorrow. Please pray the hospital will be in no hurry to push her out. We have been able to get a bit better rest at home.
Please pray that God's presence would surround her.
Em and her friends all went camping at Mendooran for the weekend whilst they undertook the 40 hour famine.They had a great time.
I'm sorry i couldn't alert people earlier. In fact I was only able to tell a couple of people but by sunday morning all the churches were praying.
Psalm 36
v 5 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
The pneumonia which she had a month ago has been lingering on and basically making her very ill so that she could not keep any food or liquid down. It became quite serious and so we got her into hospital on friday night. She was quite dehydrated. The staff put her on an IV drip and a stomach drain. Since then she has basically stabilised and begun to be able to hold food down again. We expect that she will remain in hospital until tomorrow. Please pray the hospital will be in no hurry to push her out. We have been able to get a bit better rest at home.
Please pray that God's presence would surround her.
Em and her friends all went camping at Mendooran for the weekend whilst they undertook the 40 hour famine.They had a great time.
I'm sorry i couldn't alert people earlier. In fact I was only able to tell a couple of people but by sunday morning all the churches were praying.
Psalm 36
v 5 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A friend sent this text yesterday. I find the Psalms help give us guidelines to pray.
Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1O Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.” Selaha
3But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
you bestow glory on me and liftb up my head.
4To the Lord I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.
7Arise, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. Selah
Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1O Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.” Selaha
3But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
you bestow glory on me and liftb up my head.
4To the Lord I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.
7Arise, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. Selah
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday
Georgie has had quite a lot of sickness lately and has had trouble keeping a lot of her food down for some time. She has lost a little weight.
The other night I woke up at about 1.30am because the dogs were making such a racket barking outside (which they rarely do). I got up to see what was wrong, thinking maybe there was someone around and found Georgie had her arm out and was rubbing her sore ear so much she'd rubbed it raw and she'd also got cold and shivering. (She'd had a high temp earlier that evening so we had not covered her up so much as usual) I put her arm down, covered her up and tucked her in and spoke to her for a minute and she went right off to sleep. I went to see what was wrong and the dogs had stopped barking and kept silent the rest of the night. Funny.....
I went back in to Georgie, fed her, read my bible and spent an hour praying.
All in a night at the Brooke house.
The other night I woke up at about 1.30am because the dogs were making such a racket barking outside (which they rarely do). I got up to see what was wrong, thinking maybe there was someone around and found Georgie had her arm out and was rubbing her sore ear so much she'd rubbed it raw and she'd also got cold and shivering. (She'd had a high temp earlier that evening so we had not covered her up so much as usual) I put her arm down, covered her up and tucked her in and spoke to her for a minute and she went right off to sleep. I went to see what was wrong and the dogs had stopped barking and kept silent the rest of the night. Funny.....
I went back in to Georgie, fed her, read my bible and spent an hour praying.
All in a night at the Brooke house.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wed
Things are a bit up and down for Georgie but other than the infected ear have been a bit more up than down lately which is good. The antibiotics finished yesterday and now we just have to keep the ear clean and dress until it heals. We don't know what caused it. Besides being potentially dangerous it is also a nuisance as she has to sleep on the one side each night now.
Ange says Georgie has been having longer periods of wakefulness lately which is nice and she is a bit more responsive. She has an off night here and there but mostly been much more settled.
Been getting more sunny weather which is great.
We all five of us watched "faith like potatoes" last night- well worth watching.
Ange says Georgie has been having longer periods of wakefulness lately which is nice and she is a bit more responsive. She has an off night here and there but mostly been much more settled.
Been getting more sunny weather which is great.
We all five of us watched "faith like potatoes" last night- well worth watching.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Saturday 8th Aug
Days are gradually warming up so been great to get outside more with Georgie.
The infected ear has been a bit ugly but the infection does not appear to have spread and she has had no temp so we hope it is under control.
She has mainly been a bit more peaceful the last couple of weeks though coughing a bit at night which wears us out a bit.
The infected ear has been a bit ugly but the infection does not appear to have spread and she has had no temp so we hope it is under control.
She has mainly been a bit more peaceful the last couple of weeks though coughing a bit at night which wears us out a bit.
Thanks for your encouraging comments. It is heart warming lately to also receive messages from various people to say they have not stopped praying.
A friend sent us a very encouraging dvd of 5 stories of healing. One girl had fybromyalgia for 5 years and was totally incapacitated and medical help could do nothing. She was healed by the Lord and has a wonderful testimony of His grace and healing power to her. She never understood why it took five years but kept on trusting.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Well the Dr came out for his first ever at home visit ( not just to us but anywhere) (See, there are still new things happening)
He believes the swelling on the ear is not inner but an outer ear infection caused most likely by a bacteria so has started antibiotics today. The swelling had gone down a little by this morning. It was just so swollen and angry. Doc said if it did not respond to antibiotics she may need to go into hospital.
He also could not believe the otherwise good condition that Georgie is in and told Ange that Georgie was such a fighter that she would have to be in the top 1% for determination to live. Ange did not go into length about all of the answers to prayer which we know is the reason. Georgie was always quietly determined and always finished the job - whatever it happened to be. Anyway I think these comments cheered Ange up considerably.
Georgie been very peaceful today.
A pastor from my youth; Max Knight used to pray "Come Lord Jesus , come quickly!" Lately that is our prayer too.
He believes the swelling on the ear is not inner but an outer ear infection caused most likely by a bacteria so has started antibiotics today. The swelling had gone down a little by this morning. It was just so swollen and angry. Doc said if it did not respond to antibiotics she may need to go into hospital.
He also could not believe the otherwise good condition that Georgie is in and told Ange that Georgie was such a fighter that she would have to be in the top 1% for determination to live. Ange did not go into length about all of the answers to prayer which we know is the reason. Georgie was always quietly determined and always finished the job - whatever it happened to be. Anyway I think these comments cheered Ange up considerably.
Georgie been very peaceful today.
