My testimony about our journey with Beckham

I was able to share this in church today, February 10, 2013

One year ago we began a journey that we never anticipated.  We found out we were going to be grandparents for the very first time.  We were over the top excited even though we knew this little one would be over a thousand miles away from us since our kids live in Dallas Texas.  One month later we found out that little one would not enter this world, but rather had been taken from us before we ever got to lay eyes on him.

It was not long after and we were thrilled to learn there was another baby on the way.  The anticipation was high and once we got through the first trimester we thought we were pretty much home free.  Our kids wanted to know the sex of the baby so we waited for the news of whether our first grandchild would be a boy or girl.

I think we were all in a bit of shock to learn that a little boy was on his way.  We only knew how to do the girl thing at our house having had 3 daughters.  It was at this point that we also learned that our little boy would be born with HLHS meaning the left side of his heart did not develop.

The tears fell and they fell hard.  Dave and I cried together and prayed.  We struggled, but knew we needed to rest on our faith knowing God does not make mistakes and His finger prints were all over baby Beckham and his little growing heart.  We immediately found ourselves seeking after God hard and fast.

Over the couple of months that followed it was a daily roller coaster ride.  Longing to believe for total healing and yet asking God if He might be choosing to allow this little one to enter this world without a complete heart.  Either way we never doubted that miracles would come.

Beckham was born on Dec 21.  We fell in love with him even before we arrived in Dallas to meet him the day after his birth.

In the days that followed as we waited for him to have open heart surgery, the first of three, I found myself praying constantly.  I still cried more than I had in a very long time and I longed for God to carry me through this amazing time and a time that was also the worst in my entire life.  This precious little boy had captured my heart and yet I knew the reality of possibly losing him was still in the picture.

After twelve days of bonding with and loving Beckham we sat as a family in his hospital room early in the morning with the lights down low and waited for the team to arrive to take him to surgery.  Our daughter held her son as tears slipped down her cheeks and our son in law sang over him Matt Redman's 10,000 reasons-bless the Lord and Never Once .  It wasn't long and all of us were passing the tissues.  A moment I will never forget.

We gathered in a small room while we waited for each update on the 3 plus hours of surgery.  Peace filled the room and completely filled my heart.  I knew this was a very critical time, but I was witness to the Lord's directing each step from the best possible location in Dallas, to the best surgeon, to the support of godly family and friends.

The days that followed were filled with joy each time we saw Beckham improve.  When the set backs came we felt disappointment, but deep within my spirit I found peace that passes all understanding.  God was there.  He was in Beckham's room and holding this baby in His palm.  I knew that I knew this was truth.

It's now been 7 weeks since surgery.  Dave came home to work a week after surgery and last weekend I flew to Chicago where Dave picked me up to head home.  We talked on the drive home about our feelings and emotions.

We both agreed that we had grown and now were able to see the situation from a different perspective than we had before Beckham's birth.  We both felt as though we had been called to follow.  God was not asking us to beg for total and complete healing, although we knew He was able to do just that.  We, instead, felt that resting in His plan and holding fast to the fact that He would never let us go was enough.  He had called us to a new place in our lives and we wanted to follow knowing the cost would be high, but worth the journey.  We found ourselves reminded to not wait for adversity to come to draw us closer to the Lord.  James 4:8 Come close to God and He will come close to you...THAT was our plan and continues to be from here on out.

Oh, seeing a baby born perfect would have made our lives easy and our future bright, but knowing Beckham was special caused us to surrender our hope for a perfect life and rather bask in the beauty of a life led and directed by God even if the storms were huge and the boat at times felt as though it was sinking.

No, our boat didn't sink.  Instead we found Christ calming the storms and commanding the waves to cease.  We found a peace that surely passes all understanding and hope that God's plan for Beckham was and is far greater than our human minds can comprehend.

This little boy has already touched the hearts and lives of people all over the world.  The word of our testimony has been a blessing to share even if the story continues to leave us with hurdles.  We are at peace.  We are hope filled and excited to see what lies ahead for our family and baby Beckham.

