Joe here. Jason brought his computer to the hospital and I thought I would type a few quick words. Ira is stable on the ECMO machine. After 24 hours on the ECMO machine they will attempt to wean him from the machine to allow his organs to start doing the work. Then they will see if they can set a date for surgery to put all the organs in the right place. This will take days.
Laura and I were able to touch him for the first time; twenty hours after he was born. It was what we needed and Ira seemed to respond to our voice and touch even though he is somewhat sedated. We were able to take Sophia in and she said all the right things: "baby brudder" and "i like it" and "love you". We asked her to pray her prayer, God, hep Ira, Amen, and she did.
Laura and I are doing...okay. We tend to "lose it" after we've spent time with Ira. Seeing him all hooked up and plugged in is an overwhelming reality that is hard to take.
I'm not sure what else to say. I wish I could say something smart or witty or...but I've got nothing. Ira's surgeon asked if I was preaching this Sunday. I said "no" and he said maybe I should in order to help process things. I responded by saying, "I don't have much to say these days." And so it is.
Again, thanks for all the prayers. We covet them.
Laura and I were able to touch him for the first time; twenty hours after he was born. It was what we needed and Ira seemed to respond to our voice and touch even though he is somewhat sedated. We were able to take Sophia in and she said all the right things: "baby brudder" and "i like it" and "love you". We asked her to pray her prayer, God, hep Ira, Amen, and she did.
Laura and I are doing...okay. We tend to "lose it" after we've spent time with Ira. Seeing him all hooked up and plugged in is an overwhelming reality that is hard to take.
I'm not sure what else to say. I wish I could say something smart or witty or...but I've got nothing. Ira's surgeon asked if I was preaching this Sunday. I said "no" and he said maybe I should in order to help process things. I responded by saying, "I don't have much to say these days." And so it is.
Again, thanks for all the prayers. We covet them.
Jason here. I am going up to see Joe and Laura at around 5pm est. I am going to print off all the comments so if you would like to make one for them to read now, please do so. Thanks.
posted by J-Wild at
1:54 PM
75 Comments:
Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira...every minute of every hour you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. John and Jackie
We lift you up before the creator of all that we know and do not know. Your strength is a witness to your faith in our God. Be strong enough to lean on Him. "May the Lord bless you and keep you."
continuous and infinite blessings.
all four in your family are surrounded by thoughts of care.
love and more love,
alisa
Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Dear Joe, Laura, Sophia, and baby Ira, God is holding you very tightly right now. Feel those arms. Smell that breath. Snuggle into that huge lap. Hear that amazing voice singing over you...a song that only belongs to your sweet little family.
There are so many praying for you. Feel those prayers covering you with grace and mercy. None of us understand why this is happening but we do know that you are loved. Hold on to that.
grace and peace to you, Julie Danley
Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira:
May you find comfort in the prayers that are covering you and those who are caring for Ira.
Maybe, for now the only words you need to speak are to the heavenly Father. The rest of us will lavishly present our words to our Savior in your behalf.
Save your strength for your family.
If it is not possible for you to preach on Sunday, and if you are able to attend services, perhaps there could be a place in the service for you to make a statement and help with the releasing of emotions to your brothers and sisters as the doctor recommended.
Whatever the Lord wills for you, so be it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God is on the throne and listening to all the prayers.
Love in Christ,
John and Saundra Tesseyman
Leander, Texas
I wish, I wish my arms could reach to New York so I could wrap them around my sweet friends and their baby. I've thought about you 1000's of times over the past few months and my heart has ached for your pain. May we all help to carry your burdens as much as humanly possible. I love you guys so much!
I wish, I wish my arms could reach to New York so I could wrap them around my sweet friends and their baby. I've thought about you 1000's of times over the past few months and my heart has ached for your pain. May we all help to carry your burdens as much as humanly possible. I love you guys so much!
