On Mother’s Day, I (Erica) woke up with a heavy heart. Honestly, I have had a heavy heart for the last three days.
Thursday, we went to a pre-op visit for Kennady. It is usually pretty routine.
You register, get blood work done, get the run down of all the really bad stuff, and head home.
This visit threw a boulder into my little calm pond. The reality of the risks.
Are we making the right decision? Are we doing what is best for her? Is this how God would have us care for her?
A nice neon sign would be great right about then.
I felt the weight, once again, of this journey. The weight of making decisions that can affect the outcome and quality of our child’s life. It’s a big thing, this making decisions on behalf of someone else.
I feel worried when they say, “maximally invasive”, and “she will likely need a blood transfusion”. Those things feel big.
It strips us of the control we think we somehow have.
It puts a glaring light on the “what if”, and makes you keenly aware of how little control you have.
Kennady had a surgery that went south, a year and a half ago. The surgery was difficult and six weeks later we had to have the mechanism removed, due to infection.
Those experiences begin to shape us, reminding us again, that you can be the 1%.
The truth that I keep having to repeat to myself, even if I don’t have it embedded in my heart, is the truth that God is still good, no matter the outcome. He has a plan for every step, and when I lay that all before him, I can trust that he is enough.
Here is an actual pic of Kennady’s spine. It is on a 74 degree angle.
The surgery Monday is to correct her scoliosis. It is a complete spinal fusion.
We will wake up at 5 a.m. and make some coffee, get our girl ready, and head to the hospital.
The surgery is scheduled to take up to 8 hours. She will be in the hospital for a minimum of 5 days.
We would appreciate your prayers for as smooth a surgery and recovery as possible.
We will post updates here on the blog!
We love and appreciate all of you.
you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and I love your family!
Thank you, Ms Jonnie! You are an inspiration to us. Thanks for the amazing message today!
praying for yall
Thanks, bro! Love and miss you guys!
We will be praying for Ms Kennady! May God’s hand be upon His precious angel every step of the way! May God give the parents and family strength and comfort during this process. God Bless!
Feeling deeply with y’all in the midst of this. I love y’all lots!
Pastor Robin
My heart is heavy. I cannot imagine how hard these decisions are. She’s so strong – that beautiful smile – those glowing eyes. You can see by looking at her – her faith is strong and sure! She’s surely an angel of God.
Just recently I learned to put things in compartments or boxes as I call them. My box 1 is – things I have absolutely no control over the outcome. Only God has control over the things in that box. Something requiring a miracle from the most High God and only He can perform. I’m believing with you and your wife that that miracle be performed tomorrow. Wether by instant healing or through the hands of those He has skilled to do the surgery.
Love you guys and praying
Roxanne.
Beautiful, Roxanne! Thank you for sharing this.
Wow…I’ll be praying with you all…this really hurts my heart but I know God is in control!
Kennedy has been such an inspiring young lady in my life and many others. When I see her smile it always restores my faith in Jesus Christ. I will keep her in prayers and keep your family in prayer as well.
We love you, Patricia!
Melissa..or better known as Gabby’s mom, here. You said it so well, making decisions for our sweet girls. I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Gabby and I love Kennady very much.
Hey! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. We appreciate our extended family out there! 🙂
We will be praying for her. These decisions are so hard but the Lord has his hand over the doctors and her.
Thanks, Robyn!
You both and Ms Kennady are such inspirations. Never a complaint and her smile just shows the beautiful lady she is. Praying for complete Peace as you face this surgery and know that God is in control.
Thanks, Sheila. So good to hear from you.
Our prayers and thought will be with you!!
Robin
I do not personally know you nor your wife. I keep to myself at church. I see your daughter there and have heard her story. I love the way you bring her to church. If thru all things your wife can get her there. I need to get myself there too. God is God and pray miracles, love and healing for all your family. Thank you for sharing.
Would love to meet you, Rachel. Thanks for sharing this.
Longoria family will be praying for you guys and for all the hospital staff that will be involved. Love you guys!
