Addesa Family Update, June 2007

Today, unlike yesterday, was a day that obligations relating to my responsibilities took more of my time than I would have liked. Yet, the reality is that life goes on despite the yearning in my heart to be with Noah. When I debriefed with Lisa late this afternoon, she said that Noah had over two hours in his new wheel chair. She said he delighted in the travels up and down the halls of the TCU both within the various Pods and outside in the actual hallways. The sights and sounds were exciting to him. One of the nurses said to Lisa that he “actually smiled” at her for a moment. None of us have witnessed that wonder, however we accept their testimony as legitimate.

I leave you with this truth tonight from of my favorite chapters in the New Testament. Romans 4:19-22, “And not being weak in faith, he (Abraham) did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Please do not stop praying for Noah. As I said a few days ago….we are unwrapping his grave clothes with joy and anticipation. The Addesa’s are full of gratitude to all of you for praying!. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 1, 2007 at 9:35 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 4, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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It’s Sunday night and as I collect my thoughts of this weekend, I pray that you who are following this website, may find the blessing of God returned back to you twofold for your concern and your intercession for my son. Noah continues to exhibit signs that he is being poised for his awakening. On Saturday the head nurse decided it was the right time to take the next step in weaning Noah off the trach tube. She proceeded to hold her hand over the outside of the trach tube (closing off that airway) and Noah breathed through his nose and mouth without any signs of distress. Because of that, she made the decision to “downsize” the tube to the next smallest size. What that means is that as the tube gets smaller, the more Noah will depend upon his normal breathing mechanisms. Ultimately….closer to having it removed.

Saturday morning Hannah graduated from high school so we decided it was best for Lisa to attend the ceremonies while I stayed with Noah. As I interacted with the Respiratory Therapist, he decided that because of Noah’s positive response to things around him, it would be a good thing to put him in his wheel chair and actually take him outside. Because of their strict medical protocol, it required two therapists to attend to this venture. The pictures below are snapshots of those moments. Kenny Snell and his wife Laura who came to bring lunch to our family gave the sunglasses you see to Noah. I thought you would appreciate a “lighter” moment as we did. Noah (like his dadJ) enjoys being goofy once in a while.

The man in the “blue” is one of Noah’s RT’s. The lady to the right in a different shade of blue is my beautiful bride Lisa. She arrived just as we were taking Noah outside. The place where he spent those moments is called the “ Butterfly Garden”. It is a beautifully decorated garden highlighted by the multiple butterfly scenes and sculptures. I look to the day when Noah has his own sunglasses on and is walking on his own through the same garden. I ask you to believe The Father with me on that dream. Love…David

Last Updated: June 4, 2007 at 9:27 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 5, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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On Mother’s day I shared a message that incorporated the scene in John 2 where Mary did a rather astounding thing by asking her son to do something that was “not quite” the Father’s time table in asking Jesus to do His first miracle. Even though Jesus insisted that it was not the time for Him to begin His ministry of signs and wonders, Mary looked past that divine parameter and simply said: “Do whatever He tells you to do.” One of revelations I stumbled upon in looking at that text, is the oft spoken axiom that, “Mama’s know their babys.” In other words, Mary was not talking to Jesus the Messiah… the Son of God… she was talking to her boy whom she knew intimately. Her perceptions gave way to motherly boldness and suppositions that few of us would understand.

What’s the point? Glad you asked. Lisa was sharing with me some things that only mother’s know about their boys. She was telling me with great conviction today that Noah is starting to exhibit emotions to his mother. Lisa is sure of these observations. She cited moments where Noah looks into her eyes and displays feelings of angst and turmoil over his immediate circumstance. There are other times when he displays peace and calm. These increasing manifestations continue to encourage us and we hope you as well. For me, it is the new vocal sounds he has made on occasion. When I was assisting him out of the wheel chair into his bed, he groaned because of the discomfort of movement. Other times he will yawn and let out a “sigh” like someone who is tired and ready to sleep. They are wonderful sounds to my ears. I’m am waiting, however, for sounds to give way to sentences, and sentences to give way to conversations and conversations to give way to the fullness of life that has been restored by the King Himself. Pressing the battle forward with you… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 5, 2007 at 9:28 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 6, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Today was an active day for Noah. Two repeat tests were given to him for the evaluation of “next step” medical strategies. The first was an X-ray of the lower portions of his lungs to be certain that there is no fluid accumulation indicating respiratory inefficiency that could precipitate pneumonia. They found that his lungs are clear and therefore two steps were indicated. First, would be to once again “downsize” his trach tube bringing him one step closer to removing it altogether.

