Amazing Grace

Again, this right here is a good reminder of why days like yesterday really aren't a big deal at all... This is from Erk's cousin and his wife about their new baby boy, Bracey.

"Dear Family & Friends,

Thank you all for your constant prayers, support, and emails. We end each day by reading all of our emails together. It is such an amazing time for us to know that there are so many who are thinking of Bracey and praying for us.

Bracey was born on Wednesday, February 6. He has been diagnosed with VATER Association. It is quite lengthy to describe. We know that his kidneys and heart were not affected by this association. Bracey underwent corrective surgery on his esophagus and trachea Friday afternoon. His surgery effectively closed off his trachea from his stomach and also connected his esophagus to his stomach. Today the doctors have been weaning him off of the sedation in effort to help him wake up. Since surgery, Bracey has been on a respirator. The doctors are trying to get him to slowly breathe on his own. As I am typing this letter he is continually breathing more and more on his own. God has given him such amazing strength. We can see him getting stronger every day.

There are at least two other issues that we will need to address at a later time. He is missing his radius and thumbs on both arms and he has an issue with his vertebrae. These two issues will not be discussed until after he is discharged from the NICU.

As we look around at the many other babies, about 60, here in the NICU, we realize that there are not many other parents visiting. It makes us realize the awful situations that many of these babies are going through. We consider ourselves blessed that Bracey is not worse than he is. He is in much better condition than many other babies and we ought to praise the Lord for that. I know for sure that he is loved and prayed for more than most in his condition, and that is because of you.

We will never be able to repay you all for what you have done for us. It is such a comfort to know that we have family and friends to help us and especially Bracey through this tough time. We know that there will be many more tough times ahead, but we know that we can lean on God along with our family and friends through any tough time. Thank you for your continual prayers.

We will continue to send you all updates as he progresses along with pictures. We love you all and are grateful for your prayers and emails."

Torrey, Angela, and Bracey