6/15/09

Dear Family,

We saw the doctor today. We were accompanied by a few dear friends. Dr. Tabor was brief and succinct. According to his expertise, these cases end in heart failure. We will return for sonograms on a weekly basis until such time. His best guess for a timeline is 2-4 weeks.

We are broken before our Father this evening, but have an inexplicable hope that is imparted through His people. The dozens of responses we've received from you have helped sustain us during this. Thank you.

Ally and I read a few verses from the Psalms when we were getting into bed on Saturday. We find comfort in this verse and know that we do not suffer alone.

43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

May our God bless you and keep you, and cause His face to shine on you, and give you peace.

Love,

Zeb & Allison

sad news

Dear Family,

We received some very difficult news from Allison's doctor yesterday, and so we write to you to ask for your prayer. Allison and I met downtown yesterday to make our first sonogram appointment. The result of which has left us quite sad.

Our baby has not developed properly due to an excess of fluid on the heart and lungs. Additionally, the baby is not producing the fluid necessary to thrive. There are also chromosomal abnormalities. The prognosis from two doctors yesterday was grim. According to cases they have seen previously, the chance of survival is less than 10%. In some cases, a child can be carried to term but the issues remain and life is short. In other cases, a child's vital organs cannot withstand the stress and a miscarriage occurs. Our case is not representative of most, in that a miscarriage typically occurs within the first trimester and we are currently at 20 weeks. We have an appointment with a specialist in Fort Worth (Dr. Tabor) on Monday at 2:30. Until then, we wait.

While we do not understand God's plan in this, we still trust Him. I almost hesitate to write that because our faith is weak at this point, but we know that we are not called to always understand His ways immediately. We are called to be obedient and faithful and this is our desire. We ask you to pray for us; for encouragement, for wisdom, for acceptance, for hope and for peace. We are thankful for you, and feel blessed to have you in our life.

Love,

Zeb & Ally

Romans 8:28