Both of you and kennady are walking testimony that no matter the out come,you never take your eyes off Jesus.i will be praying for your family.
Robin and Erica,
Your trust in GOD is inspirational. Since your baby came into this world, you’ve always handled everything with grace and peace.
What a beautiful young lady , Kennady has become.
The blessings of The LORD are definitely upon you and
in your ministry. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you and your beautiful child. We pray for Peace and GOD’S hand to be in control of the surgery , with a complete healing touch.
God will be with Kennedy and with you.
Praying for the guiding hands of the Great Physician on the surgeon’s hands and the medical staff team for Kennedy tomorrow and in the recovery ahead. May Jesus peace and calm beyond understanding bless you all Robin, Erica, Jude, and Avery. He is always faithful and good! In His love and grace, The James Family
You are amazing parents to a beautiful young lady! Prayers and thoughts all day tomorrow and throughout the days to come. Tough decisions, Praying for peace. God has this already! We love you all❤️
Pastor Robin,
I am thankful that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. I am praying that His strength surrounds you and Erica. Much love to you both.
I am also lifting sweet Kennady up in prayer. What an amazing young lady.
Just want you to know God is still the Healer!! He loves her &I all of you so just remember God will give you strength when you need it most! All of you will be in
my prayers!! I speak from experience!! God bless all of you!!!
We are praying Robin & Erica!
Kenna holds a special place in my heart. Will keep her in my prayers as well for her momma & poppa. Precious Jesus hold our hands.
My love
Robin and Erica,
My prayers are with you in this latest journey with Kennady. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you in the wee hours of the morning. You are both so strong and full of faith and inspiration to all who know you. Gods got Kennady in His hands! Love you!
praying for yall Robin.
Melanee and I love you guys. We’re believing the best for Kennady.
We will keep Kennady and you all in our prayers. Pray that her surgery goes smoothly and pray for guided hands by the doctors and nurses. Sending hugs to you all.
This is Michael Bangit’s mom from NC (HPE)
Love y’all. I’ll be praying for precious Kennady and all of you these coming days. Xoxo
Praying for sweet Kennady and you all! I love you guys so much I pray the peace of God go before you. He is ever present in your time of need.
Love you
Praying and believing for kennady’s surgery and recover to be a success and for mom and dad to have peace through it all
I was 10 years old when I had my spinal fusion. I can’t imagine what my mom went through, but I’m sure it was heart wrenching. It made my life so much easier and I’ve never been sorry that she made the decision. It relieved me of so much pain. The recovery was long and tiring, but it was worth it. I don’t know if this helps you, but sometimes seeing the other side helps lighten the load. Praying for your sweet girl, and for peace for you about your decision. Love and light in Jesus’ name.
Thank you for sharing that, Heather!
Praying
Praying for all of you today and especially Kennedy. Love ya’ll
Praying for y’all right now!
Thank you all!!! She went back around 8am. However they just called us in for consult. During anthethsia they went into a wrong vein in neck and that may cause a stroke if they continue. Therefore they are calling off surgery, will let it heal and will have to reschedule. So strange but we trust it is best decision by them to postpone.
Prayers are w you
i will be praying for her & the rest of the family. It is in God’s hands!
Please please keep us updated:) Thoughts and prayers with all of you.
I will be praying for your daughter! This hits home for me because in 2001 i had scoliosis surgery too. I hope the surgery is a success and there is no infection.
How are things going now? 14 years later???
Robin it’s Jimmy (Jessica Saucedo’s Dad)… I Pray the the Good Lord watch over your little girl Kennady and be with you and the family during this difficult time. Jessica really cared and loved Kennady and always expressed her concern anytime Kennady wasn’t feeling well when she had her as a classmate. We are also preparing for another possible uocoming heart surgery for Jessica this Summer. We continue to Pray for our loved ones and leave it in God’s hands 🙂
Jimmy, it is great to hear from you. We pray that God guides you guys this summer and the decisions you are making for Jessica! God’s hands are so capable.