Olivia is still doing okay. She seems to love her tummy so much.
We had a really hard family meeting. (I actually don't know if it was harder for the docs and nurses or for us - their love for Olivia amazes me everyday). We listened to the recommendations from everyone and decided that it would be in Olivia's best interest to not take any extreme measures if the need arises. It was recommended that we don't start any new medications to intervene because they are causing more harm than good. There is no more medical intervention that can be done that would help Olivia in any way whatsoever.
She is so very sick right now and she has to be tired. She's been fighting for so long. We want Olivia to be happy and comfortable, which she is right now. We are going to stay the course that she's on, and the doctors and nurses will continue to treat her with her normal medications, sedation, ventilator needs, and nutrition. We are going to keep her on the paralytic that they started today and see if she can come off of it tomorrow.
Basically, we are praying for a miracle.
5 years ago
38 comments:
Praying for another Olivia miracle...
We know how hard it is to watch your child suffer....praying for a miracle here....and praying for your peace in making some very hard decisions. A phrase sticks in my mind that helped us make the decision to stop treatment on Noah---"sometimes, there are worse things than death". I HATE that you have to be at this place..no one should have to...ever...so sorry...
Olivia is a wonderful beautiful little girl who has touched us all so much. You are all in my prayers and I know that God's plan for her is not over yet. I will continue to send good thoughts your way.
Jami PICU
Praying for Olivia's miracle and your peace. May you feel God's arms wrapped around you.
We're praying with you, and also for peace and acceptance. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you to make those decisions. We'll keep praying...
I am a new reader of your blog and just thought I would let you know that you family is in my prayers.
Olivia is a miracle! She is such an amazing little girl that has brought joy and knowledge to so many people. Personally I am a better person for being a part of all of your lives. So many of us spend our whole life wondering what our purpose is in this world....Little Olivia's is so clear and she has only been here for 2.5 years. I have a song on my running track that not only inspires me but gives me energy to complete my run. Every time it plays it reminds me of Olivia and you, Julie! It's not a faith driven song....but it does describe how I feel about you! I wish I could attach the song for you to hear...but I will attach a few of the lyrics. We are all blessed by your strength, faith, and grace. My prayers are always with you! I love you guys!!
Suddenly I See by JT Tunstall
Her face is a map of the world, is a map of the world
You can see she's a beautiful girl, she's a beautiful girl
And everything around her is a siver pool of light
People who surround her feel the benefit of it, it makes you calm
She hold you campivated in her palm
Suddenly I see
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see
Why the heck it means so much to me
The power to be, the power to give, the power to see
Olivia, you do amazing things!!!!!
I am praying for you guys tonight. My heart breaks for you! I just posted and linked to your blog on mine. Olivia was on my mind todday and this was the first chance I had to check on her. I will pray for your miracle and I will pray for the peace that you need to endure these long days and nights.
Dear Jesus, Please be with Olivia in her room right now. Minister peace to her tired body and speak life to her! May she know that you are there with her and you love her with an everlasting love!
Praying, praying, praying! Love you Olivia!
Laura S.
My heart and prayers are always with you guys. Livy is a very strong little girl. Her precious smile lights up everyones heart. Thinking of you always.
Stephanie Nyboer
(Old PICU RN)
Love you, love you, love you all. What a difficult, horrible, challenging day you've all had to endure. Praying for a miracle, comfort and peace for you all. Always in my thoughts,
Erika, RN
I prayed and prayed for Olivia last night-- I prayed for her to be comfortable and healthy. You have faced some pretty hard decisions, decisions we all hoped you would never have to make. Know that God hears all of the prayers being said for Olivia and that he loves you all.
Linda
Our hearts and prayers are with you all!
Teri and family
We are sending nothing but love....thinking and praying for the family...xo
My heart aches for you. God is walking through this with you----there's no better companion.
Praying for Liv and your family.
Dana (PICU)
Oh my! How my heart aches for you and your family,Olivia! You are such a fighter and I admire you for it. Only you and God know where to go from here. Those who have been blessed to know you will be all the better for it. I love to think of you smiling and playing toys with me in your family room....not hanging out all sick in the hospital. You have fought the good fight and are deserving of a peaceful rest. I am proud to know you and your family.
God Bless You Beautiful Girl!!
Cheryl Baker
I haven't been online for a couple of hours and my goodness I've missed a lot. Ryan and I just read this post together and we are praying for you guys. We're praying for Olivia as always. I don't know what to say. I wish I did. I wish there was something that would make this all better. I wish we were there with you. Just know how much we love you guys! We love Olivia so much!
Julie, thank you for sharing your family with all of us! Our hearts ache for each of you. Prayers are being offered up for Olivia and for the whole family. What an amazing journey Olivia takes us all on. Her story is such an inspiration and one we can all learn from.
You are in our prayers,
The Overstreet’s
I pray that you are comforted in knowing that as much as you have set a common goal to "bring Olivia home", you, in faith, had baptism bring her into God's family and, in God's time, into God's heavenly home. At that time, God will say "Olivia, job well done!" Keep your chin up as that keeps your eyes on heaven. I like to think that Olivia's name means Miracle in Greek or Latin! I especially pray for those people who may find themselves in similar family meetings who do not believe. How do they do it?! You are in my prayers and I thank God that His love continues to surround you. May that peace that passes all of our understanding (we can't even try to understand it!) keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus, our Lord! Love you, Diny
We are praying for all of you.
Angie (a friend of Suzanne's)
We're heartbroken that it has come to this point. We're all praying for a miracle & that you & Zac & the kids will feel God's presence as you walk the path before you.
Kristen & Jason
Your family is in our prayers to give you strength and peace during this very difficult time. God is watching over all of you with his love!
The Lotz's
praying for olivia and your family...
You are an amazing family! I admire your strenght and courage. We will all pray for a miracle!
Julie- I talked with your mom last night at the pre-school potluck. I have a video of Brooklyn singing. It is not the best- John was on my lap but I will get it to you.
Stacy, Matt,
Nicholas, James, and John Bierman
Praying for you all! Love you!
~ Kim, RN
We have been keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Michanicous
We are praying for all of you & an Olivia miracle..
The Turnquists
We are praying for your peace and comfort!!!!!!!
Jen Weber
As a mother, I can not imagine what you must be feeling right now. My heart breaks for you and your family and am so sorry you must make these decisions. Your strength amazes me everyday. Know that we are praying for Olivia and the entire family.
We enjoyed having Jack last night. He is a wonderful boy! Connor and Jack had a great time beating Danny in basketball. I have some pictures to share!
I am praying along with you.
Praying for another miracle and for strength and comfort through this tough time.
The Shaull's
What a beautiful little girl and family... been following your story and my heart break's for you all. However, I am amazed at the strength the Lord has given your family and what amazing witnesses you are day in and day out. May the Lord hold all of you as you continue on this journey.
I have been following your blog and praying for your sweet daughter. I will also be praying for a miracle for your family.
May God bless you all,
A Mommy in Mass.
You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Grace and Julie Stufflebeam
Olivia is always a surprise and joy.
You are all in our hearts!
Zac,
I have no idea how you are doing what you do every day. it is more than my head has the capacity to deal with. You have an amazing capacity, and I am stunned at your strength. I, Too, will pray for peace, comfort, and strength for you and your family.
Jude Kiah
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