God's promises are always true.  He never leaves, never forsakes.

My middle daughter, Alicia, shared a song with me by one of the praise and worship leaders at their church, Meredith Andrews, while we waited together in the lobby at the Children's hospital.  The lyrics seemed to have been written just for me, just for our family and to remind us of the priceless hope we have in Christ alone.

 
Tomorrow Beckham finally will come home! 
Thank you Lord.  I also want to thank each person that has offered up prayers on Beckham's behalf and uplifted the rest of our family through comments, emails and gifts of love.  I know your love and support has helped to see all of us through this journey so far. 

 

... from Matt Redman
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own

 Welcome Beckham West Moreno

 Ready to be transported to the Dallas Children's Medical Center

Mommy Lindsey enjoying some holding and bonding time.

 Sweet baby boy.

Grandpa Dave with his little grandson on the first day of holding.

 Daddy Beto, such a natural at this love thing!

 Auntie Jenna totally in love with this little boy

 Post surgery :(

 Growing stronger weeks after surgery.  

Less wires and no feeding tube!!!

 A one hour practice run with the car seat before the actual going home ride, 

a hospital requirement.

 Auntie Alicia savoring some Beckham time 

on her second visit to Dallas.

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You will lead us on. 
We shall not be overcome!!!  
God you are faithful!!!

2012, what a year it's been

Beckham West Moreno

Yesterday Alicia was sharing some new music with me from one of the song leaders at their church. As I heard this song the tears just fell. I needed this reminder as we sat together in the waiting area of the hospital. This is my song for 2012 and as I head into the new year.

My word for 2013 is HOPE. He is my hope with each new day. I long to grow in my faith and grasp in a deeper way what His hope is all about.

 Happy New Year and may we all seek to know Him more.

Baby Beckham makes his entrance into our hearts and lives

I always sleep with my phone right next to my bed.  Getting an early morning phone call is never good.  I heard the phone ring and saw Lindsey's name on the display and my thoughts were, "Oh no, this can't be good." I answered and Lindsey asked if I was asleep.  It was my first day off after four days of working and I was immediately wide awake.  She told me she was at the hospital and in labor.  Her water broke and things were started.  Okay, here we go!

Just a few days prior we found out that Lindsey would be induced on January 14th.  We got busy and booked our flights for the weekend before.  I thought we were home free....BUT, deep down I knew this baby was coming early and Dave thought the very same thing.

I hung up with Lindsey and began to scramble.  Alicia called and we talked about getting our flight changed and heading to Chicago to get to Texas asap.  We booked tickets to Chicago to save some money and the kids are there and could help to transport us.  Alicia checked all flight, flights from all airports and there was none to be had due to the Christmas holiday.  We were stuck in Michigan.

After calling Dave at work he hurried home and a plan was made to drive the long trip to Texas.  Alicia called us back and surprised us with the news that she would meet us along the way by Chicago and drive with us!  She's the most upbeat person and such an encourager and has brought huge doses of peace for me.  It meant another driver for the 17 hour trip (which we made in 16 hours this time.)

We left home about 9:30am and met up with Alfred and Alicia a couple of hours later.  Alfred had to stay behind to work so he kissed his wife goodbye and sent her off with us.

Jenna was able to be with everyone in the labor and delivery room so we were blessed with a moment by moment account.  There was much cheering, tears and joy in our car when little Beckham entered the world at 12:22pm, one month early.  Jenna was in total awe of her sister and her new itty bitty nephew.

Lindsey did an amazing job and her prayers were answered for a natural delivery.  Her team was amazing and allowed her to do it her way which made for a wonderful experience and a great recovery.

We arrived in Dallas at about 2am and went straight to Jenna's apartment.  Lindsey was all set with Beto's sister staying with her for the night and Beto and Beckham had been transported to Children's Hospital a few miles away.  We were excited in the morning to go see Lindsey and bring her to her baby boy.

