The River Church Community

It is Friday August 29th, and I just wanted to get an update to you all as best I can.  We had several doctor’s visits this week, including a marathon doctor’s visit day on Tuesday.  We saw our medical team again this week in addition to a non-stress test and an ultrasound.  Unfortunately, it seems as though my updates the last couple of weeks have been virtually unchanged.  Shannon has come down with a sinus infection and is feeling pretty under the weather right now.  Combined with the late stages of pregnancy and the heat – she is really struggling.  Shannon had hoped come to see everyone this Sunday, but now that she’s sick, we’re going to stay home to not spread the infection and to get her more rested.  The good news is that Hannah Jane did really well on her non-stress test.  She was very active, her heart beat was strong and the contractions seem to have subsided some what.  Unfortunately, the news on the ultrasound continues to be concerning.  The ventricle  s are still enlarging and her head continues to measure large for her gestational age.  The ultrasound gives her approximate weight as 7lbs 1oz., which is an estimate of higher or lower 1.5 pounds; it’s difficult to get an exact weight this late in pregnancy.  Again, the news isn’t all negative.  Her activity is good, her heartbeat is good, her weight is good, and she has some of the finest doctors around monitoring her and setting a course for her care.  Shannon’s OB has set September 15th as the latest c-section delivery date, which gives Hannah more time to build up fat, skin, brain development and lung strength.  But, at this point if Shannon goes into labor they will deliver her early and not postpone labor any longer.  Shannon has told me this past week that Hannah Jane seems to be lower now, so it seems that she is dropping.

We continue to be amazed and exceedingly blessed at the outpouring of generosity, kindness and love that you have all showered upon the 3 of us.  Your prayers and encouragement have sustained us through these very difficult and trying times.  I can not remember any time in my life where I have been so challenged and tested, but I cannot urge you all enough to be encouraged and to keep praying.  I have personally seen in my life what the power of prayer can do.  I have no doubt that through God’s mighty power, I have been saved many times.  The advantage my daughter has is that she already has the Lord in her life, has parents who love her and each other, and is part of a church community that has embraced her as part of their own family.  Hannah Jane has so many aunties and uncles already.

We had an Open House on Tuesday, and I really want to thank all of you who were able to make it.  I know how busy you all are and how much some of you have to deal with in your own lives, but yet you still came and still continue to support and encourage us.  I have always said that one of the most valuable things we can give one another is our time, and the fact that as busy as you all are – you still keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  I sincerely hope that there will be a day when I can express to you all how much I appreciate what you all have done.  You are all a very significant part in giving Hannah Jane her best possible chance at a normal life; you are all truly affecting lives through your faith and love.  My life has been forever changed by what you all have done and what you all have meant to my family.  In so many ways, you have all made me a better person.

Prayers and love to you all,

Rod Geoghegan