Praying for Bennett

Update - October 19th at 12:15 p.m.

2007-10-19T12:09:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to provide a quick update and let you know that Bennett's improvements continue (see "Bennett's site" to get details). I'd like to ask everyone to send up prayers of thanksgiving this weekend for Bennett's improvements since August 20th.

Let's also pray for Travis and Kelly as they continue life in the NICU. They both spend so much time there these days, and I'm sure they are so drained from the last two months. I think we need to say special prayers for them to help them endure the days until little Bennett gets to go home. Let's pray for their physical strength and their mental, emotional, and spiritual endurance.

I'm going to be making another delivery of photos and goodies to them tonight, so for those of you who have sent recent photo wishes, THANK YOU! I'll continue delivering them as long as I keep getting them. So, if you haven't sent one yet, it's not too late.

Let's also not forget about the prayer pager. I know that Bennett's condition has improved, but we should be using the prayer pager when we thank God for Bennett as well as when we pray for him, Kelly, and Travis. So, let's continue to pray and page little Bennett all the way home!

Update - October 9th at 11:15 a.m.

2007-10-09T11:15:00.000-04:00

Hello to you all. I hope you've been reading the daily posts Travis and Kelly have been making to Bennett's site. If not, please click "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Bennett is improving, and we're all so very thankful for that. Please continue to keep Travis, Kelly, and Bennett in your prayers during the coming days and weeks. As Travis and Kelly keep reminding us, things can change quickly in the NICU. Also, with all of the trauma that Bennett's been through, he'll need our prayers for weeks to come. So, please keep up those prayers that Bennett's lungs and neurological functions will strengthen and heal.

Although the blog coverage has been spotty during the past week, please know that I will maintain this blog until Bennett is home and Travis and Kelly have no further needs. Since things are a bit more stable and Travis and Kelly have begun posting once per day, I will post on this blog once per week. I'll try to have my posts up by Mondays at noon.

For those of you who have been interested in helping Travis and Kelly, please continue to check this blog each week. I'll have updates on any means of help we can provide to this sweet family, be they physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual. Together, we can meet their needs.

So, please check this blog each week for updates, and please continue to pray for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Thanks for all you've done so far, and thanks for all you'll continue to do. Take care!

Update - October 2nd at 4:40 p.m.

2007-10-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. I wanted to post an update that's a bit overdue. I was out of town this weekend, so it's been a few days since I've been able to provide an update.

If you haven't read the latest posts from Travis and Kelly, please do so by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column. They haven't posted today, but they did provide a couple of informative posts yesterday as well as a specific list of things for which we can be praying.

Also, I heard from them this weekend, so I wanted to update you on financial needs. At this point, longer-term needs such as hospital costs are unknown. So, if you'd like to help financially right now, you can consider sending a gift card. Gas cards and restaurant cards would be helpful, as would grocery gift cards. I confirmed this weekend that they shop for groceries at Safeway, so hopefully that information will help.

If you want to help financially, I'm sure meeting some of these short-term needs would be great. However, I would also encourage you to consider holding off until longer-term needs are known. There's no guarantee that there will be a long-term need, but in case there is, I'm sure that lots of people will need to pull together to meet it.

For those of you who have sent me e-mails in the last few days, I'll be returning them in the next 24 hours. The trip out of town and the return to a crazy work environment have caused me to be late on responses. I'm sorry about that.

Don't forget about praying, paging, posting, and sending photo wishes as means of supporting Travis and Kelly. They appreciate and lean on all you're doing, so let's keep it up!

Update - September 28th at 5 p.m.

2007-09-28T16:56:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already, please read the latest post on "Bennett's Site" by clicking the link at the top of the right column.

Bennett has had a small setback today, but thankfully, it looks like he has stabilized for the time being. Please keep praying for his little body and its ability to breathe on its own. The best outcome for Bennett is 1) to avoid re-intubation and 2) to come off of the CPAP as soon as possible. So, let's pray for that outcome.

Also, Travis and Kelly met with the pediatric neurologist today. I won't repeat what was said on the latest post, because I don't want to chance inaccuracy. The bottom line is that we all need to send up prayers for Bennett's neurological functioning. We also need to begin thinking about other ways we can continue to support Travis and Kelly.

One way that we'll all probably be able to support Travis and Kelly in the future is by helping with any financial needs they may have. Many of you have asked about helping them with more substantial expenses (hospital costs, etc), so I'm working on finding out exactly how we might be able to help in that area. I have no idea what their needs might be at this point, but I will try to uncover those needs in the next week or two.

So, in the immediate term, please keep praying, paging, posting, and sending photo wishes for this precious family. You can also consider sending gift cards for their short-term expenses. Finally, begin thinking about how you might be able to help with any financial needs they have.

Take care, and keep praying!

Update - September 28th at 10 a.m.

2007-09-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

I wanted to ask everyone to say special prayers throughout the day today for Travis and Kelly as they meet with the pediatric neurologist.

As new parents, Travis and Kelly are certainly anxious about this meeting and what may be discussed concerning their baby boy. As evident in their posts from last night and this morning, they are holding tight to their faith that Bennett can be fully healed. So, let's all surround them with prayers for Bennett's full and complete healing, including his lungs and his brain.

Let's show Travis and Kelly that we're behind them today. Please pray as much as possible for them today, and don't forget to page them after you do so. As a reminder, the instructions for the prayer pager are in the right column. Take care!

Update - September 26th at 5:20 p.m.

2007-09-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

As you may have already read on Bennett's site, he was extubated last night and transitioned to the CPAP. This news is wonderful - a huge step for little Bennett - so let's all remember to say prayers of thanksgiving today. If you haven't read the full report, please see the journal entries from earlier today and last night.

Today was the day Travis and Kelly were scheduled to speak with the pediatric neurologist about Bennett's MRI results, so thanks for all of your prayers related to that. Let's continue to pray for that during the rest of the day.

I also want to let you know that Travis and Kelly are still requesting no visitors at this time. There will be a time when visitors will be more appropriate, and they've said that they would let me know when that time comes. So, in the meantime, you can show your support by photo wishes, prayer pages, and other creative means.

If you haven't already sent a photo wish, it's definitely not too late. Just follow the instructions at the right and send them my way. My plan is to collect and deliver them each week as long as there's a need. These photos will outlast the current situation, so I know that Travis and Kelly will treasure them no matter when they're sent. So, consider making and sending one in the next few days. And FYI...new photo wishes have been posted to the bottom of the right column.

Let's also not forget about the prayer pager. Although the reports during the past few days have been steps in the positive direction, our little Bennett isn't out of the woods yet. Travis and Kelly have been dealing with this situation for 5 1/2 weeks now, so as they grow weary, we need to be there to support and encourage them. So, follow the instructions in the right column to keep paging them daily.

Finally, I'll briefly mention ways to support Travis and Kelly financially. I don't know of any specific financial needs at this time, but I'm sure that grocery gift cards, restaurant gift cards, and gas cards would be helpful in the short term. Looking more long term, I don't know what the need will be for defraying medical costs, helping with care expenses, etc. Once I find out, I'll be sure to post that information.

I'm amazed at the outpouring of love I've witnessed during this situation. I can't imagine how it makes Travis and Kelly feel. Thanks to you all for your generous, loving hearts. You're truly making a difference in the lives of this precious family. Take care!

Update - September 25th at 10:45 p.m.

2007-09-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

If you haven't read the most recent postings, you'll want to click on "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

The latest and greatest news is that Bennett's extubation is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday). This is wonderful news, and I know that Travis and Kelly are thrilled! Let's all pray for the extubation to happen if appropriate, let's pray that it goes smoothly, and let's pray that Bennett tolerates the CPAP well (the CPAP is a device that will replace the tube).

Tomorrow is also the day when Travis and Kelly are scheduled to meet with the pediatric neurologist, so let's all be praying that they'll get a good report and that they'll be able to understand what the doctor says.

I must apologize to those who sent photo wishes last week, because I didn't deliver them to the hospital as planned due to a series of events. I will be delivering them during the week this week. I apologize for the delay.

Speaking of photo wishes, if you haven't sent yours, please consider doing so soon. You can find out how to make and send photo wishes by reading the instructions in the right column. Also, I have posted new photo wishes at the bottom of the right column, so check them out.

I've gotten some more questions about financial help for Travis and Kelly. In terms of short-term needs, I'm sure that grocery gift cards, restaurant gift cards, and gas cards would be very useful for Travis and Kelly. If you're out of town and don't know what grocery chains, restaurants, or gas stations are local to the D.C. area, just send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to pass that information along.

In terms of long-term needs, I believe those will depend on how much longer Bennett is in the NICU. I'm going to check with Travis and Kelly's families about setting up a fund for them to help defray costs. I'll certainly post information about that fund here once I have it.

Please be in prayer for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett tomorrow. Let's make the prayer pager go off all day to let them know that we're supporting them and encouraging them every step of the way. As a reminder, the instructions for the prayer pager are in the right column. Take care!

Update - September 22nd at 10:30 a.m.

2007-09-22T10:38:00.000-04:00

Friends, yesterday was quite a day for Travis and Kelly. If you haven't seen the latest post from last night, you'll want to read it.

Travis and Kelly have reminded us that Bennett has come very far, so we should all be thankful for that. However, this precious little boy needs our prayers so much right now.

We must pray for the three areas in which Bennett needs to remain stable to be able to go home: temperature, breathing, and feeding. So, let's pray for those areas during the next few days.

Perhaps the areas that need our prayers most of all right now are Bennett's diaphragm and his brain. As was noted on the post, there seems to be paralysis of Bennett's right diaphragm. Although doctors expect this to correct itself within a few years, we still need to pray that it doesn't cause any significant problems to Bennett's growth.

Finally, please pray for little Bennett's brain. The MRI has shown areas of concern, but as of now, Travis and Kelly don't have detailed information on what those areas of concern might mean. They have asked for our prayers for Bennett's neurological functioning, so let's surround them with those requested prayers right now.

Let's renew our commitment to pray for this family and to page them as a tangible means of support. With a month in the NICU behind them and recent reports of concern, this family needs our encouragement. If there are times in the coming days where they are exhausted and unsure of how to move forward, we need to make sure they are confident of our support and our love for them. So, let's make a commitment to pray for this sweet family and to page them each time we do so.