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira...we love you. Our hearts break for your pain and we are praying that the All Mighty would reveal His healing power through and for Ira.
Rob, Brittyne, and Bailey Fitz.
We thank the Lord for the blessing of baby Ira and his wonderful family. We love you and continue to pray strength, peace and healing.
Brandon & Jana
Your family is in my constant prayers. I pray that the Lord will be your strength and your song.
angela s.
We can't wait for Ira to come home to 116 Hoyt Street. We're thinking of you every second. We hope it's okay but last night we let Jersey sleep in our bedroom. I don't know who needed the sleepover more - him for missing humans, or us for missing having a dog. It's nice when relationships are so mutually beneficial... Ira, stay strong little guy and fight and show us all why living is so worth every ounce of uncertainty.
Psalm 20 "May the Lord answer you when you (and Ira) are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you (and Ira). May he send you (and Ira) help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O Lord save (Ira)! Answer us when we call!"
May God's Word bring you peace and comfort in this time.
Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira,
We lift your family up in prayer today and for the coming days that there will be obvious signs from GOD that he is guiding this whole setting. We pray for comfort for each of you and God's hand of mercy as well. For Ira we pray that he is free of pain, and anxiety, that he can feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit surrounding him. May God continue to work his will and glory through your family. Through Christ. Matt and Kathryn
Joe, Laura, Sophia & Ira,
You are in our thoughts and prayers continually. We love you.
David, Brenda Matt & Tyler
We continue to fast and pray for you guys. LORD, hear our prayer. Warm Shalom.
dear joe, laura, sophia and baby ira,
we are friends of the bundy's from austin tx who are praying for you and lifting your family up in HIS name.
the mclendon's
I have been checking the site every break I get. I am so glad you guys got to touch Ira so he could feel your presence again. I am praying you are feeling God's presence and comfort. You are in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers.
Love,
Kahlyne and Chuck
We all want so desperately to do something - and praying is the utmost we can do - and we will. We pray for God to shine His healing power through Ira.
I have been thinking about you and praying for you all. May God's strength be your strength, may his hand provide healing, and may his love be shared with you through the loved ones in your midst.
Kate and I, as well as our family and friends outside of the "MCoC Family," are keeping baby Ira under an umbrella of prayer. We love you guys.
I happened upon your site yesterday, the day your little Ira was born. Reading your posts really hit home with me, as my daughter spent about 6 weeks in Columbia's NICU after open heart surgery in Jan. and Feb. of this year (She will need another one very soon). Although none of us can really understand what you, Laura, Sophia and Ira are going through right now, I just wanted to send whatever support I could, as I have lived with, and currently struggle with, the heartache of having a sick child.I will keep you all in my prayers and check in on you often.
Patty
If you have any questions about the NICU there from a fellow parents perspective, please feel free to e-mail. My husband and I were very pleased overall with her care, and learned the in's and out's of the unit over those very long 44 days.
Ira is on our prayer list at the Highland church in Abilene. Thank you for allowing us to share this time with you....May the Lord give you anxious parents peace throughout the day and give Ira complete healing...We love you.
Father God, we lift up Ira and ask for your healing power. Give him strength. Keep him from pain. Heal his organs and bring him through this difficulty. We lift up Joe and Laura and Sophia and ask for your comfort. Speed Laura's recovery and act through their friends and family to show them peace and love.
Laura, Joe - I wish that the Spirit could intercede for me here, because I know my words are inadequate to comfort you, but the strong arms of God are not, so I pray that He will wrap them tight around you both, and around Sophia and Ira, and breathe His breath into your precious boy as he did Adam in the beginning.
My thoughts are with you.
kimberly moon
I know exactly how you feel right now. I've been through it, too. I understand, re:
'Laura and I are doing...okay. We tend to "lose it" after we've spent time with Ira. Seeing him all hooked up and plugged in is an overwhelming reality that is hard to take.
