Eli’s condition is called Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). In layman’s terms, Eli does not have a tissue wall in the upper heart chambers that normally would separate his oxygenated blood from de-oxygenated blood. The heart and lungs are unduly and severely stressed, and several physical childhood (infant) developmental progressions are effected. Eli’s condition, best I can ascertain at this time (thanks to literature sent by his Grandma Sue), is textbook. He has experienced over the past several months little to no weight gain, fatigue, bluish complexion, appetite and nourishment concerns, and pulmonary illnesses. Other health complications have developed as a result of his AVSD condition.
It’s now time to get Eli all fixed up.
Doctors and surgeons at Denver Children’s are optimistic on the surgery. Trevor and Kristie are very comfortable with them having sought multiple medical opinions to get to this point of surgical correction. It’s now Eli’s time to be strong and stubborn – an inheritance that will serve him well in the coming weeks as well as his later years of life. As a goofy uncle, I personally look forward to the time when I can tell him the surgery battle scars on his chest are worthy of display and should help get him dates with many pretty girls in about 16 years.
This truly is a circumstance that involves family. Eli’s blood type matches his Grandpa TR (O-Negative) so he will be getting a bit more of his grandpa than most kids typically do. His Great Grandpa May is also a match and he will provide his gift if needed. Now that’s just pretty cool I think.
Eli’s brother Toby (just turned 4 years old Monday) will be going to Denver with his Mom and Dad and Grandparents. He’s rooting for Eli as well, in a way only a 4 year old can communicate. Toby will serve the family in this emotionally trying time in ways he has yet to realize…that is if he stands still long enough to pass out those wonderful hugs and kisses and child optimism in the waiting room.
We won’t turn down any prayers over the next several weeks. Anyone that has encouragement or similar family trial – whether you’re family or not – and can spare a prayerful moment on Eli’s behalf will be treasured and spoken with Eli and his family. We know God is great and his amazing grace is to be celebrated. We take comfort knowing His healing hand will make us strong.
Thanks everyone and please allow Eli and his family be in your thoughts these coming days.
tm
FYI, thanks to Grandma Sue for furnishing the pictures
21 
Suggested from Dr. Bill La Barr (Senior Pastor of Plymouth Park United Methodist Church)
Tim, look at Mark 10.13-16. Jesus does not touch people in Mark’s gospel. He’s touched, but he does not touch people . . . until here. In this text it is clear that he wraps his arms around the children. I think it points to their very special place in the kingdom of God.
For words of assurance for you, look at Isaiah 11.1-9, Isaiah 12.2, Isaiah 40.28-31. This is some of the most beautiful language ever put on paper.
Bill
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to
have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked
them.
14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to
them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to
such as these.
15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the
kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands
on them and blessed them.
Isaiah 11:1-9
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the
LORD –
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of
the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling [a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper’s
nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the
LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my
song;
he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
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I am blessed with a special family and can not begin to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Our little Eli will someday realize and experiance this for himself. We appreciate and thank you for your prayers.
Grandpa May (TR)
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Tony, Dani, and I will say special prayers for all our family as we pull together and take strength from one another. With God’s blessing, Eli will be better than ever and in the mountains of Colorado with all of us next summer. Becky :o)
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Tyler and Tammy are thinking of you Eli!!!
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