Posted on 09/22/2004 11:32:49 PM PDT by Horatio Gates
LOMA LINDA It has been 13 days since Elodia Torres looked into the eyes of her nine-month-old-son. Manuel Adam Torres lay motionless on life support at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Elodia had to stand on a small step just to caress her son. She did so carefully so not to disturb the dozens of lines and tubes connecting his body to life support systems.
Her husband, Marine Sgt. Jose Torres stood beside her.
The baby, on life support in Loma Linda University Children's Hospital since Labor Day, was sedated as his parents wait.
Elodia took Manuel from the Torres' Moreno Valley home to the hospital Labor Day weekend, when he was diagnosed with myocarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart.
It will take a heart transplant to save his life.
Jose and Elodia have made public pleas for a donor heart for their son who can stay on life support only for about 20 days before his other organs begin to fail.
Now all they can do is wait and pray, they said.
Their pleas have been met with an outpouring of support by Jose's fellow Marines, who are organizing a blood drive. The heart transplant surgery will easily require more than a dozen gallons of O-positive blood to sustain Manuel.
"I have always thought of the Marine Corps as my second family," said Jose, appreciative of the support.
The ordeal has been a roller coaster for Elodia.
"I have gotten stronger as days go by because there are days when I see him and I see his little body so swollen because of all the medication, but today he looks like he is asleep," said Elodia. "He (normally) is a very happy baby, cheerful and always smiling."
Manuel smiled up until the day that they sedated him, she said.
His father, who is based at Camp Pendleton, returned home on emergency leave from duty in Iraq where he is an ammunition technician.
The 23 year-old father had been calling home from Iraq every other day, but became concerned when his wife did not answer at home or on her cell phone.
He called a relative and learned of his son's illness.
It was a somber reunion with his wife and son.
The last time he saw Manuel was a month ago, before he left for Iraq.
"I didn't want to wake him up because he was asleep" then, he said.
Seeing his son now is harrowing.
"I couldn't believe it at first. It felt like a nightmare," he said. "As soon as I saw him it was horrible to see him attached to all those machines."
And it is a nightmare for Elodia, who misses her son's smiles.
"Ever since my baby was born, I have dedicated all of my time and strength to him.
"Even when his dad was away, I'd take him out of his crib and put him to sleep beside me," she said.
"He is my life"
Prayers for baby Manuel from our house.
Prayers for the little one and his family. Stories like this just break my heart. :'(
Prayers for that little one.
Much needed prayers for this baby and his family...
Our Father in Heaven, we pray that you will stand by this small one. Strengthen him and bring comfort to his family.
We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
I've said a prayer for them. I have an optimistic feeling about their future. I'll keep them in my prayers.
Dear Lord, Embrace this precious baby in Your Light of Grace and Love and make him well.Amen Thank you Lord
It's so sad in those situations because for your child to get a heart means some other child couldn't use theirs anymore. Sad all the way around, but I hope this little one makes it.
Prayers for little Manuel and his family.
My prayers are with this baby.
Thank you for posting this.
Oh my Lord, hear our prayers Father and come quickly to rescue this little one. Miracles happen daily Lord they are all around us and blessed are they who see. We praise you Father for your compassion and mighty power. Send your angels to surround this family, to take up shield and sword to protect them. Please Lord, save this little one. In Jesus Name amen.
So sad. What can the average Joe do to help?
Agree with you.
Prayers for the little ones and their families.
Prayers.
prayer bump
Prayers for baby and family.
This baby has my prayers, also...prayers for the parents to have strength to endure this stressful time.
bad company, thank you for the ping.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
Thank you for the ping codyjacksmom!
My prayers are for this family. May our Lord bless and protect them. I pray that they will have a happy homecoming
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