Prayer request for Samuel

On 15 March 2013 we were again made aware of how special Samuel really is and how he has been under God's hand of protection. Samuel and Michael were playing tackle games just before bath time when Michael rugby tackled Samuel ending in Samuel being out for the count after hitting his head on the solid wood bed. In that moment all first aid knowledge flew out the window and I just grabbed Samuel up to get him to respond. We immediately went to our closest Trauma Unit and almost 5 hours later Samuel was given the all clear.

The following morning we received a call from the doctor in charge of the Trauma Unit. A second opinion on the x-rays and CT scans revealed an abnormality in Samuel's neck. She explained that this type of injury could results in paralyses, therefor he had to come back immediately. After the examination she referred us to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. After x-rays and another examination a week later, he referred us to a Spinal Orthopedic Surgeon as Samuel has a severe instability in his C1 & C2 vertebrae. The thoughts of activities that Samuel participated in that was potentially life threatening,  had me reeling.

 As parents we felt completely helpless whilst waiting for the Surgeon to return from a trip. But what an amazing man, so worth the wait and he was so wonderful with Samuel. He explained that spinal fusion surgery with a Luque wire between C1 & C2 vertebrae needed to be done as soon as possible. Despite the urgency of the situation this doctor made us feel safe; he is well known in his field yet he is a humble man knowing where his strength comes from.

 So surgery is scheduled for Friday, 26 April. Samuel will remain in ICU for 48 hours and 7-10 days in hospital. There after he wears a neck brace and needs to be kept on "slow motion / quiet" for 6 weeks - is that possible with a real little live wire?  :)

Samuel is already a testimony of God's work in people. Despite the fact that the world did not have high expectations of this child, God had. Prayers for Samuel has unlocked his voice, thoughts, imagination. He has such a sense of humor and not a day goes by when we don't feel incredibly blessed. Of course we would love for God to spare Samuel this journey and heal him completely. However we also know that God's will is not always ours and we choose to believe in God's plans for Samuel.

We would really appreciate prayers as Friday approaches. Firstly for completely healing, secondly for God to be in control of every single aspect of Samuel's surgery and recovery so that that in itself will be a testimony of God's greatness.