5.Versluys'.us

Although I certainly have photos and some funny stories from Roma that I could share, I want to make sure I get this post up on its own as soon as possible.

Our friends are pregnant with their first baby, a boy, due in June. Earlier this year, they found out that he has some heart issues that would require surgery following birth. I’m not sure of all the medical details, since the heart is a very complex organ and I’m no expert!

We just received an email from them sharing the news that this little guy’s condition is even more dangerous than previously thought, and the statistics are not good for babies with his heart condition. About 1 in 4 of the babies don’t make it to birth, and 50% of babies who make it to birth then pass away soon after.

Following birth, if this little boy makes it through, he faces a lot of challenges (surgery, etc.) before finally being able to come home.

Since our friends are keeping their son’s name a secret (talk about driving me crazy with curiosity!), I’m going to take the liberty of tagging him “Abednego”. I think it’s a great name, and I firmly believe that he and his parents will come safely through the fire of this great trial. I hope this story will end with another healthy and happy playmate for Quincy (3 of my friends are due to have babies this summer!), but I also hope that God will be glorified whatever the outcome.

Please pray for Abe and his parents, especially this weekend as this latest news sinks in and they prepare for the long road ahead. And please pray that this sweet little one, so precious to his parents already, remains safely inside his mother until his birthday.

I’m praying that he surprises us all with a perfectly healthy heart at birth!