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Pray for Victory

September 28, 2011

At roughly noon each day, we have lunch. Just me and him. Our staple: wrap, fresh fruit, and a mini ice-cream cone for dessert. Monday, September 26th was no different.

Mid bite… ding! ding! – a text, followed by grunts from Bubs as he pointed to my phone. Must be Husby before he jets to the gym. You see, our life is groundhog day on most good days. The same thing or roughly close to it, almost every single day. But not this day. Something in my heart sank as he continued to grunt. Still seated at the kitchen table, I stared at the phone resting helpless on the counter. It begged to be picked up. Don’t wait, look now. And I did.

Morgan fell in the pool. He’s being life flighted. Please pray my friend!

After a quick reply, instinctively my knees dropped to the floor. Still seated in his high chair, tiny hands embraced my head that now laid resting in his lap. Tears flowed as I poured my heart’s feelings to God in behalf of my dear friend Jenedy, and her son. Continuing to weep, in closing I looked up into my beautiful son’s eyes. He wiped my tears of heart wrenching empathy away with a smile, “Mama?” The tears turned to gratitude and overwhelming love as I held him close.

Revisiting the past, I’m back in the drivers seat of my 1999, 2 door, Honda Civic. Jenedy and I were carpooling as fellow contestants in an upcoming beauty pageant, Miss Rexburg to be exact. Topic of conversation was anything but competition, crowns, or the dreaded swimsuit competition. Rather, we talked life, love, and our individual journeys that now somehow crossed paths. We were instant friends. So much so, that beauty contestants turned into roommates and roommates turned into life-long friends. She’s been by my side for every major milestone since that car ride: marriage, birth, a personal tragedy, and a miraculous triumph.

And now this.

Only a short time before receiving that text, my son sat eating a wrap while simultaneously another happy toddler ate his frozen gogurt. Now that gogurt laid melting on warm concrete near his backyard pool. Jenedy & her mother found a near lifeless Morgan face down in the pool waters. There was no breath, no pulse. A mother’s worst nightmare, a motionless child dripping before her in tiny soaked clothes. Jenedy’s husband was home and quickly administered CPR with the aid of his mother-in-law. Horrifically watching, Jenedy frantically called for help. The paramedics retrieved a faint pulse enabling Morgan to take a life-flight to the closest AZ hospital. Victory Morgan was rushed to the ICU to receive treatment which now includes a respirator and a medically induced coma.

Every precaution prior to the accident had been in place knowing quite well the dangers associated with a backyard pool. A fenced and gated patio separating the house from the pool was installed for this very purpose. It’s completely unknown how he managed to escape passed that which was deemed safe.

The time has come for me to stand by my dear friend’s side. I’m pleading for you to stand alongside me. Together, we can extend this chain link of prayers to seek for a victorious miracle for Victory Morgan, to which his name so declares.

[family picture taken during a Sunday evening hike – September 25th, the night prior to the accident]

 

  • Alisa September 28, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Prayers for your sweet friend and family! So sorry to hear of what happened. I cannot imagine…..but I believe in the power of prayer!

  • Kendra Morris September 28, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I can’t stop crying! I can’t even imagine what your friend is going through right now. She is so lucky to have you as a friend Missy. You have so much love for people! We are praying for Morgan and our thoughts are with his family.

  • Elissa Stone September 28, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    a parent’s worst nightmare. this is heartbreaking, i’m so sorry. you are all in my thoughts.

  • Rachel {polkadots and puppies} September 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Sending out my most powerful prayers and healing thoughts to this sweet little boy with the adorable smile. Big hugs to everyone affected by this horrible accident.

  • Abi Byrd September 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    I am and have been praying since I saw your tweet the other day…I cannot imagine what your friend’s family must be feeling. I am praying the God of Peace will wrap his arms around them and that He will bring this little boy back to full health! Claiming His promises of VICTORY!
    Abi Byrd

  • Natasha September 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    i am in tears. I will pray pray pray for him over and over and over. God is good and I pray he provides this family with strength!

