Celebrating Life - Making it to 18 yrs Old and remembering what all God has done!

Dear faithful prayer warriors -
David Baker is 18 years old today! Two years ago, as many of you know, he was in a
2nd brain surgery to try and 'take down' a 7.5 cm aneurysm. Just 6 days before a 26 hour long brain surgery to do the same thing had failed. We had never been so desperate for God. And as many of you know, God not only saved David's life through the medical surgery gifts He has given Dr. Roc Chen, but He also answered a 16 yr old boy's prayer for snow. This day two years ago, turned out to be the best day of our lives. We are still praising God for giving us each day with David since then.
We'd like to share with you what we have learned from David and Dr. Chen:

―Courage is not the absence of fear, but understanding it (what you are facing) and choosing to go through it anyway‖, Del Tackett. Amazed at David’s courage when he awoke from coma and Dr. Chen explained the 26 hour surgery was not successful and explained the risks of shutting off the artery being possibly losing his voice and use of his limbs or worse. David had to choose to go through with the surgery even if it ultimately was the last thing he did.
Things Learned from Dr Chen and David Baker:
 ―I never said it would be easy‖ – Dr Chen
 ―One day, one step at a time‖ – Dr Chen
o O.D.A.A.T.—One Day At A Time
 ―isn’t it amazing how God makes us with less meaningful parts so we can use them to fix other problems‖ – Dr Chen prior to 26 hours of surgery, ultimately performing 3 successful bi-passes which David’s body rejected; he never left David’s side;
 ―there are still options‖, an exhausted Dr. Chen to us after at least a 30 hour day, 12/05/08
o "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." Winston Churchill, October 1941
 ―have to be patient—you have to, I have to‖ – Dr Chen
o ―Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own‖, Jesus. Matthew 6:34.
 ―If this is all there is, I have had a great life‖ – David Baker to Kathe, 12/09/08
 ―You cannot get frustrated, I cannot get frustrated‖ – Dr Chen
 ―It takes time‖ – Dr Chen
 ―I have finished the test and am sure his language is somewhere else! I am going to proceed with the procedure!‖ – Dr Chen, 12/10/08
 ―It was beautiful, it was a miracle‖ – Dr Chen ―I did what I could do, he did the rest‖, 12/10/08
 ―it is snowing, and it was not in the forecasts‖ – friends, 12/10/08, David’s 16th birthday
 ―It is my birthday!!!‖ David Baker, 12/10/08 holding up his RIGHT hand as they wheeled him from the OR through the waiting room.
o ―I prayed for a miracle, and that it will snow for my birthday‖, David, 12/09/08
o ―May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble‖, Psalm 20.1
o ―Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications; the Lord is my strength & my shield; my heart trusts in Him & I am helped. Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him…carry them forever‖ Ps 28:6-9
o IS THIS NOT THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE?!?!, Ellie Bakk on David’s blog, 12/10/08
 ―I’m sorry‖ – David Baker to us when they had to put a feeding tube in him, 2/26/09, breaks my heart, what an amazing person
 ―How can you be so happy with all these things happening to you?‖ (kids at FBBA to David)---―I trust God, if I die, I had a great life‖ – David Baker
o ―Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me‖, Psalm 23:4
 ―I cannot imagine life without right hand…well if that’s what it takes, let’s do it‖ – David Baker to Dr Chen when he explained to him that he could lose his voice and the use of his limbs, especially his right side, no guarantees…
o ―Nevertheless I am continually with Thee. Thou hast taken hold of my right hand. With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth; my flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…but as for me, the nearness of God is my good‖. Psalm 73:23
 ―you never said that it would be easy, but I never knew it would be so hard‖ – David Baker
 David has never once complained one bit about all this; he has lifted all of us up and had compassion on us—what an amazing kid!
o Lesson---lift up others when you face trials; it will glorify God and bless others
 ―Remember, the aneurysm that could not be fixed is fixed!‖ – Dr Chen 2/21/08
o With God all things are possible!
o Luke 3:17 ―and the power of the Lord was with him to perform healing‖
o ―Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting‖ Psalm 126:5. –we cried rivers of tears, along with many family and friends and folks throughout the world; I prayed this to happen during David’s surgeries—God brought it to pass, 12/04-12/10/08; 2/20-3/03/09;
 ―much insult to the brain, it takes time to heal‖ – Dr Chen
 ―brain is not happy, it takes time to heal‖ – Dr Chen
 ―brain needs some chill time‖ – Dr Chen
 ―Remember how it takes 6+ weeks to feel normal after having a baby? And they didn’t mess with your brain---brain is much harder to recover from, it takes time, lots of time‖ -- Dr Chen to Kathe, 2/27/09
 ―Good job Dr Chen!‖ (Matt to Dr Chen, 12/10/08; 2/21/09); ―No, not until he is 100% (Dr Chen response)
o Lesson : a job is not over til its over—see it through 100%
o ―Anyone can start strong, only the strong finish strong‖, coach Hershel Walker
o ―‖but as for me, I trust in Thee O Lord, I say, ―Thou art my God‖, my times are in Thy hand, the Lord preserves the faithful. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord‖. Psalm 31: 14-15,24
 ―It takes time, time, time, lots of time…be patient…chill…do not get frustrated…it takes time to recover…do not expect changes every minute, chill, be patient…Dr. Chen-isms
 Junior at FBBA to David---―I wish I had a dramatic testimony like you David‖…(David’s response) ―No you don’t, its been hard…be happy, you have a great testimony—it is Christ in you‖
 ―don’t hate, Congratulate‖, David Baker-ism
o ―and there must be no filthiness and silly talk or coarse jesting, which is not fitting; but rather giving of thanks‖ Ephesians 5:4
o ―Speaking to one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father‖. Ephesians 5: 19-20.
o ―‖whatever is true, whatever if honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these tings…practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.‖ Philippians 4: 8-9.
 ―choose to live each day with happiness and thanksgiving, life is short‖ – David Baker
o ―offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor me‖…‖he who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God (shall see Jesus)‖ Ps 50: 15, 23.
 ―Now I have to treat both of you.‖ Dr. Chen to Kathe and Matt, Nov./Dec.09
 ―He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ―My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!‖ For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence…for He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…because He has loved me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high, because he has known my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him, and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My Salvation. (He shall see Jesus)‖. Psalm 91: 14-16
 ―what we are dealing with is seizure related—it is not an anatomical change; need proper control of them and the future looks bright for him‖ Dr. Chen and Dr. Kalamangalam, 12/09/09
o ―But we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us‖. Romans 5:3-5.
o ―In Thy book they were all written, the days that have been ordained for me‖. Psalm 139:16
 12/10/01—Carbon Monoxide
 12/10/08---Aneurysm & snow miracle
 2/20/09---aneurysm clipping successful surgery
 12/09/09---future looks bright for him
 ―I love you mommy. I love you daddy. I love God…
 I love you Dr. Chen‖ David Baker 12/09/09