A pastor from my youth; Max Knight used to pray "Come Lord Jesus , come quickly!" Lately that is our prayer too.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday 29th July
We are having a few warmer days here and there now. Spring will be here soon.
James came in this morning to tell us that his finches and budgies are all starting to lay eggs. It reminded us of one time when Georgie was little we went over to the chook yard and watched a hen in the nesting box and the hen stood up and out dropped an egg. "An egg!" Georgie exclaimed in surprised delight as she suddenly realised just how the eggs got into the nesting boxes! Aren't kids great how they believe things magically appear.
Ange, Em and James went out to Nyngan for the weekend and had a great time catching up with the Youngs on their farm who are enjoying a good season.
Georgie had been very sick but Ange really needed a change of scenery so we convinced her to go. As they drove off I laid it all out to God expecting Him to do something but also knowing that Georgie was almost sick enough to need to go back to hospital. (Anges Mum told me later she had basically prayed ALL day)
Georgie was chesty, had a temp and had been sick and showing all te signs of recurring pneumonia and I didn't know how I could cope but then almost as soon as I'd prayed her temp disappeared, she did not cough once all weekend, no more being sick and I got her out for about three hours sunshine in the afternoon. Almost straight away when I took her outside a mass of black cloud came up threatening to block out the afternoons sun and wreck our chance of getting Georgie into some fresh warm air and sunlight. I just kept praying and asking God to give us sunlight. The big cloud mass never went away all afternoon but it just kept parting and moving around the sun so we had almost continual sunshine all afternoon. God is good and His mercies are new every morning.
Ended up being a very good weekend and was much refreshed by it for all of us.
Read Romans 8 and learnt that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus intercede for us.
"The joy of the Lord is my strength" Nehemiah 8 v 10
We are having a few warmer days here and there now. Spring will be here soon.
James came in this morning to tell us that his finches and budgies are all starting to lay eggs. It reminded us of one time when Georgie was little we went over to the chook yard and watched a hen in the nesting box and the hen stood up and out dropped an egg. "An egg!" Georgie exclaimed in surprised delight as she suddenly realised just how the eggs got into the nesting boxes! Aren't kids great how they believe things magically appear.
Ange, Em and James went out to Nyngan for the weekend and had a great time catching up with the Youngs on their farm who are enjoying a good season.
Georgie had been very sick but Ange really needed a change of scenery so we convinced her to go. As they drove off I laid it all out to God expecting Him to do something but also knowing that Georgie was almost sick enough to need to go back to hospital. (Anges Mum told me later she had basically prayed ALL day)
Georgie was chesty, had a temp and had been sick and showing all te signs of recurring pneumonia and I didn't know how I could cope but then almost as soon as I'd prayed her temp disappeared, she did not cough once all weekend, no more being sick and I got her out for about three hours sunshine in the afternoon. Almost straight away when I took her outside a mass of black cloud came up threatening to block out the afternoons sun and wreck our chance of getting Georgie into some fresh warm air and sunlight. I just kept praying and asking God to give us sunlight. The big cloud mass never went away all afternoon but it just kept parting and moving around the sun so we had almost continual sunshine all afternoon. God is good and His mercies are new every morning.
Ended up being a very good weekend and was much refreshed by it for all of us.
Read Romans 8 and learnt that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus intercede for us.
"The joy of the Lord is my strength" Nehemiah 8 v 10
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday 20th July.
Dear friends Monday to Wednesday were the best 3 days together that Georgie has had at home. Very peaceful , somewhat awake at evening times and just looking around and much more reactive to touch than usual and very minimal seizuring. What started out as an excellent week went downhill rapidly and on Thursday Georgie was coughing and breathing a bit funny and by Friday evening (Georgie's 11th birthday) as I was driving Emily and friends back from their week at CMS camp at Katoomba Ange rang and said "I think Georgie has pneumonia". It was pretty bad so we got her things together and I took her in to the hospital where we were able to care for her better. I carried her inside and found a wheel chair right at the front door which someone had discarded and put her in that and was met by a friendly nurse half way down the hall who helped me get her sitting up better and got her down to the ward quickly where the nurses had a room waiting. The nurses pretty much left me alone to do what I needed to do and just checked in on us from time to time. By the next day Georgie was breathing well and very peaceful so Sunday lunch time she came home again. (before she caught any other bugs in hospital) So far so good since then.
I spent all that Friday night beside her praying and asking God to do what He wanted to do and by the morning she was breathing fine and off oxygen. James said he woke up all through the night and got out his bible to read and pray for Georgie.
I texted just 3 or 4 people and a pastor friend texted me the next day and said "I have alerted some prayer teams and by tomorrow night there will be around 800,000 people praying around the globe" - What a family we belong to!!
With her in hospital on Sunday morning Ange and I were able to go to church together for the first time in ages with Em and James. Iris May and Margaret from Parramatta Baptist had come up to see us too which was great.
The weather is warming up a bit now which is great.
Have been reading "The purpose driven life" which is quite helpful. It was interesting that 3 times from different sources earlier last week we received helpful notes etc about being tested and also about trusting God.
I had last week off work which was great as it was the first week we've all had at home together for a long time.
Ange and I spend a lot more time together talking and reading and praying than we ever have which is really good.
Well thanks for your continued prayers.
I spent all that Friday night beside her praying and asking God to do what He wanted to do and by the morning she was breathing fine and off oxygen. James said he woke up all through the night and got out his bible to read and pray for Georgie.
I texted just 3 or 4 people and a pastor friend texted me the next day and said "I have alerted some prayer teams and by tomorrow night there will be around 800,000 people praying around the globe" - What a family we belong to!!
With her in hospital on Sunday morning Ange and I were able to go to church together for the first time in ages with Em and James. Iris May and Margaret from Parramatta Baptist had come up to see us too which was great.
The weather is warming up a bit now which is great.
Have been reading "The purpose driven life" which is quite helpful. It was interesting that 3 times from different sources earlier last week we received helpful notes etc about being tested and also about trusting God.
I had last week off work which was great as it was the first week we've all had at home together for a long time.