  • Erica September 28, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    I will be standing in the gap for your friend & her family!

    Lord, I ask that your healing hands be upon little Victory & that your peace that surpasses ALL understanding will be surrounding Jenedy & her family. We give you glory even in the midst of chaos!

  • Natasha September 28, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Lord, we call upon You in a time of sorrow,
    That You give this family and Victory the strength and will to bear their heavy
    burdens, until they can again feel the warmth and love of
    Your divine compassion. Be mindful of them and have mercy
    on them while they struggle to comprehend life’s hardships.
    Keep them ever in Your watch, til they can walk again with
    light hearts and renewed spirits.

  • Shalane September 28, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    I will pray for this family. My own son turns 2 today. When I saw your request for prayer the other day, this gripped my heart. In fact it was the only news I had to share when my mom called me that day. I pray that he will be able to fully recover and that God will comfort Jenedy, knowing that He is sovereign and good even over hard and confusing things.

    • Shalane September 28, 2011 at 8:19 pm

      OK, I’m not sure I connected my thoughts there. With my son turning 2, I know the blessing of a son and I understand what it is like to be a mom of a toddler who some how manages to get into impossible circumstances and does the unexpected. I also know that this mama’s hurt is aching with every part of her. I can’t imagine being in her position. I am going to share this with my friends and ask them to pray as well.

  • Emily September 28, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    So tragic. Praying for the best.

  • Janet September 28, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    heartbreaking. *prayers* for all

  • Ashley Sloan September 28, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    This makes me so sad! I will try to spread the word so we can get more prayers for this little boy and his sweet family!

  • Kerri September 28, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Ugh… such a heart-wrenching story. I will definitely keep their family and especially that precious little boy in my prayers. You’re a good friend to post this and ask for as many prayers as possible. Hugs to you my blogger-friend!

  • Jessi Benshoof September 28, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    My prayers are with your friend and her family. This breaks my heart!

  • WeeMasonMan's Mom September 28, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    Sending lots and lots of good thoughts!!

  • Hannah September 28, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    Wow… In my prayers.

    Proverbs 18:10
    The Lord is like a strong tower; those who do right can run to him for safety.

    Psalms 46:1
    God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

  • Ashley Sloan September 28, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    I’m am going to put a link to this in my post for Friday, I hope Victory is okay!!!

  • Kellie September 28, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    Such a horrible thing to happen to any family. Jenedy and her husband and her sweet little angel will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep strong for your friend. She needs you now more than ever.

  • Maggie September 28, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    Continuing to pray for sweet little Victory

  • Casie Youngberg September 28, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Tears for this beautiful child and his family. What a terrible tragedy. We will keep them in our prayers.

  • Melinda September 28, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    Done.

    Dear Jesus,
    I don’t know this baby but you do. He’s a tiny little miracle that you created. So God I’m asking you to save his life. For the sake of his sweet mommy and his family. I ask you to wrap your arms around them and cradle them with your love and peace. I ask you to heal him in a powerful and awesome way that only you can. I’m asking this so that much can be made of you. We don’t understand why things happen but we know you hear your children when they cry out to you. We love you and we’re trusting you now.
    In Jesus name,
    Amen.

    Love you, girl!
    Praying with you.

    ~Mel

  • Marisa September 28, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    This takes the breath out of me and I can’t imagine how helpless your friend must feel. Praying for victory and spreading the word for prayers!!!

  • Britni September 28, 2011 at 11:58 pm

    I am so sad to hear this. I will continue to pray to our Heavenly Father to bless and watch over this precious little boy and his dear family. Prayers for all of you!

  • Iffy aka Cameron September 29, 2011 at 12:05 am

    Oh I am praying for them, for his family & for you as well. What a sweet, precious child. My heart goes out to you all.
    Much love,
    ~Iffy~

  • emily September 29, 2011 at 12:14 am

    so terrible. thinking of your friends.

