Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!

Subject: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:10 PM

Hello friends - it's been a rollercoaster of a week. My wife Bretta gave birth to two boys last Wednesday the 13th at a little after 5 in the afternoon. She was 32 weeks along in her pregnancy.

Brendan James Smith came into this world at 3 pounds 10.6 ounces and measured 13 inches long. He has already gained some weight since last Wednesday and appears to be a healthy boy considering his weight.

Patrick Tate Smith came into this world at 4 pounds 12.5 ounces and measures 14.25 inches long. He , however has some big problems. Unrelated to the premature birth Patrick was born with a coarctation of the aorta, a main artery coming out of the heart. It's a narrowing or constriction and it wasn't letting enough blood through. One of the nurses noticed that his blood pressure in his legs was lower than in his arms. The doctors suggested surgery. It was planned for the next day. We were told that he had a one in ten chance of not making it through the operation.

The next morning while his surgical team was working on their first operation of the day { Patrick was to be second } his cardioligist { sp? } came and told us he had found a complication. Blood clots were building up near the coarctation. He might be the opposite of a "bleeder". Now his chances were one in three. So at the ripe old age of 44 HOURS old the doctors went into his chest. They put him on ice to put him in suspended animation and drained all the blood out of his body. They fixed the aoreta with a patch of human tissue and we hope they got all of the blood clots out. Some of the clots had been forming before birth so if he had not been born when he had he would have had a stroke and died before birth. He came through the operation OK but they still haven't closed up his chest yet in order to give the heart a chance to reduce the swelling. It's been touch and go ever since. We were very worried about brain damage because his eyes were fixed and dialated for so long but that seems to have cleared up. He had a normal EEG. Our biggest problem now is the kidneys. His urine output is low and the doctors call it life threatening. It's just a wait and see situation.

A good friend knows some of the doctors and assures us that all of the cardioligists in the hospital are looking in on the situation because it's so unusual. That's not really how you want your children to get attention. We are very confident that Patrick is getting the best of care. He's at one of the best childrens hospitals in the nation and his team is top notch. God bless the nurses and doctors for what they are able to do.

Bretta came home from the hospital last night and let me tell you that was one tough ride home for both of us leaving the boys behind. We are fortunate to live only three miles away from the hospital.

Please join me in rejoicing in the births of both sons. We are so pleased with Brendan { he has the worlds smallest sneezes } and we look forward to someday taking both of our sons home. Any prayers, thoughts or songs for Patrick will be gratefully accepted. We believe in a higher power that we happen to call God. If you don't - thats OK - pray to whomever you feel like. We are holding on to the idea that this is the season of little babies and miracles and we could use a few right now. Hearing the songs of the season about "infants tender and mild" are a little surreal. Christmas for us is on hold this year. Thanks in advance for your concern. I'll give you more news when we get it but as you can imagine my posts will be infrequent.

Thankyou - Wesley Smith

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:16 PM

Wesley and Bretta,

I will of course pray for you all as will Greg, and I am pasting this to the prayer chain. Since you are a participating member, and have asked here for all prayer, I'll assume you'd approve, and I will ask people responding to post to you here, not in e-mail, so your inbox does not clog up.

We love you all dearly, Wesley, and I'll take all my late night sleeplessness now and use it to stand guard with our Lord over your family... and the hospital folk... singing... and praying His awesome will be done in fully abundant grace.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: jeffp
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:19 PM

Gee, Wesley, it's hard to know what to say. Be assured that you have my fervent prayers for little Patrick. I do hope everything turns out well for all of you.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM

Heartfelt congratulations, Wesley and Bretta! It's a glorious season in which to be born.

I'm giving thanks for the boys' health and prospects. For preemies, they are of a good, stout weight and strong. Isn't it wonderful what medicine can address and repair! A generation ago, we wouldn't have had the options.

Nurture yourselves. And again, congratulations!