Ange and I spend a lot more time together talking and reading and praying than we ever have which is really good.
Well thanks for your continued prayers.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday 9th July
Hi all. Georgie has a had a much more settled week this week which has been nice for all of us. (She does have a cold but has not had any temperature with it)Her good and bad weeks seem to be quite cyclical.
The nurses are starting to get to know her a bit better I think and so are a bit more relaxed.
A friend came for tea last night with her kids and one of the girls was one of Georgie's very closest friends. It is hard for these little ones to see their friend now as she is. Sleeping, sometimes seeming to be awake but probably not really awake and unable to speak. It is still really hard and our hearts are heavy for them.
Ange looks the best she has since coming back to Dubbo.
Em and James are well and Em and some of her class mates went and gave blood yesterday. Em and a friend are going to a Missions camp at Katoomba next week.
We went to a memorial service of the late Dr Ruban Arumugam at the childrens garden at Dubbo hospital yesterday afternoon as a colleague of his had specially rung to ask us to come. We were able to meet with his family and talk with them about Ruban and tell them how we were grateful as how twice he had worked with Georgie on her worst two nights one at westmead and one here and how she was home with us now.
I have recieved this scripture twice already this morning from different sources so thought I would put it down as it spoke very directly to me about being patient in hope.
1 Thessalonians 5 v 16 to 18.
Be Joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
The nurses are starting to get to know her a bit better I think and so are a bit more relaxed.
A friend came for tea last night with her kids and one of the girls was one of Georgie's very closest friends. It is hard for these little ones to see their friend now as she is. Sleeping, sometimes seeming to be awake but probably not really awake and unable to speak. It is still really hard and our hearts are heavy for them.
Ange looks the best she has since coming back to Dubbo.
Em and James are well and Em and some of her class mates went and gave blood yesterday. Em and a friend are going to a Missions camp at Katoomba next week.
We went to a memorial service of the late Dr Ruban Arumugam at the childrens garden at Dubbo hospital yesterday afternoon as a colleague of his had specially rung to ask us to come. We were able to meet with his family and talk with them about Ruban and tell them how we were grateful as how twice he had worked with Georgie on her worst two nights one at westmead and one here and how she was home with us now.
I have recieved this scripture twice already this morning from different sources so thought I would put it down as it spoke very directly to me about being patient in hope.
1 Thessalonians 5 v 16 to 18.
Be Joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Georgie not too bad the last few days all in all.
Weather too cold to get Georgie outside lately but knowing Dubbo there will be plenty of warm weather just around the corner....
Have been reading Psalms to Georgie again lately.When she first went into hospital and had a pressure monitor put onto her brain the nurses commented that the pressure in her brain came down when she could hear me talking to her. When I read Psalms to her it stayed down. (some staff thought we were religious nuts because we were always reading the bible to her! - I can think of worse things to be accused of anyway!)
I felt to pray this for Georgie as I read it to her this morning
"Consider and hear me, O Lord my God,
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
"I have prevailed against him";
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Weather too cold to get Georgie outside lately but knowing Dubbo there will be plenty of warm weather just around the corner....
Have been reading Psalms to Georgie again lately.When she first went into hospital and had a pressure monitor put onto her brain the nurses commented that the pressure in her brain came down when she could hear me talking to her. When I read Psalms to her it stayed down. (some staff thought we were religious nuts because we were always reading the bible to her! - I can think of worse things to be accused of anyway!)
I felt to pray this for Georgie as I read it to her this morning
"Consider and hear me, O Lord my God,
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
"I have prevailed against him";
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday 30th June
Things not too bad - all a bit tired but we are OK. Been one full month at home today.
Ange has put on a little weight - which she really needed to. Ange went to a dinner on Sunday for people looking after people at home. She met three Christian ladies there who all knew about Georgie and who had been following the blog until I felt I had to close it off to the public. She was able to update them. Narromine Baptist prayer group are coming to our place tonight to pray. After seeing so much hardship at Westmead it is hard to be moved about a lot but kids suffering and peoples faith - they move us.
I met a couple at church on sunday night and the girl said she had become a Christian through reading the blog. The verses and peoples faith combined spoke to her. She had been a leader at the Baptist church girls club which Georgie used to go to. She said Georgie always used to ask lots of questions about God and always wanted to know more. We were thrilled to hear all of that.
A pastor friend sent me this quote today and I thought it pertinent especially as I was told the same thing yesterday from another person. Be specific.
This is a quote from David Jeremiah.
How often have we prayed something like, "O Lord, be with cousin Billy now in a special way"? Have we stopped to consider what it is we're requesting? Imagine that you are a parent who is preparing to leave your children with a babysitter. Would you dream of saying, "O Betsy, I ask you now that you would be with my children in a special way?" No way. You would say, "Betsy, the kids need to be in bed by 9 pm. They can have one snack before their baths, and please make sure they finish their homework. You can reach us at this number if there's any problem. Any questions before we go?" We are very specific with our requests and instructions for our babysitters. We want them to know specifics. It should be no different with prayer.
I thought about this and recalled the situation where Jesus asked the man "What do you want me to do for you?"
Ange has put on a little weight - which she really needed to. Ange went to a dinner on Sunday for people looking after people at home. She met three Christian ladies there who all knew about Georgie and who had been following the blog until I felt I had to close it off to the public. She was able to update them. Narromine Baptist prayer group are coming to our place tonight to pray. After seeing so much hardship at Westmead it is hard to be moved about a lot but kids suffering and peoples faith - they move us.
I met a couple at church on sunday night and the girl said she had become a Christian through reading the blog. The verses and peoples faith combined spoke to her. She had been a leader at the Baptist church girls club which Georgie used to go to. She said Georgie always used to ask lots of questions about God and always wanted to know more. We were thrilled to hear all of that.
A pastor friend sent me this quote today and I thought it pertinent especially as I was told the same thing yesterday from another person. Be specific.
This is a quote from David Jeremiah.
