Carla and I began our process to adopt nearly the same time last year. She and Paul traveled just a month before we did to the exact same orphanage in Kirovograd, Ukraine. Jadon and Henry were "orphaned brothers". Carla and I are sisters in adoption. We cried many tears together during our adoption time, fretted over the impending shutdown that loomed over us, and laughed about having our margarita party.
She adopted Henry believing he had arthrogryposis. Henry's life was spared in Ukraine all because of a misdiagnosis. An Arthrogryposis misdiagnosis saved his life for 14 and one-half months and allowed him to be adopted at barely 12 months old. This misdiagnosis blessed Henry with a family, love and life. I thank God above, Henry knew love and did not die alone in that baby house in Ukraine. His momma loved him fiercely, unabashedly, with every fiber of her being and so did his daddy and each of his siblings.
Larsen's syndrome was the rare genetic condition Henry was born with and, because of this syndrome, Henry had a severely degenerative spine. November 1st, Henry had a VEPTR procedure done in order to place two titanium rods in his back and straighten it so he could grow and breathe. It was absolutely imperative for him to have this surgery.
Henry had been home just a few short days following discharge from surgery when he developed a fever and vomiting. His beloved momma took him to the ER and he was admitted with infection. Surgery was done and, sadly, the surgery showed his back was full of infection. Two wound vacs were placed and treatment began.
He had a rough two days, then today he was doing well. His swelling was down. He was looking so very good. Then, something happened with his vent. He coded...twice.
Henry left us today.
My heart breaks for Carla. I have no words. I cannot imagine her pain. Please keep them in prayer.
"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)
2 comments:
estoniMy heart breaks for this family. May god be with them thru this time of sorrow and heartbreak.
My heart is breaking. I am grateful for that misdiagnosis. Grateful that Henry got to know a few short months of a mother's love. Yet, my heart breaks for his family.
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