As a quick reminder, I'll be taking more photos to the hospital tonight, so if you haven't sent a photo wish, please consider doing so. I might be able to extend the deadline until 2 p.m., so if you can get a photo to me before that time, I should be able to deliver it with this batch.

Take care, and thanks so much for your support of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett.

Update - September 21st at 4:45 p.m.

2007-09-21T16:37:00.000-04:00

There's no word yet on Travis and Kelly's 2 p.m. meeting, but let's keep on praying for them and for Bennett today.

I encourage each of you to continue to ask others in your sphere to pray for Travis and Kelly. Although the immediate urgency after Bennett's birth has gone away, the need for prayers on behalf of this precious family has not. So, please ask your family, friends, church members, small groups, co-workers, and others to pray.

We really need to encourage Travis and Kelly as the time they've spent in the NICU grows longer and longer. Three tangible ways of supporting them include:
1. Praying them and paging them after you've done it.
2. Sending a photo wish to them (individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to do this).
3. Posting a note of encouragement to them.

The instructions for all three of these support mechanisms are in the right column. Thanks so much for hanging in there with Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. It means more to them than any of us can really know. Take care!

Update - September 21st at 9:40 a.m.

2007-09-21T09:33:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone. Although there are no updates on Bennett's Site this morning, I'm sure we'll be getting one soon.

Let's all make today one where we say extra prayers for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Travis and Kelly will have an important meeting at 2 p.m., so let's all cover them with prayers at that time.

Continue to pray for Bennett today and the various issues for which Travis and Kelly have requested prayers. I know that we all want to see his full recovery, so let's continue praying for that.

Before I go, here are a few more quick notes/requests:

1. If you are a leader of a small group in any church across the country, I'd like to request two things from you:
a. Please e-mail me if your group would like to volunteer to take care of various needs that Travis and Kelly have. I don't have any specifics yet, but I'd like to go ahead and activate a network of people that would be willing to help. So again, if you're a small group leader, please e-mail me your name, your church, and your e-mail address. I'll begin "activating the troops" as needs arise.
b. Please consider having your entire small group make a photo wish for Travis and Kelly. There have been a few groups to do so already, and those photos are very special to Travis and Kelly. So, please think about having a small group photo wish taken.

2. If you haven't sent a photo wish from yourself or your family, please consider doing so. I will be taking another batch to the hospital tomorrow night, so please e-mail them to me by tomorrow at noon. As a reminder, instructions are in the right column.

3. Many of you have asked about ways to help Travis and Kelly financially. At this point, their financial needs are unknown. Once there is more information about what help they might need, I will make sure to let everyone know. So, please stay tuned about that.

Please remember to pray for Bennett throughout the day today. And, set a reminder for yourself to pray for them at 2 p.m. They continue to need our prayers as much today as they did one month ago, so let's continue to support them. Don't forget about the prayer pager, as we need to continue sending them tangible signs of our support. Take care!

Update - September 20th at 9:30 a.m.

2007-09-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

I apologize for the lack of posts in the past three days. I know that you've all still been checking "Bennett's Site", but if you haven't, you'll want to catch up on the posts there.

Bennett's situation in the past few days has reinforced the NICU experience...some up days, some down days. Thankfully, Bennett's down days haven't been too critical of late, but there have been some distressing experiences for Travis and Kelly.

As you may have noticed with yesterday's posts, Bennett has now been battling this situation for 31 days. Please pray for his little body to keep fighting, and pray for his full recovery. Let's also not forget to pray for Travis, Kelly, the grandparents, the aunts, and the uncles. This has certainly been a most exhausting experience for them...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Let's just say extra prayers during the next couple of days that they will be provided with the strength, courage, and determination they need to get through the coming days.

I've gotten a few more photo wishes this week, but I would LOVE to be able to deliver a few more this weekend. So, if you haven't sent a photo wish to Travis and Kelly, please consider doing so. And for those of you who have sent photo wishes, encourage your friends to make and send them. They provide a definite boost to Travis and Kelly, because seeing your faces and your wishes is so special to them. I'll be delivering another set to the hospital this weekend, but I'll likely be going on Saturday night. So, please try to make and send your photo wishes by Saturday at noon.

I should be able to post regularly during the next few days. Let's stay in this battle with Travis and Kelly until we can (hopefully) see them take Bennett home. Take care!

Verse for the moment: "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come...'" - Isaiah 35:3

Update - September 16th at 10:45 p.m.

2007-09-16T22:47:00.000-04:00

Travis and Kelly have posted two or three updates this weekend, so if you haven't already checked them out, please do so by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

In short, Bennett is proving to be a miracle baby. I know that all babies are miracles, but Bennett is illustrating the term in how he has medically "beaten the odds" so far. After speaking with Travis and Kelly yesterday, it became clear to me just how serious Bennett's condition was last week and just narrowly he escaped a very bad situation. I know that many of you prayed during Bennett's "critical hour" last week, so please know that Travis and Kelly are grateful for your special efforts in their time of need.

In fact, Travis and Kelly are truly overwhelmed by all the support that has been shown them throughout the last four weeks. Kelly mentioned to me that there have been many days where they only made it through because they could feel the thoughts, prayers, and love being sent their way. So, please continue to support them as they stand by Bennett's side.

I'm also happy to report that the photo wishes are giving them a boost. It was a joy to watch Kelly and her mom as they went through the second batch. Thanks ever so much to those of you who have sent photo wishes my way. I'd love to get at least 20 more this week, so if you haven't sent one, please consider making this special effort for Travis and Kelly. The instructions for making and sending photo wishes are in the right column.

Speaking of photo wishes, I've received permission from a few more folks, so I'll be posting additional photos to the site tomorrow. Be on the lookout for them.

Although Bennett has made great strides during the past week or so, we must keep praying for him. Please pray that he'll maintain his current status and that he'll continue to heal. Please pray that Travis and Kelly remain physically, mentally, and emotionally strong during the coming days. And finally, pray that Bennett will be able to go home at some point in the future. What a wonderful outcome that would be.

Don't forget about the prayer pager. It was clear yesterday that Travis and Kelly definitely draw strength from the pages, so let's continue sending them. If you haven't sent a page in a while, you can find the instructions in the right column. Take care, have a great week, and please keep praying for this sweet family!

Update - September 14th at 3:30 p.m.

2007-09-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

As a week full of blessings comes near its end, let's all remember to say special prayers of thanks for Bennett's progress. His stability isn't guaranteed, but let's be thankful for each and every second he maintains his current status.

As Travis and Kelly have requested in their recent postings, let's also continue to pray for Bennett's complete healing. We should also say prayers for Travis and Kelly as they continue to deal with this challenging and exhausting situation. It's coming up on one month (can you believe it?) that Travis and Kelly have been faced with this uncertainty, and I'm sure it's been the longest month of their lives. Please lift them up in prayer and ask God to give them physical and emotional strength to continue.

Finally, if you haven't sent your photo wish for inclusion in the second batch I'll be taking to the hospital tomorrow, please do so by 10 p.m. tonight! As you can see with the photos in the bottom of the right column, it's a really unique way to show your support for Travis and Kelly. The instructions are in the right column, so I encourage you to get your digital camera this afternoon or tonight and send your wish!

Take care everyone, and please keep praying for this precious family.

Update - September 13th at 1:30 p.m.

2007-09-13T13:28:00.000-04:00

There's a new post on Bennett's Site, so please click the link at the top of the right column.

Although Bennett is still markedly improved from last week, the episode that took place last night is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NICU. Thankfully, Bennett is okay. But, we must keep praying that he remains stable and continues to progress toward complete healing.

Let's also continue to pray for Travis and Kelly as they deal with the uncertainty of the NICU. We need to keep praying and paging them so they'll know we're still fighting with them. Let's pray too for Bennett's neighbor who went on ECMO yesterday and for her parents.

Also, please keep sending your photo wishes my way. I'll be taking another batch to the hospital this weekend, so please send them by Friday night (tomorrow) at 10 p.m. As a reminder, the instructions for sending photo wishes are in the right column. And...you can see some of the wishes I've already received at the bottom of the right column. The sizing makes some of the signs hard to read, but I assure that Travis and Kelly were able to read them when they were printed out.

Take care, and keep praying for little Bennett!

Update - September 12th at 9:15 p.m.

2007-09-12T21:19:00.000-04:00

Travis posted an update earlier today, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Bennett continues to make small improvements, so let's be thankful for that. Let's continue to pray for Bennett's health and for his complete healing. As Travis mentioned on his post, let's also pray for Bennett's new NICU neighbor who started ECMO today. I know her parents will be blessed for having Travis and Kelly in the NICU with them, and I'm thankful for that.

Thanks for all of the prayers, pages, and posts you have sent Travis and Kelly's way. Thanks also for the photo wishes you've sent. I have posted the first group of them at the bottom of the right column. If you sent a photo in the original batch and would allow me to post it, send an e-mail and let me know that. I'll keep posting photos as I get more photos and as I get more e-mails with permission.

If you haven't sent a photo wish, please consider doing so by following the instructions in the right column. I'll print another batch this weekend and take them to Travis and Kelly to be added to the album we started last week.

Keep praying for Bennett and for his NICU neighbor. And...as you say those prayers, don't forget to thank God for Bennett's progress so far. Take care!

Verses for the moment:
"O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief." - Psalm 143:1

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." - 1 Chronicles 29:13

Update - September 12th at 11:30 a.m.

2007-09-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

If you haven't been to Bennett's site in a day or two, you'll definitely want to check out the latest posts and photos. The big news is that Travis and Kelly finally got to hold their baby boy last night! This is such a wonderful milestone on many levels, but particularly because it reminds us of Bennett's progress and also provides Travis and Kelly with a much needed lift to their spirits.

Those who took food last night mentioned how visibly encouraged Travis and Kelly looked, so that's a wonderful thing to be able to report. Let's keep them encouraged by our prayers, pages, posts and photos.

As a reminder, I'm collecting photo wishes between now and Friday and will take them to Travis and Kelly this weekend. The instructions for sending a photo wish are in the column at the right. If you haven't sent one already, please consider doing so. It's such a neat way to show your support, and it's my wish that the album they're being collected in will be a keepsake for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett for years to come.

