Author Archives: rkdenlinger

So, ultrasound of the week report is in. This is the first time this doctor has given a positive report.  This little one has moved from the prediction of 98% chance of miscarriage to the category of 2% miracle survival, and she is only at week 25! Jeremy and Sarah were told earlier that sheContinue reading “2% – Oh Baby!!!”

So, our garbage collection day is Monday around here.  I am sure you all have a similar day where you hoist the week’s trash to the curbside. Today is not Monday but I am certainly thinking of trash today. Before 8 this morning I had cleaned out enough “garbage” from my two kids that itContinue reading “Call it Garbage”

Let’s keep the prayers going. Our little granddaughter is still giving Jeremy and Sarah a run for their money (and providing some cute ultrasound pictures). The week 23 gestation ultrasound reveals stability in that the hygroma on her neck has not grown and there is no extra fluid on heart, lungs, or other vital organsContinue reading “Reason for hope”

Time to storm heaven again with prayers for our family. Not for Matthew, nor for Kari, but for our yet-to-be- born first grandbaby girl. Jeremy and Sarah are expecting in Jan 2022! We are so excited to be entering this new phase of life – Grandparenthood! Last Monday Sarah had a 20-week routine ultrasound andContinue reading “Turner Syndrome”

Today is day 11 of Kari being served a mitochondrial cocktail. A cocktail “generally comprises three or more liquid ingredients, at least one of which is alcoholic.” In Kari’s customized mixture there is no alcohol but there are lots of ingredients – seventeen in all! Most of these are vitamins and the key item isContinue reading “The Cocktail”

The decision as to whether to have half of our son’s brain disabled was now in our lap. Many tests had been performed. 40 specialists at CHOP had reviewed the case and all had given the green light (not a single hesitation). Matthew was an ideal candidate for a Hemispherotomy. “If he were my son,Continue reading “Pavers”

I was appalled when Joan’s mom (with dad’s assistance) removed every wisteria branch from our garden arbor. It had done so well that spring and summer, covering the arch with green leaves, creating shade over that area of the brick walkway. It had taken a few years to grow so well. And now it wasContinue reading “A Severe Pruning”

Joan’s mom passed away yesterday morning. Joan and her dad were with her at the time. We had just finished singing “It is Well With My Soul” to her and then as dad read to her from the Bible she left us and entered heaven. We miss her already. We cared for her in ourContinue reading “In Heaven”

Matthew and Joan came home one month (to the day) after his surgery. As I was nearing the hospital Joan called me and said “Everyone is waiting. Park the car in (such and such a place – illegally, by the way) and run! They are about to start the “parade.” I made it in timeContinue reading “Home”

It is really happening. Matthew and I are leaving CHOP tomorrow, May 12!! It was exactly one month ago when we came here. The staff here will be throwing him a party, which is awesome, but our earlier than expected departure is very much mixed with grief. Over the weekend my mother became weaker. AfterContinue reading “Homeward Bound”