Family Update

I don't even know where to begin, so I'll start with thank you.  Thank you for the calls, messages, visits, food, flowers, donations, and especially the prayers.  In a time when our world has been turned upside down, we are reminded of how many wonderful people are in our lives.  I hope we are able to repay you, but under completely different circumstances!  And for those who sent messages or left voicemails, I am so sorry if I didn't respond; There were times that I was hurting too much but each message meant so much to me. I would not wish this on anyone.  My family is still going through so many emotions. We're angry, sad, shocked...we still just can't believe it.  We never would have thought our lives would change so much in an instant.  My heart has never felt this empty. I have never hurt this much or shed so many tears. We are blessed with loving family and friends, but a girl NEEDS her mother, no matter at what age she might be. We 3 girls NEED our mother.  Tyler & Kynlie NEED their Ninna.  Her siblings NEED their sister.  Her parents shouldn't have had to bury their child.  And the way she passed makes it much, much worse. We are all still grieving-please continue to keep us in your prayers.  We know that with God, all things are possible.  Even though we sometimes don't foresee our grieving to ease in the near future, we have discussed that we take comfort in knowing that she IS in a better place!

Update on Amanda...she is getting better and moving more each day.  She has been in a lot of pain with her foot today, but she had taken 8 steps this morning, with all the weight being placed on her "better" foot. The Orthopedic surgeon will be back in tomorrow to change the bandages.  We're still waiting on a room at UAB or Vanderbilt, but they are both full.  Please pray that a room becomes available soon!  Since they lost everything, donation accounts have been setup at Listerhill and Compass banks.  Thanks to everyone who has contributed!

Update on Mitchell...he is still at ECM.  He just got out of ICU and into a room tonight.  He is still running a fever that is caused from an infected facial wound.  He is also a bit confused, but hopefully moving him into the room will help.

Update on our miracle baby...and I do mean MIRACLE BABY.  There is no medical reason he has not been born prematurely.  Amanda was sent from ECM to Huntsville 2 days after the tornadoes because of the severe injuries to her foot.  When she arrived in Huntsville, she was dilated 5 cm.(at just over 21 weeks pregnant).  We prepared for the worst when we got the news that the baby would not be viable until 24 weeks, meaning that they couldn't even give steroid shots until that point.  The only thing they could do is to place Amanda's body downhill(head first) and hope that gravity would do the job.  What normally happens in this situation is that the mothers are placed in that position several times daily, and are on complete bedrest in the hospital until the baby is delivered.  Being from a family with much faith and a background of answered prayers, we began to pray and to ask others to pray.  Mama had left this world trying to protect this baby, and we couldn't stand the thoughts of losing him too.  A couple of days later, we got the news that the labor had stopped, and had COMPLETELY reversed.  Keep in mind that this is something that is so rare that everyone was speechless.  3 different ultrasound techs had confirmed that she was dilated, and now they couldn't believe that she was completely closed.  The nurses, who have all been absolutely wonderful, can only explain it as "A God thing".  We KNOW it is "A God thing", and we're sure that Mama somehow had a part in it, too.  So for anyone who doesn't believe in miracles, come and talk to me!


Again, thanks for everything and please continue to remember us all in your prayers, especially Amanda.  As hard as this is on everyone else, I can't even imagine how she feels.  Also pray for other storm victims, as there are MANY people suffering.  Love to all.