Five days have passed and they are already beginning to blend together and I have lost all sense of what day it is.   The waiting room has become our home.  Stricter rules have been put in place due to the cold and flu season so as of today there can only be two people with Beckham and two in the waiting room on his floor.  We've all moved a floor lower where we can be together, but it's the main entrance and it's busy and noisy.

It was such a blessing that on Christmas Eve and Christmas day we were blessed with turkey dinners with all the fixins from the hospital and it was wonderful. The hospital is a strange place to be on Christmas.  Needless to say I spend a bit of time in the bathroom alone crying.

There is no doubt that baby Becks has captured our hearts.  He was born the spitting image of his momma at birth which shocked us all.  The sono pictures looked just like his daddy.  My heart flooded at the sight of this little 5lb 13oz baby boy who looks so perfect.  He truly is his is momma and daddy's little buddy.  He has their features and fits perfectly into their little family.

For now we wait.  Beckham's heart surgeon has been on vacation for the holidays.  He will be back next week and is currently be informed of all that has transpired.  We anticipate surgery by mid week next week, but have no idea until the surgeon is back.

Beckham has been doing wonderful.  His blood levels have sent us into a scare a few times and we pray for him to be stable.  We ask for your prayers as well and we believe the many prayers are the reason he's doing so good and has bounced back previously with the breathing issues.  Thank you hardly says enough.  As I type this we just had another scare and it's been a more magnified one.  Wow, how we realize our need for the Lord in every detail.

Where do I begin to express what my heart feels?  I write this blog as a journal for my family to keep in the years to come and to know my heart, my faith and my failures.  This is more than a simple blog post can express.

I AM IN LOVE.  This child found his way into my heart many months ago.  Now as I look at his room filled with many machines connected to sensors which connect to him I'm lost for words.  I long to take it all away, the pain, the uncertainty and more just to bring him home.

I woke up the other night after a dream where Beckham was crying in his nursery at home and I was afraid the kids didn't hear him.  It was only a dream, but I hold it close to my heart and long for the day he will be in his crib crying to be fed or held.  His momma told me today that hearing him cry as the nurse changed his diaper was a good thing.  She's hardly heard him cry.

Beckham's nurse, Doug, commented today on how spoiled Becks is.  By the way, we love Doug, he is great!  When Beckham snuggled against me Doug reminded Becks that he is one spoiled little boy.  We are holding him all day long just switching arms.  We marvel at every sound he makes.  We go crazy when we see his eyes and laugh when we know he's messing his diaper.  We are all crazy fools for this little life that has been added to our family.

As the time approaches for surgery I feel the sadness of knowing what he needs to go through.  It's tough to know what lies ahead and how repairing Beckham's broken heart will indeed break mine.  I pray that the Lord will constantly remind me that this is necessary for us to see our little buddy come home.

I sit here waiting for my next baby holding fix.  My camera is constantly close to take as many photos as I can and every time I see someone snap another picture of me with my grandson my heart fills with pride.

God's fingerprints are all over Beckham.  We know our God does not make mistakes and He sees each and every detail involving Becks little heart.  We give thanks for the surgeon who is known to be one of the best in the country and pray for him daily and his staff.

Our little boy is resting safely in the palm of his Maker.  We covet all the prayers of family, friends and those who know us only by way of the internet, but love us just the same.  Please continue to pray for us.  Pray for strength for our kids and endurance as they walk this journey with Lil Becks.  Pray for rest at night to renew physical strength.  Pray for Dr Forbess and his team to be well prepared and tack sharp with their skills. Pray for me as I'm already dreading the day I need to leave my girl and her baby boy and go home. 

