“Man’s Extremity is God’s Opportunity”
It was on Friday that the doctor first informed us of the possibility of internal bleeding in her brain. She explained that because her blood vessels are so fragile, they easily rupture. This ruptured blood vessel causes bruising in the brain. Unlike a bruise you or I would get on our arm, which would eventually heal after some time, bruises in the brain have detrimental effects on the development and function of the brain. Ruptured blood vessels irritate and scar the brain tissue. It also can apply pressure to the brain, moving it to one side or another, which can lead to brain swells and a host of other complications.
The doctor continued by describing the varying levels of brain bleeds (levels 1-4). A level 1 bleed will have minor to no impact on brain function and development. A level 4 bleed on the other hand is consistent with severe mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and the like.
As the doctor continued explaining the possibility of such bleeding, my chest grew tight, my breathing became short, and I felt that my greatest fear was becoming a reality.
Holly and I were aware that the chances of a brain bleed were high, and this was confirmed when the doctor returned with the ultrasound results that Emilie had a level 1 bleed on her right side. Yet in spite of this we remained hopeful that it would not present any major setbacks.
But then came the blood transfusions
A blood transfusion has one primary purpose – to replace blood that is lost. Over the course of several days, the doctors were discovering that Emilie’s Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H) kept dropping, requiring more blood transfusions. If blood is being lost we’re forced to ask the question, “where is the blood going?” While some is naturally lost as a result of the many test they’re running on her, it does not equate to the great deficit her H&H test is revealing.
At this point the doctors began speculating that the bleed in her brain was growing more severe. This speculation was confirmed after her second ultrasound. Her original level 1 bleed was upgraded to a level 4. Sitting in the Neonatal waiting room, we listened to the doctor give us our three options: 1) We could maintain the same level of care realizing however that our daughter will have severe mental handicaps; 2) We could maintain the same level of care but if her breathing declines do not resuscitate her; 3) We could remove all breathing support and simply hold her while she slowly dies. While it was clear the doctor wanted us to choose option 2 or 3, our Faith in God simply would not let us.
Miracle Territory
From a purely scientific standpoint, a child has a one in a million chance of recovering from a level 4 brain bleed. While the child’s body will physically grow and be able to support life, their higher level brain function and motor skills will remain underdeveloped. The child will have difficulty walking and talking on their own. Their reasoning and computing skills will be severely diminished. While they will physically grow into an adult in many ways they well remain as a child. Consequently they will need life long support.
The night before we received this report, I snuggled into Holly’s small hospital bed with her. As we laid there reflecting on the events of the last few days and the emotional roller-coaster we’ve been on, we wrestled with where our faith would land…. Did we believe God was able and willing to heal our daughter?… Why was He allowing this to happen?… What did we do wrong?…. Would we trust God through this storm? Through the questions we cried, we prayed, and we held each other close.
It was that night that we decided no matter what happens we will trust God for full healing and deliverance. And in one step we crossed over the scientific realm and planted our feet on Miracle Territory.
Emilie Grace 
I’m believing with you for a full miracle and I’ve been praying to that end.
amen, Alicia! i’m continuing to praise God for Emilie Grace’s complete wholeness and healing! I feel bad saying it’s due to faith, when i know He’s given me PROOF! my twins are proof. i’ll not doubt as i pray for her!
Hello, I came across your blog when I searched “faith”. I will be praying for your baby. I want to share this song with you that I believe will bless you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9b0dQJnCos
God Bless!
Reblogged this on Styl'd by Grace and commented:
Please Pray for this precious baby!
We are going to continue to pray for you and Holly and Emile Grace. God has not forgot. He sees your tears. You did nothing wrong. Jesus is coming soon. He’s going to make everything better. Love you guys. GOD IS IN THE MIRACLE WORKING BUSINESS RIGHT NOW! Gary and Letetia Boles.
Keep the faith ❤ Praying for you all. Emilie Grace has been blessed with two Power Parents who believe in a God of miracles. Stay strong and lobe each other through this experience.
God can and God will. Keep believing!!! Still praying
Our family have been through this Miracle territory not once but twice. Our beautiful sons are now aged 15 and 10. All our prayers are with you and your little family, especially Miss Emilie Grace.