I also have to apologize for the delay in posting the photo wishes I've already received (and received permission to post). It's been a busy couple of days for me, so I plan to begin posting photo wishes later today or tonight. Sorry again for the delay.

Finally, let's say prayers of thanksgiving today for Bennett's progress and for the wonderful development of Travis and Kelly being able to hold him. As Travis and Kelly continue to remind us, however, Bennett still has a long way to go. May we all surround him and his sweet parents with support, love, and prayers during the coming days and weeks. Let's keep praying for his complete healing, and let's also pray that we'll all get to see the day when he goes home.

Take care, and keep praying (and paging)!

Update - September 10th at 10 p.m.

2007-09-10T21:54:00.000-04:00

There are no new posts on Bennett's site, but I wanted to give an update on how large Travis and Kelly's network has become.

There are now more than 3,900 people who have visited this site more than 22,000 times. Those people live in 22 different countries and 564 cities. These numbers are a testament to how many people Travis and Kelly have touched throughout their lives, and they are also a testament to how powerful our own spheres of influence are.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...we are a powerful collective. Thousands of prayers are being said on behalf of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Those prayers have been heard and answered so far, and they have brought a tremendous amount of encouragement to Travis, Kelly, and their families.

Let's continue to use this large network to support Travis and Kelly to do good and hold them up during these uncertain, exhausting, difficult times. So, please keep praying for this sweet family, and don't forget to page Travis and Kelly after you do it. Take care!

Update - September 10th 4:15 p.m.

2007-09-10T16:11:00.000-04:00

Kelly posted an update earlier today, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Improvements continue to be made, so let's be thankful for those. It's so nice to hear that Kelly was able to change her first diaper today. I'm sure she cherished that experience...even if it went a bit different than planned :) . So, let's thank God that Bennett has made several improvements since the end of last week.

Despite his progress, Bennett still needs our prayers for healing. So, please keep offering them up as you have done so faithfully during the past three weeks. And don't forget to page Travis and Kelly after you have done so!

I'm starting to receive more photo wishes, so please keep sending them my way. I'll collect them all week this week and take them to the hospital this weekend. As a reminder, the instructions are in the right column.

I'll be back with more updates as they're available. Take care, and continue to remember the precious Speck family in your thoughts and prayers.

Update - September 10th at 12:15 p.m.

2007-09-10T12:08:00.001-04:00

Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Travis and Kelly have posted an update on the blog, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

I want to encourage everyone today to continue sending up prayers of thanksgiving for Bennett's improvements. As Travis reminds us, however, we must remember that Bennett is still very sick and isn't out of the woods yet. So, as you give thanks for his progress, pray for his continued healing. At the moment, the main concern remains the seizure activity. So, continue to pray that Bennett will be free from seizure activity.

Also, I encourage those of you who haven't sent photo wishes to do so this week, as I'll be taking another batch to the hospital this weekend. The instructions are in the column at the right. Several people have done individual photo wishes, some have done family wishes, and some have done group wishes. In the next day or so, I'll begin posting some of the photo wishes I've already received, so thanks to those of you who have given me permission to do so.

Take care, and let's keep praying (and paging) for Bennett, Kelly, and Travis today.

Verse for the moment: "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." - Ephesians 1:16

Update - September 9th at 10:20 p.m.

2007-09-09T22:22:00.000-04:00

I have been out of town for the last day and a half, so I've just now had the chance to read the post from Travis earlier today. It truly brought me to tears. Thankfully, they were tears of joy. If you haven't read the latest post, you'll definitely want to read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

As of earlier today, Bennett was taken off of the jet ventilator and put on the normal ventilator. This is a huge step in his healing. I think we all should say a prayer of thanksgiving for this significant step in Bennett's recovery. I know that I am so incredibly thankful to read the words that Travis has posted and sense his relief and joy in the latest developments. So, let's be thankful for the positive report today. If we pray in bad times, we must remember to pray in good times. So, give thanks that Bennett has improved.

With all of this being said, we must remember to continue praying for Bennett. There is still concern over seizure activity, so we need to pray that he will be shielded from any seizures in the coming days. We also need to continue praying for his complete healing, and for Travis and Kelly to be sustained during this time.

Thanks to you all for hanging in there and lifting Travis and Kelly up during the past three weeks. It is clear that they can feel your support and love and are daily encouraged by it.

Thanks also to those who have already sent photo wishes. It was so neat to see the photo book that I took to them this weekend, as it is such a tangible sign of support. I ask everyone who wants to encourage Travis and Kelly in that way to follow the instructions in the right column and send photo wishes to them this week. I will keep collecting photos through Friday and take another batch to the hospital next weekend. I'll add the new photos to the original album, so it can be a growing symbol of our love and support.

Take care, and keep praying (and paging)!

Update - September 8th at 9:30 a.m.

2007-09-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

There's a new post on Bennett's site, so please read it by clicking the link at the top of the right column.

It seems that Bennett had a less stable night last night. Although the doctors and nurses have prepared Travis and Kelly for the ups and downs, I'm sure it's not easy to live through them.

So, let's pray today that Bennett's condition stabilizes and that his lungs and heart improve toward normal functioning. I know that Travis and Kelly have been focusing on getting through one day at a time, so let's pray that they have the emotional strength to get through the next 24 hours.

Since things have been less stable, we need to encourage them today by letting them know they are being prayed for. So, please use the prayer pager often today. As a reminder, the instructions are in the column to the right.

I'll be back with more updates when I have them!

Update - September 7th at 9:45 p.m.

2007-09-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

There's a new update on Bennett's site, so check it out by clicking the link at the top of the right column.

We need to be thankful that Bennett has had a stable day, but we need to keep on praying for his heart and lungs. According to the latest post, his lungs are still of particular concern. We need to pray for the infection to clear and for his lungs to start functioning normally again.

Let's not forget to pray for Travis, Kelly, the grandparents, and the aunts and uncles. They're coming up on three weeks of uncertainty and stress, so let's pray that they will have the strength and endurance to keep their spirits up and stay physically strong.

For all of you who sent photo wishes, thank you. They are so great, and I know they will bring smiles to Travis and Kelly's faces. If you haven't yet sent a photo wish, feel free to do so anytime in the coming days. I am putting all of the initial ones in a photo album for Travis and Kelly, so we'll add any others that come in to that album. I'll try to take another batch next weekend, so please make your signs, take your photos, and send them my way in the coming week. As a reminder, the instructions are in the right column.

Several have asked about the possibility of posting the photo wishes online. I would be happy to do that, but I don't want to post photos without the permission of those who sent them. So, if you sent a photo, please e-mail me if you're okay with me posting your photos on this blog. As I get e-mails giving permission, I will begin posting them.

Let's keep praying tonight, and don't forget to page Travis and Kelly when you do it!

Verse for the moment: "Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!" -1 Samuel 25:6

Update - September 7th at 11:50 a.m.

2007-09-07T11:46:00.000-04:00

There is a new post on "Bennett's Site", so please click the link at the top of the right column to read it.

Let's commit to praying throughout the day today for Bennett's lungs and his heart. Pray specifically that they will get better and that their functioning will allow Bennett to heal.

As we pray, let's not forget to pray for Travis and Kelly, the grandparents, and the aunts and uncles. This whole family is going through so much emotional stress, so let's pray that they will be sustained and find peace in the midst of this storm.

Thanks again to all of you who have sent photo wishes. They're so wonderful. If you haven't sent one yet, please consider doing so. I'll be collecting them until 10 p.m. tonight. I'll send them to be printed at that time, pick them up tomorrow morning, and deliver the first batch to the hospital. As a reminder, the instructions for making and sending photo wishes are in the column to the right.

Take care, and keep praying (and paging)!

Update - September 7th at 8:15 a.m.

2007-09-07T08:19:00.000-04:00

Travis and Kelly posted another update after midnight last night, so please give it a read by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Today is a day where we should be praying many prayers of thanksgiving. It appears that Bennett's heart and lungs have responded better than doctors expected. So, please pray and thank God for those positive outcomes.

We must continue to pray fervently for his healing, though, as he's still a very sick little boy. We must continue to pray for his heart and his lungs. They need to function like a heart and lungs so Bennett can continue to heal. Based on the latest post, our prayers are being heard and answered, so please keep praying them. Also, let's keep paging Travis and Kelly throughout the day today.

And, please remember to send photo wishes. I've gotten several so far, and they've been encouraging to me, so I can't imagine how encouraging they'll be to Travis and Kelly. So, keep sending them. As a reminder, instructions are in the right column. I've decided to collect them through 10 p.m. tonight. I'll send them to be printed at that time and take the first batch to the hospital tomorrow morning.

Until later, take care and keep praying (and paging)!

Verse for the moment: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

Update - September 6th at 9 p.m.

2007-09-06T20:50:00.000-04:00

Travis and Kelly have posted a new update, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Urgent prayers are needed. After you read the latest post, you'll realize just how scary of a time it is for Travis and Kelly right now. There are several things to be thankful for (such as the positive response of Bennett's lungs being taken off ECMO), but now Bennett's little body is facing its largest challenge yet. It has to work on its own now after two weeks of rest, because it can't receive any more assistance from the bypass machine.

So, let's get on our knees and pray for Bennett tonight. Pray for his heart and lungs to work. Pray for his continued fight to live. Let's also pray for Travis and Kelly. They'll likely be at the hospital through the night, so let's pray for their strength and ability to hold up physically, mentally, and emotionally. As I mentioned this afternoon, let's keep that prayer pager going off all night tonight.

And don't forget to send your photo wishes! I've already received several. If I get several more tonight and tomorrow morning, I'll take them to the hospital tomorrow afternoon. Otherwise I'll continue to collect them through tomorrow night and take them to the hospital on Saturday.

Take care, and keep praying (and paging)!

Verse for the moment: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will." - Romans 8:26-27

Update - September 6th at 5:30 p.m.

