RECOVERY PRAISE! REPORT
Update for William Goforth

June 10, 2002

RECOVERY PRAISE! REPORT:
HOME Sweet William's HOME! Yes, the Goforths were able to return home as early as only one day after William's quick recovery from Friday's eye surgery—answer to prayer! Although he spent one night in the hospital, he did not have to be admitted into the Houston hospital NICU. Instead, the baby spent the night in a private room with Daddy and Mommy. And what's more...he did not have to remain on the respirator at all once surgery was complete—answer to prayer again! "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:20).

During his recovery time, Noelle introduced William to another first—nursing! He managed to do quite well, although until he is more proficient at it, he will continue to receive adequate amounts of his mother's milk by gavage feeding (when necessary) and a special preemie bottle. This bottle is designed to facilitate proper suction which would otherwise be hindered by a deep ridge in his upper palate, caused by the natural growth of his palate around the ventilator tube. Therefore, that factor, along with other issues, has caused nursing to be another "territory" for William to "conquer" in due season.

UP TO THE MOMENT. . .
The specialist has scheduled a follow up appointment in Houston on Wednesday to reexamine the right eye, but also he voiced some concern about the left eye possibly showing preliminary signs of retina detachment. (In William's case, detachment of the right retina was caused by the scar tissue from the laser surgeries—all necessary procedures to prevent blindness from ROP.) A comparison from last week's exam of the left eye could indicate stability (which we prayer for) or advancement of the condition (which we pray against—as an appeal to the Lord) since that would necessitate similar surgery on the left eye—another very delicate surgery.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
William may be out of the hospital, but he is not out of the recovery woods yet. It is such a comfort to know that so many of you continue to intercede for William's needs. We come to you again, requesting you to join us in an appeal to the Lord for...

  • his left eye to be strengthened and stabilized from any threat of retina detachment.
  • protection from infection or any other complication as William's right eye heals.
  • a favorable report of the baby's right eye during Wednesday's follow up appointment.
  • long term healing, preservation, and restoration of William's eyesight.
  • wisdom and strength for Josh and Noelle as they adjust to full-time care of their Baby William.

WORD FOR THE DAY:
Yesterday was beyond special, because not only was it William's first full day back home, but also it was his Daddy and Mommy's first wedding anniversary. The Scripture verse that was held very dear to them and appeared on their wedding invitations, is still fitting for this very day..."The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made" (Psalm 145 :13b NIV).