  • Alisha September 29, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Wow!! Sending up prayers! Praying that God grants your friend’s family peace and comfort, and that the sweet baby, Morgan, will pull through.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Allison J September 29, 2011 at 1:36 am

    Oh my goodness, this is such terrible news. I’m praying for your sweet friend and her son, and appreciating the blessings in my life even more tonight.

  • Rhea Wise September 29, 2011 at 2:44 am

    So sorry to hear of your friends tragedy. As a mom of 3 little boys, I can’t imagine the heartache your friend must be feeling. My family will keep both of your families in our prayers.

  • Marlene September 29, 2011 at 3:00 am

    “The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14

    Praying for this sweet boy, his family and you all.

  • Missy's mom September 29, 2011 at 3:49 am

    Oh– Melissa. . . . I know how heart sick you are and how troubling it was for you to write this sad, sad story–but you are making a difference. I image little beams of light streaming to heaven for every prayer being offered for your dear friend Jenedy-her family and sweet little Morgan. I just finished reading all the heartfelt comments from your compassionate readers. We must never forget there are a lot of good, good people in the world. I will send this story on to my friends– more lights streaming upward for the little guy. Our family continues pray for all of them every day. I love you sweetie XO.

  • Michelle September 29, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Praying for him, his family and you! Sending positive energy his way for a full recovery xo!

  • brittany-population250 September 29, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    My little family is praying for them! We would love to send them a package or something if we could. Do they have an address there?
    Ever since becomming a mom, hearing stories like this REALLY break my heart.I hope he recovers soon & i pray they have peace!

  • Micaela September 29, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    So heartbreaking. Praying with you. You are such a good friend.

  • jenedy September 29, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    Thank you Miss!

  • shelly manning September 29, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Victory ….you are so loved! Heavenly Father please pour out your most gracious blessings of healing ,peace and comfort on this family!

  • Oddyssey September 30, 2011 at 3:32 am

    Oh my goodness! Many prayers and well wishes for little Victory and the family! Please keep us posted!

    Like someone else said, ever since becoming a mom myself, stories like this are so scary and heartbreaking. I just can’t imagine what his parents must be going through right now. This brought tears to my eyes.

    (PS. found you by surfing around Pinterest.com and someone pinned a craft of yours, btw, your son is adorable!)

    Will be following you from now on.

  • Cari September 30, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I know Jenedy. She holds a special place in my heart. When my daughter died from SIDS 5 years ago she gave me a beautiful painting of her that we cherish in our home. This just breaks my heart. Our family has been praying and fasting for them. I’ve also sent out the story to family and friends everywhere asking for prayers. They are so lucky to have such supportive friends.

    • Jennifer OVERHOLT October 2, 2011 at 3:57 am

      I know Jenedy too, and she is truly amazing. She shares her great spirit and talents with grace and humility. She is beautiful inside and out, and I’m always inspired by her. ALWAYS. For those of you who want to get to know Jenedy a little better, visit her website… http://www.jenedypaige.com She’s a wonderful painter, and the stories behind her work are inspiring.

      Tonight I heard from Victor, Jenedy’s sweet husband, and he says “Thank you all. He is waking up from his coma. It’s so nice to see signs of life. His eyes dilate with light. When you scratch the bottom of his foot – his toes curl. Very primitive responses and despite the fact that the doctors are highly concerned with his EEG. I can’t give up on my Victory-I love him so much. The next day or so will be huge. We’ll get an MRI probably Monday morning.”

      Keep those little beams of light heaven bound – I know our Heavenly Father hears us, and has great things in store for little Victory.

  • Becky September 30, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Missy, we are praying for your friend’s family and for Victory Morgan. God is able to do all things. 🙂

  • Stephanie Robertson September 30, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    This family is near and dear to our hearts. We are having a rough time being so far away. We hope and pray that Morgan comes out of this with God’s hands.

