Friday, July 10, 2009

The support has been amazing. Thanks to everyone.

I want to take a minute to thank some folks by name and others we don't even know. I will apologize now for messing up some of the names, but you know who you are. We have been getting daily visits from our special hospice nurses since the Gray man made it home. It's fairly easy to remember their names because they are Becky and Becky. They have been great to us. Anything we have needed and some things we didn't even really know we might need, they take care of it. One mention of maybe having a sat monitor at the house and later that evening we had it. As concerned as everyone is for little man, the Becky's are also concerned about us and make sure we are OK as well. It's funny that they are fellow nurses, but in a completely different specialty. Their world is so different than the work world I've always known. They are special people and see things everyday that would emotionally cripple most.

Brad, a chaplain with hospice came out and met with us yesterday. It is such a small world... he knows some of the same folks we do. He prayed with us and had such kind words.

We also got a visit today from Dr. Wyatt and Dr Robertson from Hospice as well. They assure us that everyone is a phone call away and to let them know if there is anything we or Grayson needs. Jackie, a social worker with hospice, also came out to check on Kristi and I as well. They are such a great support system. All of them are a phone call away.

That brings me to thanking Kim, Leslie, and Adam. They came to visit today on their way home. I grew up with them and they are a huge part of my life. Kim and Adam's mom, Mona, died last year 4 weeks to the day of Kinsey's death. She never got to hold Kinsey and we sure hate that she's not here to hold Grayson. I can tell you she would be sitting on my couch holding him while telling me it only takes 13 seconds to heat up my chocolate chip pie in the microwave. She was a wonderful mother to me as well during my life and I wish she were still here with us. She is rocking Kinsey in heaven waiting on the Gray man to fill her other arm. We miss you Mona!

A huge thanks to all of Kristi's family who have spent countless hours making phone calls, cooking food, running people around here and there, and getting us everything we need. We are glad to hear that Peyton made it back safe to Panama City. She has been a rock for Kristi and we can't thank her enough. Thanks as well to my Dad and Linda for all of their support, time, and everything else they have helped us with. They have helped in ways that most will never know. Without such a great support system we would be destined for failure in a quick way. Thanks as well to all the people commenting on the blog posts. I cry everytime I read the posts to Kristi while she is feeding Grayson. I even start crying when I read "You don't know me but". There are so many people who don't even know us or our family who post. Every post means the world to us. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement.

We would also like to thank Dr. Paul Wendel for everything he has done for us. He always has the right words for every situation. Grayson was his first baptism; congratulations Dr Wendel. He is a blessing to all his patients, we think the world of him. His nurse practitioner Stephanie as well, we are glad to call her our friend. We've called and texted her many times for help when we didn't know who else to call. The neonatologist Whit Hall is an amazing man. We've had to call his cell phone a couple times to ask questions about Grayson and he is so kind. He told Kristi to call him any time; day or night. Heather... you look amazing in the slideshow. I'm glad we talked you into getting in the pictures. Heather was Kristi's nurse during delivery... she kept our room free of prying eyes and even residents. She does amazing work and I'm glad Kristi can call her a friend. A big thanks to Treasure as well. She was our nurse during admission. Everyone in the Angels Call Center that work with Kristi and to those from the Heart who thought of us and brought food. And to everyone else we forgot to mention... you will not be forgotten.

We continue to hope that the Gray Man will touch as many people as possible and help in a way we don't quite know yet. He has had so many visitors from family to friends to nurses and even strangers. There is something to learn from all of them and hopefully Grayson touches them all. He's quite the superstar these days. I told Kim, Leslie and the Beckys that Grayson is possibly the most photographed child ever. We love you Grayson and can't wait to give you another monkey!

24 comments:

Lauren said...

You don't know me but..I was just pointed to your blog yesterday. Since then I think I have logged back to it about 20 times. I started from the beginning and caught up with your story. The two of you are just the most precious couple and your support and love of each other and your family is inspiring. You have just tugged my heart strings.
You have a big following in South Carolina now and we are all counting the minutes to each day's birthday. So go Grayson and my thoughts and prayers are with the whole Thompson family, those on earth and in heaven.