Second, is to reduce his Respiratory Therapy from three times per day to two. For most of you reading this, RT probably means something like breathing exercises. But, in fact, it is much different than what you might expect. Essentially the RT nurse pounds his chest rhythmically for fifteen minutes. The first time Lisa and I witnessed it, we ourselves were in distress J. However we discovered that it’s simply designed to loosen any congestion in his chest and facilitate his coughing to clear his airway. Noah’s airways have been clear for many days now! In Noah’s case it is done as a preventive measure.

The second test (procedure) today was an MRI to see what is happening in his brain since he was evaluated four weeks ago. It took about 30 minutes to complete the test. We will not know the results of those tests for a couple of days. Regardless of the report, Lisa and I are looking past the natural and drawing our conclusions from the supernatural. We ask that your intercession would be in agreement with us on that end. Thank you for caring and loving us by praying for Noah. Today we are two steps closer to his awakening. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 6, 2007 at 9:41 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 8, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Thursday has been a day of challenge for the Addesas. The first challenge was our meeting with the neurologist today to discuss Noah’s MRI. The doctor could not see any positive sign of improvement in his brain. We processed it with our girls and though we were looking for more than what we heard, it continues to be a matter of walking by faith and not by sight. Lisa and I were fighting the human dimension of disappointment, and in need of personal ministry. Within a matter of a few minutes, two faith-filled pastors from the community showed up without knowing what the report was. They began to share with Lisa & I & Emma about how God had healed someone in their church of terminal cancer and also MS. These were recent miracles. They were overflowing with faith and proceeded to pray for Noah. It was just “what the doctor ordered” for us. He is a good God.

The second challenge was the possibility of “ capping” Noah’s trach tube. What that means is that you place a cap over the opening of the trach tube forcing them to breath on their own through their nose & mouth as you & I would. The nurses brought the cap into our room in a sterile packet and just left it there for us to consider. There was a battle in my soul about putting that cap on his trach after this mornings report from the neurologist. I stood up and asked my family if they were ready to try. I decided to cap it. I placed the cap over Noah’s tube and he never even flinched. He simply started breathing on his own. Looking into his face for signs of respiratory distress I saw none. I began to weep and weep…..in fact I ‘m still weeping as I write this to you. He just kept breathing as if nothing had ever happened. (Please bear with me because I believe Noah will read this one-day)

Noah my son, I have never felt so close to you my son as the moment I was given the honor to cap your trach tube. You brought unspeakable joy to my heart when I saw you engage the battle and effortlessly transition from a place of dependency, to a place of liberty from what The Father has wrought. It is a moment that will never leave my memory. It is a portent of things to come my son. Love…dad

Last Updated: June 8, 2007 at 10:06 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 11, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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This Sunday evening I would like to first express many thanks to those of you who attended the prayer vigil for Noah Friday night at Harvest. We are so indebted to you for your intercession. Secondly to those of you who are praying around the world for Noah. I cannot fathom where we would be right now had you not engaged the battle for my son.

This weekend was somewhat subtle as it relates to any changes in Noah’s health. Two things worthy of mention: First would be the after effects of capping Noah’s trach tube. There is an amazing electronic device connected to Noah finger referred to as the “ Pulse/Ox” machine. It reads (in a matter of seconds) his pulse rate and oxygen levels in his blood. This machine is calibrated on a scale of one to one hundred; one hundred being the peak levels of breathing efficiency. The medical staff has stated that “acceptable” levels of his oxygen should at least be in the mid 90’s. For some weeks now Noah as consistently registered levels of around 96-97 which is very good.

The challenge became apparent when I capped his trach to see if he would be able to maintain those levels while breathing on his own. I am very happy to report to you that not only did Noah maintain those levels, but also for much of the weekend he has actually hit 100! Both doctors attending him this weekend noted the strength of his breathing and the restored vigor of his lung function. The second area is somewhat subjective on my part, however I will nevertheless put it out there for your information. Noah has regular moments of spastic type movements of his arms and legs that many times are directly correlated to outside stimuli (sights and sounds). Whenever he appears to be attempting to “process” an action he is “considering” a stimuli he is interpreting, he will flex all of his extremities at one time.

I mention that simply to say that his muscle strength has increased significantly making it a “challenge” for Lisa & I to do his flexibility exercises. Though I would like to see more synchronized movements it appears that these movements caused the muscles to grow stronger.