2007-09-06T17:26:00.000-04:00

Kelly has posted a new update as of 4:30 p.m. today, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Bennett has needed our prayers since he was born, but he especially needs them now. Doctors need to remove the infection that is sitting between his lungs and his rib cage to give his lungs the chance to fully inflate. They're going to need to do it surgically, but the risks of the surgery depend on whether or not Bennett stays on the bypass machine. Basically, the surgery will be more risky if Bennett remains on the bypass machine and blood thinners. So, we need to pray that he is strong enough to go off the bypass machine and off of the blood thinners before they perform the surgery. Based on Travis' earlier post, I believe the surgery will take place tomorrow. I'll check on it, however, and let you know.

I'm sure Travis and Kelly are very concerned right now, so we need to offer extra prayers on their behalf. Let's make the prayer pager buzz all night tonight!

Also, it seems that they might need the extra boost tomorrow instead of this weekend. So, if you can send your photo wishes tonight, I'll try to get them developed tomorrow morning and take them over to the hospital in the afternoon. As a reminder, the instructions for how to send a photo wish are in the right column.

Please pray often tonight, page Travis and Kelly often, and send your photo wishes. Until the next update, take care!

Verse for the moment: "Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day." - 1 Kings 8:28

Update - September 6th at 1:40 p.m.

2007-09-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Travis has posted an update, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Bennett continues to need our prayers. His situation is so complex that there are many needs, each related to the other. The tightrope analogy that Travis shared several days ago continues to apply to this situation.

The optimal outcome would be for Bennett to not need the surgery to clear his lungs. So, let's pray for that outcome. As we pray, let's also remember Travis and Kelly. They have gone through so much the last couple of weeks, so we need to lift them up as they continue this journey.

As a reminder, I'll be collecting photo wishes for Travis and Kelly through tomorrow. I'll likely take them to the hospital on Saturday morning. Instructions on sending a photo wish are in the right column. Please consider doing this for Travis and Kelly, as I believe it will provide an extra boost to them during this uncertain time.

Also, I will continue to take notes to Travis and Kelly as needed. Since Travis is back at work, there isn't as great of a need for them right now. However, they are reading them, so please keep posting them.

Take care, and keep praying and paging!

Update - September 5th at 11:50 p.m.

2007-09-05T23:49:00.000-04:00

I haven't heard any updates tonight, but I do know that Travis and Kelly are spending lots of time back with little Bennett. It seems that his situation is a bit less stable than last week, although there are several improvements and things for which to be thankful. Since the remaining concerns (the bleeding, the infection) are serious concerns, however, we need to keep praying fervently for Bennett and his health. We also need to lift Travis and Kelly up in prayer.

Thanks to all of you who have sent photos so far. I know that they will lift Travis and Kelly's spirits. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, please read the entry from 9/5 at 10:15 a.m. It will explain all about the "Photo Wishes" I'm collecting for Travis and Kelly from now through Friday. If I can, I'll try to post the instructions in the right column tomorrow so you won't have to scroll down.

Let's keep praying, everyone. And...don't forget to page Travis and Kelly when you do so. They continue to need tangible evidence of our support to keep them going.

Update - September 5th at 10:15 a.m.

2007-09-05T10:06:00.000-04:00

Well, after a few days of vacation, I'm back to blogging. I hope you all had a good Labor Day weekend. I know that Travis, Kelly, and little Bennett were in all of our thoughts and prayers during the holiday.

Travis and Kelly had some trouble with the Web site last night, but as of this morning, it is back up. So, please read it for the latest update on Bennett.

The bottom line is that the bleeding on his neck is a major concern right now. There are many other complications as well, but the bleeding is the main one. Let's say specific prayers today for the bleeding in his neck. Let's also pray that God will attend to the other issues that we don't know specifically right now. Bennett needs our prayers right now. He is fighting, but he needs our support as do Travis and Kelly.

Travis and Kelly are certainly physically and emotionally drained right now. So, let's try to dedicate the next three days to lifting them up. Since many of us have digital cameras, I think we should surround them with visual evidence of our support. Here's how:

1. Take a digital photo of yourself or your family holding a sign with a message to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Maybe you want to say "We Love You!" or "We're Praying for You!". Maybe you want to put a Bible verse reference or say something else that will be an encouragement.
2. Send your photo(s) to me via e-mail at ericagtaylor@yahoo.com.
3. I will either print the photos on a printer or at a store and take them to the NICU.
4. If you don't have a digital camera and would like to participate, send me an e-mail and I'll give you an address for sending hard copies of photos.

I think this will be encouraging to Travis and Kelly, because they've already drawn strength from the wall in the Georgetown NICU that displays photos of "NICU Grads." Those photos are visual evidence that babies make it out of the NICU and go on to live happy and healthy lives. In the same way, I think our photos can be visual evidence that we're continuing to support and love Travis, Kelly, and Bennett.

So, the goal is to see how many people can send photos between now and Friday. I'll collect them and take the first batch over this weekend to give Travis and Kelly a boost. Please join in this effort, and please continue to pray (and page) Travis and Kelly.

Verse for the moment: "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " - Acts 20:35

Update - August 30th at 9:45 p.m.

2007-08-30T21:43:00.000-04:00

Kelly has posted some updates to Bennett's site today, so please view them by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

As many people are, Matt and I are leaving town tomorrow morning for the Labor Day weekend. I write that for two main reasons:

1. To let you know that updates will be sporadic at best during the next few days. During most of our trip, Matt and I will be in rural Illinois and Iowa. So, internet access won't be abundant. Feel free to come to the site as a means to link to Bennett's Site. As you can already tell, most of the status reports are coming directly from Travis and Kelly. I'm merely pointing people to their site and also reminding people of things for which we can pray and how we can support this sweet family right now. I will continue to do that when I return.

2. To encourage all of those who might also be traveling to put the prayer pager number in their cell phones. I know many of us will still be thinking about and praying for Travis and Kelly while we're on the road, so let's make sure they know that.

I pray that everyone will have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Most of all, I pray that Bennett will continue to show signs of improvement and will be shielded from clotting. Let's all keep that precious little boy and his healing at the forefront of our minds and thoughts. Thanks, and keep praying!

Update - August 29th at 4 p.m.

2007-08-29T16:04:00.001-04:00

Travis posted another update earlier this afternoon, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Let's continue praying throughout the day that Bennett's little body will be healed. Let's also not forget that Kelly had major surgery last week. Although she seems to be recovering well from the C-section, we should keep her physical healing in our prayers. Let's also lift Travis, Kelly, and their families up and ask that they stay mentally and emotionally strong during this uncertain and exhausting time.

Thanks to everyone who is hanging in there and truly bearing Travis and Kelly's burdens. In hopes of reminding you that our collective efforts are powerful, I wanted to let you know that this blog has now been viewed by more than 2,700 unique visitors in 19 countries and 384 cities. Can you imagine how encouraged Travis and Kelly are knowing that hundreds and hundreds of people are concerned about them?

Keep praying (and paging), and I'll be back with updates when I have them.

Update - August 29th at 9:30 a.m.

2007-08-29T09:28:00.000-04:00

Travis posted updates last night and this morning, so please read them by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column. He has also posted new photos, so make sure you take a look at those too.

We need to continue praying for Bennett's infection and bleeding. The infection is still covering his lungs, and he is now seeing increased blood in his urine. So, we need to pray for these things specifically.

As we pray for these things, we can't forget to thank God for Bennett's improvement as well. Although he is still very sick, doctors and nurses have been able to turn down the heart/lung bypass machine slightly. This is a positive sign, and the ideal outcome would be that this reduction can continue during the next few days.

I also want to remind everyone to page Travis and Kelly after your prayers for them. The instructions are in the right column. They were getting constant pages last week, and we want to make sure they feel equally supported this week (especially since Bennett isn't out of the woods). And as always, please keep posting messages to Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families. I've said it before, but multiple posts are welcome so that Travis and Kelly know they're in your daily thoughts. I'll be taking another set of comments today at noon.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that Travis and Kelly have requested that they have no visitors except for those assigned to bring food. Since they have limited time together in the evenings, this process is working well for them for the time being. They want to concentrate on Bennett as much as possible, so please abide by this policy until further notice. I know it's difficult to keep from showing in-person support, but let's just keep praying that there will be plenty of opportunities to show in-person support at a later time.

If I get another update during the day, I'll make sure to post it. Thanks, and keep praying!

Verse for the moment: "On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." -2 Corinthians 1:10-11

Update - August 28th at 9:30 a.m.

2007-08-28T09:24:00.001-04:00

Travis posted an update on Bennett's site this morning, so please read it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column.

Let's pray today for the reduction of Bennett's infection. He's hanging in there, but he's still a very sick boy. So, pray that he will be healed of his infection.

Let's also pray for the two other babies in the NICU that are seriously ill as well. One is Peter, who seems to be doing a bit better, and the other is the baby girl whose outlook doesn't look good right now. Let's pray that God meets the physical, mental, and emotional needs of these babies and their families both today and in the future.

Finally, let's remember to page Travis and Kelly after we offer prayers on their behalf. It's so encouraging to them to know that we're thinking about them and lifting them up. I know that the uncertainty of last week made the pages seem more urgent, but they're still just as meaningful and important. So, let's continue to page them throughout the day today after we offer prayers on their behalf.

Thanks, everyone. I'll be back with updates when I have them.

Verse for the moment: "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry..." -Psalm 10:17

Update - August 27th at 10:15 p.m.

2007-08-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to get many updates today, but based on Travis' earlier post, it seems as though Bennett is holding steady. There is a slight signal that his lungs are improving, so that is a blessing.

Thanks to you all for your continued prayers on behalf of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Although things are a bit more stable and updates aren't as frequent, we must continue to pray for the Specks. Let's not forget to page them after our prayers for them. They need to know that we're still thinking about them and praying for them. As a reminder, the prayer pager instructions are in the column to the right.

Let's also remember to post notes of encouragement to Travis and Kelly. I'll be taking more comments tomorrow or Wednesday, so please post a note on this site or on Bennett's Site (link is at the top of the right column) if you want to send your thoughts and prayers their way.

Thanks again for all you're doing. I'll be back with more updates when I have them.

Update - August 27th at 12:15 p.m.

2007-08-27T12:17:00.000-04:00

Travis has posted an update to his Web site, so please visit "Bennett's Site" (in the top of the right column) to read it.