How often have we prayed something like, "O Lord, be with cousin Billy now in a special way"? Have we stopped to consider what it is we're requesting? Imagine that you are a parent who is preparing to leave your children with a babysitter. Would you dream of saying, "O Betsy, I ask you now that you would be with my children in a special way?" No way. You would say, "Betsy, the kids need to be in bed by 9 pm. They can have one snack before their baths, and please make sure they finish their homework. You can reach us at this number if there's any problem. Any questions before we go?" We are very specific with our requests and instructions for our babysitters. We want them to know specifics. It should be no different with prayer.
I thought about this and recalled the situation where Jesus asked the man "What do you want me to do for you?"
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday 26th June
A reasonable week though not as good as the week before with Georgie having more seizures and coughing at times.
Most of the nurses are a big help during the day. Mostly we are managing to get a reasonable sleep at night.
Many things have been provided and we often say to each other that God has and still is taking care of basically all our other needs.
One of the young drs who used to look after Georgie in Westmead has also been up here for the last six months at Dubbo. He was killed in a car accident on the way home to Sydney on Monday.
We were very sad to learn of this as he was a really nice guy and a good dr. We had quite a few discussions with him about our faith. The last one I had he said he was "searching for God" and immediately a nurse came in and demanded his attention elsewhere and I never got another time to talk with him. He had been asking me about how Georgie was so close to dying from pneumonia only the week before but he said you were not worried and he wanted to know about faith. (I remember that night well as despite all the chaos with drs and nurses attending her she seemed to be fading quickly and couldn't breathe. At about 3am he said I think you better ring your family to come in.- He said to me later "ordinarily I would have said it was very imminent but I can't predict anything with Georgie") Yet there was a peace in the room I could feel as soon as I went in and it seemed to me that the worse she got the greater the peace became.( this is what the bible speaks about as the peace that transcends all understanding)
I was able to tell him this day after that night that I had peace because if she died she would be in glory with God in heaven and we too would see her again, yet more than that I knew she wouldn't. I just knew she wouldn't and so I did not have to ring Ange and wake her up. I shared with him about faith as he inquired. I don't know what he did with our conversations. We know God is a just judge. We'll miss him.
Most of the nurses are a big help during the day. Mostly we are managing to get a reasonable sleep at night.
Many things have been provided and we often say to each other that God has and still is taking care of basically all our other needs.
One of the young drs who used to look after Georgie in Westmead has also been up here for the last six months at Dubbo. He was killed in a car accident on the way home to Sydney on Monday.
We were very sad to learn of this as he was a really nice guy and a good dr. We had quite a few discussions with him about our faith. The last one I had he said he was "searching for God" and immediately a nurse came in and demanded his attention elsewhere and I never got another time to talk with him. He had been asking me about how Georgie was so close to dying from pneumonia only the week before but he said you were not worried and he wanted to know about faith. (I remember that night well as despite all the chaos with drs and nurses attending her she seemed to be fading quickly and couldn't breathe. At about 3am he said I think you better ring your family to come in.- He said to me later "ordinarily I would have said it was very imminent but I can't predict anything with Georgie") Yet there was a peace in the room I could feel as soon as I went in and it seemed to me that the worse she got the greater the peace became.( this is what the bible speaks about as the peace that transcends all understanding)
I was able to tell him this day after that night that I had peace because if she died she would be in glory with God in heaven and we too would see her again, yet more than that I knew she wouldn't. I just knew she wouldn't and so I did not have to ring Ange and wake her up. I shared with him about faith as he inquired. I don't know what he did with our conversations. We know God is a just judge. We'll miss him.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday 19th
A "pretty good" day.
Funding has come through for Georgie to help with her care at home for 4hrs per day for a year. Praise God for this. The fundors also hope that this will free Ange up to maybe start doing an odd day of school teaching again if she wanted to which will be great for her as she is a good teacher and misses it.
Ange says Georgie has been stable but would love to see some real improvement in Georgie with seizures etc.
Georgie has a nasty cough but doesn't seem to have got any worse over the last week and no temp so probably nothing too bad.
I 0r 2 of the day nurses at home are believers also and one said count me in for praying for a miracle too. She reads bible stories to Georgie and plays Christian music. Pretty cool huh?
Funding has come through for Georgie to help with her care at home for 4hrs per day for a year. Praise God for this. The fundors also hope that this will free Ange up to maybe start doing an odd day of school teaching again if she wanted to which will be great for her as she is a good teacher and misses it.
Ange says Georgie has been stable but would love to see some real improvement in Georgie with seizures etc.
Georgie has a nasty cough but doesn't seem to have got any worse over the last week and no temp so probably nothing too bad.
I 0r 2 of the day nurses at home are believers also and one said count me in for praying for a miracle too. She reads bible stories to Georgie and plays Christian music. Pretty cool huh?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday 15th June
We've been enjoying having Georgie home with us for nearly the last two weeks now. Ange says "I don't ever want her going back to hospital again!".
(Unless she got very sick well she probably won't have to.)
We seem to be managing and getting some sleep as well. It is busy but we are all much happier with her at home and we think Georgie is too as she is more settled.
So thankyou to all of you who are praying for Georgie and all of us.
Another note there have been kids at school who have contracted swine flu. Please pray for the family/s affected.
"Forgetting what is behind, let us run the race with perseverance....
(Unless she got very sick well she probably won't have to.)
We seem to be managing and getting some sleep as well. It is busy but we are all much happier with her at home and we think Georgie is too as she is more settled.
So thankyou to all of you who are praying for Georgie and all of us.
Another note there have been kids at school who have contracted swine flu. Please pray for the family/s affected.
"Forgetting what is behind, let us run the race with perseverance....
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We've had Georgie back at home since Tuesday with a nurse at home from Uniting Care during the day. It is a bit like when you have a new baby at home eg hard to sleep properly, up and down at night etc.