Sometimes I wish I could figure it all out, yet I am reminded that Noah’s Creator knows exactly how to repair every facet of Noah’s intricate faculties. It’s best if I just leave it in His hands to sort out. Thank you again for caring enough to read these entries and to lift my son up in your prayers and intercession. Love…david

Last Updated: June 11, 2007 at 9:34 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 13, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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The last two days the Addesas have been processing and discussing the “next steps” with Noah. Before his trach can be removed completely, CHKD requires a sleep study to determine how Noah is breathing during his most vulnerable hours, REM sleep. It is scheduled for June 20… or thereabouts. These tests will indicate whether Noah is a “fit” candidate to remove his trach tube by virtue of the data recorded while he is sleeping from four to six hours. If he succeeds in meeting their criteria, they will remove the tube and prepare us to be discharged. We then need to be prepared to make our wishes known for his care beyond CHKD. The range could be a temporary Rehab facility or directly to our home. Please pray for wisdom for us. The good news is that we are soon coming upon the time when Noah will be discharged from CHKD. He has shown many wonderful signs of improvement, however we beseech you to keep praying for the day of the completion of his miracle. Our love and gratitude to all of you who are laboring in prayer for us… Pastor David

PS. The photos below are some that will appear in the article being published this Friday in the Chesapeake Clipper. Thought you would appreciate the moment.

Last Updated: June 13, 2007 at 11:34 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 15, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Please allow me to extend a heartfelt apology to all the wonderful staff at the Chesapeake Clipper. In my ignorance, I posted some of the pictures of Noah they had sent me (for approval) on our church website. I was wrong in doing so without their permission. We have since removed them to comply with these stipulations.

Noah continues doing well at the level he is currently at in the journey to his awakening. Monday looks like the day for his sleep tests to determine that in more accurate detail. In the meantime Lisa and I will be visiting a local rehab facility as well as evaluating our options as they relate to possibly bringing Noah home if he does well on his sleep evaluation. Needless to say….both options are major decisions. I hope to keep you informed as best as I am able without too much minutia for you to work through on this trek with us. Every night when I leave Noah to come home, I softy utter these words in his ear: “ Noah…tonight could be the night when you wake up. Your mom will be with all night. I love you and will see you tomorrow”. For those who are still willing, please continue to intercede for this end. Love…David

Last Updated: June 15, 2007 at 8:34 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 18, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Father’s Day weekend for me was something extraordinary. I had the wonderful privilege of seeing Noah while the day was yet dawning. Lisa & I decided that the best way I could spend Father’s day would be at the bedside of my son. She went to church, and I stayed with Noah. I arrived in the early morning hours before the sun had risen. Since Noah’s lightening strike, Lisa has had the sole joy of first greeting him when his eyes open in the morning. Today it was my Father’s Day gift. I was moved in my soul as I witnessed the peace that Noah has while slumbering with the angels. He just “looks” like my son in those moments.

Throughout the day I entered into some marvelous “places” with Noah that can only be described as Kingdom moments. Jesus said that the “eyes are the window to the soul.” It was just like that. My eyes often interlocked with his… giving us both a soul tie that was unbreakable by physical limitations. I experienced some of the things Lisa has described to me… things that sound foolish to others… but are as real to me as the stars in the sky. Noah “looks” at you with intensity and communicates without ever saying a word.

Noah is fighting a fight with us. I can see it in his eyes. As an eleven year old, he is fighting a battle that would weary most men’s souls…. yet pushing through each challenge. I think of Daniel 10 where the mighty archangel is fighting a “dark angel” to see the purposes of God revealed upon the earth. Physically Noah is getting stronger as these weeks have passed. From his neck muscles to his feet, it is no easy task to do flexibility exercises when he shows unintended resistance. His hands are starting to become flexible and he is slowing moving some of them as Lisa coaches him to do so.

There is a phrase Paul used in the letter to the Galatians that typified his attitude as a spiritual father. He said: “I labor again in travail til Christ be formed in you.” He was reiterating his commitment to intercede for his people until the miracle of conversion had finally occurred in them. In like manner, I ask you to please continue to labor with us through intercession until the completion of this miracle. We will be forever grateful for your sacrifice. Love… Pastor David

PS. I goofed up last week in posting the wrong date for Noah’s sleep tests (6/13/07). It will be this coming weekend. I will keep you posted throughout the week of his progress.

Last Updated: June 18, 2007 at 9:06 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 20, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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For those who are intrested; below is a link to the article that was posted about Noah in the Chesapeake Clipper.

Noah Clipper Article
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Lisa and I visited one of the most reputable rehab facilities (for disabled children) in Virginia last Friday and then spent the better part of Saturday morning with a family in our church who has cared for their severely disabled daughter for many years in their home. The mother is also a physician so we valued her input even more. Lisa and I have been to their house many times, but this time we entered into their world from an experiential perspective.

