I walked in this morning a bit disappointed to see Jesher’s blue light back on. Yesterday, we received a report from the doctors that his bilirubin levels (caused by jaundice) had subsided. Photo-therapy (also known as light therapy) is used to help the body dissolve bilirubin. Of course, we were elated! But we also new that as Jesher’s body continues to breakdown the blood on his brain, the bilirubin levels would fluctuate. So I was disappointed; however, I was also prepared to see my little man back in his spaceship, riding cool in the driver’s seat with his Ray-band glasses on.
If you look back at the featured-photo, you might think I am awkwardly making lite of our son’s situation. As you look at the wires and tubes that have replaced his umbilical cord, you might question why I have nicknamed his incubator a “spaceship.” You might see jest and humor as crude and inappropriate companions during this season of my family’s life. Though laughter is harder to muster these days, I still have a heart for my son’s imagination. And although he is still only a fetus (not yet old enough to be called a baby), the least I can do for him is to recreate his challenge into an adventurous space odyssey, populated by alien allies called nurses and hideous villains called infections.
As my young moon-walker jettison’s his carbon-dioxide with each labored breath, I enjoy telling him of all the adventures he will endure–the places he will go, the creatures he will see. As he paws at his protective mask (which shields his eyes from the fluorescent-blue rays), I reassure him that every top captain in the universe wears sunglasses as a badge of coolness. My creative energy is 100% invested in my son’s perception of his predicament. Does he understand me? Probably not. Does he even understand his circumstances? It’s not likely. But I am his dad, and that means I have the power to speak beyond his ears. I can speak to his soul. And if all he understands is the positive tones and loving vibrations that emanate from my creative story telling, so be it. He is the captain of his little ship. I am mission control, and I want him to always know that he is ‘clear for lift-off.’
Here is Jesher’s current medical report:
BILIRUBIN–Jesher’s body is managing his bilirubin levels much more effectively, but as he attempts to break-down the blood cells that are lying outside of his veins, these levels will fluctuate. We are needing his body to both break down the displaced blood and regulate his bilirubin levels at the same time. If Jesher cannot regulate both variables at the same time, it could impact his eye sight and brain development. PLEASE ASK YAHWEH TO REGULATE JESHER’S BILIRUBIN LEVELS AND PROTECT HIS EYES AND BRAIN FROM ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS.
BRAIN–Jesher’s brain bleeding has stopped, but we now need the bleed to disappear so he is not impaired by any pressure that has built up in the brain tissue. This is especially true for the right side of his brain where he has a severe level four bleed. PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR THE RIGHT SIDE OF JESHER’S BRAIN; WE WANT TO SEE THE LEVEL OF BLEEDING DOWNGRADED AND HIS BRAIN TISSUE RESTORED.
PDA–Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a natural reality for babies in the womb. It is a hole in the heart that allows the body to oxygenate itself via blood (instead of via air). During the babies first cry, a hormone is released that triggers the closing of this hole. Due to Jesher’s premature birth, this hole has not closed as of yet. In most preemies, PDA remedies itself as a baby matures, but some PDAs do not naturally close and require surgery. PLEASE PRAY FOR JESHER’S PDA TO RESOLVE ITSELF WITHOUT A NEED FOR SURGERY.
BLOOD–Jesher’s platelet levels are the highest they have been thus far! This is amazing news! Platelets partner with proteins released by the liver to create appropriate clotting of blood. We need these platelet levels to continue trending upward. This is a key step in Jesher being declared stable. Without the clotting mechanism, Jesher will be at a high risk for infection and hemophilia. PLEASE PRAY THAT JESHER’S BLOOD PLATELETS RISE TO THE DESIRED LEVEL.
BREAST MILK–Jesher is now eating Lhorraine’s breast milk! To put it simply, breast-milk might be the most powerful beverage on the planet! Lhorraine’s milk has exactly what Jesher needs. Thus far, he is tolerating the digestion process quite well. We need this to continue so that he can eat a higher serving size which will improve his weight and increase his ability to fight off infection. PLEASE PRAY FOR JESHER’S ABILITY TO CONSUME AND DIGEST LHORRAINE’S MILK.
I’m about to go check on my 1lb astronaut as we speak. And I can’t wait to tell him about distant worlds, warp speed, lightsabers, and holodecks. I can’t wait to re-frame his blue light and re-paint his protective glasses. And I can’t wait to let him know that his dad is looking forward to upgrading his spaceship so that we can ride together.
“Yahweh will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.” Psalms 91:4, 6
Prayers for Jesher 
Every round goes higher and higher. Despite the simultaneous victories and challenges, I praise the Lord for Jesher’s progress as his health trends upward while he is gaining strength. Verse for today is Deuteronomy 33:25. ….As thy days, so shall thy strength be.