Am currently reading a really interesting book on prayer called "Prayer Works" by brother Andrew. (of Open doors and "God's Smuggler") It is very challenging. His emphasis is on perseverance in prayer and avoiding what he calls fatalistic attitudes to the problems we both have and see in the world. Taking part in and even helping form God's plans through prayer.Bringing about change through persevering in prayer.
Am currently reading a really interesting book on prayer called "Prayer Works" by brother Andrew. (of Open doors and "God's Smuggler") It is very challenging. His emphasis is on perseverance in prayer and avoiding what he calls fatalistic attitudes to the problems we both have and see in the world. Taking part in and even helping form God's plans through prayer.Bringing about change through persevering in prayer.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday 1st June
A difficult weekend for Georgie - not the worst though.
Plans to bring Georgie home now on Wednesday with some at-home help promised on weekdays for this month.
We will just have to see how it all goes.
"let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" Heb 12v2
Plans to bring Georgie home now on Wednesday with some at-home help promised on weekdays for this month.
We will just have to see how it all goes.
"let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" Heb 12v2
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday
A good weekend for Georgie.
Ange stayed at hospital with Georgie on Saturday night and they both slept right through. I stayed at the hospital with Georgie yesterday morning and ended up missing church as it was such a good morning to get her outside into fresh air and sunshine for a couple of hours then back inside for a shower. We find if she doesn't get outside every few days she starts getting chest trouble. This led to pneumonia a month or so ago which nearly ended everything.
If she is good we will take her home again on Wednesday. A couple of ladies said they will visit Ange which is just good moral support.
We miss Georgie a lot. It might sound a strange thing to say but we do miss hearing her talk to us and doing thing she used to do and even seeing her because she is in hospital most of the time. The Westmead staff described it as "a loss without death". Well we keep praying for better.
A friend from Parramatta Baptist came and visited on Saturday night which was great. We miss those folks down there who pray with faith.
Well we thankyou for continuing with us.
Ange stayed at hospital with Georgie on Saturday night and they both slept right through. I stayed at the hospital with Georgie yesterday morning and ended up missing church as it was such a good morning to get her outside into fresh air and sunshine for a couple of hours then back inside for a shower. We find if she doesn't get outside every few days she starts getting chest trouble. This led to pneumonia a month or so ago which nearly ended everything.
If she is good we will take her home again on Wednesday. A couple of ladies said they will visit Ange which is just good moral support.
We miss Georgie a lot. It might sound a strange thing to say but we do miss hearing her talk to us and doing thing she used to do and even seeing her because she is in hospital most of the time. The Westmead staff described it as "a loss without death". Well we keep praying for better.
A friend from Parramatta Baptist came and visited on Saturday night which was great. We miss those folks down there who pray with faith.
Well we thankyou for continuing with us.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday 21st May
A good day at home with Georgie.
Thankyou for your prayers.
There is a plan to bring her home each Wednesday as a start to getting her home more.
People have asked what they can specifically pray for. For Georgie to get off phenobarbitone would be a great thing if God would make this possible.
Thankyou for your prayers.
There is a plan to bring her home each Wednesday as a start to getting her home more.
People have asked what they can specifically pray for. For Georgie to get off phenobarbitone would be a great thing if God would make this possible.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday 19th May
Hi there friends tomorrow if all goes to plan Georgie will come home again for the day.
Please pray for Ange she finds it pretty daunting with the cares, medications which she has to make up and administer (about 12) and being all alone with it all. There is always the chance that things can quickly go wrong which they sometimes do. It is just the unpredictability of Georgie's illness and the responsibility.
Well, thankyou
Greg
Please pray for Ange she finds it pretty daunting with the cares, medications which she has to make up and administer (about 12) and being all alone with it all. There is always the chance that things can quickly go wrong which they sometimes do. It is just the unpredictability of Georgie's illness and the responsibility.
Well, thankyou
Greg
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ange spent the last two nights at the hospital but Georgie slept through both nights pretty well. Georgie has still been off her normal food for about a week now just on a saline drip and gastrolyte due to all of the sickness last weekend.
Ange is pretty tired and run down.
There is a bit of tension in the hospital as it is very understaffed and with winter coming there has been more sickness.
The head dr on Georgie's case was to try to organise some nursing at home for Georgie but so far nothing has come of it. This would be good to pray about.
Many thanks for your faithfulness in prayer.
Ange is pretty tired and run down.
There is a bit of tension in the hospital as it is very understaffed and with winter coming there has been more sickness.
The head dr on Georgie's case was to try to organise some nursing at home for Georgie but so far nothing has come of it. This would be good to pray about.
Many thanks for your faithfulness in prayer.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday 13th
Georgie had a pretty good night last night. A nurse told me how she believed Georgie has been making efforts to respond at times. It comes and goes.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday 12th
Georgie came home for the day on Friday as well but was not so good and she went back to hospital in the evening. She became very sick and has been just on a drip since friday night/saturday.
We are all very tired.
We are all very tired.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
thursday 7th May
Well we got Georgie home on tuesday for about half the day from 11.30am til just after 5 pm when the hospital transport came and got her again.
It seemed very anti-climactic. There was no welcoming committee and no fanfare. The drivers just dropped her off stayed for a brief chat then drove off. This is how we really wanted it though.
I carried her up our front steps and inside and we had a lovely afternoon with her. It was sunny so she spent a fair bit of time on the verandah listening to James as he talked to her while he was building something for his birds. We put her in front of the video and played her favourite movie "Milo and Otis".
In the evening she did not seem to want to go back to the hospital.
We should get her home again for the day tomorrow if all goes well.
She gets a few visitors at the hospital. A trio of her little friends go in to see her and sometimes read a story about once a week or sometimes twice which is really good of them. Our hearts are heavy for them - they were all so close to Georgie. It is hard for them to see their dear little friend like this, once so full of life, now so different.
Another girl who is almost blind goes in about three nights a week to minister to her. She reads the bible and prays for her. Despite having only five to ten percent vision herself she walks herself through town at night in the dark and cold and sometimes rain to spend time with Georgie.
Many people initially offered to help but after seeing Georgie they often don't come back again.
