Laura posted a note for Rachel that says:
Still in my thoughts and prayers. You've all been through so much and clearly have a long road ahead. Stay strong, it's working miracles!
On December 10, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Rachel that says:
Up and down, up and down, I see a giant Mexican wave going around the globe for Rachel. However, our prayers are the one constant. We want recovery no matter how many ups and downs Rach has to plough through. We will keep the goal firmly in sight. Prayers for you, thoughts of you and love to you!
On December 10, 2013...
Karen Ridgway (mum to Adriana, two years on from AVR) posted a note for Rachel that says:
Thanks for the update, it must be so hard sometimes when things seem more down than up. Will continue prayers for improvement in clearing lungs and for Infection to go. God Bless xxxx
On December 10, 2013...
Sandy Wummer posted a note for Rachel that says:
I had a complication from my first valve replacement and got a heart infection endocarditis that ruined part of my heart. I wound up going into a very tough second surgery 16 weeks ago very infected and sick, and I fought like Rachel and I recovered. The heart is an amazing organ. Believe me, Your positive energy in Rachel's room makes a difference. Your love and support have brought her this far.. I send her my prayers every day and my long distance energy. I am looking forward to her getting better so she can post again!!!! I look for your updates.. XXOO from Sandy in Pennsylvania
On December 9, 2013...
Tim posted a note for Rachel that says:
Rachel, Vicki and family,
just to let you know we are still down here rooting for you all. Its great to see you staying so strong!!
CSJV
On December 9, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Rachel that says:
Peter
This certainly is a complex road. I admire you all. I am hoping for the very best this week for Rach. Thank you for taking time to keep us updated. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
On December 9, 2013...
Claire Percival and Family xxxxxxxx posted a note for Rachel that says:
Amazing family, amazing girl, stay strong all of you you are doing so well. You are in my prayers always Rach and so pleased to hear that you are smiling and talking, you go girl. Love you always
On December 9, 2013...
Chris Ward posted a note for Rachel that says:
Our hearts ache as we watch and wait with you all, but we know that our God is gracious and compassionate, and He loves us. Hold on to Him.
On December 9, 2013...
Jackie posted a note for Rachel that says:
Prayers for your little girl.
On December 8, 2013...
Leslie Holtzclaw posted a note for Rachel that says:
Such great news to hear!! Rachel, your Prayer Warriors and here and thinking and praying for you. You're one strong girl and putting up a good fight to get well. Keep on, you got this. :D
xxxx
On December 8, 2013...
Carol Jackson posted a note for Rachel that says:
What good information about Rachel and her progress. I continue to be a prayer warrior for Rachel and all of you.
On December 8, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Rachel that says:
What a nice way to show the small steps that have turned into a big step forward on the road to recovery. Rach you are doing it! Stay focused and keep inching along. You are in the hands of the best medical persons and they are taking extremely good care of you as you inch along. God is looking out for you and leading and guiding the medicals in their treatment and care of you. Stay strong.
Vicki your family is wonderful and the prayers are for all.
On December 8, 2013...
Sharon M posted a note for Rachel that says:
Rachel, you and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! God bless you all.
On December 8, 2013...
Melanie posted a note for Rachel that says:
Hi Lawson, Rachel, Vicki , Peter & Caroline
What a joy it is to hear the progress made to date. Rachel your a strong determined lady and I'm so proud of you. Keep going, keep leaning on those that care and pray and we will soon be seeing you down under when your feeling better.
All my love to you all,
On December 8, 2013...
Simon posted a note for Rachel that says:
Nice one, Statto! That's a really good way to remind us all of the tremendous progress Rachel has made. Love to all.
On December 8, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Rachel that says:
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Vicki, thank you for the informative update. What a great hospital. Rach, good day to you. Keep your strong determination going. You are inspiring all of us. Rach, you are a rock star!
On December 8, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Rachel that says:
Way to go crunching the numbers Vicki! I am delighted with this summary. A big hug to you, Caroline, Peter and Lawson. And a tiny tiny hug to Rachell. Maybe just a gentle rub on her arm. Very very well done!
On December 8, 2013...