We give thanks for all of the meals that have been brought to the hospital.  We give thanks for the support of Lindsey and Beto's friends who have been amazing.  We give thanks for the gifts for Beckham and the gifts to allow us to live inside of a hospital and not have to stop to plan for anything other than caring for Beckham.  To each one of you we deeply say a huge thanks!  Thank you to each one of you who have called or texted us to encourage us and just check on how things are going.  It means so very much.  Thank you to my coworker for working out the schedule without me, you rock and are priceless to me.  I love all of you!  Most of all thanks to all who are praying.  We know the prayers of a righteous man avail much and God hears each prayer uttered on Beckham's behalf.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full. 
Psalm 139:14 

I close my eyes and see the night...

I ran out of the house today to get a few errands done.  Right before I left I grabbed a few Christmas CDs to listen to while running around town.  When I got in the car Josh Groban's Noel was at the top of the stack and so I popped it in the player and headed out.


It wasn't long before I'll be Home for Christmas was playing and I was brought back to the first time I heard this rendition and how it brought me to tears thinking of all the families that would be missing a soldier that year.  An empty chair at the dinner table,  gifts that would not be opened, and hugs that would not be shared on Christmas day


After the intro to the song my mind began to wonder to my Christmas this year.  I began to look back over this past year and realized how really tough this year has been. It has been by far one the hardest years of my life.  It certainly was not the year I had planned.

Now here I am, just weeks from Christmas and  I'm searching for it's true meaning.

For me there is no hustle and bustle.  There are no gifts to be wrapped and no big tree to put them under.  There will be no beds to get ready for kids from out of state and no food to prepare purely out of love rather than the love of cooking.

It's a year I'm sure I'll remember in years to come.

So as I drove today in my car with Josh Groban singing his heart out I found myself missing Christmas.  Me, the Grinch, actually missing Christmas.

When I got home I let my mind settle.  I knew in my heart that Christmas was not just about gifts or food.  It's wonderful to be with family, but that's not really Christmas either and sometimes it's just not possible to be together.

So today I focus on the Christ child.  I lay my Christmas down and pick up the real meaning of this day.  I will press on without a lonely heart or the reminder of an empty house to plague me. I will turn my eyes to the stable, the cross, and the empty tomb.  I will ponder the miracle of Jesus both as a babe and as my resurrected King.

I may not chose to listen to I'll be Home for Christmas again this season, but I'll prepare my heart focusing on when Love was born.

May our hearts be filled with awe as never before and may our homes be filled with His spirit and His perfect peace.  May we all close our eyes, block out the busy chaos of this world and with awe cherish the night that Love was born. 

Daughter of mine

Daughter of mine

I miss you.  

I miss you every day.

You are in my thoughts constantly.  

I want to take the fear and unknown away.

My heart feels broken.  

 

I long to lay my eyes on your precious son.  

Like you,  I long to touch him and hold him.  

Tears fall at the thought of not knowing 

when my lips will touch his face.

It hurts me that you are in pain 

 

and discomfort every single day.  

Stress does cruel things to our bodies.

You still amaze me even in the toughest of times.

You will be an amazing mommy!  

You are such a strong tower.

You are so beautiful and you've radiated 

the inner beauty of a mommy to be.

 

I am here for you...

...always.

I pray for you always.

I am already in love with your child..and will be ALWAYS.

 

 We walk this road together.

We walk by faith, not by sight.

Lindsey Joy 

I love you!

Always!

Dallas, daughters, Beto and Beckham

After a much anticipated trip I boarded a plane on the 31st of October to Texas.  I wanted to be able to see Lindsey pregnant at least once before the baby came.  Little did I know that when I booked my flight that this trip would be more meaningful than ever.  Finding out about baby Beckham's heart made the trip priceless.

Alicia decided to book a flight from Chicago and join me for a little visit to the heart of Texas, Lindsey and Beto's house.

All three of my girls in the same place!  This has not happened since Christmas so it was a joy to my soul to see them all together.  Jenna was very sick so she asked that I not take a ton of photos of her.  She ended up at the doctor to find out she had an ear infection and a sinus infection.  Such crappy timing for her to end up sick.  She had to work and go to school so her time with us was so short to begin with.