When we walked in their daughter’s room, it was as if we were in Noah’s room. Everything was familiar to us. I tell you this to try to convey to you the sense that Lisa and I realized that what we have been doing for the last seven weeks, has prepared us to make this important decision rather easily. Noah must come home with us. We appreciate the facilities available to us, but his home is where his healing will take place. We are very thankful to everyone who has prayed for wisdom for us. It was an easy call.

If you have not been able to click on the web link of the article from the Chesapeake Clipper, please take a few minutes to do so. It will help you understand things more thoroughly. There are two pages to complete the article. On occasion people, who have only recently heard of Noah’s circumstance, ask for a summary of his condition. Here it is again for those who may read this from a similar perspective. Noah is not yet considered “awake” even though his eyes are completely open all day. He looks at us and shows emotions through facial expressions and occasional “sighs”, responds to coaching for his muscle relaxation and flexibility exercises, is very sensitive to sounds, shows calm and peace when listening to certain kinds of music and clearly knows his family and especially his mother. He does not yet talk nor eat on his own.

Dozens of people have contacted me the last seven weeks who have had dreams of seeing Noah running and playing and doing things he always did. One more came to me yesterday afternoon. I am reminded of the promise of the Father from Acts 2:17-18 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.”

Dreams and visions are some of the languages of The Spirit. The dreams I hear of Noah, are gifts from Him. I receive them with full assurance of faith. Thank you for interceding… the dream is destined to happen. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 20, 2007 at 11:30 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 22, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Noah’s muscular system continues to strengthen, literally from head to toe. In addition, some of his systemic flexing and spasmodic motions have diminished in his legs and hands. One very notable one for us is that fact that his head hardly droops anymore when he is in his wheel chair. The pictures I posted a few weeks ago were taken moments before he started drooping. He would keep his head “upright” for about a minute and then droop. We had to prop it up with a pillow or hold his head with our hand. Go Noah!

Lisa has been taking fruits like ripe cherries and breaking them apart and asking Noah to stick out his tongue. She then touches his tongue with the pulp and the juice and Noah moves his mouth and appears to enjoy that as he finally swallows those droplets. It’s neat to watch. I did a green grape, but he wasn’t real crazy about that juice. Whoops

Please allow me to sign out for the weekend on another spiritual note. This is an excerpt from my sermon text for this Sunday: “Dr Rhoden, the former Superintendent of the Potomac District of A/G has become a personal mentor to me and he came down from Richmond to spend part of the afternoon with me to take me out to lunch and to simply “be” with me. It was wonderful. Before we went to have lunch he said God gave him a word for Noah and for me. The word came from 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” He then began to pray over my son and me and it was a time of tangible comfort.

Over the years of my pastoral ministry, I have discovered that sometimes when I simply spend time with someone who is in a hard place it comforts them. I don’t have to explain the mysteries of the universe or the unknowable attributes of God as defined by St Augustine… just being with them is powerful. And the same is true for God. When you perceive His presence… that’s all you need.

A few moments after Dr. Roden prayed… Noah did something that I have not witnessed before. He has a few expressions that show consternation or disapproval of something going on around him or in him. But this time, this moment… he suddenly gave me a ¾ smile. Now since Dr. Rhoden doesn’t know Noah that well… to him it was simply a smile. And he was overwhelmed. He said, “ Does he do that often?” I said, “I have never seen him smile like that before.” Later when he dropped me off at the hospital he repeated it to me again. He said, “Seeing Noah smile made my trip worth while.”

It gets better. The next morning I went to do my early morning workout at Bally’s and one of my good friends was also there training with his fiancée. (They attend Harvest.) He came to me and said, “I was thanking God for the things He is allowing me to do for Him as well as the things He is doing with my fiancée… then I had this brief vision of Noah. He was on a sea or an ocean and (in my vision) this sea surrounding him was the love of God. And Noah smiled because God was taking care of him. I don’t know if that means anything to you but I felt like I was supposed to tell you.”