Ebbie

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:32 PM

Congratulations Wesley and Bretta! And welcome to the world Patrick and Brendan! In another year or so I expect your father's posts will contain the occasional "kea/,fd" where young fingers made their way to the keyboard.

I am keeping you all in my thoughts and wishing you well. Patrick will be home before you know it and making his little sneezes right beside his brother.

All the best,

Brett

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:39 PM

(Thank heavens that modern medicine can help. Just think, its not so long ago that there'd have been no hope at all.)
Congratulations to the four of you! I add my prayers to yours.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: mousethief
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:41 PM

Praying and holding our breath in Seattle. May St. Patrick add his prayers to ours for your little Patrick.

Alex

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:46 PM

I am very happy and worried for you at the same time! I won't tell you about my twins' prematurity issues (unless you ask!) but it seems to me, in admitted ignorance, as if Patrick's illness might be why they got born so early... and it sounds like that is just as well, in his case. I will hope for you throughout this season, and then some. When do they think Brendan can come home? (She asks knowing not to expect an answer anytime soon.)

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:50 PM

I just got a call - another blood clot { or more } found in the Vena Cava. Going home for Bretta and then to the hospital. This doesn't look good.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,~Susan
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:01 PM

Spaw... your prayers are needed...

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:14 PM

Wesley and Bretta,
First, congratulations. Patrick and Brendan are finally here.
Next, take care of yourselves and your children. You have my prayers and thoughts with you. One day at a time; one hour at a time; one minute... Stay strong.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:17 PM

Wesley, thanks for taking the time to let us know of their births and of this latest. Hard to keep the tears from flooding the keyboard.

We will stand with you through whatever may come and keep you all in our hearts and thoughts. Giving thanks for Patrick's complete recovery and a blessed homecoming for him and Brendan, as well as sending you both strength and love.

Blessed Be,

kat

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Jed at Work
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:17 PM

Warmest congratulations, and my very best wishes for a safe recover for Patrick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Bert
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:21 PM

Love and best wishes to you guys.

Bert

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Troll
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:24 PM

My prayers and my spirit are with you.May you all come safely through this ordeal.

troll

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:25 PM

Wesley S,

Congratulations to you and Bretta on the birth of your fine sons.

Sending all of you my best hopes and wishes for the full recovery of your little Patrick's perfect body, and for whatever comfort all of you need to help you cope with this difficult time in your lives.

Good luck and best wishes,

Carol

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:27 PM

We're hanging in there with you! Good luck!

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Morticia
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:08 PM

Wes, my very best thoughts and best wishes going to you, Bretta and the babies......keep us posted.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Susan from California
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:15 PM

We are adding our thoughts and prayers from here--we will sing a couple of songs for both boys, and Mom and Dad, too. Going home from the hospital alone is very tough, glad you live close and the sweeties are in good hands!

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:17 PM

All I've got left coming Patrick's way........(think this BIG........................)Holding all of you in light, and you will get the biggest Christmas Present ever....

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Quincy
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:23 PM

More loving thoughts and prayers heading your way....

very best wishes, Yvonne

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,Mary in Kentucky
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:34 PM

Wesley, I've prayed for you, Bretta and the boys. Please know that I'll continue.

Mary

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Burke
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:04 PM

Congratulations to both of you.

Patrick, and all the rest of you are in my prayers.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: sophocleese
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:32 PM

Wesley, thinking about you and your family, congratulations on the increased size! and especially little Patrick. I hope it goes well at the hospital.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Greyeyes
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:43 PM

Give you joy of your twins.