To Dr Chen, words are not enough to express our appreciation and love for you. Thank you! We love you Dr. Chen! We thank God for you!

To the Lord and to the saints (family & friends & unknown prayer warriors for David):
―Thou art my Lord; I have no good besides Thee. As for the saints who are in the earth, they (YOU) are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.‖ Psalm 16:2-3.

Happy 18th Birthday David Baker - you amaze me.

ONE YEAR.

Lots to celebrate today...December 10th...one year ago...surgery...miracle...David's birthday!...praising and thanking God for giving life...Who doesn't remember this?!

The Bakers have declared today a day of Thanksgiving and Praise and are spending the day doing things that seem to fit perfectly into those two categories.

First, a special chapel service this morning at David's awesome school set to proclaim the Name that saves, Jesus - to celebrate Immanuel, God with us! And been with us, this year, He sure has!

Second, a special lunch with Dr. Chen and all his staff to thank them for the time and love and expertise they each have given to David. How great they have been over these past 12 months as well! Couldn't have asked for a better surgeon...or staff!

Hope your day is filled with praises as you look back on the past year of your life! Reflect and see how Immanuel has been...with YOU.

Matthew 1:22-23

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

P.S. We hope (cross fingers since we REALLY believe in that sort of thing ;) ) to post some video of the chapel service here on the blog in the very near future...

Cat Scan Tomorrow

David will see Dr. Chen tomorrow (didn't see him today) and have a Cat Scan done...please ask God to calm the irritability in David's brain and that the Bakers would all know real peace in this uncertain, concerning situation.

Will let you know what we find out tomorrow...

Good News!

David is being sent home with the good news that there doesn't seem to be any seizure activity in his brain! There is a little frontal lobe activity happening, though, so he will see Dr. Chen again on Tuesday.

Good news??

GREAT NEWS!!

David Needs Your Prayer Tonight!

Hello long lost blog world...

Want to get the word out ASAP for all of you to be praying for David this evening. Please spread the word!

