A POST FOR A FRIEND
We know these people. They are the kind of people I want to be when I grow up. And right now, they are engaged in a battle for their son's life. A blogger summed up his struggle almost 2 weeks ago. She said:
As we spend our day today at the hospital with our nurse friends and family, we will be thinking about our young friend from church Robbie Shackelford and his family. He is here in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and has been diagnosed with Encelphalitis. Here’s the latest report we have on him. “Robbie still has a lot of pain from his neurologically induced cramps and spasms which are now going up into his hips and back as well has his legs and feet. He has thrush in his mouth which is annoying him. His mind is as sharp as ever. He has built one Bionicle and is in the middle of his legos when his pain secedes long enough. Sometimes, he lacks the strength to snap some of them and gets a little impatient with his dad’s slowness in figuring out what to put where.... Please join us in lifting Robbie up, praying for healing for his body, wisdom for his caregivers, and peace and comfort for his family during this Christmas away from home.
Monday morning, I received an email regarding young Robbie Shackelford. His struggle has become much worse. He is enduring full body spasms and the medication is not working. The doctors are at a loss for answers. The parents, Ken and Tanja, are struggling through sleepless nights in prayer for their son. Will you join them today?
Please use the comment section below to tell the Shackelford's that you are praying for them (after all, this is a blog devoted to parents). In fact, if you would like to write a short prayer for Robbie, use the comments below. I will see that they are delivered. Moreover, if you do not have a post ready for today, please feel free to cut and copy this post. This is not about recognition, it's about reconciliation. Please do some small part today.
See the update below, and keep praying.
NEW UPDATED PRAYER REQUEST (to read previous update, click here)
In an email today, Robbie's father said it was a "relatively decent day" and that Robbie was able to sleep through most of the night. However, Robbie has had a full day of muscle spasms that have caused him severe discomfort. Ken reports that the Robbie's attitude is amazing and he is trying to be a blessing to all, even in the worst of his pain.
Although there has been some progress, please pray for Robbie on Wednesday. He is having surgery to put a food tube in place. Robbie will be under general anesthesia for the surgery. In an email, Ken stated that "the next day or two will be tough... so we ask for your prayers for strength."
Please continue offering your prayers and thoughts for this family.
54 comments:
Praying here in MN.
Than you Momma Mango.
Who else?
Robbie and family,
I'm so sorry. As a mother who just watched her one year old go through brain surgery (of a minor degree, if that's possible) I only know a tiny part of your struggle. My son's issue was "fixable." I can't imagine the stress, watching your son suffer, I'm just so sorry. I will pray for peace for all of you and for a miraculous healing for Robbie. And I will pray also that your burdens will be lifted as the prayers and hearts of God's people are turned toward you.
Hey Seth,
I did a post on the EO today already, but I will tweet with a link to this post right now and shoot off an email to bloggy friends.
Many prayers are going out to Robbie and his family. May the Lord give you strength and peace as you go through this trying time.
HUGS!
Praying here~healing, peace, wisdom for the medical staff, support...
Blessings~
I got the e-mail from Heather, and I am praying for Robbie right now, for his comfort and that of his parents and family.
Lord, may your comfort and peace overcome Robbie and his family. Be with them today and make yourself known. Amen
adding Robbie and his family to my prayers ..
like Octamom, I prayer for wisdom for the doctors, and peace for the family ..
I recall, when my father was in the hospital, I prayed for God to deliver him or take him home, but whichever decision He made, to give me peace with it .. sometimes, as a parent, we feel we are being unfaithful to the love we have for our children if we are not fretting constantly about their welfare .. putting it in the hands of God is the greatest thing you can do .. Trust Him and in that, accept whatever measure of peace you can ..
Ron
Praying and passing it on.
Lord, I ask that you draw this family closer to you throughout this experience. And I ask for healing for Robbie, wisdom for the medical staff and a tremendous sense of peace for the family. Amen.
Robbie and Family,
Just got an email from a fellow blogger (Heather from the EO).
I have four children and cannot even begin to understand what your sweet family is going through. Please know that your precious son is being prayed for here in California.
...and if he is ever out this way, tell him my (7year old) son Samuel would LOVE to play Bionicles with him!
Blessings, Joanne
Phil.4:4-9
I've passed this along and am praying, wishing, hoping for a swift, healing-filled resolution for them.
Through all the pain and suffering we have endured, watching my children suffer is the worst. I am praying for son that he may not hurt so much, and peace for you that you may be comforted through this trial.
Abra
Sent over by Heather of the EO--
Robbie will be in my prayers for healing, strength, and peace for him and his family.
Sent over by Heather of the EO--my thoughts and prayers will be with Robbie and his family at this difficult time.
Robbie and family,
I absolutely believe in the power of prayer to make a difference in this situation. Echoing all the sentiments above, I pray for miracles and the peace that surpasses all understanding for you and yours.
Blessings to you.
Sending prayers from the Pacific Northwest!
Leah
(Viral Encephalitis Survivor, 1983)
Okay, I just realized that I sent that last message from my 13-year old son, Austin, who was using my computer this morning. I will try to get him to pray also, but the original sentiment was from me. Sorry!
Blessings to you.
Pam
Heather from the EO sent me over here with my heart full of prayers.
Dear Father,
Thank you for Robbie and his family, for the love and devotion they have for each other. Thank you for all of the people who are working and praying to help Robbie and his family. Please, dear Father, ease Robbie's pain and comfort him and his parents. Please bless them with the rest they need and give them peace during this trial. Please bless all of the medical staff with skills and talents beyond their own so that Robbie can receive the best care that is possible. Again, if it is possible please give Robbie relief from pain and help his body to heal.