Thinking thoughts as positive as I possibly can.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:05 PM

Firstly congratulations on the birth of your two beautiful boys,Patrick and Brendan.
Geoff and I are thinking of you all and hoping with all our hearts that things go well for Patrick.
With love and hope
Jane and Geoff

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:18 PM

Bless these babies for they are a gift upon the earth. Bring happines to their sorrow, and joy to their tears. May they and their parents enjoy long life and good health. Lord make it so. Amen. Yours, Aye. Dave (praying)

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Pixie
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:26 PM

Keep up the positive thoughts! It is absolutely unbelievable what these little ones can come through! I have been working with challenged children for over 20 years, and many of them were born at 21 weeks and weighed in at a whopping 2 lbs on a good day. Complications that we could only shake our heads over, and lo and behold! They spend a couple of years "catching" up, and then its off to the races. A very close friend gave birth to her first child, Ben, 13 years ago - he was born at 21 weeks, and didn't leave the hospital for 4 months. At 3, he was just stumbling around; at 5, he was an accomplished drummer; at 7, he took up hockey and soccer, and hasn't looked back since. He had horrible asthma for many of his formative years, and was in and out of the hospital. He now has the consitution of an ox, and is tough as nails.....we firmly believe its because he had to fight so hard for his life initially that he is the shining star he is today! Little Patrick has already shown his strength!

Sending comfort and prayers

Pixie

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:31 PM

Wesley my friend, I know not what to say. Karen and I have been gone all day and I arrive home to find this news which brings tears to my eyes on different levels. We are happy to hear that Bretta is okay and are happy that Brendan is "off and running." We wait to hear more of Patrick and as you know, our thoughts are with you both and with the doctors and surgeons who are attending.

On the plus side you have started Patrick off with a fine strong name. I don't know what's in a name, but "Patricks" are generally pretty strong, tough folks who are good at handling the adversity of the world. From St. Patrick to Patrick Henry to a somewhat lesser known Patrick in Ohio, if a name can help, he has a good one. You are obviously pleased with the team of docs and nurses and the hospital and we keep them too in our thoughts. Its amazing what they can do and we know they will be doing their best for your son.

Your 3-D friends and family are, I'm sure, a great support, but know that this weird little cyber village is thinking of you all too. In whatever manner we are doing it and in whatever religion, we are sending the best we have to offer. If there is anything we can do besides, please tell us and we'll make it happen somehow. Just ask.

I also hope that you and Bretta are taking care of yourselves as well. You sent me that Possum Salad recipe and I'd like to return the favor as I'm sure it works well with armadilla too. But even that's not needed since I made a large batch and you'd be amazed at how well deep fried lettuce keeps! I'll ship it UPS.

All of our best to you my good friend and thanks for the news. Children are the most special of gifts and you are indeed blessed even as you pray for Patrick. Give Brendan a little finger squeeze from us.

Patrick, Karen, Tristan, and Michael, Patterson

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:35 PM

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
I'm looking out of the window and wishing on every one of them Wes!

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Melani
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:20 PM

Hang in there, Wesley and Bretta. Doctors and God can do all sorts of amazing things.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:27 PM

still checking in, Wes. Still pulling for you, Bretta, Brendan, and especially little Patrick.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,guest(Jaze)
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:35 PM

Congratulations and lots of prayers headed your way.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,Mickey191
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:59 PM

For Wesley & Bretta, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your blessed babies. Modern medicine can do wonderous things with God's help.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: mg
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:12 AM

Congratulations. I hope the latest news is good. They can do such wonders with surgery on the tiniest babies these day...I will pray for your family. mg

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,~Susan
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 07:35 AM

Refresh for day shift.

News?

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: dwditty
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:10 AM

Wesley & Bretta,
All the hope and love and prayer that I can muster are heading to you both and to Brendan and Patrick. I pray that God guides the hands and minds of the doctors to provide care and healing for Patrick. God Bless you all.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: alison
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 09:09 AM

Wesley and Bretta, congratulations on the birth of your sons...... mu prayers and thoughts are with you all especially little Patrick.... may God hold you all close at this time...............

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:32 AM

Still holding you all in my thoughts. I lit the super-duper Big Medicine Tibetan Healing Incense for Patrick this morning and Spaw is right, every Patrick I've ever known has been strong and made out alright.