When you read this, please say a special prayer for Bennett's lungs. The medicine they began administering last night is not working yet. The best outcome for Bennett is that this medicine helps open his lungs and begins fighting through the infection. They've already given him two doses, and based on Travis' report, they can only give him one more. So, please pray that this medicine works!

As today marks one full week that Bennett has been alive and has been fighting this infection, let's remember to say a special prayer for Travis, Kelly, and the families. I'm sure Travis is suffering from fatigue, even though Bennett is giving him the adrenaline to stay awake. I'm also sure that today is a tough day for Travis, as he's at work instead of in the NICU. Although Kelly is doing well, she still needs prayers for continued healing. We also need to pray that God will give her emotional strength as she cares for and worries about Bennett. Finally, many of the family members had to return home yesterday. I'm sure it will be a hard week since they'll be apart from Travis, Kelly, and their little fighter. So, let's pray for their emotional strength and peace as well. For those that are able to stay at the hospital, let's pray that they'll be able to support Travis and Kelly this week, but let's also pray that they'll be able to deal with their own emotions.

Verse for the moment: "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

Update - August 26th at 8:30 p.m.

2007-08-26T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! I'm sorry again for being out-of-pocket during the last few hours. Matt and I were out of town for the day without access to the Internet.

I just got off the phone with Travis, so I wanted to give you the latest update I have. As Travis said in his post at 4 p.m. (if you haven't read it, you'll want to click on "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column), Bennett's lungs are still the area of most concern. The infection is still hampering his lungs from working correctly, so the heart/lung bypass machine is working at maximum capacity. That's not a good thing. Doctors and nurses want to be able to scale back the assistance that Bennett is receiving from the machine, but right now, they're not able to do so. So, let's pray fervently for Bennett's little lungs.

Travis and Kelly are holding up well. He told me tonight that our prayers, pages, and comments are literally sustaining them right now. So, please know that your support in prayer and in writing comments is truly helping Travis and Kelly through this hour by hour and day by day.

Travis is returning to work tomorrow. He's going to see how it goes this week. Travis' dad flew back to Nashville today, but his mom will stay through Friday. Kelly will be going back and forth this week from the hospital to their house. As you probably know, Kelly's mom and dad are in the area. Since Travis and Kelly will only be able to spend a few hours together with Bennett at the hospital each night, and since Bennett's condition is still serious, Travis requested that we continue through Friday the policy of no visitors except for those taking food. I know that we all want to go and show our in-person support, but the best way we can support Travis and Kelly during this time is by praying, paging, and continuing to send comments their way.

Thank you to all those who have participated or will participate in the 24-hour prayer vigil today, either by signing up and praying during a 30-minute period or just by praying for Travis and Kelly. Travis said that words couldn't describe how they felt when they heard about the prayer vigil. He said they were blown away by it.

As thankful as Travis and Kelly are that Bennett's condition has been stable during the past few days, Travis reminded me tonight that good days and bad days are to be expected in the NICU. As the day ends and a new week starts, let's renew our determination to lift Travis and Kelly up in prayer. And...don't forget to page them after you do it! The instructions are in the right column.

I'll be back with more updates when I have them.

Update - August 25th at 11:15 p.m.

2007-08-25T23:15:00.000-04:00

Travis updated Bennett's site tonight at 11 p.m., so please give it a read (click "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column).

Although Bennett's condition has remained stable (thankfully) during the past couple of days, we must continue to pray for him, Travis, and Kelly, and we must continue to support and encourage them.

Matt and I dropped off the more of your comments for Travis and Kelly tonight at the NICU, but they had already gone home at the request of the staff there. So, they'll have a nice surprise waiting for them tomorrow when they arrive.

Don't forget that the prayer vigil begins tonight at midnight! It will continue until tomorrow night (Sunday) at midnight. If you haven't signed up yet, you can get the details in the right column under the link to "Bennett's Site". If you have signed up, don't forget to page Travis and Kelly throughout your 30 minutes of prayer time (or once it has completed). As a reminder, prayer pager instructions are in the right column.

As we pray tomorrow, I know we'll all be thinking about and praying for Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families. However, let's not forget to pray also for the staff in the Georgetown NICU. Let's both praise God for them as well as ask God to provide them with wisdom, compassion, and rest. They are an important part of this situation, so let's not forget to include them in our prayers. Finally, let's not forget to pray for John Peter, Bennett's new friend in the NICU. As you may know, he is a candidate for ECMO, so his condition is equally as serious and in need of prayer.

I'll be back with updates as I have them. In the meantime, please keep the prayers, pages, and posts coming!

Update - August 25th at 2 p.m.

2007-08-25T14:06:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit out-of-pocket this morning due to the Morning of Prayer that was held on behalf of Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families. I want to say thanks to all of you who came. We were especially blessed to have Kathy Shunk (Kelly's mom) at the gathering. It was a great time of prayer, and I'm sure that everyone who was there was encouraged. The majority of the time was spent praying, but we also shared times when we've experienced answered prayer and listened to encouraging words from the Bible. Thanks to Bruce Black for leading/facilitating the gathering.

Travis has posted another entry to Bennett's site, so to get the latest, please link there (click on "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column). The bottom line is that Bennett's condition is still unchanged, so that is still a good report. We now need to focus our prayers on the infection, Bennett's potential for bleeding (because of the blood thinners), and his kidneys. Let's pray that he continues to fight the infection, that he doesn't experience any bleeding, and that he'll start to "urinate" more and more.

I will try to get an update about Kelly's status later today, and I will also check on any test results that the family may have gotten in the last 24 hours (or any tests that will be performed in the next 24 hours).

In the meantime, please consider signing up for the 24-hour prayer vigil for Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families starting at midnight tonight. The instructions for signing up are in the right column. No matter where you live, I encourage you to sign up to cover a 30-minute time period in prayer. You can sign up as an individual, as a couple, as a family, or as a group of friends. If you're someone who is up with a little one during the night, consider covering the crucial a.m. hours. If you can't commit to a particular time, that's fine. The bottom line is that we want to cover Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families in prayer during the entire day on Sunday.

Finally, I'll be printing the new entries off sometime today and delivering them to the hospital. So, if you want to leave a note of encouragement for them, please do so on this site or on Bennett's site. They continue to be sustained by the thoughts, prayers, and verses you're sharing with them.

I'll be back when I have the next update. Until then, please keep praying, paging, and posting.

Update - August 24th at 10:30 p.m.

2007-08-24T22:25:00.000-04:00

Travis has posted once again to Bennett's site, so please click the link at the top of the right column and read it.

It has been a good day for Bennett overall, and a good day for Kelly as well (because of the fact that she was discharged). We must thank God for these good days, and we must not take them for granted.

I'll be back tomorrow with more updates. Let's keep praying for Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families throughout the night tonight. Take care!

Update - August 24th at 8:30 p.m.

2007-08-24T20:23:00.000-04:00

Good evening, everyone. Although I don't have a status report from the hospital, I wanted to remind everyone of the upcoming prayer events this weekend.

Everyone in the local area is invited to participate in a morning of prayer tomorrow morning (Saturday) from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. During that hour, we will lift Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families up as a collective of people who care about them.

Then on Sunday, everyone (regardless of location) is invited to participate in the 24-hour prayer vigil that will take place from midnight Saturday night to midnight Sunday.

Details on both of these events are in the right column below the link to "Bennett's Site." I hope that you will all consider participating in the prayer vigil, and for those in the local area, I hope to see you at the morning of prayer tomorrow.

Verse for the moment: "Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." -Acts 4:30

Update - August 24th at 5 p.m.

2007-08-24T16:56:00.000-04:00

I just got a voice mail from Travis, so I wanted to give you the latest.

Kelly was discharged from the hospital today, and they are now home. In fact, she might even get to enjoy a nice dinner out with Travis and various members of the family tonight. Although Bennett will be on their minds every second, I'm sure that their dinner will be a refreshing change.

I'm not sure about the instructions Kelly was given when she was discharged, but I assume that she'll need to stay home some of the time and be in the NICU the rest of the time. I'll verify that and let you all know.

Bennett's condition remains serious but stable. So, that's a good thing. In his message, Travis reiterated how Bennett continues to be a fighter. Let's pray that his precious little body will continue to fight through this.

Travis also mentioned that both families still plan to be here through the weekend. I think both moms will also be at the hospital through the week next week. I'll keep you posted on the visitor situation, but please continue to honor their requests for no visitors through Sunday unless you are fulfilling a specific request from Travis, Kelly, or their families.

Finally, Travis mentioned how much the comments mean to them. In fact, he and Kelly want to take all of the comments and make them into a book. He said that one day, they hope to be able to read all of the comments to little Bennett. Let's all pray that this becomes a reality for them. If Bennett continues to fight through this, it will be so special for him to see how the first days of his life were covered by the prayers of hundreds and hundreds of people.

So, let's keep the prayers, pages, and posts coming. We need to remain determined to lift up and encourage Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families. As always, I'll be back when I have more to post.

Update - August 24th at 3 p.m.

2007-08-24T14:50:00.001-04:00

Travis has posted a new update to Bennett's site, so please link there and read about it. As a reminder, the link to "Bennett's Site" is at the top of the right column.

Bennett is maintaining his status right now, which is a good thing. He's starting to show some positive signs of stabilization, but we MUST remember that he's not out of the woods yet. As Travis mentioned in one of his recent posts, this will be a marathon...with hills. Doctors and nurses have told him to expect ups and downs. I know it's easy to feel relief when we hear good news (I know I do), but we can't stop lifting Travis, Kelly, and Bennett up in prayer.

Perhaps the most appropriate response to the recent string of good news is to praise God for the progress Bennett is making and for meeting the needs of Travis, Kelly, and their families to this point. After we send that praise, however, we need to be on our knees and continue to ask that God heal Bennett. And...let's not forget to continue paging Travis and Kelly after we pray for them. It has been a few days now, and I know that the tendency is to allow our efforts to drop off. We can't let that happen. Let's continue to pray.

Let's also continue to post. Steve couldn't wait to receive more notes, because they are doing so much to sustain Travis, Kelly, and the family during this time. So, I encourage you to write a note this afternoon by commenting on this blog, signing the guestbook on Bennett's site, or both. Multiple posts are appreciated by Travis, Kelly, and the families to let them know that they're thought about and prayed for on a daily basis. Many of you are already doing this, so I encourage others to do so as well.