 

Day 1, all three girls

We had a fun night at Sissie's for dinner enjoying some southern food and a hillbilly quartet consisting of 5 people (thus, the "hillbilly" being added to the quartet by the groups lead guy).  They played some good ole gospel music and I really enjoyed it!  It was fun to see people singing along and raising their hands while enjoying dinner.  Trust me, I've never seen that in a restaurant in Michigan.

The next night was the baby shower.  Beto and Lindsey's photography friends did an incredible job of hosting a wonderful night filled with much love, food, and gifts.

 

My oldest two.  Jenna was very sick and opted out of photos.  These two are like twins only 21 months apart in age.  I love seeing them together.  It's like they are little girls again and BFFs.

The kids were thrilled with the carseat - stroller combo gift from Alfred & Alicia and Dave & me.

The food consisted of a chili bar, ice tea and coffee and this spread of desserts.  Oh YUM!  Yes, I had the chocolate pie of course.

 

It's tradition for us to visit Waxahachi and the Dove's Nest gift shop and luncheonette.  Jenna had school so it was just the three of us.  Always good food and fun shopping after.  Note my purse made by Momma Roar.  I was glad to have something nice and light to carry on my trip.

The three of us also did some shopping for Beckham's room and for ourselves of course.  I can't miss a chance to visit the Lush bath store and load up before heading home.

 

Since Jenna would soon be celebrating her 24th birthday we decided to enjoy some time with her and go to dinner and for dessert a bit early.  Sitting outside while eating our pizza was amazing.  This time of year in Michigan you just can't do that.  Alicia and I were basking in the 80+ degree weather knowing all too soon we would be back home in the colder temps.

I've said it so many times it's ridiculous, but I do have the best son in law ever!  He's so patient and he endured us 4 women without a single complaint and with a smile on his face.

After pizza we headed to La Duni's for dessert.

We all enjoyed some yummy goodness and celebrated Jenna!

Happy 24th birthday today to my baby girl!  Can't believe she's all grown up.

Each trip to Dallas we've been watching the construction of the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge.  I finally got to ride on it.  I was so busy trying to figure out my new phone to photograph it that I missed the drive over it and missed the photo.  Thanks to Alicia I have this picture to remember the ride I missed.

One place Beto has been talking about is Emporium Pies.  After an afternoon of shopping for a baby mattress and more we loaded up on some take out pie for later.  Yes, we do love to eat when we are together.  I saw this wall outside of the pie shop and thought of my friend JM.  She sings like an angel, or so I believe and she came to mind as soon as I saw this spot.  Oh how I wished we were sitting there eating pie and drinking coffee together.

I forgot to mention these little guys.  I tried my hand at knitting and it bombed.  I decided to give felting a shot and ended up with these little toys to add to the shower gifts.  They are stuffed with jingle bells from Lindsey and Beto's wedding day.  I hope Beckham loves them someday.  (Ahhh blogger, I do not like it when you post my photos sideways!)

Beckham's room is filling up quickly.  By the time I left his crib was stuffed with baby gifts.  The mattress arrived after I got home.  His momma has a new crib sheet to put on  and soon she will have curtains to hang in bright and fun colors.  The rug for the floor is being shipped.  It's all coming together for the day he can come home!

 

This entire trip was filled with much laughter and love, but also more emotion than I can write about.  We were all able to attend the echo-gram for Beckham's heart.  It was a time of many questions followed by many tears.  I'm thankful we are a close family and we can laugh together, but also cry together.  My daughter is a very strong woman, but the unknown is filled with so many questions for her.  Please continue to pray for her and Beto as well as for Beckham to enter this world with great promise and joy.  There is so much more I could say, but for now this is enough.  (You can find a FB page at Beats for Beckham to show your support.)

On the day I left we had brunch at The Porch where Jenna works.  The food was fabulous and way too much of it.  Jenna served us well and it was time for the first goodbye.  I see so little of my baby girl.  It was hard to walk away once again.

We walked outside and found a nice little place for a few last photos.

They are so good together!

