Lydia update #14

Lydia is overall about the same; still very sick, on a ventilator, on 100% O₂. The plan is to wait until she doesn't need the inhaled nitric oxide to keep her blood oxygenated before trying to un-paralyze her. She is getting a little food finally, at this point about 2 cups a day of special high nutrition milk shake type stuff through a tube.

Our congregation at church is fasting for Lydia (see below). For those of you unfamiliar with that practice, you can click on this sentence for information.

To all members of the Webster Groves Ward:

It has been suggested that it might be appropriate for the ward to hold a special fast for Lydia Black.  The Ward Council has discussed this and agrees that it is appropriate.  While such events are quite unusual we believe that the extremity of Lydia's circumstances and the special need for our Heavenly Father to be with her and her family at this time prompt us as a council to invite all members of the Ward to participate in a special fast.  We encourage everyone whose circumstances allow to participate with us and we want to make the blessings of participation available to all who desire them.  

For those who don't know, Lydia Black is currently in the ICU at Children's Hospital where she has been for more than a week fighting a severe lung infection.  ...

There are doubtless many of you who feel as we do, wondering how we can be helpful to the Black family and to Lydia while understanding that we are substantively powerless to provide any but supportive assistance, company and the faith of our prayers.  However, we have faith, as you do, that we can evoke the blessing of our Heavenly Father through prayer and fasting and by approaching him more perfectly with our supplications.

Officially we will fast from dinner tomorrow (Sunday) until dinner Monday.  However, if your circumstances make it easier to fast tonight (Saturday) to tomorrow (Sunday) that would also be appropriate.

Whether you are able to fast or not please remember the Black family and Lydia in your prayers.  It would be appropriate to send this email to anyone who knows the Blacks and would benefit from fasting with us on Lydia's behalf.

Yours,

The Webster Groves Ward Council

Lots of people have been very kind to us. Thank you all. We'll keep you informed.
Kevin