Posted on 03/05/2005 3:19:49 AM PST by beaversmom
MOBILE, Ala. - A medical team at the University of South Alabama's Children's & Women's Hospital have closely monitored the progress of a newborn who weighed only 10 ounces at birth on Feb. 15.
His parents, Phillip and Monica Whitlock, said tiny Malachi Andreas Whitlock is so far holding his own.
"I feel he's got 100 percent chance of survival," his father said.
They said they chose the name Malachi because it's one of the smallest books of the Bible, and Malachi means "messenger of God."
"He's so small, and he's sent a message to us of what love is," the father said.
Dr. Fabien Eyal, the director of USA's neonatal intensive care unit, said, "Everybody's pulling for him, but we know they're in for a very tough time."
Monica Whitlock had an emergency cesarean section after developing high blood pressure.
Malachi, at 10 ounces, weighed about 290 grams at birth. Most babies placed in the unit, Eyal said, weigh around 400 grams. One baby, born at 350 grams, did survive and went home this week.
Eyal attributed the "incredibly low birth weight" to the fact that Malachi stopped growing before his birth. He put Malachi's actual development at 20 weeks at the time of birth.
The normal gestation period is 40 weeks.
Eyal said babies born at 22 to 24 weeks are at "the limit of viability."
Oh, this is the saddest news. We were all so hoping that he would make it. All of us are crying big tears for you, husband, and family. So sorry that you and your husband had to make that decision but it was the right one. He is now pain free in a beautiful place. What a sweet, precious baby.
I am so very deeply sorry to hear this. No parent should ever have to make that decision.
I pray the Lord will comfort & strengthen you.
Rest in the arms of the Lord, Malachi.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
thanks for every thing
phillip
Oh Phillip.... my dear friend.
I know your heart is aching, and a lot of us are aching for you and Monica.... little angel Malachi is so very special to all of us
Oh, Phillip. We cannot imagine the depth of your pain right now but your witness remains strong. Lean on God in the coming days. He will see you through this even when the days seem darkest. ***HUGS***
I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Malachi
You are all in my prayers
{{HUGS}}
phillip,Malachi will pray for you and your family because he is a spotless soul and God and choosen him,but you know that and I am crying.
Mike
I don't always post, but I always pray. Thanks for the ping
God bless little Malachi and his family
All of us
lil malachi is now God's newest angel.
I believe the decision you made was the ultimate act of love and unselfishness. I truly do.
I also believe that God had let it be known that it was time to let your precious angel go home.
How fortunate Malachi was to have had you as his parents. You were his great gift and his blessing. All of his days, you showered love and comfort upon him. I believe he knows that. I hope you do.
Please take good care. My prayers for you and for him will continue. God bless.
I didn't read enough - I'm so sorry.
But I still want to let you know how much we love you out here.
A few things I've learned from helping patients and my own loved ones through grief:
Rest and sleep as much as you can. Take care of each other - this is a very hard time on couples and families and it's normal to have all sorts of storms.
A year is not enough to mourn, regardless of convention. So be patient with one another. And don't be surprised, angry or hurt when you're in synch and when you're not.
Try to pray, "Your will be done." In other words, put it in God's hands. You can't fix everything.
By the same token, let other people do for you. When they ask - tell them - even if it's mundane things like "take the garbage out" or "help me with the laundry."
(I still say God Bless Malachi and his family)
Prayers for everyone at this time.
Thank you for your post Phillip. How true, how true.
Know you are loved.
Prayers for you and family.
Amen...
Phillip, I think your little "messenger from God" lived up to his name beautifully. Against all odds, Malachi, the smallest of the small lived. Although he was only here a short time, he touched many hearts. His "message" that all life is worth fighting for will be remembered, forever.
Even though your arms are empty, your hearts must be filled with such pride at the wonderous little boy that came into your lives.....for a fleeting moment in time.....then left to rest in the arms of Jesus. Job well done, little Malachi.
God bless you for your wonderful love for Malachi.
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