For this child, we have prayed...

(This post is for our precious Evelyn Rose... so that she'll have a record of all the love and prayers that were graciously poured upon her tiny, 2-month-old life.)

Dear Sweet Evi Girl,

Just after New Year's Day 2020, as you were struggling to breathe, hundreds of friends and family members lifted your name in fervent prayer. While you were at Poudre Valley Hospital, they prayed that you would be able to BREATHE. And when the ambulance whisked you away to Children's Hospital Colorado in the wee hours of the morning, our family and friends GOT ON THEIR KNEES to pray that you would survive. And then, when we received the surprising CDH diagnosis, everyone prayed for skillful surgeons to stitch your organs into their proper places. Over and over and over again, prayers were lifted on your behalf. Before surgery. During surgery. After surgery. And throughout EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. of your stay in the NICU, people were praying for your life.

Evi Rose, you are BLESSED, sweet girl. Blessed by a tremendous amount of love and prayer!

Here are just a few of the messages that we received during your stay at the hospital:

"Praying BIG prayers to an even BIGGER God today for Evelyn!"

"I woke up at 5 and started praying for Evi and haven't stopped."

"My husband gathered our family last night and we prayed for Evi around our table... tears were shed on your behalf as we cried out to God to be with your precious child today. May you feel His presence today. And may things go flawlessly!"

"Dear Lord, please lift up the Hookers today. Keep them in your strong arms. Especially little Evi, Lord. Give her supernatural support... may she feel Your strength... help her to be strong and courageous! Please provide all the doctors and nurses with your strength, wisdom, and guidance. Most of all, Lord, may the surgery provide complete healing for Evi!"

"My whole family is praying for you guys... my parents, my 3 sisters, and their families. I hope you feel others holding you up each day as you do exactly what God has asked of you for the day at hand."

"We are praying for a complete, miraculous recovery!!! One hour at a time, one day at a time."

"Praying for strength, that beautiful fighting spirit, and complete healing. In times like this, I think of when Aaron and Hur propped up Moses' arms until the end of the Israelite's battle and victory. We are here lifting you up constantly. We are with you as long as it takes. Much love."

"Evi is just so precious! May God cover you all under the shadow of His mighty wings!"

"Praying a bubble of protection around Evi! May He be glorified in all the amazing things He is about to do in your lives. May you find supernatural strength and that precious peace that only He can give. Hugs and kisses from all of us!"

"Evi Rose might have obstacles to overcome, but those obstacles will create such great character in her. Take one day at a time..."

"Our entire church is praying for you!"

"During hard times, I turn to Joshua 1:9 - 'God is with me wherever I go.'"

"We've been praying for little Evelyn Rose all day today."

"Just wanting you to know that I am on my knees praying for Miss Evelyn Rose!"

Those are just a few of the many, many messages that we received from friends and family in January of 2020. And we are beyond grateful for each and every one of them!!!

We know that God hears the prayers of those who cry out to Him, and He mercifully answered those prayers by granting the desire of our hearts. (But even if He had chosen to answer those prayers differently, we are confident in His goodness. His peace surrounded our family when much was unknown, and we know that His grace is sufficient in all circumstances.)

If you're reading this post, Evi girl, then you're well aware of the fact that your CDH surgery was a tremendous success. Everyone in the hospital marveled at your speedy recovery (and this was after they marveled at the fact that you lived two whole months with an undiagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia). You were the MIRACLE BABY in the NICU, and we are FOREVER GRATEFUL. We're grateful for the hundreds and hundreds of prayers that were spoken on your behalf, and we're grateful for God's mercy upon your tiny life. May EVERYONE be blessed for their kindness and generosity, and may you, Evi Rose, know that God's hand has been upon your life from day one. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we hope and pray that you'll always look to Him for strength. You are a fighter!

All my love,

Mom

P.S. - These amazing ladies (pictured below, in their finest scrub gear) not only came to visit you in the hospital, but they also baked HOMEMADE cookies for the entire nursing staff in the NICU!!! And they did this TWICE!!! In addition to the fabulous cookies, they also gifted dairy-free food, caffeinated beverages, and several hours of distracting chit-chat to your nervous mama... oh, AND they brought some adorable outfits for you too... because they just knew that you were going to be a-okay. Evelyn Rose, one of my many prayers for you is that you'll be blessed with dear friends like these awesome ladies... AND, I pray that you'll BE an amazing friend too!