Thursday, May 15, 2008

A Bag of Mixed Emotions



Unless there is something presently unforeseen our granddaughter Gwyneth Rose will be leaving the only home she's known since her birth on January 8 - Duke University Hospital.

Born at just over 24 weeks gestation and weighing in a just under 1 lb. 6 oz. she has amazed everyone at the NICU with her tenacity. Her growth has come slowly, but she's come through all that goes along with being a micro-preemie exceptionally well and with almost no difficulties.

Of course, our hats are tipped to the top drawer staff at Duke. At the same time our knees are bowed before the God who created Gwyneth and gives her 24/7 care, too.

You can read more of her miraculous story, as well as that of her mom's at her dad's blog. Lot's of pictures, too.

Here at our house it's a big day, too. Gail is having surgery to repair a torn tendon in her hand. She suffered an accident Tuesday with broken glass. It's out patient, but for a number of reasons (in our eyes and understanding) coming at the worst possible time for her. She'll essentially be "one-handed" for several weeks.

Your prayers for her as well as Gwyneth and her parents are valued.

106 comments:

marcia said...

Guess you have had more important things to deal with this week than two left feet! Praying for both of you today...most of all for God's peace to settle over and in you in this stressful time, but also for skill for the surgeon today, and a rapid and complete recovery for Gail in the days ahead.

Joy said...

My prayers are with your wife and family today as she under goes surgery.

((hugs))

Heather said...

I hope the surgery goes smoothly! Prayers for all.

Jenn & Ed said...

Saying a prayer for you today!!

Jenn in NC

Destini said...

Just read about your little accident! I prayed this morning for peace and calmness for you, wisdom and guidance for the hands of the Dr.s and for a speedy recovery for you!

Michelle Jamie said...

Saying a prayer for your wife.

bdodge said...

Praying for you this morning.

Momofgirls said...

We will be in prayer for you this morning...and for a remarkable recovery, faster than anyone expects! (Kinda like your unbelievable daughter in law!!)
You will need both hands and arms to practice your "Grandma" skills!
We LLLLOOOOOVVVVEEEE ALL the Lawrensons!!!

Tote, Debby, Sammy and Caleb Jimenez said...

Praying for your wife today and in the weeks to come! Your blog is a blessing! Thank you!!

Tumbleweed said...

Gail- Know that God will be watching over you, every second of your upcoming surgery! He will guide the decisions of the anethesiologist, the organizational skills of the nurses, and the steady hands of the surgeon.

I will say a prayer, for you, for a smooth surgery, and a speedy, comfortable recovery, and that you will find alternate ways to meet the demands of your wedding business.

Remember, through thick and thin, to trust in the Lord, allow Him to hold your hand, and to be in control!

soccer6 said...

Prayers for God to have His Hands on your surgeon and His Peace in your heart.

Jennifer Burgett said...

My prayers are with you Gail!

Jennifer said...

Gail, you are in my thoughts and prayers this morning. Just think about that sweet baby waiting for you when all is said and done :)

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for your surgery right now and for peace all the way around you.
Your family is a family of MIRACLES and I am asking God for one more for your hand to be healed in record time. Covering your business with prayers for the right help to be there so that you will have a peaceful recovery. I just love your whole family and it's shining example of Gods grace, mercy, love and miracles.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

I feel like you entir family has become my family over the past few months of reading your blogs. I will keep all of you in my prayers for each of your specific reasons!

Christy said...

Prayers for you this morning Gail. I pray that this surgery goes well and there are NO side effects from the sleeping meds. I pray that you have a quick and easy recovery. You are a strong family. HUGS to you all today!
Christy in KY

Allison said...

Praying and thinking of your Mrs. Gail.

Charissa said...

Praying that you have a speedy recovery and that you feel God's peace during surgery!

Dawn said...

We read about your wife on Nate's blog. The Lord is our great physician and I will be praying that His will will be for many belssings in this uneasy time.
In His Love.

Amy E. said...

Praying that your surgery will go smoothly, that your hand will heal quickly. Prayin' in Texas.

Sallie said...

Praying that the Great Physician will heal your hand in His Perfect Time. His plans are ALWAYS better than ours.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with Gail and your family this morning.

sprinkle4 said...

Prayers are with you!!:)

Unknown said...

Praying for Gail -- and the rest of the family. Trusting God for a speedy recovery!

Kim said...

Praying for a successful surgery and recovery! I'm sorry this happened when Gwenyth is coming home. But, I'm sure this will not interfere with your grandmotherly duty of loving on that sweet baby girl!

Leigh Ann said...

Praying in Ohio for you this morning!

LA

The Lockwood Family ♥ said...

My hubby and I and our 11 little ones will be praying for you in a few minutes.
Know that the same Great Physician who so miraculously brought little Gwyneth and her dear mommy through everything the past few months will also be taking care of you!
love,
The Lockwoods

Juel said...