Thanks, and keep praying, paging, and posting!

Update - August 24th at 12:30 p.m.

2007-08-24T12:27:00.001-04:00

I don't have another update yet, but I wanted to draw your attention again to two upcoming events taking place this weekend for Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families.

A morning of prayer is being organized on Saturday for those in the local area and a prayer vigil is being organized on Sunday for all people concerned about Travis and Kelly (regardless of geographic location).

These events are described in more detail in the right column just under the link to Bennett's site. Thanks!

Update - August 24th at 10:45 a.m.

2007-08-24T10:38:00.001-04:00

I just got off the phone with Steve (Travis' dad), so here's the latest update:

Bennett continues to respond well to being taken off the cooling bed. The bypass machine is still working well at this point, so let's keep praying that it will continue.
Bennett's heart rate and blood pressure are both staying at a good level, which is key.
Bennett is also less sedated now. Steve said that he's being given pain medication as needed based on what signs his body gives the doctors and nurses.
Bennett is now moving his feet and trying to open his eyes. Unfortunately, he's not strong enough to open his eyes yet, but Steve hopes that will happen soon.
Kelly will be discharged from the hospital around noon or 1 p.m. today. She continues to walk around (which is a good thing), so it seems as though she is still on the road to recovery.

Steve mentioned again how uplifting it is to read all of the thoughts, prayers, and comments that you've sent their way. His actual words were that they "devour" them. Your efforts are truly sustaining them right now, so please continue to post messages by commenting on this blog or by signing the guestbook on "Bennett's Site" (link at the top of the right column). I'll be taking another batch to them tomorrow, so if you'd like to say something to them, make sure to post on either site (or both sites) today or tomorrow morning by 10 a.m.

I'll be back in touch with more updates as I have them. Take care, and keep praying (and paging)!

Update - August 24th at 10 a.m.

2007-08-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to get an update from the hospital as I write this, but in the meantime, I wanted to share something with you all that I find to be extremely encouraging and awe-inspiring.

There have been more than 4,000 hits to this blog, coming from more than 1,600 unique visitors in 10 countries and 282 cities.

Just so you know, I am passing statistics like this along to Travis, Kelly, and their families. Can you imagine how powerful it is to them to know that more than 1,600 people in 10 countries and 282 cities are concerned about them and praying for them?

I share this information for several reasons:

1. To let you know that your individual efforts mean something.
2. To let you know that you're a part of something that is bigger than yourself and extremely meaningful to others.
3. To try to give you a tangible sense of the strength that Travis and Kelly are drawing from your prayers and concerns.
4. To encourage you to continue posting notes on the blog and on Bennett's site.
5. To encourage you to continue praying and paging Travis and Kelly.

We're all in this together. Since doctors and nurses now expect little Bennett to be on the bypass machine for 7 - 14 days, we need to prepare ourselves to support Travis and Kelly through the long haul.

So, for those of you who have told your friends, family, and churches about little Bennett, continue to remind them of this situation during the coming days. And for those of you who have blogs of your own, continue to point visitors to this site and encourage them to pray.

We are a powerful collective. Let's continue to lift Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and the families up in prayer in hopes that we can all see little Bennett go home from the hospital.

Take care, and keep praying!

Update - August 23rd at 11 p.m.

2007-08-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize for being a bit out-of-pocket this evening. Luckily, Travis has posted two more entries today (along with a couple more photos). I hope that you have linked to his site and read them, but if not, you'll want to do so. To get there, click "Bennett's Site" on the top of the right column. Once you're on that site, click "Journal" at the top of the page. There are three entries for Day Four, so don't miss any of them.

It seems as though Bennett is responding well to being taken off the cooling bed, as some of his vitals are becoming much more normal than they have been thus far. That's a great sign. However, Bennett is still very sick and has other issues he needs to overcome. I'll let you read about those on Travis' site.

I wanted to let everybody know about two things that FXCC is organizing for Travis, Kelly, and little Bennett. First, for those who may be local to the VA/DC/MD area, there will be a time of prayer on behalf of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett this Saturday morning, August 25. It will take place in the worship center of Fairfax Church of Christ from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Everyone who wants to participate is invited to this hour of prayer. If you don't go to Fairfax Church of Christ, or if you don't regularly go to church, please know that you are absolutely welcome to participate. We would love to join together with everyone who knows and loves Travis and Kelly. Directions to the church can be found on its Web site, www.fxcc.org.

Next, for everyone reading the blog (regardless of location), FXCC is organizing a 24-hour prayer vigil for Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and their families this Sunday, August 26, from 12 midnight (Saturday) to 12 midnight (Sunday). They are asking people to sign up to pray in 30-minute increments sometime on Sunday. With full participation, we'll be able to cover each member of the Speck and Shunk families (especially Travis, Kelly, and Bennett) with an entire day of prayer. The number of people signed up to pray in each 30-minute segment will not be limited, so anyone who wants to sign up will be included. For those of you who may have children of your own and will be up at odd hours of the night, please consider signing up for those crucial a.m. slots. Again, this is open to everyone who knows and is concerned about Travis and Kelly...not just FXCC members. If you'd like to sign up, please send an e-mail to Lisa Bosley (lisa@fxcc.org) with your name and requested time slot.

Although we've been receiving good progress reports on Bennett throughout the day today, let's not forget that he's still very sick and in need of our prayers. As we pray through the night tonight and into tomorrow morning, let's focus specifically on Travis' requests for Bennett to pee (there's no less awkward way to say that), on praising God for Kelly's recovery thus far, and on healing for their new NICU friend John Peter.

I'll be back in the morning...hopefully with an update on how Bennett responded once the cooling bed was completely off. Until then, keep praying!

Update - August 23rd at 3:50 p.m.

2007-08-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

Baby Bennett began the procedure of being taken off the cooling bed at 2:45 p.m. today. Even as I write this, that procedure continues. According to Steve and Cilla (Travis' parents), the procedure is a gradual one that lasts about six hours. So, please say special prayers on Bennett's behalf from now to 8:45 p.m. tonight.

As of 2 p.m. this afternoon, Kelly was feeling good and looked great. She is still scheduled to be discharged tomorrow provided that everything remains okay with her. She is looking forward to being discharged so she can be with Travis and Bennett in the NICU. She'll still have some recovering of her own to do, but I'm sure that being together with Travis and Bennett will help her more than any medicine could.

The comments from this blog and from Bennett's site were delivered to the hospital earlier this afternoon. My heart smiled when I saw how overwhelmingly thick the stack of papers was. Travis, Kelly, and their families were equally as touched when they saw the stack as well. In fact, Cilla shared with me that they had read the initial set of comments in the NICU constantly since Tuesday. She also said that, everytime she walks into Kelly's room, she sees Kelly reading the comments as well. So, thanks to all of you for writing them. Please know how much those notes, prayers, and wishes mean to Travis, Kelly, and their families during this time.

Continue to keep Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and their families in your prayers. Let's try to make that pager buzz constantly between now and 8:45 p.m. to remind those at the hospital that we're praying (and more importantly, to take dozens and dozens of requests to God on their behalf).

Also, let's keep writing notes to Travis, Kelly, Bennett, and his grandparents, aunts, and uncles to let them know we support them and love them.

As the work day nears its end, I want to remind everyone in the local area about Travis and Kelly's request for no visitors between now and Sunday. If this request changes, I'll be sure to let everyone know. For now, though, let's allow Travis and Kelly to focus their attention on Bennett and their families.

Take care, and keep praying!

Update - August 23rd at 11:30 a.m.

2007-08-23T11:22:00.000-04:00

Travis has posted a new entry and some new photos to Bennett's site. You can link to it by clicking "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column. Once you're on the site, you'll need to click "Journal" at the top of the page to read his latest entry. Travis is so grateful for the laptop and internet access, so thanks to all that made it happen.

Please continue to pray throughout the day and page Travis and Kelly to let them know that they and Bennett are being lifted up. Prayer pager instructions are in the right column.

I will be printing the comments around noon and taking them over to the hospital. So, if you want to write a message to Travis, Kelly, grandparents, aunts, or uncles to be seen today, please post a comment to this site or Bennett's tot site by noon. Remember...even if you've already posted a message, feel free to post another to let everyone at the hospital know that they're in your daily thoughts. Posts added after noon today will be taken with the next batch.

Verse for the moment: "This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God..." -2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Update - August 23rd at 9:45 a.m.

2007-08-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

I just got off the phone with Travis, so I want to give you the latest update I have:

Bennett's status is unchanged from last night when Travis left the hospital, which is a good thing. According to Travis, having Bennett maintain his current level is key. What doctors want to avoid is any digression in his status. Let's pray that Bennett will continue to respond to the treatment and maintain his current status.
Bennett will remain on full assistance from the heart/lung bypass machine for 4 to 5 more days. The original estimate was 2 to 3 days, but doctors want to keep him on it a little longer. And for accuracy's sake, according to Travis, ECMO describes the procedure that was done whereas the machine is called a heart/lung bypass machine (not an ECMO machine).
Kelly was able to walk around yesterday, which is a great thing. In fact, she walked all the way down to the NICU to see Bennett. Travis said that being able to walk was a real encouragement to her.
Doctors and nurses are keeping a watch on Kelly's blood pressure. As Travis reported last night, Kelly's blood pressure spiked unexpectedly yesterday. It's back down now, so things seem to be normal again. Pray that it stays that way.
If Kelly's blood pressure stays down, she should be released tomorrow as scheduled. Let's all pray that this happens.

In addition, I wanted to update you on visits to the hospital and the prayer pager.

First, Travis has requested that they have no visitors from now through Sunday unless you are assigned to take food or have received a specific request from Travis, Kelly, or the families. There are lots of people at the hospital now, as family members from both sides are there surrounding Travis and Kelly. Travis and Kelly need to spend their energy and time with Bennett, with each other, and with their families. They will have limited time with family members as it is, because most of them will then have to return to their respective homes on Sunday. If the families leave on Sunday, visits will likely be okay for next week, so I'll keep you posted. But, please hold off on visiting the hospital from now through Sunday.