Paul R posted a note for Rachel that says:
Vicki, what wonderful news and I just love Rach's stats. The NHS is sometimes a wonder to behold, and to have been a co benefactor of their expertise I can only add my thanks to what they have done and continue to do for Rach.
No trach, a smile and a whisper ... Priceless
keep it up girls you have made my day. Go. Rach!
On December 8, 2013...
Sheena Ward posted a note for Rachel that says:
Bless you, Vicki! You have been doing an amazing job with words over the past 4 weeks. But you have also done a good job with numbers in today's update! :-)
On December 8, 2013...
Charlie Mc posted a note for Rachel that says:
So here I am, sat in the same seat at the same computer where we were texting the night before your op one month ago, reading that you've started to speak today. The road you've travelled so far, and your strength upon it, has floored me every day since. All my love always Princess Rachenul. Squeezing your hand. See you really soon.
xxx
On December 8, 2013...
Phil & Sharon posted a note for Rachel that says:
Can't tell you how much we enjoyed reading you update today Vicki. Well done Rachel lots of love
On December 8, 2013...
Linda H AVR SC USA posted a note for Rachel that says:
That is such wonderful news. I had a Christmas party last night with my church group WMU. I mentioned Rachel and a prayer was said for her and others. Several of us in the group could relate to her with heart issues. God is taking wonderful care of her and he will see her thru. Rachel keep up the good work a long ways to go but you can do it. Hang in there all. Stay strong and take care of yourselves Rachel will be really needing you very soon more than ever. Hugs to all.
On December 8, 2013...
Karen Ridgway (mum to Adriana, two years on from AVR) posted a note for Rachel that says:
So thrilled to hear the latest update about Rachel - Amazing. Continued prayers and hugs coming your way. So glad for all Rachel's family xxx
On December 7, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Rachel that says:
Sammy, thanks so much for the update. Rach, continue to heal my friend!
On December 7, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Rachel that says:
That's great news! Progress is good to hear about. Still praying for the kidneys, the pneumonia and the heart to heal.
Thanks for the update.
On December 7, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Rachel that says:
Thanks for the update Sammy. Great to hear she is making some progress.
On December 7, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Rachel that says:
Sammy, Thanks for taking your turn at keep us all informed on the wonderful progress dear Rachel is making. The prayers are continuing for all and because Rachel smiles, we are all smiling too. Give her my best wishes as she continues to recover.
On December 7, 2013...
Dooley posted a note for Rachel that says:
I am so glad that Rach is battling on as only she would, over the moon that she is starting to continue on her own, great signs, although there is still much more to come. This is a great step for us all!
My bro said he went to see her the other night which I was well jealous about...but I'm sure Shelley was overwhelmed with one Dooley in the room! 👍Send Rachel my love and let her know that I'm with her every step of the way!
All I can say is that she is one hell of a lady and that my thoughts are continuously with you all. Let Rach know I'm asking for her! xxx
On December 7, 2013...
Jim & Debbie Eyler posted a note for Rachel that says:
We are so proud of you Rachel. What tremendous fortitude you are showing. Vickie, thank you for responding to my blog. I didn't know my wife was going to write something about the successful surgery I had one year ago due to my critical condition. I'm here to tell you that there is a light at the end of this long tunnel that Rachel is facing. She has a tremendous support group not only at home but around the world. Now I have to tell you, when I first saw Rachel's picture it stopped me in my tracks. They say everyone has a double and Rachel and my wife are mirror images of one aother at Rachel's current age. I showed her picture to my son and he was speechless as well. So from my family to yours, we send prayers and wishes for a complete recovery. May God bless you all.
On December 7, 2013...
Claire Percival and Family xxxxxxxx posted a note for Rachel that says:
Its lovely to hear from you Sammy and we are all over the moon that Rach is doing so well without the breathing support, we are so very proud of her, she has come such a long way and is getting stronger moment by moment. Rachel's family, you are doing phenomenally and im so so glad you managed a 20 second jig, that is wonderful news. please send my big love and hugs to little Rach and know that we are all praying for her and you all and sending lots of healing to Rach Lots of Love from
On December 7, 2013...
Martin and Helen posted a note for Rachel that says:
Brilliant news! Thank you Sammy for the update today. We know how encouraging this will be for Rachel, the family and Lawson, as well as the worldwide caring "Rachel Supporters".