I write this with tears in my eyes. Not tears of despair, but tears of joy at the faith and trust that you and Holly are demonstrating. I believe God. I believe He can, He will, He has, worked a miracle in and through little Emilie. I believe God knows and cares. I believe God hears and answers. I believe in miracles. I believe that God will work it all out for your good. I believe Emilie’s little life is a testimony of the power, love, mercy and action of God working through this situation. I believe. I believe. I believe God! Praying daily.
Praying for you and believing with you
I’m praying for Baby Emilie and your family! There’s nothing our God can’t do. It’s in situations that look hopeless that He does is best work. God bless.
My prayers are with you and your daughter. God never gives up and he has you and Emilie in His hands.
Pastor Seth, I know about you through my sister-in law Sarah. Our son, was born at 29 wks, he didn’t have a brain bleed so I cannot honestly say I understand. All I know is that prayers got me through it. He was in the NICU for 11wks, the longest, hardest 11 wks of our lives. But God did His thing. My son is gonna be 2yrs old in August. He is climbing and speaking and doing all the things that should frustrate me lol. God did it, He will do it for your little Emilie Grace. I lift you and your family up in prayers.
We are praying for and with you for Emilie Grace….God is Able…
Father, I pray as your daughter and then as a mother. I pray for their strength as they continue to walk this journey of faith realizing and recognizing that you are the great I AM. My mom always reminds me that you knew this day would come; we are to hold steadfast and believe that with you all things are made possible.
As a mother, my heart goes out to Holly because even though we are trusting you the unknown is still there. Lord, I ask that you cover her strengthen her and give them both peace. Father, I pray for Yelorda as he leads his family. Give him peace that passes all understanding for you are able to do above what we are asking. Let not only this child defy science but that her life be a testimony always.
Keep faith God hears us and I’m standing by faith that The Lord will answer us. Be blessed!
AMEN! God is able!!!
just read your three options to my husband as we worshiped together and he said, “well, we’re praying for option #4: full recovery and healing!” AMEN, and amen again!
God is able!!! I am praying earnestly for baby Emilie’s healing. She is in God’s hands. Our God is a God of miracles, and I believe in His Almighty Power. I melt with tears of hopefulness because I know what God can do. Lord, touch Emilie!
Miracles Happen! I am praying and will be until He answers… and He will…
I love you guys… Keep the faith, and thank you for sharing.
Miracle Territory indeed! Our God is a God of miracles and I am believing with you that Jehovah Rapha, the great physician will touch Emilie Grace. Upholding you in prayer on this journey of faith! God is able!!
Praying for you, God is in charge.
Seth and Holly, thank you so much for sharing your testimony here, which is unfolding daily. Please know that you are not alone! We love you and are praying for Emilie Grace and for both of you. We serve a mighty God Whose healing power is above and beyond all that we can ask or think. God bless and keep you all!
I believe in miracles. When I first heard about your precious baby via Facebook friends (who attend Mt. Rubi), I began to pray. And I’m believing God for a miracle. Right now. Be encouraged.
He is a Miracle working GOD! Alpha and Omega is He! Be encouraged! God can, God will! Amen!
I was reading in the sabbath school lesson, the different between those that hope, and those that have no hope. Those that have hope, trusted in God, and called upon his name. “Calling ” upon
His name, is actually remembering and testifying about his goodness upon your lives so far. He has carried you this far, Holly and Seth, trust Him to carry you all the way.
God has His hands on you. He said He’ll see you through. When you cry He’s holding you. Just lift your hands up high, for He will provide. Just know He has His hands, His mighty and powerful hands, His glorious and tender hands, on all three of you. And though our hands are nothing compared to God’s, we offer them to you to use as you need, for prayer, comfort, hugs, cooking, cleaning, or whatever you need to use them for.
MJ, 24 weeks, 1 lb 2 oz, so small he could fit in the palm of my hand. Too fragile for a mothers touch. My daughter with severe pre-eclampsia that continued after the delivery for 1 week. Only God, only God! He is still working miracles, hold on you are all in His capable, loving hands.
Prayers are coming from Nashville!
We are praying and claiming God’s promises for Baby Emilie Grace…..continue trusting The Great I Am.
Such a testimony. I am immediately reminded of Hebrews 11, particularly verse one:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” -Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)
The story that you, Holly and little Emilie Grace are sharing is a witness and a blessing to those around you. Your prayers and faith are a powerful reminder of God’s strength and goodness in situations that are beyond our control. My prayers are with you and your family throughout this journey.