We are walking in the Light
In the Light, in the Light
We are walking in the Light
In the Light of (respective diety)

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: CamiSu
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:33 AM

Wesley & Bretta, Congratulations, hugs, and prayers! God is holding all of you in Love and Life!

CamiSu

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Jon W.
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:40 AM

Wes, I add my faith and prayers to the others here.

Jon W.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:45 AM

The only preemie I know who was even smaller than Timothy is also named Patrick - going on 4 and will be FINE FINE FINE. Had a lot of trouble early on, many surgeries, fears of brain damage and all - all of which failed to come to anything! My thoughts are still with your excellent medical teams, as well as with all of you. Patrick is a good name for a scrappy little fighter. Feisty, too.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:30 PM

First, thoughts and prayers coming your way from here in the Pacific Ocean. (A good thing to have on your side: oceanic power and peace!) I've taken care of many many sick tiny premies who are now running around happy and healthy--it can and does happen. You and Bretta might ask the nurses about support groups that are available for parents of sick premies. It often helps to be able to talk to someone who's been through it, especially about all the little day-to-day details that we professional types don't even think about or notice very much.

Your mention of "another clot" got me thinking, also...make sure that among the docs looking in on Patrick is a pediatric hematologist, specifically one that specialized in coagulation (clotting) problems. I'm sure that's already being done, but it doesn't hurt to mention it. Something else that should be checked, though again it probably already has been, is Patrick's homocysteine level. I have a 4 year old patient whose homocystinuria (a rare metabolic disorder) was not diagnosed until he had a stroke from a blood clot in the brain at age 3. Until then we didn't know why his development was so slow. Medical treatment has reduced the level of homocysteine in his blood and markedly improved his development and behavior. The connection between homocysteine and clotting has only been discovered within the past couple of years (it's now being implicated in coronary artery disease). I would expect that people in a major children's hospital are up on this and other causes of increased clotting, but it doesn't hurt to mention it.

Congratulations on your joy, hugs and prayers for the scary part, and if I can do anything to help, just send me a personal message on the 'Cat or an email, or even telephone (my office is in Hilo, Hawaii). Keep in touch with your pediatrician, too, even though he or she has not yet seen the babies.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Amergin
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:46 PM

My thoughts and hopes are with you, Wes.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:57 PM

C'mon, Wes, we're all hanging here with fingers crossed and holdign our collective breath. What's happening there?

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:02 PM

Much love and rejoicing, Bretta and Wesley, with your two tiny miracles. There are many friends here thinking of you both as you cope with this testing time, together.

Warm, protecting thoughts for Patrick Tate and Brendan James.

Let me rock you in my arms
I'll hold you safe and small
Refugee from the seraphim...

Noreen

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:05 PM

Brett, you are the biggest cheerleader in the joint!!!

Wes, try to ignore ol' Naes and his cheering demands......Just know that we're all pulling for Patrick and believeing in the best. Happy to see Doc Cohen posting here too. I think we now have two pediatricians at the 'Cat now!

Take care of yourself and Bretta. I'll ship the possum salad later.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 03:08 PM

Hush little babies. Don't say a word.
Poppa's gonna buy you a mocking bird.
And if that mocking bird don't sing,
Poppa's gonna buy you...

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 03:11 PM

You know, once they pull little Patrick through this bump in his road we're gonna have to talk with Wes about that name. I mean, ferkristsake, that's Spaw's name and look how he turned out...

Good guy, just a little twisted.

I guess it's as good a name as any...

(Now, gang, don't go thinking of better names for Spaw.)

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Áine
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:17 PM

Dear Wesley,

Our prayers are for you and Bretta and the wee ones tonight. Keep the faith, we all love you.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,~Susan
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:31 PM

Praying in peace.

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:39 PM

Singing for the babies... Ar Hyd y Nos, Guardian Angels God Will Send Thee (all through the night) Rest, heal, grow strong Patrick little mate. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: Lyr Add: ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT^^^
From: Helen
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:48 PM

I can think of no better song for you, Bretta, Brendan and Patrick than this beautiful Welsh lullaby.