Thoughts and Prayers,
Lauren

Marceline said...

Hi,

I'm not one who usually leaves comments on blogs, but I just had to after reading your story and seeing your pictures. My baby girl, Reagan Joy, was born with Trisomy 18 on February 23, 2009. She joined your Kinsey in Heaven on February 24, 2009. We weren't able to take her home like you have with Grayson, so I rejoice with you when I see your pictures and read your words. I'm so happy for you and can see such tangible answers to your prayers in the way the Lord has allowed you time to treasure your little boy. The pictures of him are absolutely amazing and I love his name.

I've been praying for you, even though I don't know you, and I will continue to do that. God chooses us for amazing things, and I see that He has done the same with you.

My favorite thing is to sleep with the blanket that Reagan slept with, so if I can give one piece of advice, it would be to have at least 3 blankets that he uses - one for each of you to keep, and one for Grayson to keep. It is so special to have something that Reagan actually touched, and for years to come I'm sure you'll feel the same way about Grayson, no matter how long you spend with him.

Praying for many, many, many more moments with your sweet son.

Take care,
Marceline
dmglavach@comcast.net
www.reaganisourjoy.blogspot.com

Jan said...

Happy Birthday, Grayson! I found your story because of your sock monkey. I am the resident grandma at Sock Monkey Ranch, here in Arizona. When I read your story, I cried...and prayed - alot!

I know God will bless you through this and give Grayson a legacy of many lives touched by him.

You are great parents!

Aunt Judy said...

Kristi and Taylor,
I hope you get my comments this time. Grayson is so precious to all of us. It was a special time for me to be able to be there with you when he was born. It was so special to see him and touch him because I have prayed so hard for so long. I'll always cherish that time. Your strength is an inspiration to all of us. You are special people and special parents. We love you. Aunt Judy

Miss CanAM said...

Hi- you don't know me- I was pointed to your blog the other day from another blog that I follow and I too have spent the past few days "catching up". The faith your family has is inspiring. I love seeing sweet Grayson every day and his cute monkey birthday gifts. Praying for you all the way from Ontario Canada.

Marci

Anonymous said...

I can't begin to tell you how your story has inspired me. Your courage, your love for God, for eachother...you've inspired me to seek after God in my situation. I just want you to know that for some reason, God has choosen you to show me some things I've needed to see for a long time. Thank you for honestly sharing your story.
Nicole

Heather said...

You don't know me, but I stumbled upon your blog and have read it in its entirety. I am praying for all of you. What a beautiful boy Grayson is! I am praying that God surrounds all of you and that Grayson receives many, many monkeys. I will keep praying here in South Carolina.
Peace in Him,
Heather

Anonymous said...

Your story has deeply moved me. The unconditional love you have for your children is humbling. Since the story of Grayson has touched my heart, I hug my children tighter and I appreciate every breath that they take. Your son is beautiful, your family is amazing and I fall to my knees in prayer that Grayson will fill your home with monkeys....

Adam, April & Aidan said...

You don't know us but we are still praying for you guys!!! Keep up the good work Grayson!! Looking forward to seeing you with more Monkeys buddy!

The Harvey's
Charlotte, NC

Kelly Taylor said...

Our paths have never crossed, but Kristi, we do have one thing in common...Brookhaven, MS. I came across a prayer link to your blog from another blog that I read.

My heart broke for your family as I read the very first post you ever wrote on your blog, to the most recent. You are such a strong couple. I'm sure at times you don't feel that way, but you have been an inspiration to so many people as you've shared Kinsey and Grayson's stories here in "blog land" and in your own every day lives.

I can't imagine the joy you're both feeling right now during these days you're getting to spend with Grayson! I pray that you have many, many more birthdays with him in the days ahead. I'll continue to lift you all up in prayer.

Kelly Taylor

Julie said...

I'm someone you don't know but I found your blog about a week ago and can't stop thinking of all of you. I am praying for little Gray Man all day long and love seeing his pictures. He is adorable. Praying for your hearts through this time.

"Hope is what happens as long as we breathe..." Just keep breathing!