  • Tina October 1, 2011 at 4:32 am

    I’ve only been visiting your blog for a few weeks. I just wanted to say that I am a believer, too, and I will be praying for this precious child tonight and every day. I’m also asking God to wrap His comforting arms around this whole family and their friends during this time.

  • Margot October 1, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Heartbreaking. Praying for this sweet family and precious Victory.

  • Jamie October 2, 2011 at 1:03 am

    Praying for Victory, Jenedy, and their family.

  • Amber October 2, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    She is such a sweet girl and my heart breaks for her! It is every mothers worst nightmare. At least she has the comfort of knowing that if this is God’s will she will still have him for eternity. I’m praying for her and I’m grateful she has her family and friends there to support her. Robin and the rest of that family are strong and Jenedy is SO STRONG, I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is mindful of her in her struggles. I will continue to hold her and her little family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Brittany Harnes October 2, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    we know them as well. we were neighbors and friends at once upon a time. we love them, pray for them, and continue to hope. thanks so much for passing along the importance and power of prayer, we too believe in miracles=)

  • Shauna Quintero October 3, 2011 at 6:55 am

    I don’t know this family but I live in their city and I’ve walked the road they’re about to take. My son nearly drowned two years ago. If they need anything at all, please pass along that I am here for any support and prayer they might need, mother to mother. Hold tight to faith because that is the only thing that will guide you into the light. Signs of life are good. Pay no attention to eeg’s. They will change with sedation.

    Thoughts and prayers going out.

  • Rachel {polkadots and puppies} October 3, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Hi Missy,

    I’ve been holding this darling, brave, little boy and his family in my heart all week. Added this lovely family to our prayer chain too. Is there an update on his condition? Still sending lots of love, prayers, and healing thoughts to everyone affected.

    -Love and sparkles

  • Rachel {polkadots and puppies} October 3, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Whoopsie. Just read the above message from Morgan’s daddy. Signs of life! Wonderful! May the Lord bless this family with much more good news in the coming days.

  • Alice Holmes October 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Melissa–So happy to read that your friend’s baby Morgan is doing better! Where can I send money for help? Also, we will put his name in Draper Temple. I only read Facebook every few months and know absolutely nothing about it, but when I do, I try to comment! What a beautiful baby we have in Gage! He is absolutely darling! Love ya. Gram

  • Katie Merrick October 7, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    I don’t know any of you, but i read about this on fb. I just have to say that i am so very sorry for the hurt and pain that whole family is going through. Not that there’s any comparison to any kind of a traumatic event like this, but i have to add my empathy because i’ve had my own set of trials similar to this. When my little 6-year-old was 2, she pulled a boiling crock pot full of meat on top of herself from the counter, and she was severely burned on a third of her body. We ended up being in the hospital in a special burn unit for a month, with several surgeries and many painful procedures done to my poor girl. The point is, i read this, and my heart wept with understanding. It really helped me to know at the time that other parents have watched their little ones suffer while standing by having nothing to hang onto except faith. I also want this family to know that Heavenly Father FOR SURE is taking care of this sweet little boy. When my daughter was a bit older, she told me one day that Jesus was at the hospital with her, and he helped her when she was hurting. I believe that he takes a lot of pain away from his little ones because they are so special to him. Please pass along that strangers are praying and empathizing with all our hearts!!

  • Deborah Taylor October 17, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Jenedy spoke into my life, a stranger except for a couple exchanges by email, with a painting called The Winds of Change which was the title for a piece I had just written. I will never forget receiving the gift of that wonderful piece of art sent to speak encouragment to my heart as my husband and I struggled through something almost indentical to her and hubby’s situation at the time. From there we have stayed in touch from time to time.
    I will of course pray daily for my friend Jenedy, her little boy, hunsband and family. My heart goes out to them.

  • Rhonda W November 1, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    I came across this from hitting the “next” button and am deeply saddened about this accident. I can’t find it on FB to find out the current status. I have already said a prayer for Morgan and the family and will continue to do so.

    God is good all the time!