Bring it on
"I am so happy that I get to go to school this week before the doctor opens me up".
Thursday morning in bed. The reality of a 4-year-old, and the confrontation with the fact that he is apparently into it anyway. We had started last week to prepare him as best we could for what was to come. Being honest, but on his level. Tricky combo. But at this age, we can't disguise anything anymore. He is fortunately handling it well and is as ready as can be for what is to come. This week last week of school before surgery. His class made a nice big card with hands to wish him strength. Nice to see that his classmates are so sympathetic, but no idea in what way they really know what is about to happen.
So did Gideon. The last violent operation he was less than 1 year old, and fortunately he cannot remember anything about that either. He knows that he will have to go to the sleep doctor for anaesthesia during the upcoming operation, just like with "the tube" (insertion of the probe). But how he is going to wake up and the period afterwards we are very curious to see how he gets through it. We very much hope that he retains his open-mindedness and that somehow this will not be a bad experience.
But despite being on the eve of a difficult period, we are reasonably calm about the situation. We still have some packing to do and so on, but otherwise we are ready. I have taken a few weeks off to focus on Gideon, Marieke but also myself. And Marieke has put her studies on hold (for now) to be able to focus completely on our little family as well.
And right now, Gideon is still doing very well. He hasn't spit up for three weeks (which hasn't happened since last summer) and he is visibly gaining weight. If we compare his face now to Christmas, we almost see a different little man. There is also a difference with his energy. He comes to us jumping in the morning and he almost goes back into his bed jumping in the evening. Of course, there are dips and he rests in bed every afternoon, but wow, what a difference! The tube feeding is doing him good and we are so grateful that he has become stronger for the operation.
On Monday, we go to the hospital. We have prepared for several weeks in Nijmegen and we won't leave him alone for a moment. Hopefully we will be able to go home and recover earlier, but for now this is what we are taking into account. Monday several meetings with anaesthetics, the paediatricians and the doctor who will operate on him, and Tuesday-morning the OR at 8am.
We don't know how it will all turn out, but we have confidence and peace about it. God is with us and HE is our strength.
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Messages 1 up to and including 11 out of a total of 11
Els Laman from Almere
Tuesday, 21-02-17 12:15
Natie and Marieke and Gidion
I continue to pray for you
Riemer and Els de Graaf from Utrecht
Monday, 20-02-17 20:29
Dear ones - we want to let you know again we.and that our hearts are with you- Looking up to JESUS who has accomplished everything. His
resurrection power we pray for you and Gideon.
Gerrie Colenbrander from Amersfoort
Monday, 20-02-17 17:05
Be brave We will pray tomorrow if God will guide the surgeon's hands and that the angels will watch. A big hug for the three of you. love Fré and Gerrie
Marianne de Groot from Almere
Monday, 20-02-17 16:51
Dear Nathanael and Marieke, reading your last post I was reminded of the biblical book of Judges. "The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou valiant hero!" I believe God is saying that to your Gideon now too. He is with him and with you. Your Gideon, too, is a brave hero. Wishing you much strength and God's special closeness. We prayed for you yesterday in the congregation.
Henk and Marianne from Rafael Almere
Ruth from Oslo
Monday, 20-02-17 07:57
I have read your blog snag Augustus zoned, how well and clearly it is written. I wish all three of you a lot of strength, strong people. And pray for God's arms around and under you, that you may be carried.
Simone from Amersfoort
Monday, 20-02-17 07:50
Dear Nathanael, Marieke and Gideon, there is only one who can give you a miracle and only one to whom we must go for rest and peace; to Him we will ask. I know He hears and gives what you need. You are not alone! Together with many prayers we stand around you! OK we hold out our hands to you, maybe like the classmates????. Big hug.
Marijke Van den Heuvel from Leusden
Sunday, 19-02-17 08:03
Dear family, it's so nice to read how everything is going so far in the period after Christmas. Yes it is exciting, but how you are coping is strong and powerful, I pray with you, wish you God's blessing on everything. That in His power everything will happen, and that you can give everything to Him.xxx
Joke and Ton Hilhorst from Leende
Sunday, 19-02-17 00:51
Dear people, we are thinking of you and sending "positive vibes" to Nijmegen. It is extraordinary how you are facing the difficult period ahead together! We fervently hope for very capable hands from the specialist team that will help Gideon. We wish you much courage, strength, strength and kind people around you to lean on when needed!
Gre Van Overbeeke from Bussum
Sunday, 19-02-17 00:33
Dear Marieke, Nathanael and Gideon, my prayers are with and for you , believing that God's Power,Loving Proximity, Guidance during the surgery and the period thereafter , will ensure that a completely Healed Gideon will emerge.
Love , Gre.
Ellis
Sunday, 19-02-17 00:09
Much strength! Nice to read how you and Gideon are handling it, though.
You guys are doing super!
Love
Joni
Sat, 18-02-17 21:59
Big hug!!!