Every day that passes is another step forward.
On December 7, 2013...
Paul R posted a note for Rachel that says:
Way to go Rach, and ripples of applause from around the globe!
Great news Sammy thanks for the update, give Rach a virtual hug from us all.
On December 7, 2013...
Kevin Woodard posted a note for Rachel that says:
Sammy,
Thanks for the update and glad to hear that things seem to be improving. Let Rachel know we are all cheering for her and that she can do this. God Bless!
On December 7, 2013...
Jenn posted a note for Rachel that says:
Way to go rach, breathing on your on, stay strong!
On December 7, 2013...
Tindall and Heather Leefe posted a note for Rachel that says:
Dear Lawson, Rachel,Rachel's family, and all the many others in the worldwide caring community, we'd like to share with you the following extract from the book "Angels" by Hope Price - and this is from the chapter entitled 'Angels at Bedsides':
This chapter ..includes accounts of angels who have been seen by people in hospital. Sometimes the angel has appeared to the patient, at other times to a visitor, or member of staff, and sometimes to two or more people at once. In the case of ill people, I have been careful to omit any stories which might have been the result of confusion or hallucinations caused by the illness or medication....these are the reports of ordinary, sane people in their right mind .
In July 1991 Sara Hiam of Harborne, Birmingham, was in hospital recovering from surgery. She was very poorly and feeling afraid. Suddenly she was aware of angels 'encamped' on her bed and she felt the peace and protection of the Lord. Sara says, 'I actually felt a hand in mine and knew the peace of the Lord all the more strongly.' Something similar happened to Stella Grimstead in March 1992 when she was in hospital in Weymouth after a car accident. One afternoon she woke up to feel someone holding her hand. Assuming she had a visitor, she opened her eyes to see who it was. No one was there, but the touch had been real enough and the peace she felt even more so.
Barbara Whiting was a patient in hospital in 1983, being visited by two ladies who are frequently used by the Lord to pray for healing. As they prayed for Barbara she felt a cool, refreshing breeze blowing gently on her face. No windows or doors were open so she could see no explanation for it at the time. I have heard of a number of incidents [writes Hope Price] where the unusual refreshing breeze is due to the gentle flapping of angels' wings. Sometimes the angels are seen, at others their presence is merely sensed.
After her visitors had left, Barbara managed to get out of bed to reach her jug of water. She says, 'I then heard the BEAUTIFUL sound of a choir singing extremely high. It was of a pure quality, which was simply amazing to hear. I knew there was nobody around with a radio on and, anyway, it was much too high and exquisite for it to have been made by earthly voices. I knew without doubt that it was a choir of angels.'
May you be aware, Rachel, of angels at your bedside, taking care of you in your time of need.
With much love from Grandpa/Tindall and Grandma/Heather. (Lawson's paternal grandparents.)
On December 7, 2013...
Lise Jones posted a note for Rachel that says:
Every day shows some sign of improvement, and we can all be thankful! We appreciate your heartfelt posts, and please know you have so many rooting for Rach and you all !! Yes, better days ahead for sure! And promise to take time for yourselves!!
On December 7, 2013...
Peter and Nancy posted a note for Rachel that says:
Peter, you're a good writer.
I know it seems like plans change moment to moment, and as a nurse I can tell you that is typical. Just keep flowing along, talking to Rachael, and be sure to get out and do things you enjoy. I have said that to you all before, but I speak from experience on both side of this-go eat, go to a movie, a walk in the shops-and you come back refreshed and a better caretaker. Hugs to all.
On December 6, 2013...
Karen Ridgway (mum to Adriana, two years on from AVR) posted a note for Rachel that says:
Thank you for the udpdate on Rachel> I remember with our daughter Adriana that `definitely' almost always does not mean 'definitely' as things can change constantly on a daily basis. Your update did not sound negative - just realistic. Heart recovery is so very much highs and lows, one step forward, four back and also very frustrating. Rachel will feel low, especially after all she has already endured (quite common after surgery) and the effects of all the drugs.