This I pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Hang in there, Robbie.
My family and I will be praying for you today.
Dear Robbie and Family,
I can't imagine what you are experiencing right now and I'm sure the days seem long, but I know you aren't alone. I pray Robbie will begin to experience peace in his muscles and nerves in the Name of Jesus. I pray that holy angels will guard and minister to Robbie and his family and that the Holy Spirit would cover them with His comfort and rest.
Father, please give the doctors great wisdom and guide their hands. And please surround them with Spirit-filled Christian doctors, nurses, and technicians in Jesus' Name.
God bless you all,
Beth
Hang in there. I hope it helps to know someone is thinking about you guys today.
Dear God,
Please hold this family in your hands today and let them know that they are loved by you. Please ease Robbie's pain and heal his body. We know that no one loves him more than you do. Please show Robbie's doctors that though their skills are finite, your grace and power are immeasurable. Amen
Praying for you Robbie. You and all your family.
Isaiah 30:18 (New International Version)
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
I just said a prayer for Robbie and his family. My heart hurts for them. I prayed for his comfort and healing. I prayed for their strength and faith.
Praying in Oregon
Father,
I just life up Robbie, his parents, and the medical staff attending to him. Please give Robbie relief and rapid healing. Be with the doctors and nurses and give them the wisdom to be able to treat this child. Give everyone involved your peace and strength.
Amen
Prayers from Mesa, AZ
I will pray for you tonight, that your burden will be eased and that your boy will feel comfort in soul and body. God loves you.
So good to read that update, thank you so much for posting. Praise God. I have tears of joy! I'll keep praying! God is good!
I went to Cardio Kickboxing tonight and with every punch and kick I imagined myself attacking Robbie's infection and pain...and wept through half of it as I fought for him. Workout Warfare!!!
My prayers are with their family in this time of need!
I am praying for him and PRAISING God for this miraculous miracle that is being performed. My heart is breaking for what they are going through, but it sounds like God has it all under control....but I already knew that! Thanks for keeping us posted!!!
Praying for you sweet Robbie and family! God has you in his arms!!!
Dear Robbie, Ken, and Tanja,
Please know that we are praying for you and your family. We are praying and thanking God for your healing. It is coming, Robbie. Hang in there!
Praying fervently in PA, for healing and peace that passes understanding. For strength and faith.
Much love,
Fiona
Words cannot express what the spirit feels, but the Father does...to that point my mind and spirit are praying for healing, peace and sustaining grace.
Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that You are closer than a brother...
please hold this family in Your arms and pour out Your mercy and Your strength, in the measure they need...may Your joy overflow the fear...
please bless them and help them..
we praise You and we thank You...
dear, dear Papa...
in Jesus name.
Praying in OK. I pray that you will experience and feel God's presence in the midst of your pain, I pray that he will heal Robbie completely and take away his pain. I believe in a Big God that nothing is impossible for Him, may you rest in the knowledge of knowing God loves you and God loves Robbie.
Love in Christ,
Julie
We're praying for healing and strength!
Robbie and family
The Lord is faithful to hear the cries of his children. Keep crying unto him, keeping your eyes on heaven, praising Him in all things.
May our Lord Jesus-show his face to each of you and bring healing to Robbie for the purpose to bring Glory to our Lord.
With love through Our Lord Jesus
The Sam Sellers Family
praying, praying, praying, praying...
Praying in IL
Father in heaven, I praise You for Your goodness and mercy, for Your power to save and heal and deliver. And this morning I am praying for Robbie and his family. I am asking You to make Your presence and Your power unmistakable to them. Would You touch Robbie and heal him completely? Lord, would You glorify Yourself in this situation?
I believe it has got to be about more than Robbie and his health, so - while I pray that You would restore his health - I also am asking You, Lord, to build the faith of the on-lookers, and draw the lost to Yourself - who see what You are doing in and for this family. Use this circumstance to build Your kingdom.
I'm asking it in the powerful, mighty Name of Jesus. Amen and amen!
A prayer of hope and gratitude for these opportunities and blessings.
Father, thank You for who You are, for who You have created Robbie to be. You knew before you formed him that he would go through these struggles, and we know that it is for his good and Your glory that he suffers. Please, Lord, we ask for Your healing touch upon his body. And let Your peace overtake his mind and his parents' hearts. Thank You, God. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Oh my.....tears are flowing...I don't know you nor do you know me but thankfully...our Lord know us all...I pray for Robbie, his family, and the wisdom and compassion for all of those who treat him. He is going to have an awesome testimony to give....God Bless you all, Pam South Bend
Thinking of you and praying for you.
I'm off to my Orthodox womens'group now, so we will all be praying for you during this difficult time.
My dear friends in Christ,
Any time a child suffers, a collective cry goes up from all parents. We pray, Dear ones. God hears us. I can only say how sorry I am for this pain. I offer my best: these prayers.
May God bless you,
Laura
I'm praying through my tears. In Jesus' name we ask for healing.
He's in my prayers. I can even add him to the Healthy Moms prayer chain.
Dear Robbie and family:
I am praying deeply that God will wrap his arms around you and hug you with good health, breathe new life into your body and erase all wrongdoing. I pray for you, I pray for you, I pray for you.
Be well my child, be well.
Michelle M.
my heart goes out to you and my prayers go up for you all. I wish I had something more to say to ease your pain and worries, but I promise to take it to God on your behalf every time I think of it.
Laura
praying here in Illinois...... Ellen
Praying for you here in VA, Robbie.
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