I'm not sure what else to say. I wish I could say something smart or witty or...but I've got nothing. Ira's surgeon asked if I was preaching this Sunday. I said "no" and he said maybe I should in order to help process things. I responded by saying, "I don't have much to say these days." And so it is.'
I was a young Christian mother who didn't know for days and days whether my baby would live or not because of a lung condition which left him unable to breathe (he was two month premature). In my case, my son lived and is now grown and very much alive and well. I only pray God will so bless you.
But, for now, my heart aches for you for each, what seems like, eternal moment you and the baby are trying to survive.
I understand that you have no words to even speak to anyone else. I didn't, either, for quite a long time. But you WILL have words again as God brings you through whatever lies ahead.
So, don't try to force anything or try to do what you cannot do. Let God and others do FOR you and Laura as you embrace each other and stay close by the baby's side.
It's okay and will be okay.
Joe, Laura & Sophia,
You're right...there are not many words to say...but the Spirit of God knows what our hearts are feeling and what we yearn to be able to say and He speaks for us. We love you dearly and continue to pray...Don & Debbie Fitz
Joe and Laura,
Sophia's got the prayer right, and I'm praying with her. So are my parents and grandparents in Dallas and all the Gal328 & Brookline communities. You are loved. You don't have to say or pray or preach anything in the next few days - we are your lips, uttering the sighs and groans of the Spirit awaiting the redemption of our very frail but wonderful bodies. May God strengthen Ira's beautiful body and your tired ones and give your family rest.
Peace of Christ to you,
Chad
Ira and your family have been on our prayer list (at the Hollywood CoC) for the past few months. As I read the posted comments, I realize there are people all over this country lifting your family up to our Heavenly Father.
We pray for powerful things to happen.
You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers,
Shea and Jonathan Grubbs
Laura and Joe,
Praise God for Ira's birth. We've been praying for you and thinking about you, and we look forward to meeting Ira in person!
In Christ,
Regina and Tom
My precious friends,
You are loved dearly. May the Lord answer our prayer to heal Ira.
Lord we beg you to intervene...
ca
We truly believe that God can heal. We BELIEVE!!!
"The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." James 5:15
With warm embraces and constant prayers,
Mike, Denise, Chloe and Phoebe
From Yael's mom: I'm joining in on all the positive energy flowing your way. You'll be in my prayers.
God bless you, my friends. Holly and I have been praying for you so much and were elated to read that he was now stable. Although we know this means he's not out of the woods yet, we thank God for this blessing, this step in the right direction. Much love and more prayers are coming your way.
Prayers are and have been lifted for you. Small group last night was prayer and song filled. Faith in the power of God was evident as He can do all things. You are in all our hearts and thoughts.
Lucas
Laura, Joe, Sophia & Ira,
Kelly and I are constantly keeping you in our hearts and prayers.
Love always,
Jeremy & Kelly Parvin
___________________________________
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
Joe, Laura, Sophia & Ira,
I go to church with Brenda Tipton and came here as a result of an update from her.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that there is nothing that has befallen any of you that God does not control. He alone knows where this journey will lead you. Trust Him as Abraham did, when God called him to an uncertain future, and God will bless you, as He did Abraham.
Also remember that God knows exactly where you all are. After all, He once had a Son in trouble.
Our son, Riley, was the beginning of an unexpected journey for our family, as Ira has been for you. Perhaps you can find some strength in Riley's story at www.RileysWarriors.org.
God Bless, Robert McClanahan
Joe, Laura, Ira and Sophia,
Many many prayers from here. We are praying and hoping and willing Ira to be stronger each moment. There is so much love for you all. Also praying for your rest and peace. Sophia's words were just perfect.
Teresa
As weird as this sounds,
I love you Ira,Laura,Sophia,&Joe.
Enough is enough God. Save your people from oppression.
Laura, Joe, Ira and Sophia,
We are in constant prayer for each of you. Keep resting in God's arms and allow him to hold you all right now.