You are all being so positive and strong under very difficult circumstances. I remember wanting to be able to change places with Adriana and take her pain away. You WILL all come out the other side of this and I hope all the prayers will encourage you on a daily basis. God Bless xxx
On December 6, 2013...
Linda H AVR SC USA posted a note for Rachel that says:
Dear Rachel and Family,
Going thru ups and downs is part of the recovery, but very soon you will see more ups than downs, one day at a time. Rachel you are just starting stay with it and soon you will be strong again. The world is waiting to see your post on here. Your family is so strong it is amazing. You all surely will be rewarded for all that you have done. Hang in there and stay strong. Better days are on the horizon.
On December 6, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Rachel that says:
Dear Rachel keep up the fight, don't give in or give up. You can do it! World is praying for you. We are petitioning Jesus to heal your heart and improve your kidneys and strengthen your lungs. You are not by yourself.
Dear Family, thanks for being so faithful to keep us all keyed in to what is happening and how to pray. You all are also being lifted up for strength and encouragement. God's blessing to all.
On December 6, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Rachel that says:
Peter and Vicki
Thanks so much for the daily update. I am glad to see there are positive signs again in your report. Please say hi to Rach from Lise and me. You remain in our thoughts. Our best.
On December 6, 2013...
Phil & Sharon posted a note for Rachel that says:
I struggle to believe our very dear friends are going through such trial. But when tried and tested you shall all come through as gold. We love you and think about you all the time. Rachel, peace to you, we bless you in the name of The Lord, peace to you. We bless you now in the name of the Prince of Peace
On December 6, 2013...
Rebecca s posted a note for Rachel that says:
Ups and downs. That's what it's all about with what Rachel has gone through. And it has to be so very very tough to see her going through one thing after another. To get hopeful then feel let down. Baby steps....baby steps and hope. There is hope. We continue to pray for Rachel and her family and boyfriend. Take care of yourselves.
On December 6, 2013...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Rachel that says:
Keep it up Rachel, in our thoughts and prayers!
On December 6, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Rachel that says:
Very good! very very good! This is what we want, Rachel's heart to improve. Lovely for you Lawson that you and Rach shared a MOMENT together! It is so good for her to see you and for you to be near her. Pls relay the news after consultation with the dr's the results of the echo! All very encouraging and you are all doing an amazing job for Rach. Love and blessings all round!
On December 6, 2013...
Shelly Poluka posted a note for Rachel that says:
Rach,
We continue to pray and we are hopeful as we read your journals. Keep
fighting you are so very strong.
On December 6, 2013...
Christopher Birch posted a note for Rachel that says:
Hi Rachel,
You don't know me but my parents (Mary & Hugh Birch) were friends of your Queensbury grandparents. Don't know why but your dad or aunt Sue may know. The last time I visited your Queensbury grandparents was probably in 1970 when their road had an extremely thick covering of pitted ice on it. My dad was vicar of Coley & my mum once taught at a Queensbury junior school on the west side of Queensbury (the same side as your grandparents lived). I took my parents to your parents wedding on 30th July 1977 (probably by kind invitation from your dad's parents). All I remember it was held somewhere east of Stoke on Trent, it was a very nice day and a large marquee had been put up (probably all wrong!)
You may wonder how I know about you. I knew about your existence but had forgotten your name (& that of your mother & sister). My mum exchanged Christmas cards and news every year with your parents & I kept up the tradition after she died. Also I've kept in touch with your aunt Sue (mainly as she was my link to goings on in Coley - now sadly broken). It was Sue who told me about you.
I hope you improve and your consultants find a way to fix your mitral heart valve.
Love to you, your boyfriend, your sister & your mum & dad.
On December 6, 2013...
Andrew posted a note for Rachel that says:
You are in my thoughts all the time and I am encouraged by the latest news.
I pray that you all be given continued strength and that we may soon have the delight of reading Rachel's own words.
On December 5, 2013...
Phil & Sharon posted a note for Rachel that says:
I daren't get too happy at the good news of yesterday but I am overwhelmed by the continuing small steps to recovery. Continuing to pray for you all
On December 5, 2013...
fiona(shars sister) posted a note for Rachel that says:
great to hear the good progress Rachel is making and a smile to, how lovely for you all x