Next, I asked Travis about prayer pages during the night. He wants to keep them coming. So for those of you that pray for Travis and Kelly throughout the night, please page them to let them know you're thinking about them. Of course, Travis, Kelly, and Bennett need prayers and pages during the day as well. For new visitors to the site or for those who need a reminder, the prayer pager instructions are in the right column.

Speaking of the prayer pager, I wanted to end on a very positive note. Travis said that the prayer pager has been an amazing source of strength and glory to God. If he's in with Bennett when they get a page, he tells little Bennett that someone just prayed for them. The prayer pages are literally sustaining Travis through each hour (his words, not mine). Even better, though, is that doctors and nurses have been asking Travis what the pager is. When he's explained to them that it's a prayer pager that goes off each time someone prays for them, they have been amazed and touched by such compassion. So, Travis wanted you all to know that the prayer pager and our use of it has brought glory to God in the Georgetown NICU.

That's all for now, but I'll post again with any new updates or when Travis posts any updates to Bennett's site.

Update - August 23rd at 8:45 a.m.

2007-08-23T08:49:00.000-04:00

NOTE: As I was writing the post below to let you know I hadn't received any updates, I got a call from Travis. So, I will leave what I had written and begin another post with the latest update from Travis. Be on the lookout for it by 10 a.m. or so.

Although I haven't yet gotten any updates this morning, I just wanted to post and thank everyone for their constant thoughts and prayers on behalf of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. I have been uplifted and encouraged by reading through the comments on this page and the guestbook on Bennett's site, so I know that your words are even more uplifting and encouraging to Bennett, his parents, his grandparents, his aunts and uncles, and the rest of his family.

Now that everyone is probably back up and busy at the hospital, feel free to resume paging Travis and Kelly after you pray for them. Also, I'll be printing all comments on this site and Bennett's site around noon today and taking them over to the hospital. So, please leave a note letting Travis and Kelly know that you're praying for them and little Bennett. I think it would also be particularly meaningful to the grandparents, aunts, and uncles to read notes written to them as well.

As I read through all of the notes that have been left thus far, I recognize many of the names, but don't know many others. It is truly amazing how love and concern for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett is pulling so many of us together who otherwise wouldn't cross paths. It is a privilege to join you all in praying for and pulling for this sweet family.

As always, once I get a status report, I'll be sure to post it here. Thanks, and keep praying, paging, and posting!

Update - August 22nd at 10:45 p.m.

2007-08-22T22:45:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Travis is already making use of the laptop to which they now have access. He has posted a new entry on Bennett's tot site that describes in good detail the latest on Bennett's medical condition.

You'll need to link to "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column. You can read the short introduction on the home page, then click "Journal" to read the Day Three update.

Travis, Kelly, and Bennett still need our prayers right now. According to Travis' newest post, the next 24-48 hours will be critical in terms of evaluating the success of the ECMO treatment. So, please keep those prayers and notes of support coming.

If you'll be praying for Travis and Kelly tonight (and I know dozens of us will be), please refrain from paging them between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. so that they have the best possible chance of rest. I'll be sure to let Travis know about this tomorrow so that he and Kelly know that we didn't forget about them. If they're fine with us paging during the night, I'll let you know so we can resume the paging tomorrow night.

Verse for the moment: "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:9-10

Update - August 22nd at 7:15 p.m.

2007-08-22T19:12:00.000-04:00

Good evening. Below is the latest update. Thanks to Gretchen Davis for some of the information.

Bennett seemingly continues to respond well to the ECMO treatment. Although he is still very sick, he is stable. The team of doctors and nurses surrounding him are checking his vitals every 30 minutes to make sure everything is on track. Bennett is getting good care, so we should all be thankful for that. Continue to pray that his body will respond well to the treatment and that his lungs and heart will get the rest they need during the remainder of the ECMO treatment.
Kelly is on the road to recovery, but we need to keep in mind that she has undergone extreme physical stress via a C-section coupled with extreme emotional stress due to the situation at hand. Please keep praying that she will heal physically and will be able to gain emotional strength as well.
Travis is holding up, but he is extremely tired. Please pray that he'll get rest and that his other physical and emotional needs will be met.
Both Travis' family and Kelly's family are now at the hospital and surrounding them with love. This includes parents, brothers, and sisters. Pray that the families will be strong during this time and that they'll be able to provide the emotional and physical support that Travis, Kelly, and Bennett need right now.

Keeping in mind the update above, it would be good for us all to limit visits to the hospital unless it's necessary to take food or fulfill a specific request from Travis, Kelly, or the families. We're all very concerned about them, so I know those of us who are local want to show them our in-person support. Since Bennett's fight in the NICU will last at least 10 days and possibly longer, however, there will be plenty of opportunities for visits to the hospital. Right now, Travis and Kelly need to concentrate on Bennett and being with members of their families. As they navigate through the recovery process, the fluctuation of Bennett's status, and the decisions that need to be made, we must be conscious of their time and privacy.

Perhaps the best ways we can support Travis and Kelly at this time are by continuing to pray (and page them when we do it) and write them notes of support and well wishes. So, keep the prayers and notes coming. As a reminder, the prayer pager instructions are located in the right column. Travis and Kelly have the prayer pager at the hospital and are being reminded each time it goes off of how many people are lifting them up in prayer.

Also, you can post notes to Travis and Kelly by commenting on this blog (click "Comments" below), by signing Bennett's guestbook (link to "Bennett's Site" at the top of the right column), or by posting notes to both sites. Travis, Kelly, and their families will be reading the notes as they can thanks to the laptop they've been given, and they'll also be given hard copies of all notes so they can read them even when they're not by the computer.

Thanks, and keep praying!

Verse for the moment: "Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." -2 Chronicles 6:40

More Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett

2007-08-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

I don't have any updates on Bennett's status, but I did want to share with everyone the news that Travis and Kelly have received or will be receiving a laptop computer with wireless access to use during their stay in the hospital. Fairfax is providing the laptop, and I know that Travis, Kelly, and their families are grateful for it and will gain a lot from it.

Since they'll have easier access to your thoughts and well wishes, I want to encourage you to post a note to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Even if you posted one yesterday, feel free to post again today to let Travis and Kelly know that they are in your daily thoughts. I also want to encourage you to post notes to the grandparents and other family members who are gravely concerned about Travis, Kelly, and Bennett.

You can post a note by commenting on this site (you can click "Comments" directly under this post to write a message), or by signing the guestbook on the site Travis started (you can link to it by clicking "Bennett's Site" on the top of the right column). Feel free to leave notes on both sites...they will see them all.

I still plan on printing copies of your notes and well wishes and delivering them to Travis and Kelly in the hospital on a daily or every-other-day basis. I will print ALL comments on both Web sites, so if you've posted anything at all, it will make it to them. Hard copies will help when they can't be by the laptop, as they can read through them and draw strength from them as they face this incredible challenge.

Thanks, and keep praying!

Update - August 22nd at 1:15 p.m.

2007-08-22T13:13:00.001-04:00

All...thanks to Ellyn Sergio, I have an update about Bennett and the start of his ECMO procedure.

According to Ellyn, Travis was able to see Bennett after the procedure began today. Bennett is still very critical, but for right now the doctors are pleased with how well Bennett has handled everything so far. The latest report was that Bennett's oxygen levels were perfect! Praise God! The machine is still doing everything for him (breathing, heart beating), but it gives his body the opportunity it needs to heal from everything.

The prayer pager was delivered to Travis and Kelly this morning. Reports are that it still continues to go off every couple of minutes, and from time to time, it goes off for 10 or more than 10 seconds at a time. Thanks so much for continuing to support Travis, Kelly, and Bennett in this way. I know that it means more to them than they're able to express.

Finally, I got a report from Bonnie Abbott that Travis' dad has now arrived in D.C. and that his brother should be arriving here from Detroit tonight. I'm thankful that Travis will have these two new means of support. I'm also thankful that his dad and his brother will have the comfort of being here in person to support Travis and Kelly.

Please continue to offer prayers on behalf of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett, and don't forget to use the prayer pager to let them know you've prayed for them! The instructions on how to use the prayer pager are on the right column of this page.

Also, please continue to write notes of support and love to Travis and Kelly on this site, on the tot site (using the "Bennett's Site" link at the right), or on both. I will continue to print the comments and take them to Travis, Kelly, and their families so they can have a tangible means of knowing how much we're thinking about them and praying for them right now.

Update - August 22nd at 11 a.m.

2007-08-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

For those of you who tried to access the site between 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. this morning, I apologize that you couldn't do so. The entire blogger.com website went down for a while, which was the result of an apparent web attack. So, please accept my apologies.

The latest I have from Kathy (via Bonnie Abbott and Melissa Young) is that Bennett will begin the ECMO procedure this morning. If that is the case, Travis should be able to go in and see him at noon today. I am trying to confirm these details now.

Travis described the ECMO procedure on his post from last night, so please link to "Bennett's Site" at the right if you're interested in learning more about it. I've also done some research, and per the University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center, ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation):

is a treatment method for critically ill newborns whose lungs are unable to provide sufficient oxygenation of the blood
acts as an artificial heart and lung to support oxygenation for a period of days while the baby's lungs are allowed to recover
involves two pieces: 1) a heart/lung apparatus to which the baby is connected and 2) a surgical procedure to implement the proper devices into the baby's body
acts as an artificial lung for the baby who is unable to get sufficient oxygen to his/her body. The entire "heart/lung" apparatus is referred to as the ECMO circuit.
typically lasts 7 to 10 days. That length of ECMO therapy is usually enough time to allow the lungs to become more self-sufficient.

So, the bottom line is that this procedure is serious but necessary. Please pray that Bennett's body will respond well to the therapy and that he will begin to heal. I'll provide more updates as I have them.

Update - August 22nd at 7:30 a.m.

2007-08-22T07:25:00.000-04:00

Travis has posted an update to Bennett's site, so please be sure to read it. The link is to the right (just click on "Bennett's Site").

Bennett continues to need urgent prayers. Travis, Kelly, and their families do as well. They will be receiving the prayer pager sometime this morning, so let's remember to surround them with prayer and page them so they can understand how much they're being lifted up. The instructions for the prayer pager are on the right column of this page. Murray suggested that we enter our zip code so that Travis and Kelly can know how widespread the people are who are praying for them. So, I've added the zip code entry to the instructions.

