It’s Sunday night and Rudy and I are getting ready to bed down for the night after a day together with family. Rolf, Oma and the kids just left to go home to Santa Barbara. We had a good afternoon together watching football (Go Giants!) and a movie at Rudy’s bedside. The kids hadn’t seen him for a couple of weeks so it was good to have them come down even if it was a quick turnaround.
Rudy’s condition hasn’t changed much. The weekend team had to stop the feeds to his stomach as his midsection got quite big and there was concern he wasn’t tolerating the nutrition. I don’t think this is so much the concern anymore but they have decided not to start the feeds back up again. The strategy, simply put, at this point is to pump him with a bunch of calories intravenously and eliminate any calorie-burning activity i.e. feeds, sprints off the vent, etc. (for maybe a week or so) in hopes that he will gain strength. So, for now the doctor’s orders are for Rudy to spend Thanksgiving packing on the calories while lounging in bed! Not bad!!
A “promise of progress” does seem to renew itself with the start of each new week and, in light of that, I pray for reassurance this week eventhough the pace of this journey seems to be slowing down even more.
Rudy's Beat 
Praying for you all. Motherly version 1.0.
Don’t lose heart. God is snuggling your sweet boy and will have him in your arms in His time. I pray that you can feel God’s arms holding you, as well!
I am so glad to see an updated photo of Rudy on this blog! He is much plumper than before and I enjoy seeing his cheeks and big dark eyes in all the more recent photos. This shows progress and growth–we celebrate that with you!
p.s. Our 2-yr-old Danny (for some unknown reason!) now says “Go Rudy” when a particular song plays off one of his cds. The words in that song are “…blue skies forever. The world is a happy and wonderful place, as long as we are together.” We love you guys!
Darling Trish, you and Rudy are both tired and weary. Jesus is by your side and will never leave you. He will meet your needs. Peace to you both. We love you MORE.
I LOVE the picture on Rudy’s masthead. He is at his most handsome there. Hang in, you are in our prayers –
TRish, I am so glad that you got to get some time at home this weekend and I love the black and white photos of you and Rudy. Beautiful! Praying for his continued healing and for your and Rolfs continued strength. I love you guys, Kelly
I couldn’t agree more that the pictures are AWESOME!!! I am also so glad that you got some much needed rest. Rudy looks great. Trish have a blessed day in gods arms. I love you dearly.
Look at those BEAUTIFUL eyes of his!!! Wonderful photos. We’re thinking of you and praying for you daily. Hang in there.
Sweet little Rudy, may you grown stronger this week and know that you are being surrounded by so much love from your extended family around the globe. We keep you in our prayers…thrive little one!
Grace and peace to you Trish, Rolf, Wilson, Max and Olivia–we pray for you during this long trial.
Love and blessings to each of you!
Trish and Rolf, the pastors gave me an opportunity to speak to the congregation and tell the story of your precious gift from God, CLINTON RUDY at church on Sunday. Yahoo…now the entire church will be in prayer for him! God is good….all the time!
P.S. I forgot to tell you that when I told my Mandee you and Rolf had your anniversary dinner at Chick-Filet, she was bummed and said, “Oh man I’d love to have an anniversary dinner there!” ha! It was her favorite place when we lived in Nashville. Love and Hugs to your beautiful family. XOXO
You are high up at the top of my prayer list and I utter a prayer for all of you when I glance down at my Rudy Bracelet a zillion times a day.
Tell Helga that Marlowe and I will pray for you all tomorrow morning at Mass and then we are meeting for coffee and will pull a chair up for her and she will be there in our hearts and our thoughts. May God bless all of you!
Trish, I’m sure you’ve heard the song “You’re Not Alone” by Meredith Andrews (if you haven’t it’s a must download!) I heard it today and I thought of you. As you and Rolf do these days apart from each other and the kids it is such an assurance that the Lord is with you. He’s wiping away every fear…and He’ll never leave your side. I’m sending you hugs today, my friend, and lifting you up. Love, Becky
I got a call from the Covenant prayer chain again tonight, so I know we are all still praying for Rudy.
I sent off that package today UPS, and you should be getting it soon. It is full of prayers and love. I hope you love it.
Prayers, hugs and Kisses too.