CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.

For those of you that have asked how Ryder is doing I have posted a link to his Caring Bridge Site here. There's also a permanent link on the right side of my home page in the blog roll, so you can always check on him from my blog.

Ryder is Meghan & Bill's grandson, who was born last year a few days before Thanksgiving. Bill's daughter Laura, had a normal pregnancy and they didn't expect anything like what happened after his birth. Read his story below of the first few days of his life and view the picture of Ryder on the ECMO machine. Then go ahead and jump to the bottom to see how God has answered all of our prayers in healing this little guy.



CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.

**This portion is copied from his welcome page on the Caring Bridge website.

**Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about our loved one.

My Story is the introduction to our CaringBridge site.

Be sure to read the latest in the journal, view the photo gallery, and drop us a line in the guestbook.


Happy Thanksgiving to all! We can't thank everybody enough for all of the prayers made on behalf of Ryder and our family. We are truly humbled by your support. As everyone can imagine it has been a whirlwind of a last couple of days. When Ryder was born we were filled with joy and humbled by the miracle of creation once again. However, it wasn't long after that Ryder was showing signs of being very sick and having difficulties breathing. Since that time, even with all the highs and lows, God has been staying one step ahead of the story and leading Ryder to where we are today. From MGH to Lutheran and now Riley, Ryder has been sheltered in the wings of the Father (Truly).

At one point from Lutheran to Riley we received news that there may be a chance that Ryder would not make the trip. However, God sent His angels to carry our baby through the night and receive the ecmo treatment (A heart-lung bypass which allows his blood to be re oxygenated, while his body can rest and recover) he so desperately needed.

Since he has been on ecmo, the plan by the doctor's is to slowly pull back the work of the ecmo machine (along with all of the medication he has been under and let his body begin to slowly reclaim control). Because of the battle, Ryder has endured a lot and there were times where his oxygen levels got very low. With his vitals remaining relatively stable, the focus has turned to responsive activity. The doctor's want Ryder to begin active responses to stimulus. While he has endured a lot, little signs are encouraging.

Which leads me to the wonderful news we received this morning. As one of the ecmo nurses were moving him and trying to stimulate his body HE OPENED HIS EYES & SUCKLED HIS LIPS!!! Again, praise GOD for His awesome wonders. He is truly Mighty to Save, and reminds us that in a world of chaos and uncertainty, He is still in control. There is no one like our God, and we just continue to ask for prayers to be offered up for Ryder and our family, and for all the families who are in need of a healing touch.

Today, let us pray for continued responses from baby Ryder and for a full healthy recovery. We dedicate this baby to our Lord and Savior, and we also dedicate him to the body of Christ. It is amazing how God brings together His people, and reminds all that He is the great I AM.

Thank you again, and have a Happy Thanksgiving, for we have much to be thankful for! We love you very much and will keep you posted of any news.




Ryder is growing and thriving. They are doing a great job of follow-up visits and tests to make sure he's growing & developing properly.