Page 12 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY9

SAFE IN HIS HANDS

I went to work today, but thought an awful lot about Alyssa and
her parents. Somehow, a lot of other things just don't seem so
important anymore. Kathie spent the day with Heidi while Jim
also was working. Kathie was so excited when she called me
that morning because she was allowed to help Heidi care for the
baby!

Today they also allowed Heidi to "kangaroo hold" Alyssa (skin to
skin) for 90 minutes. Heidi was in heaven!

But Heidi was also reminded today once again that it isn't always
going to be quiet and restful. While Kathie and Heidi were with
Alyssa, they witnessed an alarming event when all of a sudden
her vital signs just crashed! The nurses assured Heidi that it was
nothing that was out of the ordinary - but part of a preemie's
development in a NICU.

I wasn't originally planning to go to the hospital today, but
couldn't stay away. I arrived at 5 PM, just in time to see the
scheduled "care" time. Alyssa was very alert and again checking
out her environment with wide-open eyes.

Kathie and I returned home that evening knowing that all in all,
it was once again a very good day. We are also comforted
knowing that we have so many, many people praying for Alyssa,
Heidi, and Jim. I knew of the following places from the various
e-mails that I have received back (Maine, New York,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Michigan,
Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, as well as China,
Switzerland, and Bahrain)

But most important of all, we are comforted in knowing that
Alyssa is in God's hands and He cares for her.