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Pastor, I admire your story telling abilities! In the near future, you and Jesher will look back at them and be blown away with much love & astonishment!! God is so awesome!
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I am so encouraged by the abundance of love I can hear in your words as I read. God uses people ( Mom and Dad) to demonstrate his love towards his people ( Sons). Please know I am earnestly praying for you and Llor. God knows you arms needs to be filled and he placed a baby in it. Please continue to trust that he will keep that baby there. I will continue to pray for your collective strength as well a Jesher’s healing. I know he is a healer because I have tried him for myself . After two massive strokes and two heart attacks My Forever Love is still alive and earned a PhD. The doctors said he shouldn’t be alive but they don’t know our God. This is a difficult journey, but he never promise easy, just strength to face each day.
I will continue to carry your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Dr. Ann
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I love your imagination and outlook! Still praying until he is stable!
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I love the creative way you’re sharing Jesher’s journey, as well as the detailed explanation of each medical condition. It’s amazing to see how God is answering the many prayers going up on his behalf; and even though there may be setbacks, we’re grateful for the many improvements. My prayers will become more specific and I can’t wait to see the miraculous power of God in that precious bundle of love.
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Love the updates! You are such a good daddy! Jesher feels your positive presence and voice and he loves it! Praying those specific prayers today for little Jesher….
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Our gracious heavenly father, thank you for precious Jesher that you have given to Michael and Lhorraine Lord, we know from your Word that you never leave us or forsake us. We call upon your name for comfort in our hour of need for you are our strength, our only refuge, and we seek peace in this time of uncertainty. Our hearts are overwhelmed but we know that You, Lord, are the Great Healer. We ask that you pour out your great healing power on Jesher your little lamb. Bless and keep this little one surrounded with your abundant love and mercy. This is the prayer of our hearts. We ask these things in the precious name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 8:43 PM, Prayers for Jesher wrote:
> Polite Prayer posted: “I walked in this morning a bit disappointed to see > Jesher’s blue light back on. Yesterday, we received a report from the > doctors that his bilirubin levels (caused by jaundice) had subsided. > Photo-therapy (also known as light therapy) is used to help the” >
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Keep growing strong lil baby! You have many angels, friends and family rooting for you! God’s got you. Praying for you and your parents.
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God will continue to touch Jesher’s body. Thank you Michael and Lhorraine for giving me the opportunity to walk this journey with you and for the specific updates that helps me pray for specific challenges along the way. I am reminded daily of our Lord’s great power and Love. He will see you through. Love you!
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What a blessing! I am blessed as I read this update. Jesher is blessed to have you as his father. All who read the updates are encouraged in various ways according to their need. We continue to pray for this special astronaut with you and your wife Lhorraine and witness God’s will and power.
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Mike and Lhorraine and baby Jesher my first born LaShawn which means “Yahweh is Gracious” was born today and she weighed 5 lbs 1 1\2 oz they said she was a premature baby. I stayed in the hospital with her for 1 week. Till she was 6 lbs. She had the tiniest clothes and diapers. Guess what she is grown and 6 ft 3 in and weighs 245 lbs. God is able. All of this the doctors keep finding are for Jesher’s full recovery. Thank God they are being detailed. By the way, I love the full descriptions and the spaceship incubator that is so cool. God is all in this continue to be yourself Jesher can hear his mommy and papi he can hear. Love you guys. Remember you are walking through the valley of death He is with you all. Peace I leave with you.
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I love how you’re immersing Jesher in sci-fi at such a young age! 😀 So happy to hear the bleeding has stopped and the platelets are up !
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Hey I was premature myself. My mom had to live in the hospital for three months. I have a twin brother he was 7 lbs 3oz and me who was first weighed 5 lbs 1 oz. See how God works my first born weighed a half oz more than me. Point bubba had to be in the spaceship too with the ray bans too. He was jaundice. I stayed with him because mom Brenda didn’t want to separate us. We are both grown with our kids so know it will be ok. I
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“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
God is the creator, the plan maker and the finisher of the good work He is doing in Jesher and all on this journey with you. May are Father be honored and glorified.
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Yo sigo orando por baby Polite. En el nombre de Jesus
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Michael and Lhorraine you guys are in my prayers. I had no idea of the struggles you were going through with little Jesher. Please remember that God’s mercies are new every morning! Thank you for this blog post Michael, your testimony of faith is such a huge encouragement! Take care of my baby cousin for me 🙂
Nelva
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Father in Heaven, I thank you so much for Jesher. I have all confidence in You and what You can do. I thank You for bringing this wonderful child thus far and will praise Your Name every time this precious child enters my mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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