Hugs and prayers from Indiana!
Julie

Anonymous said...

It's so good to see a couple pulling together and loving each other during desperate, heart-breaking times. Know that you are touching a lot of people and Grayson has touched so, so many hearts. Keep it up Gray Man!!!!

Laura said...

I was directed to your blog last week and I have been praying and thinking of your family. Grayson is adorable! Such a sweet boy. I will continue to pray. I worked in the pediatric cardiac transplant unit a few years ago, and can attest that God truly does perform miracles and does not give us more than you can handle.
Kisses to your ADORABLE son.

Laura
Philadelphia

Candy said...

Well, I'll start out with..you don't know me but...I'm praying for your family! Only God knows what the future holds, and He will always have Grayson in His arms! God didn't promise us a perfect life with no troubles and trials, but He did promise to be with us through them all. Keep your faith as God can work through your family to draw many others closer to Him.

Lisa said...

Another "you don't know me, I just found your blog" here.
The strength you are showing now is a true testament to God's love.
Sending prayers your way from NC.

MLP said...

Yes, Grayson is touching my life! In a profound way. All of you are.

Praying for you guys.

Kristi said...

I found your blog earlier this week through a prayer request for your beautiful family on another blog. I have been praying daily and checking up on you and precious Grayson often. My heart truly aches for you and I've shed so many tears. How wonderful though, that you have been blessed with this time with Gray. I love that you are celebrating each day as a birthday, and showering him with all things monkey. He is such a special little guy, and you are such a special family. May you feel lifted up in all our prayers.

Kristi
P.S. I don't often see other Kristi's that share the same name spelling!

momofonefornow said...

I keep trying to leave a comment and it just seems that I can't even begin to put into words how precious your family has become to me, a stranger, in another state. I pray for you and for Grayson everyday. I second a comment that someone left earlier. I hope that your little boy fills your house up with monkeys. I hope you have to start crafting monkeys because you have run out of monkeys to buy. Fight on Grayson. Fight on.

Meg said...

I've been praying for you guys and constantly checking for monkey pictures. I hope you guys are keeping your chins up because you are phenomenal parents taking care of a phenomenal boy.

Anonymous said...

May your home become overflowing with monkeys! Your faith, love and compassion are inspiring. Prayers are being said in Colorado for you all.

Anonymous said...

I am so incredibly sorry for the heartbreak that the two of you have been through, and the likihood that you will go through two pregnancies and not raise either child to adulthood. But while my heart literally breaks for you and the apparent unfairness of it all, I am overjoyed for you that you have been blessed with this tremendous gift of time with Grayson.

My baby girl had Trisomy 18 and was stillborn at 26 weeks five years ago. Just like you, I prayed just for a live birth - just for a few moments, just for an hour, just for a few hours, any amount of time I could possibly have. I love to read your blog - in addition to being so very happy for you all as a family and so touched by Grayson, I am also living vicariously what I prayed for so hard for myself. You all are getting to have what so many of us pray for and don't get to have. And while there is so much about your situation that is so, so unfair and so unlucky, as you so beautifully and eloquently acknowledged, there are many things that are beautiful, in their own way. Our God is a wondrous and mysterious God.

I very much apprecate getting to share your son with you. Thank you so very much - I will miss my little girl, never getting to know anything about her, for the rest of my life. (something I know that you can relate to)

Another mother of a child with Trisomy 18

Rebecca said...

Praying for rooms filled with monkeys!

Lighthouse Photography said...

I look so forward to seeing a new update from you about a new monkey!! I dont think that I will ever see a monkey and not think of Grayson again. Such a beautiful little life that has touch so many hearts. I know he has mine! I pray for your family everyday and especially at 12:08!

Jen said...

Like others I was pointed here from another blog, I saw the post re the photog & thought the name was familiar. Kept reading & read another familiar name, Dr. Hall. At that point I was taken aback to realize this unknown family I had begun to pray for was in the same town & that we may even work at the same place. As has been mentioned you all are truly an inspiration. You will remain in my thought & prayers. Here's hoping you have to call in more troops to help with finding lots of monkey gifts.