Prayers going up for you Gail.

I pray that the doctors hands are guided through surgery. Also that you will have a faster recovery time, so much that your doctors will be amazed of what only God can do!!

Vic said...

My prayers are stretched out to your family as your wife undergoes surgery today. Keep your head towards the sun and remember-

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Psalm 23:18

I will put you on the prayer chain here in NY! Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Victoria

Sylvie said...

Dear Gail,
We are sorry that you hurt yourself,
We will be praying for you,
God bless you,
Matt and Sylvie and the children

Movin-on said...

Hi Gail, just read on Nate's blog about your hand. I pray that the All Mighty Healer will bring you to recovery soon, and hope that you have little to no discomfort. Perhaps the time in a sling will allow you more time to spend with your precious baby grandaughter !! You have a wonderful family !! Nate is a great guy, (from what I read) every mom likes to hear good things about their kids !! Since you have raised him, you know you have a HUGE part in the person he has become !! All thanks to Jesus !! Our ultimate parent !! More blessings to you, Lora

Momnnashville said...

Here's to a very quick recovery so that GRANDMOTHER time can carry on as planned! Prayers, of course, for an uneventful patching up.

Unknown said...

(((sending much love & healing energy to Gail)))

amy smith said...

praying for you gail, that you will allow God to use you in a different way during this time of inactivity. praying for the surgeon, that he or she had a good morning, and a nice drive to work, no fights with their spouse, and a good night's sleep.

Momof2bz said...

I pray that Gail is feeling better soon and that the surgery is a success. Congratulations on Gwyneth homecoming!

bethany said...

Mama G,
Josh and I are praying for you and your hand while you are in surgery and we also hope that it gets better very soon.
We love you!
Josh & Bethany

mary40 said...

I am praying that your surgery will go good and that you recovery will well as well.
Praying in ND

Cassie12 said...

Praying for Gail and you too Rick today that all goes well with her surgury.

Rachel said...

Gail, just wanted you to know we are praying for you. God will protect you through this and you'll be back to normal in short time. Just look what you have to look forward to!

Anonymous said...

Hi Gail-I'm praying for you here in NY and hoping that all goes well. Speedy recovery to you! Heard about your accident on Nate's blog.

Kimberly said...

Gail, you will be in my prayers this morning, and I will be adding you to my church's outreach prayer list as well. Although it never seems like it to us, there is always a silver lining to every situation - I will pray specifically that the upside of this "downtime" be revealed to you by God clearly and potently. Fear not, I've had horrible reaction to anesthesia in the past, and then the next time, things went as easy as a cake walk -- it can sometimes just be a "1 off" when you have a reaction and doesn't necessarily mean you will have another. But, will be praying about this for you as well. Smooth sailing girl! You will be right as rain before you know it. Rick will pray for you to have a peaceful heart while your beautiful bride is in the OR and recovery!

Cindy said...

Praying for you during surgery. I pray for Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth every day and I will add your name and your needs today.

Much love to you and your family.
CindyO.

Jen said...

Gail, we're praying for you this morning!
Paul and Jenny South

Holly Aytes said...

I will be praying for you this morning that everything goes smoothly and that God will be guiding the surgeon and other medical staff. I pray that your recovering will be swift so you can get busy loving Gwyneth with both hands and that you can be a help to them as they settle into their "normal" life at home :)

Bree at Clarity Defined said...

Venturing over from Nate's blog to wish Gail well on her surgery... may God calm her heart and help her heal quickly and completely.

Anonymous said...

my wife and i will be praying for gail.
we live in NJ and have been following trica and nate story for quite awhile.
i think blogs are great.
may your whole family sense the presence of Jesus as he walks with you daily....ernie

Anonymous said...

praying for you and your family this morning and a speedy recovery

missourimom said...

I pray that your surgery and recovery are quick, and that your nerves are calmed!!

God bless,

Leslie

Emily said...

Dear Gail,
I wanted you to know that my family & I are praying for you this morning! We have been following Nate, Tricia & Gwyneth since around the time she was born & we have seen AMAZING things happen in their lives. I know that the very same God that has been taking care of them will take care of you during your surgery & recovery. We will keep praying for your entire sweet family.
Emily

Our Two Blessings From Above said...

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Marsmile said...

Hi Gail,

I'm praying for you that your surgery goes smoothly and you don't experience side effects of the anesthesia nor have too much pain. I hope you will heal quickly and recover full-use of your hand so you can continue being a grandma helping out with lil Gwyn very soon.

Marissa

Elaine said...

Praying that your surgery goes well and that you have a quick recovery.

Mrs. Dan said...

We're praying for you today, Gail! Get well soon!!!!

Susan Hooper said...

