10-ounce newborn defying survival odds at Mobile. (Sympathy to the family on the Child's passing)

Ledger-Enquirer ^ | March 4, 2005 | AP

[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."

[Mrs.Nooseman]

I am so sorry to hear about the hard decision you had to make!

He is now in gods arms!

I'll pray for him and you!May the Lord comfort you and rest his soul.

Hugs

Mrs.N

[murphyb]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby,
murphy

"Sometimes love is for a moment. Sometimes love is for a lifetime. Sometimes a moment is a lifetime."

[CJ Wolf]

Prayers.

[Wiser now]

Dear Monica and Philip,
May God hold you close and comfort your hearts today and always. We will continue to pray for you. We are so very sorry.

[freepertoo]

Dear friends, my heart and sympathy to you. We have the comfort of knowing that God hears all prayers and does what is always perfect and right. Prayers to both of you for comfort and peace as only Jesus can give it. ((((HUGS!!!)))

[r9etb]

I'm so very sorry to hear this, Monica. You and Phillip are in my prayers.

[Salo]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Ladysmith]

Oh, no.

Heartfelt tears for your loss from another lurker. Praying God will put His arms around you both and comfort you.

[WVNan]

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

You could not have chosen a more perfect sentiment, Phillip. This one really brought the tears. You and Monica know that you made the only decision you could have made, and you know that Malachi's life was important to God, to you two and to all of us. Your faith is evident. May you be mightly blessed. Tears and (((((Phillip & Monica)))))

[SwinneySwitch]

"He is now with Jesus."

Amen.

[FR_addict]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Malachi won the hearts of everyone here.

[Armywife4Life]

WHY GOD TAKES CHILDREN

When God calls little children
to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with,
the death of one small child.
Who does so much to make our world,
seem so wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them,
and so He takes but few.
To make the land of heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be Good-bye.
So when a little child departs,
we who are left behind,
Must realize God loves children.
ANGELS ARE HARD TO FIND!

[stanz]

Little Malachi has been an inspiration to all of us. His passing may be a sad event, but we are all the better for having shared his time here. He is with the angels.

[malachi dad]

Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens 8730 Sims Rd
Eight Mile, AL 36613-9103
(251) 649-1111 wake is from 5 to 8 on wensday funreal 11.00 am on thursday just to let every one know
lots of love
phillip

[Grammy]

I am so sorry for your loss. He is with Jesus, and you will see him again some day.

[STARWISE]

Heavy-hearted prayers for you. Precious Malachi was remembered in my prayers and pleadings after I received the Eucharist at Mass on Sunday. So many thousands of prayers were carried by the angels to God's ear. I'm SO very saddened for you and your family. May the light of God's love that was witnessed throughout our community of prayer be a blessing to you. Though it's so difficult for you all to bear, please know that we weep with you. God works in mysterious ways, and we know not how many hearts were touched and brought to God's arms through Malachi's struggle and brief and precious life.

MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU - MALACHI WAS BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH WONDERFULLY DEVOTED AND LOVING PARENTS -I PRAY YOU TAKE THAT KNOWLEDGE TO YOUR HEARTS AND KNOW THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

[Kitty Mittens]

Praying for our Lord's Comfort and Love to be with you, and for His Peace and Grace to surround you. Little Malachi beholds our King in His Beauty, and is Safe in the Arms of Jesus Christ.

[NanaDory8]

May our Lord wrap his comforting arms around you and your family. God Bless You. NanaDory

[Brad’s Gramma]

In case anyone missed Phillip's post....

Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens 8730 Sims Rd
Eight Mile, AL 36613-9103

(251) 649-1111 wake is from 5 to 8 on wednesday
funeral 11.00 am on thursday

just to let every one know
lots of love
phillip


We all love you too...

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!