Please keep praying for Tom the fellow who organised a fund raiser for Georgie. He has cancer very badly in his bones and is in a lot of pain. He doesn't yet know the Lord but he may be softening.
(The postscript that I put on the last message I came across again last week in Spurgeon's morning by morning so that is probably where it actually originated from.)
It seemed very anti-climactic. There was no welcoming committee and no fanfare. The drivers just dropped her off stayed for a brief chat then drove off. This is how we really wanted it though.
I carried her up our front steps and inside and we had a lovely afternoon with her. It was sunny so she spent a fair bit of time on the verandah listening to James as he talked to her while he was building something for his birds. We put her in front of the video and played her favourite movie "Milo and Otis".
In the evening she did not seem to want to go back to the hospital.
We should get her home again for the day tomorrow if all goes well.
She gets a few visitors at the hospital. A trio of her little friends go in to see her and sometimes read a story about once a week or sometimes twice which is really good of them. Our hearts are heavy for them - they were all so close to Georgie. It is hard for them to see their dear little friend like this, once so full of life, now so different.
Another girl who is almost blind goes in about three nights a week to minister to her. She reads the bible and prays for her. Despite having only five to ten percent vision herself she walks herself through town at night in the dark and cold and sometimes rain to spend time with Georgie.
Many people initially offered to help but after seeing Georgie they often don't come back again.
Please keep praying for Tom the fellow who organised a fund raiser for Georgie. He has cancer very badly in his bones and is in a lot of pain. He doesn't yet know the Lord but he may be softening.
(The postscript that I put on the last message I came across again last week in Spurgeon's morning by morning so that is probably where it actually originated from.)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Sometimes Georgie is just so comfortable and peaceful and other times she is doing it pretty tough. Last night she was very sick and has been having increased seizuring etc.
We pray for her all the time as do many others.
If she is well we will take her home on Wednesday next week for the day.
Thankyou for your prayers. A friend sent this to me today.
Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope.-- Psalm 119:49
Alistair Begg
Whatever your particular need may be, you will find some promise in the Bible related to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise--"He gives power to the faint."1 When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser and ask Him to fulfill His own word. Are you seeking for Christ and thirsting for closer communion with Him? This promise shines like a star upon you--"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."2 Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this--"Lord, You have said it; do as You have said."
Are you distressed because of sin and burdened with the heavy load of your iniquities? Listen to these words--"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."3 You have no merit of your own to plead why He should pardon you, but plead His written promises and He will perform them. Are you afraid that you might not be able to hold on to the end and that after having thought yourself a child of God you should prove a castaway? If that is your condition, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you."4
If you have lost the sweet sense of the Savior's presence and are seeking Him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: "Return to me . . . And I will return to you."5 "For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you."6 Feast your faith upon God's own Word, and whatever your fears or wants, take them to the Bank of Faith with your Father's note, which reads, "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope." 7
We pray for her all the time as do many others.
If she is well we will take her home on Wednesday next week for the day.
Thankyou for your prayers. A friend sent this to me today.
Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope.-- Psalm 119:49
Alistair Begg
Whatever your particular need may be, you will find some promise in the Bible related to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise--"He gives power to the faint."1 When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser and ask Him to fulfill His own word. Are you seeking for Christ and thirsting for closer communion with Him? This promise shines like a star upon you--"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."2 Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this--"Lord, You have said it; do as You have said."
Are you distressed because of sin and burdened with the heavy load of your iniquities? Listen to these words--"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."3 You have no merit of your own to plead why He should pardon you, but plead His written promises and He will perform them. Are you afraid that you might not be able to hold on to the end and that after having thought yourself a child of God you should prove a castaway? If that is your condition, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you."4
If you have lost the sweet sense of the Savior's presence and are seeking Him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: "Return to me . . . And I will return to you."5 "For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you."6 Feast your faith upon God's own Word, and whatever your fears or wants, take them to the Bank of Faith with your Father's note, which reads, "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope." 7
Monday, April 27, 2009
On Saturday Georgie was sounding rattly and chesty again. By 3am on Sunday morning she had cleared up a lot.
She had a very peaceful and restful day yesterday.
Planning to start getting Georgie home - at least in the day times hopefully from next week on.
Ange said last night she was very good and that this morning she was the most "communicative" she had heard her in terms of little noises she sometimes makes.
Our house is getting pretty close to being finished now. We now have steps so we are no longer the "house with no steps"!
She had a very peaceful and restful day yesterday.
Planning to start getting Georgie home - at least in the day times hopefully from next week on.
Ange said last night she was very good and that this morning she was the most "communicative" she had heard her in terms of little noises she sometimes makes.
Our house is getting pretty close to being finished now. We now have steps so we are no longer the "house with no steps"!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday onwards Georgie has had a good week so far this week.
Hospital and community services keen to get us home soon but they have achieved very little to actually get anything concrete done to assist us.
We have kept things moving from our end so a bit frustrating.
Hospital staff reiterated this week that they do not intend to resuscitate Georgie should any major complication arise. She really is in God's hands.
The plan is to start transitioning home so backwards and forwards from hospital a bit as needed. Will be pretty hard to let her out of sight again once she comes home though. If she is sick she can go straight back to the ward and bypass emergency and admissions.
A fundraiser to help with some of Georgie's needs went well. Ray Price and his wife Sandi and Terry leadbeater and Eric Groethe and their girlfriends all came up and helped auction off lots of football memorabilia. Ray and Sandi came out for brekky on sunday morning before they went home.
1 Chronicles 29 Davids prayer.
Hospital and community services keen to get us home soon but they have achieved very little to actually get anything concrete done to assist us.
We have kept things moving from our end so a bit frustrating.
Hospital staff reiterated this week that they do not intend to resuscitate Georgie should any major complication arise. She really is in God's hands.
The plan is to start transitioning home so backwards and forwards from hospital a bit as needed. Will be pretty hard to let her out of sight again once she comes home though. If she is sick she can go straight back to the ward and bypass emergency and admissions.