Over the past 24 hours David has experienced 3 different occurrences of "zoning out" - with symptoms similar to a seizure.

When the Bakers got word from Dr. Chen, he asked for David to go to the ER and get an EEG. So Matt, Kathe and David are on their way to Memorial Hermann to see what is going on.

Please pray as this is obviously upsetting and a huge unknown right now as well. Please pray for clear results and a clear path from here forward. This could require something as simple as an adjustment to David's seizure medication - which we are all praying for! Knowing the flip side of that possible simple solution, though, having been there before, makes tonight an easy night for anxiousness to creep into hearts fast and furious.

Just a quick catch up - in the past month, David has been weaned off of his seizure medication, had an adverse reaction and experienced a seizure on what would have been the first day of his junior year, restarted the medication immediately, and has been attending classes and worship team meetings and tutoring on a daily basis every since! A lot going on for David, but he has been adjusting amazingly well!

These "zoning out" episodes are clearly not what anyone was hoping for...nobody was hoping to end up back at Memorial Hermann even for a quick visit, (everybody loves Dr. Chen but not THAT much, come on!), so please pray for the Bakers tonight as they wait for the results of the EEG and any other tests that may be ordered.

I'll update as soon as we know anything! Thank you for remembering David, even months after his first surgery, in your prayers! The Bakers are truly, truly eternally grateful.

Sighs of Relief!

It seems that David's headaches are most likely from the therapy he's been doing these last couple of weeks...his brain is working overtime trying to connect all the dots that have been a little jumbled since his surgery.

So we all collectively sigh and thank God for the no news!!

Sigh.
Thank You.

Please continue to pray for David, Matt & Kathe as they day by day walk this road in faith...trusting God and living the life He has given, to the fullest! Unaltered by fear or worry!

Since the surgery, David's short term memory has been greatly affected...there are days where little improvements can be seen, and then there are days when it seems the pendulum swings back the other way.

It is quite a road.

A huge praise is that David is, and this won't come as a surprise, happy and hopeful...his personality shines more and more as the days go by, and we keep praying that his short term memory will come back more and more each day as well!

Join us.

Long Overdue Update!

It's been almost a month since David has been home!

And it's been a good month of getting settled back at home for the Bakers - getting settled into a new routine of lots of therapy at TIRR and at Shriner's with some TOP KNOTCH therapists, and lots of therapy at home (with some non-professional but equally top knotch therapists: Matt & Kathe!) - memory games, reading comprehension, tennis, drum lessons, journaling, and swimming to name a few! David Baker is a busy man working to regain his short term memory! And his parents are busy helping him too!

As far as David's physical health, he has continued to improve and has been doing great!

However, in the last 24 hours, David has experienced 3 major headaches.

If you read this this morning, please thank God for His protection of David thus far, and His grace over the past month. Pray also for David's brain to settle down. Pray that the headaches and pain would cease and that Dr. Chen is able to call the Bakers back as soon as possible with some wisdom to speak into the situation.

Pray for peace and for fear to again, be bound from entering the Baker's hearts...a headache to most of us seems minimal, no cause for alarm. A headache in the Baker's world is a lot scarier than that. Pray that they would all have the strength to cling to Jesus and His Word and to not operate out of a spirit of fear.

Thanks for checking in on David!!

Thank You

Can you believe that David WALKED out of the Neurotrauma ICU straight to the car, straight home?!

Here's your proof! Believe it!

So much to thank God for - so many ways He has blessed the Bakers - many of those blessings are the staff of Memorial Hermann - so many of them were out of town/off of work yesterday when David left the hospital, but a few are pictured above.

Thank you, Lord, for surrounding the Bakers with loving, knowledgeable, attentive, personable, talented, compassionate people during their hospital "visits" - You knew what they needed to make it through each long day and night and we thank You for giving them the sweet staff You did.

And thank YOU, David's nurses...you know who you are...so grateful for you and the hard work and depth of love you extended to the Bakers.

And they're...

off!

Discharge papers in hand, the Bakers are headed home...yay!!

Although they love the staff at the hospital, especially Dr. Roc the Chen and their sweet nurses (believe me, they REALLY love them!), it is with much excitement they bid farewell to the 7th floor ICU, to the couch/bed, to the long halls of Memorial Hermann, to the lovely parking garage (and parking fees!) and say hello to home!

Good to Go!

EEG results came back and all looks good!

If the morning continues to go well, David will be good to go home TODAY!

Tomorrow?!