Blessings on you all, Helen

The Lyrics and midi file are here at the wonderful Barry Taylor's Tunebook. (He's a Mudcatter, of course it would be a wonderful site!)

Click here http://www.contemplator.com/tunebook/wlshmidi/allthru.htm

All Through The Night

Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping
Hill and dale in slumber steeping
I my loving vigil keeping
All through the night.

While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O'er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night.

Though I roam a minstrel lonely
All through the night
My true harp shall praise sing only
All through the night
Love's young dream, alas, is over
Yet my strains of love shall hover
Near the presence of my lover
All through the night.

Ar Hyd Y Nos

Holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant
Ar hyd y nos
'Dyma'r ffordd i fro gogoniant
Ar hyd y nos.
Golau arall yw tywyllwch
I arddangos gwir brydferthwch
Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch
Ar hyd y nos.

O mor siriol gwen a seren
Ar hyd y nos
I oleuo-i chwaer ddae ar en
Ar hyd y nos.
Nos yw henaint pan ddaw cystudd
Ond i harddu dyn a'i hwyr dydd
Rhown ein goleu gwan i'n gilydd
Ar hyd y nos.

Subject: Lyr Add: SUO GÂN^^
From: Helen
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:55 PM

Here is the other wonderful Welsh lullaby for you. (The Last Emperor, before you all ask - grin - )

http://curiad.wales.com/zone/scw/6.html

Suo Gân

Huna blentyn ar fy mynwes
Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon;

Breichiau mam sy'n dynn amdanat,
Cariad mam sy dan fy mron.
Ni cha' dim amharu'th gyntun,
Ni wna undyn â thi gam,
Huna'n dawel annwyl blentyn,
Huna'n fwyn ar fron dy fam.

Huna'n dawel heno, huna
Huna'n fwyn y tlws ei lun;
Pam yr wyt yn awr yn gwenu
Gwenu'n dirion yn dy hun?
Ai angylion fry sy'n gwenu
Arnat ti yn gwenu'n llon,
Tithau'n gwenu'n ôl dan huno,
Huno'n dawel, ar fy mron?

Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen
Gura, gura ar y ddôr,
Paid ag ofni, ton fach unig
Sua, sua ar lan y môr,
Huna blentyn, nid oes yma
Ddim i roddi iti fraw;
Gwena'n dawel yn fy mynwes
Ar yr engyl gwynion draw.

Sleep my baby in my bosom,
Warm and cosy may you rest,
Mother's arms are round you tightly,
Mother's love is in my breast
Not a thing shall mar your resting,
Nor a person do you harm,
Be at rest, my darling baby,
Sleep my baby, on your mam.

Sleep in peace tonight, my beauty
Sweetly sleep, my work of art;
Why have you just started smiling,
Smiling gently in your heart?
Could it be some angels smiling
Down on you, in smiling rest,
With you smiling back and sleeping,
Slumb'ring sweetly on my breast?

Fret you not, tis but an oak leaf
Beating, beating at the door.
Fret you not, a lonely wavelet's
Murm'ring, murm'ring on the shore,
Sleep my child, here there is nothing,
Nothing that can frighten you;
Smile in peace upon my bosom
On the distant angels true.

cyfieithiad/translation DPJ

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,LEJ
Date: 19 Dec 00 - 09:27 PM

Praying for all the best for you and your family,Wes.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 04:07 AM

Refresh:Hope to have good news this morning. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 05:26 AM

Still hoping and waiting.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 07:26 AM

Add my love and prayers for you and your wife and the wee ones. Holding them and you in the Light and singing all the Lullay carols I can think of!