A fundraiser to help with some of Georgie's needs went well. Ray Price and his wife Sandi and Terry leadbeater and Eric Groethe and their girlfriends all came up and helped auction off lots of football memorabilia. Ray and Sandi came out for brekky on sunday morning before they went home.
1 Chronicles 29 Davids prayer.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday 17th April
Georgie is back to being comfortable again.
Well it is two years today since we found ourselves with Georgie suddenly in Westmead hospital.
Many battles, quite a few scars remaining.
We had talks with the hospital today about all the logistics of getting Georgie home on the 1st May. Initially we are just looking at day leave when she is well and utilising the hospital whenever needed and even for respite. Basically there is no service provided for children as it is so rarely needed. The hospital are doing a lot of work behind the scenes. They have applied on our behalf to get a nurse at home for her. This will take a lot of negotiation as they said there is no precedent for it in the area. We would have to advertise for ourselves to get someone if there was someone who was willing. Costs are great. Fortunately a fellow called Tom has come along and all off his own bat has organised a fund raising event for Georgie at a local hotel tonight. He is a retired drover. Hopefully this will help. It has also been a big strain on us emotionally with the publicity etc that has been necessary. Please pray that God will be glorified in all of this. Pray for Tom too he is not a Christian and has bone cancer which he says is terminal. He says he is always in pain (and it is evident at times)but a funny thing happens when he goes fund raising for Georgie he said all his pain just disappears.
Ange and Em went to Katoomba Convention and they said the best thing was the caretaker there had shared his story of how he and wife had fostered kids and had fostered a girl with cerebral palsy whom nobody would take on but they and church were praying for her and now she has been healed of the condition! She is 12 and Ange said she is stunningly beautiful and she even won a 100 metre sprint the other day. This after even when she was deemed to be improving the medicos said she would always walk with a limp.
We met a lovely old aboriginal lady the other day at the hospital. As soon as I saw her I knew she would be a Christian even before she spoke so i asked her are you a believer? She said "yes i am" and for the next hour and a half we talked about our love for God, sharing and building faith. She and her husband have been pastors in places like Bourke and Condobolin for many years. She said "our God is a wonderful healing God we have seen many miracles over the years". Even a boy who had his head run over by a landcruiser was healed and could hear the following day. He'd had so much internal head injury the drs said he would be a vegetable if he ever awoke.
Well we don't understand it all. We have seen other children we have been praying for healed of various things - two with cancer and yet not our Georgie - not yet anyway.
Well it is two years today since we found ourselves with Georgie suddenly in Westmead hospital.
Many battles, quite a few scars remaining.
We had talks with the hospital today about all the logistics of getting Georgie home on the 1st May. Initially we are just looking at day leave when she is well and utilising the hospital whenever needed and even for respite. Basically there is no service provided for children as it is so rarely needed. The hospital are doing a lot of work behind the scenes. They have applied on our behalf to get a nurse at home for her. This will take a lot of negotiation as they said there is no precedent for it in the area. We would have to advertise for ourselves to get someone if there was someone who was willing. Costs are great. Fortunately a fellow called Tom has come along and all off his own bat has organised a fund raising event for Georgie at a local hotel tonight. He is a retired drover. Hopefully this will help. It has also been a big strain on us emotionally with the publicity etc that has been necessary. Please pray that God will be glorified in all of this. Pray for Tom too he is not a Christian and has bone cancer which he says is terminal. He says he is always in pain (and it is evident at times)but a funny thing happens when he goes fund raising for Georgie he said all his pain just disappears.
Ange and Em went to Katoomba Convention and they said the best thing was the caretaker there had shared his story of how he and wife had fostered kids and had fostered a girl with cerebral palsy whom nobody would take on but they and church were praying for her and now she has been healed of the condition! She is 12 and Ange said she is stunningly beautiful and she even won a 100 metre sprint the other day. This after even when she was deemed to be improving the medicos said she would always walk with a limp.
We met a lovely old aboriginal lady the other day at the hospital. As soon as I saw her I knew she would be a Christian even before she spoke so i asked her are you a believer? She said "yes i am" and for the next hour and a half we talked about our love for God, sharing and building faith. She and her husband have been pastors in places like Bourke and Condobolin for many years. She said "our God is a wonderful healing God we have seen many miracles over the years". Even a boy who had his head run over by a landcruiser was healed and could hear the following day. He'd had so much internal head injury the drs said he would be a vegetable if he ever awoke.
Well we don't understand it all. We have seen other children we have been praying for healed of various things - two with cancer and yet not our Georgie - not yet anyway.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday 15th
For most of Easter Georgie has had a bit of a rough time again with increased seizures and so on.
The only thing is to keep giving more sedatives as required.
It is hard work.
The only thing is to keep giving more sedatives as required.
It is hard work.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday 6th
Georgie seems to have pretty much fought off the pneumonia now. She was put onto a single course of oral anti-biotics from Monday to Friday. The dr said everybody thinks that anti-biotics fix pneumonia but that's not really true he said it's still really up to the person to fight it off and clear their own chest etc. I know plenty of people were praying too.
She slept most of last night after midnight other than when we woke her up by turning her in bed.
She has been making little sounds lately from time to time. Mostly when she has something painful like with the chest trouble but sometimes little kind of contented sighs. (I don't know what it means and I don't want to get anybodys hopes up at all and wasn't even sure whether to say anything at all - but it is just something different after total silence for two years.) A nurse commented to me last night that she had told the other nurses about this too she said she made a sound that sounded like a word. I asked her what it was and she said it sounded like "get!" Anyway sad as it all is it made me laugh. Some of the nurses are really good value.
I was reading the bible in the parent's room at the hospital at about 4.30am the other morning and these verses gave me something to think about.
"And in this I give advice; It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also must be a completion out of what you have"
2 Corinthians 8 v 10,11
She slept most of last night after midnight other than when we woke her up by turning her in bed.