Gail and Rick,
Sending prayers your way from the west coast! I will be thinking about you and praying for the doctors as well.
Susan

Susan from Barrie said...

God Bless and Heal you during your surgery

~j~ said...

Dear Gail,
Knowing that the Lord will be covering you during this surgery and in your recovery. He is with you as you have delighted in him and you belong to HIM in every detail. He is Lord over your health, your business and I praise God for your strength and joy over these next several weeks and that no anxous thought would overcome you and that in every area of this situation you would continue to trust...with great admiration,
julia

Aspiemom said...

I prayed for Gail today and look forward to hearing that her surgery went well and she had no side effects from the anesthesia. We don't know why these things happen at what seems to be the worst time, but God does. We're so lucky to have an omnipotent God watching over us.

Enjoy your granddaughter!
Aspiemom

ditarae said...

Gail,
I only know your family through Nate's blog, but I will be praying that your surgery goes smoothly and your recovery is quick and full. Enjoy your gorgeous grandaughter! What an AMAZING testament to God's grace!

terri c said...

Came over from Nate's blog to send warm thoughts and prayer.

Annie said...

I also came over from Nate's blog that I happened to stumble upon from Jessica Claire's. :) It's amazing how God works!

Anyway--I'm praying for your surgery and family. You have obviously raised an amazing son and I know that you all are touching more people than you can ever know.

It's all in His hands!

Jenny said...

Praying for Gail. :)

Alice Vogt said...

Hope everything goes awesomely well and that your recovery will be just as remarkable as your grand-daughter and daughter-in-law's!!!

Barb said...

Gail - remember the story of the men who lowered their friend thru the roof to get to Jesus? Humbling. You will probably have to allow yourself to be served by others in the coming weeks. Not easy for us women who are wired to serve others! Praying for healing....

Aggiema (Michelle) said...

So sorry about your hand. I pray it will heal quickly and God will give you an extra measure of peace and patience while you recover. I pray that Gwyneth is able to come home this week and you are able to enjoy being with your granddaughter outside of the hospital setting. Blessings!

Unknown said...

Prayers for healing... and especially for patience. (Cause I know if it was me, I'd probably need the patience MORE than the healing!)

I'm sure you'll master the art of one-handed diaper changes in no time!!!

Tricia said...

Prayers for safe surgery and speedy healing. You are in our thoughts.
Tricia and Clan (N.VA) :)

Jen said...

Best of Luck today, Gail, for your surgery and in the future for your recovery... I think your family shows almost heroic strength in times of need, so I'm confident you will do very, very well... Our thoughts are with you from Jayhawk land!

Mandy said...

Prayers for a great day all around. I'm sure her surgery will go well regardless and she'll be home enjoying time with Gweneth very soon.

bome62 said...

Gail, my prayers are with you. May our Dear Lord surround you with peace & comfort through all this. May the surgeons & physicians know how to care for your hand.
God Bless!
Bonnie Meyer
Washington, Missouri

Blessings From Above said...

Praying for your wife and praising God for Gwyneth's homecoming!

Sunshine said...

Will be lifting you guys up - especially Gail! So sorry this happened and hoping you heal soon! Sunshine

A Jersey Girl said...

Gail- Hope surgery went well and you heal quickly. Thinking of all of you today.

Family by Love said...

Praying for the hand surgery. I understand how much of a challenge something like that can be. My dad cut both of his hands in a work accident the week before our adopted daughter was born. But the Lord used that as an opportunity for him to be home when I went to see Alisha for the first time and he got to go with me. I will pray for speedy recovery and no long lasting issues with her hand.

Our Family! said...

We just came from Nate's page and heard that you were having surgery this morning, Gail. We see that we are a little late to pray for you during surgery; however, we will definitely keep you in our prayers as you recover. Take care and God bless.

~ Rob, Amy, Emily, and Ryan Farrell

Meredith K Beaupre said...

Prayers for Gail's healing coming your way from Florida!

Ellen said...

Praying for your family today!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your wife today.

Dawnette said...

Prayers of healing, peace and speedy recovery coming out of Washington.

Andrea said...

Praying Gail comes out of the surgery well with no side effects from any medication and that God more than equips her for all tasks while she is healing.

Anonymous said...

Sending tons of prayers and positive thoughts you way today, Gail! I was sad to hear that you hurt yourself so badly. *hugs*

Theresa

Love my boys! said...

I will be praying for Gail today! I hope she has a speedy recovery and is able to pick up Gwyneth with ease...that will be some good PT for her!

Praying for you all in NY!

La Familia Garcia said...

Hoping today goes well so you can get back to life! God keeps giving us things that keep bringing us back to our knees and back to the cross!

Bev J. said...

