My son was born four months premature: he weighed less than 2 pounds, weighing 1 pound and 1 ounce.  He was less than 15" long at birth and looked more like a tiny wizened old man with a ruddy complexion, skin that barely covered bone, arms and legs that resembled broken tree branches, and a head no bigger than a large lemon.  He was incredibly teeny; he was one of the smallest babies born at Gulfland Memorial Hospital here in Galveston, Texas, where we live.

Doctors did not hold out much in the way of hope for Sean.  They said he would more than likely die; if he did survive he would probably have devastating damage to his brain or be left with numerous physical and cognitive disabillities.  They said at that point all they could do for him was try to help him, but they couldn't promise any guarantees that Sean would even survive.

Amazingly, though, Sean Kirkpatrick did survive.  He beat every odd thrown his way.  Sepsis.  Several significant brain bleeds.  Underdeveloped lungs that had him coming home from the hospital on oxygen after being in the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) for five months.  Several episodes of seizures, not to mention cardiac and respiratory arrests.  Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NE, a devastating ailment of the digestive tract in premature infants (he had surgery at ten days old).  A colostomy (which has since been reversed).  

We are still paying out the nose for the bills generated by his medical care, but we are making progress.  They are getting paid off, slowly, but surely; God has been providing for our every need.  We needn't worry because God is on our side; He has definite plans for Sean.

Sean is now four years old.  He has since been diagnosed with cerebral palsy; it is unknown at this time whether he will ever walk, but by God, he sure is trying.  We may be looking into purchasing a walker or even crutches (not to mention, leg braces, or AFO's) for him, to help him start his journey towards walking.  He may never walk; then, if that is the case, we will find a wheelchair tailored to his needs.  Another expense, but again, we aren't worried.

Thanks to the generosity of church family and friends, and also a website called "Mommies of Miracles", which is a network for parents of children with special needs, we may have the medical equipment we need sooner than we think.  It has all been due to God's grace and mercy; I can't imagine it not being any other way!

We don't know what the future holds for our son, but we aim to make his life as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible; we will be doing everything possible to include him in all of our family activities and let the world see just how great of a kid he happens to be!  

~To be continued!~