Patty & Jason
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira,
I am at a lost for words but the song "Home Free" continues to run through my mind. I remember the Dell's singing it when Vicki was battling cancer and the words just seemed to comfort them during that time. I am praying for life for little Ira that God will make him strong and that no matter what happens God will take care of your family and wrap his arms around you all. I love you.
Johnna
Joe & Laura,
If I could place Ira whole and healthy in your arms, I would.
Praying that God, who can, will one day soon...
Anne
"I the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for , but the Spirit himself intercedes with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26
God, cover the prayers that we do not even know to pray on behalf of Ira and his family. Fill our holes, that the very completion of our thoughts on his behalf be your Holy Spirit's testimony to your full and mighty power to save and to heal Ira. Help us, Father. We are so lost without you.
Amen Love & prayers, Gilillands
"I the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for , but the Spirit himself intercedes with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26
God, cover the prayers that we do not even know to pray on behalf of Ira and his family. Fill our holes, that the very completion of our thoughts on his behalf be your Holy Spirit's testimony to your full and mighty power to save and to heal Ira. Help us, Father. We are so lost without you.
Amen Love & prayers, Gilillands
Praying to God, hoping in Him for you, and entrusting Him with you (and hoping to trust more). He is our Father, and you all, His children.
with love,
Your brother,
java
Please know that we are praying for your child, and for his mother and father. Some comfort comes from knowing God will answer all our prayers, and supply the faith needed to accept His response.
"...But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 'If you can'? said Jesus. 'EVERYTHING is possible for him who believes.' Immediatley the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!'"
Mark 9
Oh Lord, we know you can!!! We believe. Help us overcome! Heal Ira! Have pity on us and help us!! In Jesus name, AMEN.
Joe and Laura , we love you so much. Fortress is praying for your family and for sweet, beautiful Ira.
Cara and Michael
Joe, Laura and Sophis-
Know that everyone at your Dad's office - Ravensberg, Inc. - is thinking about you all and praying for you and baby Ira. We are so grateful that he has come this far and has such amazing parents to be with him.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all-
The Ravensberg employees
Your family has consumed my thoughts and prayers these past days. I continue to pray for healing, understanding, strength and peace for all of you.
Chrissie Martinez
Rowan and I pray for Ira during the day; Brandon and I pray for him at night. The prayers are never ceasing! Praise God for all these believers who are speaking to Him on your behalf. Much love to the Hays family.
Father,
We pray for a miracle. For every ounce of strength You can provide for this precious family. We lift them up to You and ask that You give them Your peace...the peace that overwhelms, strengthens, and breathes new life into every fiber of our beings. Help them to lean into Your protective embrace and simply know that You are near.
We will be lifting you and your family up to Him daily...
Matt, Michalle, & Jeb Sessions
i pray for a godly man i met once, for his wife who i never met but wish i had, for a little girl who i've never met but whose prayers are sweet and definitely heard by our Father in heaven, and most of all i pray for a new born little boy who i hope to meet someday so i can see God's miracle face to face...i pray for all of you joe...
cody b.
Laura and Joe,
All I know is that God does not make mistakes. He has a plan. We do not know what it is, we do not begin to understand, for here we see in a mirror dimly. Trust and put your hands in His. We are praying without ceasing for all of you. Love, Susie and Ron Burge
"Please,please,please,please,please,please, please do it. In Jesus' name, Amen."
prayer from Keely Gililland for Ira to be made better by Jesus.
Pasadena, CA
Father, I thank you so much for the blessing that Ira and Sophia have in their parents! Those little babies are loved more than they can imagine! Please, Father, I ask especially now for the health of baby Ira to improve and improve! Let him live a long life with love from Joe, Laura, and his big sister Sophia! Thank you God for the blessing of his life already, and for the blessing of his family! They are loved so, so much! In your son's name I pray, Amen.