Beckham was spoiled already by Grammy and Auntie Leashie.  We LOVE this baby and his momma!

We loved on this belly over and over.  We longed to feel him kick, and kick he did.  We wanted to shower Lindsey with love and get every last touch in before we had to leave.

We are a crazy bunch, but a bunch who love one another and care deeply for each other.  I'm so thankful, thankful beyond words, for this trip.  I needed to be with my daughter right now.  I needed to love on her and her unborn son.  I will treasure this visit far more than any before it.  It was such an emotional visit, but a gift for all of us that cannot have a price tag attached.

He scattered the stars in the heavens

Lord, it's me again.  I'm sure You've noticed that we've been talking more than usual lately.  It seems I'm finding that moment by moment I need to be reminded that You are there.  I know, You promised me that You would always be here for me and never leave me alone, but boy do I feel alone at times.  It comforts me to come talk with You.  I always find that peace that the world seems to rob me of.

Lord, I know Your Word is truth and life.  I learned this as a very little girl.  You know, as I grew I began to realize that life is not always so easy.  There are these times when the rubber really meets the road.  Father, I'm thankful that You have been there all along.  ALWAYS.

I've walked through some tough times in my 52 years.  I've hurt so deep in my core that I wondered how in the world the wound would ever heal.  You, my God, are the great healer.  You, my God, brought me out of places that burned and scarred my heart and soul.  You brought me out whole again.

So now Father, I walk an unknown path once again.  You never said life would be piece of cake.  You never promised me smooth sailing.  Yet I know You promised to bring me THROUGH to the other side and bring me out refined and more like your son Jesus Christ.  Oh how often I've prayed, "Whatever it takes Lord."

Two weeks ago when Lindsey called and gave me the news of baby Beckham's heart I felt the bottom drop out.  It felt like my heart was ripped right out of my chest.  I shut down for a few hours.  I couldn't cry, couldn't process.  My baby girl was facing life head on with a huge hurdle and I couldn't take the pain away.  This is a mother's nightmare.

As I think back on each step I smile knowing that You were there.  In the midst of my heartache Your Word was in my heart.  Your hands were holding me up and carrying me.  Yes Lord, You are faithful.

The next week was a place I hate, a roller coaster.  I remember the last time I boarded a roller coast I promised You that as  mother I would never EVER get on one again.  It was insane and I needed to keep my feet on the ground for my children.  Well, that was a literal roller coaster and now I was on an emotional one and no matter how hard I was screaming and crying I needed to ride the ride to arrive at the end and see that during the ride I was being held on to by the hand of GOD alone.

Lord, here I am two weeks later.  My heart feels peace even as the world is screaming at me.  Some scream FAITH, HOPE, MIRACLES!  If we don't believe we sin!!!  You know Lord, I DO believe in healing.  I just don't understand the preaching and condemnation of some. Others mourn for things lost even though Beckham has not even entered this world yet.  I'm torn Lord.  I'm confused.  I want to plug my ears.  I need love and support, not preaching or doubt.

So today I fight to close out the noise of this world and cling to You.  I believe Lord.  I believe that the Maker of this world makes NO mistakes.  I believe that if You could hang the moon and the stars then You alone ARE a miracle worker for Beckham.

My faith may only be the size of a mustard seed at times, but Your Word assures me that it's enough to move mountains!  I will stand strong and trust that You have a plan and purpose for Beckham.  You are directing the path of our family.  You have knit Beckham in Lindsey's womb and he IS fearfully and wonderfully made.

I thank you Lord, my Father, my God for each and every promise you have given to ME.  You are a loving God and the picture You see is far more than my finite mind can fathom.  Oh how I pray that when the unbelief wiggles it's way in that You will restore my faith and trust in the One who created the universe, in You my God.

I'm mystified at how much I love this little boy.  The very thought of him bring tears to me eyes.  He is already a huge part of our family.  What a gift, Lord, what a gift!  

I give You THANKS for BECKHAM.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord.   

Psalms 27:14