Blessed

So this is my third post of the day. First of all, a pat on the back to me for posting three times with Reed here. Second, a quick update on Gaines. He's still holding strong. He's up to 12 ccs of milk every 3 hours, his lungs seem to get stronger everyday and his blood gases are still in the normal range.

I was planning on a hot bath since Reed is in bed now but I'm giving that up now to try and write this. Beau and I just got through opening our mail and packages from the last few days. I sat on the couch in our little apartment in a daze unable to comprehend everything. Even now I'm having trouble finding the words I'm looking for.

I cannot tell you how humbling it is to receive all of the cards, gifts, words of encouragement, etc. I honestly don't know what we've done to deserve the outpouring of love that we have received. Each card, gift, email, phone call and comment has been so uplifting to us and each one touches our heart. Not just today but all along this journey. When this first happened, we heard from so many people. I was so touched and appreciated it more than I can say but I felt like the novelty of our situation would wear off and we'd be just another sad story that no one remembered in a few weeks. For some reason that I'll never know, that hasn't happened. The cards, gifts etc we have received the past few days have been overwhelming to me.

It's not just the tangible things that we appreciate. I will forever be in debt to everyone out there who has ever said a prayer for Gaines and our family. It is because of these prayers that Gaines has come as far as he has. They are also the reason I have been able to keep my sanity the last 8 weeks (can you believe we've been here 8 weeks now?). There have been a lot of down times the last 56 days but through it all we have been continually blessed. I pray for each of you everyday. I thank God for all of your prayers and support and I ask Him to bless every person out there that has prayed for Gaines.

I don't know what it is about our story that has gotten the interest of so many people but I'm thankful for it. I will never be able to repay you all for your prayers, generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness. I will however use our experience to comfort other people in their times of need. When our Sunday School teacher was here last week he shared a verse with us that has stuck with me the past few days. I believe it holds part of the answer to the question we've been asking ourselves for the last 8 weeks...why me, why us?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 3-4

This world would be a better place if everyone had the compassion that each of you have. I know that Beau and I couldn't have made it these past 8 weeks without your prayers and support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we still have a ways to go here in DC and back home with our tiny baby.

Love to all,

Brittany