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: sophocleese
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:18 AM

First thread I check when I get into Mudcat. Thinking about you and your guys Wesley. Singing hope to them with all I can.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:31 AM

Same here! And I check it often. I'm still pulling for you guys but your lack of news does not bode well. Give us some relief.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:39 AM

Take care of Bretta and the boys. We can wait. I am praying for you all and keeping you safe in my thoughts. Take it one step at a time and you can handle it.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Patrish(inactive)
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:40 AM

Hope your news when it comes will be good, thinking of you, love Patrish xx

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 10:20 AM

Get back to us when you are able, Wesley, no pressure, we're all just hoping and sending all our love and energy expecting the best outcome possible.

In Light and Love,

kat & rog & rue

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 10:38 AM

Our best thoughts are still with you as we wait. And.......You have made the Snog of the Week!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Clifton53
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 12:47 PM

I can't imagine what you folks are going through. Prayers and best wishes.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:45 PM

Ya' know gang, it also hit me this afternoon that Wess generally posts only from a work computer (I think). We've ahd a few PM's at times and I think I remember hearing him tell me that, but I can't be sure.

Hopefully we'll here some news soon, but if they're mainly at the hospital, then it may be awhile.

Let's just keep sending out those prayers and thoughts and all the energy we can muster up.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Tinker
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:26 PM

Just adding to the prayers and best wishes. Tis the season of miracle babies and blessings are surely speeding your way-- wrapped and a glow with goodness and light-- for wee Patrick and Brendan. Given Bretta a special Christmas cuddle.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:32 PM

Good point, Spaw. I am proposing something here. I know we are all doing what we are able and as we believe and that is good. I also know we're all anxiously awaiting news.

How about we fix a specific time, Mudcat time and any of us who are awake at that time and able, light a candle for all of them, esp. Patrick, and let all of our candles burn at the same time for them, for five minutes or so? If you like the idea, I'll start a separate thread to note whatever time we set up? Or should I start the thread, now, to figure that out? I know it would help me to not feel so anxious and would be a nice way for us all to connect at the same time, without intruding on anyone's specific way of helping them.

Thanks,

Love and Light to Bretta, Wes, Patrick and Brendan

kat

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:37 PM

I can and will light a candle right now, and let it burn until it goes out---then light another........come on Patrick.........

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:37 PM

I hate to be the first to jump in here, but its a neat kind of idea kat.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:37 PM

Thanks for remembering that Wes posts from work. I was really getting worried there.

Kat, let me know and I will light a candle.

I hope we get some good news before Saturday morning. I have to head up to the farm then and I would hate to be in the dark until the following Tuesday.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From:
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:41 PM

Great idea. Hope I can join in. No candles at work dammit.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:41 PM

Have just lit a brand new white candle, in a wreath of evergreen, for Pat and his family......will let it burn all night.....

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:41 PM

Wes wrote "I'll give you more news when we get it but as you can imagine my posts will be infrequent."

I do check this thread often for updates. I may not say much, but I care. My best thoughts to little Patrick and his family.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:48 PM

I have the candle ready. Let me know. Just got in from church, where I heard a fine sermon on the efficacy of prayer; I was, of course, pretty much aware of that. Praying for y'all, Wes.

Bill

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,~Susan
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 10:07 PM

Well, I THINK Wes would let us know if prayers for healing needed to shift to prayers of compassion for loss. I would suspect that more surgery as well as care for Brendan and Bretta would make posting a pretty remote interest and that time has simply taken on a whole different quality to them right now. I know I would much rather that he spend every minute he can with his dear ones, than that he post here, no matter how anxious I am-- and believe me, I am too.

It is also well to remember in our own anxiousness over this that Wesley's first request was celebration of birth and life. So I would suggest that this is also a really good time to spend whatever time you can with babies and new parents right in your own backyard, and smell that new-baby sweetness as you think of Wesley's family.

And whatever is their situation right now, it really is in the very best of hands... we can but support that certainty.

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Metchosin
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 10:27 PM

oh boy.......Wes my thoughts and best wishes are with you, your wife and wee family. I'll join in with a candle.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Allan C.
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 10:28 PM

Wesley, there was a time when an infant named Allan had a full dozen clergymen gathered around. Things looked very serious. But Allan had the strength to fight back and to start to heal.