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Baby Ira - I love you all so much! Grace and peace, Julie Gay
Lord, we boldly ask you for a miracle - one that only YOU can provide. You are an AWESOME God. Please, please, please. Help them. Help them. Help them. Amen.
Joe,Laura,Sophia,Ira,Kay,Harvey,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Ira is a precious gift from God and it is our God who holds his future. I am reminded of the birth of my Caroline 22 years ago and how so many prayed for us as we waited for all of the tests,evaluations,etc. to be performed at St. Louis Childrens while I waited in another hospital. May God grant you courage, strength,and His mighty love which surpasses all of our understanding.
Elaine Schwenker
So many hearts and souls are struggling with you and hurting for you and praying that God heals Ira. Your friends in Tahoka have been in constant prayer and think of you all night and day. If only there was a way that we could make everything all right, we would in an instant. We pray to the all-powerful God that He intervene.
Love, Ray and Cathy
I wish you and your family the very best during these tough times.
Dear Laura and family,
We rejoice with you in the birth of little Ira and for the moment you got to touch his soft, pink skin. How precious and tender. We love you. Our prayers are with you.
Gerald and Debbie Davis
Hey Guys,
Please know that you are in my prayers every second!!!!
I was glad to here you are able to touch and talk to Ira. I know that is soooo good for him.
We love you,
Mitzi (Hammer)
God, I know it's hard for us to imagine, but you love little Ira even more than we do. Fill his lungs with the Breath of Life that only you can give. Fill his family with your strenght, courage, comfort and peace. Carry them through.
I love you guys so much. With a prayer on every breath,
your friend,
Melanie Fitz
God, we beg you to heal Ira! Show your power by completely healing him. Father, RUN! RESCUE! and SAVE!
Houston and Karen
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira Hays-
I am continuing to lift you up to our Father in Heaven. I love all four of you and been praying for you all so very much. God be with and strengthen my extended family who is walking through this day by day.
Your brother and friend,
Todd
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira,
We love you, and feel for you. Life is so precious, especially when viewing a small baby right after birth, like in Ira's case. We are so happy you got some time with Ira. We are praying and thinking of you often.
Ben and Julie Mehringer
St. Louis, MO
still praying... l
-----
l
Trying 2 make a cross ^
good luck to all of you. we will all have a good thought for you guys
Joe, Laura, Sophia, and Ira,
We love you so much! Hang tough, Ira!
Stan, Debbie, Wes, and Jay
Laura, Joe, Sophia and Ira,
David and I have been thinking and praying for you all week. We love you, love you, love you and will continue to pray for you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Love, Kenna
Miracles in progress - you must be so proud of that strong, brave, beautiful little boy!!! We have enlisted a northwest contingent as well - praying since before you guys went to the hospital and still at it. It feels like the whole world is praying for the Hays family right now. God hears. LOVE FROM PORTLAND!!!
Jen, Keith, and Leah Johnson
Joe and Laura, it was wonderful to spend just a little bit of time with you this afternoon. It was precious to play with Sophia, see her joy and love, and be reminded that her same spirit is now in her little brother. She is curious, wise, innocent and resilient, just as Ira is. Bryan and Liz were anxious to hear updates when I left the hospital. You are in the prayers of many of my family and friends as well, and I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.
Love, Hilary
Joe, Laura, Sophia & Ira,
I've had the privilege to work with Glo and feel like we know you through stories, pictures and updates. Our thoughts are with you as are those from our families and friends in New Mexico.
Suzy, Jon, Somiya & Kira Dunnum
Lubbock, Tx
Lots of prayers are being sent up for baby Ira.
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ HIMSELF and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work"
Blessings to you all from London. Under the Mercy.
Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira,
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you and your family.
Ann & Jonas Bergkamp (Sharp), Brent, Laura, Austin and Bre Sharp, Greg, Kathy, Jessica, Taylor and Hannah Sharp
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