Dr. Chen came by for awhile, but no results from EEG yet...HOWEVER...sounds like David might actually get to go HOME tomorrow!! That is completely not final, but wouldn't it be just fantastic to get David back home sooner than later for the duration of his recovery?!

Doing Better

David is really doing better this afternoon after a rough, very rough morning!

We haven't heard from Dr. Chen with results from the EEG, but David is having a good afternoon and seems much more aware of all that is going on.

There was talk earlier today about putting David on the waiting list to move to a regular room and out of ICU, but no official word on that either. :)

It's a waiting game...while we wait, though, David is making little progresses here and there...his mouth functions are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were a few days ago even! His personality is visible, and even his short term memory has improved a little!

As you can imagine, all our anxious to get David home, in his own house, in his own bed, with familiarity all around...we are hopeful that the homecoming could be just days away!

EEG this morning

David has had a bit of a scare this morning - Dr. Chen seems to think it was a reaction to medication, but has ordered an EEG (go here if you are unfamiliar with this test) this morning.

Please pray for David.

One Step at a Time

David is making HUGE steps towards recovering - he is eating like a stinkin' horse and is doing so almost entirely on his own! (yesterday I watched him eat a whole bowl of cinnamon toast crunch all on his own!), he is occasionally busting out the beat boxing, he is occasionally bringing the beat on the djembe, he is daily taking strolls around the NeuroTraum ICU and when I left the hospital last night, he was on his feet dancing with his fam to "Eye of the Tiger"!!

Risin' up, back on the street, did my time took my chances...went the distance now I'm back on my feet, just a man and his will to survive!!

Heck Yea!

A few things you can praise God for today: NO more stitches! NO more feeding tube! NO more central line!

A few prayer requests today: Please continue to pray for David's short term memory. Pray for small moments of clarity that will one day (hopefully soon!) string together to make longer and longer moments and then eventually turn into full days of clear understanding and complete awareness of all that has/is going on. Also, that Dave would become better oriented to regular day/night sleeping patterns...it's been quite a few nights of restless, interrupted sleep, and David really needs to rest (as do his parents!) to make the most out of the daylight/therapy hours.

Again, the road to full recovery is long - and David is moving right along, one step at a time.

One step at a time, dear Savior I cannot take any more The flesh is so weak and hopeless I know not what is before One step at a time, dear Savior Till faith grows stronger in Thee One step at a time, dear Savior Till hope grows stronger in me One step at a time, dear Savior I am not walking by sight Keep step with my soul, dear Savior I walk by faith in Thy might One step at a time, dear Savior O guard my faltering feet! Keep hold of my hand, dear Savior Till I my journey complete One step at a time, dear Savior Thou knowest all of my fear One word from Thy heart, dear Savior And heaven's mansions appear TJ Shelton

"Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is {done} in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.
The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness,
O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You."
Psalm 33

(thanks Janet for the link!)

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday was an amazing day - David was just remarkable!

Took a little stroll around the "block", did a little beat boxing, played a little djimbe, ate some yogurt, ate some grits...most of all, he had that light back in his eyes and genuine, loving, grin on his face.

And get this, he ate pancakes and eggs for breakfast today!

There are still times of disorientation for David, but he continues to come around and little by little heal completely.

This is a long road, sometimes it feels more rocky and more lengthy than others...regardless the "feeling" of the day, we thank God for being constant - being near - being bigger than feelings, bigger than any expectation we might have, bigger than what we can even imagine.



P.S. Big Bear is home! Thank you for praying for him!

!!!!!!

DAVID IS NOT ONLY EATING, HE IS FEEDING HIMSELF.

God is good!!

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Even though it was a rough night of interrupted sleep, the Bakers woke up this morning to the sweet sound of David's beat boxing!!!!!!!!!! Unquestionable improvement with mouth functions!!

It is shaping up as a beautiful morning in David's room - it seems he has really turned a corner - so we are looking forward to Dr. Chen's visit!

"I could stay awake
Just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming

I could spend my life
In this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Oh, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you
And I don't wanna miss a thing"
Aerosmith :)

Rest Day

Today has been a long day of therapists and friends, but also a long day of rest.

We praise God for the glimpses of David's personality that we've seen sprinkled throughout the day!

We continue to pray for David's mouth functions and for his short term memory function to progress.

Dave is resting now...we are just giving him time...and trusting God's time...to heal.

²⁰"Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
²¹This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
²²The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
²³They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
²⁵The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
²⁶It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD."
Lamentations 3:20-26

Please be praying for Big Bear, he is back at the hospital - unsure of what all is going on but know he needs prayer!