I am here today and I am sending send some of that strength to Brendan and Patrick. I will keep them in my thoughts as well as you and Bretta.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Llanfair
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 05:05 AM

I haven't known what to say about the twins, and how their birth has affected me. But I wish them both well, and there will be a candle burning in Wales until we can see where the road is leading.
Bron.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,Giac, not at home
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 05:42 AM

Love and best wishes to your family Wesley. Sorry to be so late in adding my thoughts, but I'm thinking of you, Bretta and the twins.

Giac

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 08:40 AM

Sweet vanilla candles. Post a time.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 09:13 AM

For those of you just joining.............

Lighting a candle for the Smith Twins

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST,~Susan
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 12:49 PM

I AM a candle, when I pray... and I am lit in love.

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 01:08 PM

Welcome to the new little ones, mazel tov to their sire & dam. I hope they grow up big, strong, happy, and honorable.

T.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: sophocleese
Date: 22 Dec 00 - 08:06 AM

Just popped in to revive this thread so Wesley can find it when he has a chance to. Letting you know I'm still thinking about you guys Wesley and hoping that no news means good news and you're having a ball being a Dad.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Dec 00 - 11:56 AM

Refreshing my hopes and this thread...

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 23 Dec 00 - 02:31 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 00 - 02:48 PM

You are in my heart and prayers. I wish I could do more.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 23 Dec 00 - 08:16 PM

As each day passes, both Jane and myself are thinking of you. We hope that things are going well for Patrick, and light a candle whilst we wait for any news. Our thoughts are also with Brendan, Bretta and Wesley, who need our love and support also.
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: dwditty
Date: 23 Dec 00 - 08:32 PM

We just said a prayer for you at the dinner table. Of course we ate by the light of the candle we keep lit for all of you. God Bless.

dw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Dec 00 - 02:05 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: roopoo
Date: 24 Dec 00 - 02:14 AM

He will have a candle in our church tonight for the candlelit Christmas service, and I will offer my Communion for him.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Dec 00 - 07:13 AM

Wes, it is Christmas Eve morning and I hope you are settling down to enjoy it with your new family. I am ever hopeful for you and know that you will have the same kind of great Christmases I have had with my kids. Your grand adventure begins every day of the rest of your life. Enjoy it, even when the frustration builds and exasperation threatens to take over. Those days will be rare. The love and happiness you will have in the coming years will bear you up and keep you living and enjoying each day as it comes.

Merry Christmas.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 00 - 01:04 PM

I bet I know what we all want for Christmas - two healthy babies home with Mom. In a way there is good in this. I keep thinking of that awful woman who offered Wesley sympathy when he announced it would be twins - all that crying and work. Now that crying will be seen only as a blessing. Still lighting candles.
Mary

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 24 Dec 00 - 07:15 PM

It is now Christmas day in England and as I put up the stockings at the end of our twins cots I couldn't help but hope that next year will see Bretta and Wesley doing just the same thing. Our thoughts are with you all and we hope that this will be a wonderful Christmas for your new family.
Jane and Geoff

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Dec 00 - 06:01 PM

Merry Christmas, boys.
refresh

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 01:08 AM

Merry Christmas..........May the best be yours.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Extra Stout
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 01:35 AM

A Blessed Christmas to you ,Bretta , Wes, Brendan and Patrick. You'll remain in my family's prayers.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: annamill
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:06 AM

Has anyone heard from Wesley? My thoughts have been with them since I first read this thread and I keep hoping. I hope all is well. Love to your family Wesley.

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 11:47 AM

[e-mail]

Wesley left this address for personal messages in a previous "Twin" thread.

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:11 PM

Wesley has left his news in a new thread of thanks... please, Joeclone, make a clicky to it?

~Susan

please click here for Wesley's message
-el joeclone -

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:16 PM

Sorry...

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=28960

~S~

Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:58 PM

Tears in Heaven and on earth. Yours, Aye. Dave