To all of you who are reading this blog, thank you for your continued support of Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Your prayers and posts are serving the purpose of providing strength and comfort to all involved at this critical time. Let's keep praying!

Verse for the moment: "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." -Psalm 5:3

Update - August 21st at 10:30 p.m.

2007-08-21T22:30:00.000-04:00

For anyone reading this post between 10:30 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, please get down on your knees and pray. Bennett's heart rate won't come down to the level it needs to be, so doctors may have to take measures to bring it down late tonight/early tomorrow morning. It is a critical time.

There is an urgent need for prayers. Please pray for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Petition God on their behalf and ask him to heal little Bennett and meet the emotional and physical needs of Travis, Kelly, and their families.

Update - August 21st at 9:50 p.m.

2007-08-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for the prayers and comments. We saw Travis tonight at the hospital, and when I gave him the comments that have been posted to this blog and to Bennett's site, I can't explain how touched both he and Cilla (his mom) were. Your words and thoughts mean so much to them. He told me he would read them over and over. Cilla said that they would mean a lot to Kelly and her family as well. Please keep posting messages. I will continue printing them out and taking them to the hospital as necessary.

Speaking of Kelly, she is doing as well as can be expected. She is now at Georgetown, and I am happy to report that she was able to go down to the NICU and see Bennett today. Cilla said that Kelly's condition almost instantly improved when she arrived at Georgetown, because she was so relieved to be with Travis and Bennett. According to Travis, Kelly is still on track to be released on Thursday or Friday of this week. It would be best if she could rest and not have visitors at this time.

Now, for Little Bennett. He desperately needs our prayers right now. I believe Travis is going to update his site late tonight/early tomorrow morning with more detailed medical information, but I'll give you what we learned tonight.

Bennett's main issues are his heart and his lungs. He has pulmonary hypertension, which is causing blood to be "shunted" away from his lungs. What this means is that blood doesn't pass through his lungs like it should, and thus, it doesn't get receive oxygen. So, when that blood travels to other parts of Bennett's body, it doesn't nourish those parts with oxygen like it should.

Because of the pulmonary hypertension, little Bennett's breathing is very labored. They have him on a ventilator right now, and he is still heavily sedated, because they don't want his body to do any work. They want it to rest so that he has a better chance of fighting his infections. He does still have pneumonia and a couple of infections, but those are actually not the most serious issues right now.

So, the bottom line is that we should continue to pray fervently. Pray for God's healing of little Bennett's body, pray for God's continued healing of Kelly, and pray for strength and comfort for Travis, Kelly, and the rest of their families as they go through this ordeal.

Travis and Kelly will receive the prayer pager tomorrow morning. For the dozens and dozens of you who paged them today, your pages didn't go to waste. I delivered two separate reports to Travis tonight from FXCC staffers who had the pager today. Based on those reports, the pagers went off today at an average rate of once every two minutes, and at one point, it went off for 7 straight seconds (meaning lots of people paged at once). Just hearing that report touched both Travis and Cilla, and I'm sure it will mean a lot to Kelly too. Travis couldn't wait to get the prayer pager tomorrow, so PLEASE keep the prayers and pages coming throughout the week.

I'll let you all know when Travis' site has been updated so you can read the latest information. I'll also let you know when I have further updates. Thanks, and keep praying!

Verse for the moment: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need." -Romans 12:12-13

Update - August 21 at 3:45 p.m.

2007-08-21T15:39:00.000-04:00

Below is the latest update I have. Thanks to Bonnie Abbott for sending it.

Kelly is currently being transported by ambulance to Georgetown Hospital. Kathy arrived there minutes ago and is waiting for Kelly.

The latest on Bennett is that he is heavily sedated with pneumonia and Strep B.

I learned from the FXCC office that Travis and Kelly aren't actually getting the prayer pager until later tonight or tomorrow morning. It has been going off like crazy during the past couple of hours, so thanks for your prayers. In the event that Travis and Kelly get the pager this afternoon, keep those prayers and pages coming! They need to be surrounded by our support right now.

Finally, remember to write Travis and Kelly a note if you'd like. You can post a comment to this site, to Bennett's site (linked at the top right), or to both sites. I'll be printing all of the notes out from both sites today at 6 p.m. and taking them over to Travis and Kelly.

Verse for the moment: "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence...I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:12, 14-21

Update - August 21 at 12:20 p.m.

2007-08-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give four quick updates:

1. The latest word is that Kelly will be transferred to Georgetown Hospital today. So, that should reduce some of the stress that Travis and Kelly have endured during the last 24 hours.

2. Fairfax Church of Christ has assigned a prayer pager to Travis and Kelly thanks to the selflessness of Jerry Belknap. If you're not familiar with the prayer pager system, it's basically a pager assigned to someone who is in need of prayers. You page them each time you pray for them so they have tangible evidence of the many prayers going up on their behalf.

The prayer pager that has been assigned to Travis and Kelly is 703-331-4825. After you pray for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett:

Dial the number
After you hear the series of beeps, press #
When you hear another series of beeps, the Specks know you just prayed for them

3. Bennett's Tot Site

Travis has created a site for Bennett that includes updates and photos. I have linked to that site on the right column of this page (the link is called "Bennett's Site"). Travis will be updating that as often as possible. Since things could be crazy for him during the next several days, however, I will maintain this site as a means of providing the most up-to-date information possible. Please share this site with anyone you know so that we can have an army of people praying for Travis, Kelly, and little Bennett.

4. Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett

Please don't forget to write well wishes to Travis and Kelly on one of the posts below, called "Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett." Click "Comments," then write your note to them to let them know you're praying for them. Travis confirmed this morning that he will read the notes as often as possible, but I will also be printing them out and taking them to Travis and Kelly so they can read them and gather strength from them. If you've commented on one of the other posts, don't worry, I'll be printing out ALL comments and taking them to Travis and Kelly.

Thanks to all for your willingness to help, but most of all for your prayers on behalf of Travis and Kelly. They appreciate it so very much.

Update - August 21st at 10 a.m.

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I spoke with Travis this morning and also just received some additional information via e-mail. Here's the latest:

Travis is hoping that Kelly will be transferred to Georgetown today. Please pray that this happens.
Kelly had a fever during the night which made for a rough night. Her fever had broken by this morning and, according to her Kathy (her mom), she is feeling better this morning.
Bennett is currently stable, but he's in critical condition and on a ventilator. According to Travis, Bennett took a downturn last night but improved this morning.
According to doctors, the areas of most concern are his weak lungs and the potential swelling of the brain.
Bennett is undergoing a 3-day cooling procedure to reduce his body temperature and some of the brain swelling.
Bennett still has an infection. Doctors have been treating this infection with antibiotics, but according to Kathy, Bennett isn't responding to the antibiotics. This means that the infection is likely viral.

In terms of food, we should be covered for tonight and through the day tomorrow. If you can volunteer for breakfast/lunch on Thursday, any meal on Friday, or dinner on Saturday, please let me know. Thanks, everyone, and keep praying!

Verse for the moment: "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 17:6

Keep Praying

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Thanks to all who have been praying faithfully for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. I know God hears us. And thanks to those of you who have posted comments on "Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett." I know they will appreciate reading notes that you've written and will cling to them during this difficult time.

I haven't received any new information on Baby Bennett, but I promise to update the blog as soon as I do. Please e-mail me if you get an update that you don't see on the blog so I can add it.

Verse of the moment: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:26 - 28

Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett

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If you'd like to write a note for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett, click "Comments" below and write your message. Travis and Kelly will be informed about this blog, so there's a possibility that they'll be able to read it from the hospital. If not, though, your messages will be printed out and taken to them.

How You Can Help

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In these times, many of us just want to know how to help. There are three major ways you can help Travis, Kelly, and Bennett right now.

1. Pray. It's all that Travis asked for. They need to feel our prayers going up on their behalf right now. I'm checking on a prayer pager for them, but in the meantime, ask anyone you can to pray for Travis and Kelly.

2. Write them a message. I'm going to post another entry below called "Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett." I'm sure Travis, Kelly, and Bennett would love to feel surrounded by not only our prayers but by our thoughts and words of encouragement. So, all you need to do is click "Comments" below the posting titled "Notes to Travis, Kelly, and Bennett" and write your message. I'm going to let Travis and Kelly know about this blog and about the messages we'll be posting. If they don't have internet access, the plan is to print the notes out and take hard copies to them to have and read throughout the day.

3. Take them food. Since Travis and Bennett will be in the NICU for at least 10 days, and since Kelly will be at Sibley for at least 4 days, we want to make sure that they don't have to worry about food. I am coordinating a food signup that covers every day through August 29. Just call me at 202-486-2970 or e-mail me at ericagtaylor@yahoo.com if you'd like to take food.

Baby Bennett - August 20th

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This blog was created to keep you updated on Baby Bennett as well as Travis and Kelly. Bennett was born on August 20 at 9:23 a.m. weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measuring 19 1/2 inches long.

Bennett was born via emergency C-section, because there were complications related to an infection in his body. Shortly after his birth, Bennett was transported to Georgetown Hospital's NICU. As of earlier today, the doctor had diagnosed Bennett with acidosis. There was an earlier diagnosis of sepsis, but that is unconfirmed at this time. In either case, these are both serious, systemic infections. The doctor has told Travis that the acidosis is affecting Bennett's nervous system, and Travis has witnessed that Bennett is very labored in his breathing. At present, the prognosis is unknown, but Travis said that Bennett will be in the NICU for at least 10 days.

As of 2 p.m. this afternoon, Kelly was still at Sibley. They were hesitant to transfer her to Georgetown since her doctor is at Sibley. Kelly's mom and aunt are with her. Unless transferred to Georgetown, Kelly will stay at Sibley for four days.

I asked Travis what they need, and he said that he would just like everyone to get down on their knees and pray. So, please pray for baby Bennett's health, Kelly's health, and Travis as he lives through this with Bennett at once place and Kelly at the other. Ask that God be with them in a mighty way and that Bennett be healed of his infections. Pray boldly.

Verse for the moment: "Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before." -Psalm 68:28