She has been making little sounds lately from time to time. Mostly when she has something painful like with the chest trouble but sometimes little kind of contented sighs. (I don't know what it means and I don't want to get anybodys hopes up at all and wasn't even sure whether to say anything at all - but it is just something different after total silence for two years.) A nurse commented to me last night that she had told the other nurses about this too she said she made a sound that sounded like a word. I asked her what it was and she said it sounded like "get!" Anyway sad as it all is it made me laugh. Some of the nurses are really good value.
I was reading the bible in the parent's room at the hospital at about 4.30am the other morning and these verses gave me something to think about.
"And in this I give advice; It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also must be a completion out of what you have"
2 Corinthians 8 v 10,11
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday 31st March
Dear all our little possum has been very sick for the last couple of days. With all of the vomiting she has had in recent weeks she has developed pneumonia so has been battling hard for two days now. She seems a little better today than yesterday but will need to get on top of it pretty quickly. She is very tired.
In the early hours of yesterday morning (maybe 3am) the dr thought Georgie was headed for so much trouble that he told me he thought I had better call my family in. (He is one of two drs who are in Dubbo for six months who used to be on her case in Sydney)
She continues to touch peoples lives. A retired drover (not a believer yet) has been fund-raising for her and has several ex-Sydney football players coming up for an auction night to help out. The night he unknowingly picked is the 17th April which will be two years to the day since Georgie went into Westmead. This fellow has bone cancer but he said "Georgie gives me strength. When I go out fund raising for her I have no pain."
A friend asked today if he could go in and play his guitar and sing to her.
Some Godly men came yesterday to pray and others continue to fast. The family of God is a wonderful thing.
Em is on a school camp down in the Snowy mountains this week, hiking and camping.
In the early hours of yesterday morning (maybe 3am) the dr thought Georgie was headed for so much trouble that he told me he thought I had better call my family in. (He is one of two drs who are in Dubbo for six months who used to be on her case in Sydney)
She continues to touch peoples lives. A retired drover (not a believer yet) has been fund-raising for her and has several ex-Sydney football players coming up for an auction night to help out. The night he unknowingly picked is the 17th April which will be two years to the day since Georgie went into Westmead. This fellow has bone cancer but he said "Georgie gives me strength. When I go out fund raising for her I have no pain."
A friend asked today if he could go in and play his guitar and sing to her.
Some Godly men came yesterday to pray and others continue to fast. The family of God is a wonderful thing.
Em is on a school camp down in the Snowy mountains this week, hiking and camping.
Friday, March 20, 2009
24th March 2009
Well I've decided to restart Georgie's blog as so many people asked me to but just to keep it to trusted friends. I hope I can continue to provide some useful info that will help to keep people a bit more up to date and praying.
If you know of others who would like to continue receiving news of Georgie and who feel strongly to pray then please feel free to let them email me at gregbrooke@hotmail.com and I can add them to the blog.
Georgie is still with us. People ask how is she? It is not easy to answer. She has some seizures of one kind or another most days but is usually just in a sort of sleepy and so far as we can tell comfortable state. She is on regular anti-epileptic meds as well as massive sedation to keep the fitting down. She has probably developed a big tolerance to drugs.
The pic above was back in January when I went to see her one day and she was much more aware than I had seen her and as I had my arm behind her in bed she just sat straight up holding her head up. It was very exciting and I managed to get a quick pic on the phone. Unfortunately when i came back again that night she was just having lots of seizures.
The Dubbo Hospital has made a good effort to "get to know her" and accommodate her needs. Some of the nurses say they have fallen in love with her. They are far fewer staffed than Westmead so some things can't be done which used to be.
Georgie has some regular visitors at the hospital including some of her school friends who go to see her twice a week which is so good.
Lately she has been quite sick for a couple of weeks but since Sunday been comfortable again.
Em and James are going well. Em turned 16 last week and James 13 this weekend.
A local fellow in Dubbo is having a football memorabilia auction night to raise some funds for Georgie's ongoing needs. He is not a believer but has a good heart. The night he picked interestingly is the 17th April - which will be two years to the day since Georgie went to Westmead. Former league legend Ray Price is donating some of his personal collection and is coming to see Georgie and go to the night.
I have been thinking about the passage from Acts 10
There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman regiment called "the Italian Regiment". He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshipped God. he also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius!" He stared at the angel in fear and said "What is it sir?" The angel answered, "God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you".
If you know of others who would like to continue receiving news of Georgie and who feel strongly to pray then please feel free to let them email me at gregbrooke@hotmail.com and I can add them to the blog.
Georgie is still with us. People ask how is she? It is not easy to answer. She has some seizures of one kind or another most days but is usually just in a sort of sleepy and so far as we can tell comfortable state. She is on regular anti-epileptic meds as well as massive sedation to keep the fitting down. She has probably developed a big tolerance to drugs.
The pic above was back in January when I went to see her one day and she was much more aware than I had seen her and as I had my arm behind her in bed she just sat straight up holding her head up. It was very exciting and I managed to get a quick pic on the phone. Unfortunately when i came back again that night she was just having lots of seizures.
The Dubbo Hospital has made a good effort to "get to know her" and accommodate her needs. Some of the nurses say they have fallen in love with her. They are far fewer staffed than Westmead so some things can't be done which used to be.
Georgie has some regular visitors at the hospital including some of her school friends who go to see her twice a week which is so good.
Lately she has been quite sick for a couple of weeks but since Sunday been comfortable again.
Em and James are going well. Em turned 16 last week and James 13 this weekend.
A local fellow in Dubbo is having a football memorabilia auction night to raise some funds for Georgie's ongoing needs. He is not a believer but has a good heart. The night he picked interestingly is the 17th April - which will be two years to the day since Georgie went to Westmead. Former league legend Ray Price is donating some of his personal collection and is coming to see Georgie and go to the night.
I have been thinking about the passage from Acts 10
There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman regiment called "the Italian Regiment". He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshipped God. he also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius!" He stared at the angel in fear and said "What is it sir?" The angel answered, "God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you".
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