My friend had no idea what had happened less than 24 hours earlier in Noah’s room. I thank my Father for being with me and my son. Love… Pastor David
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This weekend was a time of decision for the Addesa’s. As previously stated, we are working toward bringing Noah home when the “system” allows for that eventuality. There are certain protocols that are required that can be somewhat cumbersome but we have decided to be patient and persistent. The sleep study has still not taken place yet, but we exercised our parental options and decided to move his transition homeward with his trach tube still in. There are actually some considerable advantages to doing that as it relates to his respiratory hygiene. In conclusion, we are awaiting approval from Medicaid to bring Noah home. At a later date we can go back in for the sleep study and then have the tube trach taken out then. It a relatively easy procedure that does not require surgery. Think of it in terms of having you ears pierced. After a period of time there is no discomfort in taking the earrings in and out of your ear because the wound has healed. If you eventually take it out permanently, the hole closes up. It’s very similar to that with Noah’s trach.

Overall, Noah continues to move improve in small subtle ways. (Head, neck and body strength, responses to physical therapy, good overall heath, and his sleep patterns are good.) I would ask that you pray this way for the short term: That we and the medical staff would find the right volumes of food to give him and the times of day for that to occur. On occasion Noah seems to get nauseated because his stomach size has decreased and the volumes of liquid feed overwhelm his system and he gets sick.

That his complete awakening would be at hand.

That the resources of the Kingdom of Heaven would be released into his life in their fullness. Thank you for being part of a miracle that will bring honor and glory to the King. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 25, 2007 at 9:52 a.m.

Next update will be posted June 27, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Today was a good day. Noah continues to be a delight to watch as he edges closer to his awakening. More and more of his facial expressions and body movements resonate the Noah that we are so familiar with. Since Sunday past a wonderful lady named Betsy who is related to a family in our church has contacted us. She has been working with brain trauma patients for many years and has been tracking Noah’s progress via our website. Betsy has become a very strong advocate for taking Noah to a specialized neurological rehab facility before actually bringing him home. She told Lisa about a few very specialized centers here in the East that could possibly admit Noah for three to four weeks for intensive aggressive rehab before he comes home. They would allow one parent to stay there to observe and to be trained for follow-up.

Their strategy is to work on specific areas of the brain that appear to be regenerating in addition to other therapy’s that will “jump start” what appears to be dormant. She was discussing the possibility of flying up here from Texas to spend time with us to consider this change of venue. Lisa and I are both very open to this prospect and very blessed by her willingness to make this sacrifice for my son.

For those of you who are interceding, I would like ask that you would pray with us the following supplications:

First that God would open only those doors that He desires for us to walk through Second that He would seal every other door shut that He does not desire us to proceed through.

My reasons are quite simple. Abraham believed God for the miracle of a son even though he and Sarah were approaching 100 years old. Along his journey of faith, Abraham took things into his own hands and eventually fathered Ishmael. Ishmael becomes the example in scripture of man’s attempt to accomplish on his own what God has promised to do supernaturally. In His incredible grace, God bless’ Ishmael with a great lineage, but the promise is reserved for Isaac.

Genesis 17: 19 Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” 22 Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

Lisa and I do not want to do things “in our own strength”, rather we want God to be the one who sets Noah’s path in order. Please pray that way for us. I am trusting completely He will honor our desire. Love…david

Last Updated: June 27, 2007 at 2:14 p.m.

Next update will be posted June 29, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.
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Today will be the anticipated arrival of our out of town guest who is going to bless us with tremendous insight and wisdom regarding the next steps for Noah. Betsy will be with us for the weekend and we are simply overwhelmed with her family’s generosity toward my son. Her fifteen years of rehab experience will be warmly welcomed. As mentioned before, she is a specialist in rehab for people who have the neurological challenges Noah currently faces.

Noah’s attentiveness grows with each passing day. His eyes quickly follow whatever catches his attention. Lisa was doing some goofy gyrations around the room (don’t tell her I said that J) similar to disco dancing of old, and Noah followed her like a hawk. Think about it… How many eleven year old boys get to see their mom “cut the rug.”

This morning, before Lisa left to take a break and go home for a while, Noah had us both weeping again. Lisa took the valve end of his G-tube (It is about the size of the brush end of your toothbrush. It is the part they connect his liquid feedbag to.) and touched it to the tips of Noah’s thumb and first digit on his right hand. Larger objects are easy for him to grasp, but smaller objects require a much higher degree of synchronization and coordination.

His hands were open and Lisa began to coax Noah by asking him if he could grab hold of it with those two fingers. We watched for a few seconds and saw his fingers begin to move. Eventually he closed down on the tube and had it “in hand” with those two fingers. Tears of joy spilled over onto his new shirt because we perceive it as a signpost that Noah is ready to go to the next level. It was another milestone on his journey back.

Thank you Father for moments like this. Thank you intercessors for fighting for my son. You investment is eternal. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: June 29, 2007 at 9:47 p.m.

Next update will be posted July 2, 2007 by 4:00 p.m.