Heading to the U

Well, we are heading down to the U of M tomorrow. Brody's PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriousus) is not closing on its own. In fact, it is wide open almost as far as it can be open. Over the past week, his heart has gradually enlarged, so we can't wait it out any longer. Brody is getting an ambulance ride in the morning. He'll get settled in to the NICU at the U of M on Sunday and the surgery will be Monday. We just found out this afternoon, so these are about all the details we have. We are packing tonight and plan to be down there for 4 or 5 days, depending on how quickly he recovers.

As for the surgery, it will be in the NICU. They will make a small incision on his side between his ribs and place a metal clamp on the ductus. When they place the clamp, they will do it slowly so his heart has a chance to adjust its bloodflow. We are told this is a very common procedure, yet we are still very concerned.

We thank you for your prayers.

Novena in Urgent Need
To the Holy Infant of Prague

(Recite every hour for nine consecutive hours, or, a given hour of the day for nine consecutive days.)

O JESUS, Who have said,
"Ask and you shall receive,
Seek and you shall find,
Knock and it shall be opened to you,"
Through the intercession Mary,
You most Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek, I ask
That my prayer be granted.
(Mention your request)

O JESUS, Who have said,
"All that you ask
Of the Father in My Name,
He will grant you,"
Through the intercession of Mary
Your most Holy Mother,
I humbly and urgently ask
The Father in Your Name
That my prayer be granted.
(Mention your request)

O JESUS, Who have said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away,
But My Word shall not pass,"
Through the intercession of Mary,
Your most Holy Mother,
I feel confident
That my prayer will be granted
(Mention your request)