Stephen's Journey: Prayer for Stephen

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Prayer for Stephen

A friend recently sent this prayer to me for Stephen, Bill, and I and I'd like to share it with all of you. I think it encompasses all the things we have been wishing and praying for, but I just wasn't able to pull it all together in such an elegant and heartful way. Just a warning...have your tissues handy! Her prayer definitely tugs on the heart strings!!
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Father God~~ Thank you so much for the wonderful Schwartz family! We will all continue to blessed by the new little life of Stephen! Thank you that he is fearfully & wonderfully made. I pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding to be upon Lindsey and Bill. I pray that they would remind themselves that little Stephen belongs first to You.....and that You love him more than they ever could! I pray that they would remember who You are and that You are a God of love, faithfulness & healing. I pray that You would touch Stephen with Your divine healing power. I pray for the health and development of his kidneys and lungs. I pray for good reports from Doctors. May Your Spirit go ahead of them paving the way. I thank You ahead of time for what You are going to do in all of these lives! I give you all the glory and praise! In Jesus' name I pray these things as I lay this family in Your lap of love and peace. Amen and Amen
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Thank you Sarah for that amazing gift! I will forever cherish this prayer for my family!!

1 comment:

rachelDecember 1, 2010 at 6:06 PM
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Our Crazy Kidney Life

As many of you already know, our son Stephen, was born with a very rare kidney disease called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). When the disease was discovered during my 27th week of pregnancy, Stephen was given a less than 1% chance of living more than a few hours past birth. He was to have such severely underdeveloped lungs that the doctors said he would likely not even take one breath. However, on January 4, 2011, we were granted our 1st miracle - and Stephen came into this world crying (and breathing!) and fighting for his life with fierce determination. At 6 days old he had BOTH of his kidneys removed and began peritoneal dialysis. Stephen came home from the hospital when he was 59 days old requiring 12 hours of dialysis every night as well as enteral (feeding tube) feeds during the day and overnight.

On May 9, 2013, we were granted our 2nd miracle, in the form of a new kidney from an extremely generous friend. Stephen received a kidney from a non-related living donor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He spent 13 days in the hospital recovering from his big surgery and ever since has been living life the fullest! His life is still a delicate balance of medications and weekly lab work, but he's an extremely vibrant, loving, active 2.5 year old.

This blog is Stephen's journey told through my eyes (his mother's), thoughts, and emotions, with extreme highs and lows. But there's no way we would be where we are today without all of the support, thoughts and prayers from our family, friends, and readers! Thank you!!