I am helping decorate for a wedding on Sat. and will be handling some glass vases tomorrow. I'll be thinking of your accident and trying to be cautious as a result of reading about what happened to you Gail. How awful. I trust your surgery has gone well and I will pray for a speedy recovery. God bless you. You have an awesome son and beautiful daughter-in-law and precious grandbaby! I enjoy their blog very much.
- a pastor's wife in Canada

Andy Lawrenson said...

Gail - be a good patient and don't overdo anything.
A most excellent time to let Rick learn how to cook, clean, do laundry, mow the lawn, change the oil...
you know all those little things you do while he sits in his leather recliner asleep with a remote in his hands.
He can't help it. It is genetic. :)

Carol said...

Gail -
Your whole family has come to mean a lot to so many anonymous people, and it might feel a bit strange, but you surely have our support and prayers that your surgery and recovery go well.

Mandy said...

Gail~

Praying that God gives your doctor the wisdom during your surgery this morning.Also praying that you have a quick and easy recovering.
God Bless
~Mandymomof2

Anonymous said...

Praying your surgery and recovery goes well.

Unknown said...

Praying your surgery and recovery goes well and healing is speedy! I severed the tendon between my big toe and ankle three weeks after I got married so I understand a tiny bit what you are going through. Hang in there! God Bless!

John & Michelle said...

Hi Gail!
I have just read about your surgery on Nates blog! Hope all went well this morning!!!
Prayers from Illinois,
Michelle

JudyAD said...

Our prayers to you and your family from UTAH.....

Amy said...

Praying in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Amy and Family

Denise said...

I hope all goes well so you can comfortably hold that sweet granddaughter of yours.
Prayers and hugs!

Catherine said...

I was late reading about this but praying for your hand Gail as you recover.

Praising God that your precious granddaughter is HOME!!

Lee said...

Mrs. Lawrenson,
Praying here that your surgery went well and there were no complications. Asking the Lord for a quick and full recovery of your hand so that you might be on with the business of weddings! Also so that you will be able to hold your precious grandaughter without pain. Many blessings to your entire family on the wonderful recovery of Tricia and the awesome news that Gwyneth gets to be HOME finally! Take care and take comfort knowing there are THOUSANDS of us out here in cyber world covering you in prayer!

Kellee Flatt said...

We're praying too! Hope everything went well! So glad Gwyneth is coming home!!

Anonymous said...

Gail, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Faster than what they think. :) My prayers are with you just as your husband prayed over me via email.

I praise God for your family. ":)

Mary Knapp Yahoo said...

Praying you will recover quickly and find amazing one handed dexterity as you need it during the upcoming weeks!

Thanks for sharing your family with us through this blog and your sons blog and allowing us to celebrate along with your family as Gwyneth comes home today as well as celebrating Tricia's journey!

Deborah said...

*Definitely* praying for you both, Pastor & Mrs. Lawrenson!

Love from Ohio,
Deborah :)

Amber said...

SO THRILLED to hear that your precious granddaughter finally gets to come home; we are praying for you guys, as well. I hope your wife's surgery went well today and that she regains her dexterity soon! May the Lord's peace and comfort surround all of you during this difficult time.

Amber and the 'Breathtaking Ministries' prayer warriors

Erik said...

With the Lord's grace, you and your wife have raised a wonderful man in Nathan. So happy for your family. So great to see a Godly man standing up for what is right and standing by his family, especially in this day and age. I hope your wife is better soon. Your granddaughter is beautiful!

StarfishMom said...

Hope healing to your hand is painless and quick!!! Grandma's are best when they're rockin' you and snugglin' you close. :) You only need ONE arm to do that best!!! Be HEALED!!!!

Jan Scholl said...

I am the queen of cut hands and stitches and nicked nerves. You will be fine and those hands will be strong to hold that tiny rosebud soon.

Cheryl said...

Dear mrs. Lawrenson,

I am sorry you cut your hand. Please hurry and get through your surgery and out of pain so you can help Tricia and Nate with litle Gwynnie. She is adorable and will need your deft hands and sweet grandmother wisdom while she is so little. I love Nate's blog and read it every day. Even when I go on a vacation. One time I even checked on everyone at a KMart because they had a free computer for customers to use!!!I bet you will be the best grandmother EVER since you raised such nice kids.
Take care and I hope your surgery goes smoothly.

Hugs, Cheryl from Fairfax

Scott said...

Gail and Rick,

We'll keep you guys in our prayers for a full recovery of the use of your hand. You are right, a bag of mixed emotions!

Scott

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I'm glad Gail's injury wasn't as bad as first thought.

Please pass along my well wishes to her. Get better soon, Gail. You have a grandbaby to love on. :)

Anonymous said...

I came here through Nate's blog. I'm sorry for Gail's injury. I'll be praying for a quick and complete healing.
Kathy (mom to princesses in disguise)