Saturday, March 8, 2014

Manuel's Last Journey

Saturday March 8, 2014

DISCLAIMER: TISSUES WILL BE REQUIRED

Manuel Gabriel Mendez
Early this morning we received a phone call from the Neonatalogist that Manuel was having some respiratory problems. He was placed back on vapotherm to see if this would stabilize his condition. Unfortunately, this did not help. We received an additional call from the hospital at 5 AM as they had found that he had developed NEC. Therefore, the hospital did a Chest and Abdominal X-Ray that confirmed the NEC as well as showed several areas of free air in his abdomen.  The pediatric surgeon, Dr Kokoska, was called to evaluate his condition.

We were told to arrive to the hospital as soon as we can make it. Upon arrival Manuel was already prepped for surgery. Dr Kokoska came and spoke to us before the surgery and said that he would see what he could fix but was not sure of what he would encounter. He returned about 20 minutes later and informed us that he did everything he could but that it was too extensive for him to fix. Dr Wareham said that this was all that could be done and that it was time for us to call in family for his last rights.

Big brothers Mateo, Macario, and Marquez arrived and got to hold and kiss Manuel for one last time. Both sets of grandparents arrived and also said their goodbyes. It was an exceptionally difficult day for all of us. Both Pastor Currao and Pastor Lepley came and said prayers over him. As we gathered to hear Pastor Currao give Manuel his last rights, Manuel would open his eyes wide every time Pastor said the Name Jesus. It was his sign to us that he knew where he was going and that he knew Jesus.

Manuel Gabriel Mendez was removed from the ventilator at 6:30 PM and remained in Mommy's arms. He took his last two breaths at 6:37 PM. Heaven got a new Angel at 6:37 PM on Saturday March 8, 2014. We are thankful and honored that God allowed us to be blessed with Manuel's presence for 74 days.

We thank everyone for your prayers and ask that you continue to keep Marcello in your prayers. At least we are comforted in knowing that Marcello has an Angel named Manuel watching over him now.

We are in process of making funeral arrangements and will post these to the blog as soon as they are finalized.


11 comments:

  1. My heart aches for you and your famillies

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  2. My prayers are with you and family.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear about baby Manuel. Our son was a recent patient of the same NICU, I understand how difficult it is. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

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  4. You are all in my prayers..............nothing more I can say.

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  5. All of you are in our hearts & prayers. Manuel put up one heck of a fight and is now an Amazing Guardian Angel over all of you and especially Marcello as he continues to fight their fight! Sending our ♥

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  6. so sorry for your loss. will keep you in our prayers.

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  7. Holding you so close in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we send our love, hugs and deepest sympathy all the way from Colorado. So many have been and continue to pray for all of you. We embrace the grace given to Manuel in his baptism. May you feel God's perfect peace, strength and comfort in the days ahead. Love you all so much. Duane & Jenny

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  8. My prayers are with you, sorry for your loss.

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  9. You are in my prayers.
    cmoody

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  10. We are praying for you and your family. I know you will all see Manuel again one day and rejoice! Remember the sweet memories during the difficult hours ahead and God will heal your family but use you all as witnesses for his grace and mercy and love!

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  11. My son was in the nicu when I saw this blog written on your white board. I was always running into your wife (leaving the lactation room, the bathroom or even just walking in) and I always wanted to just hug her. I always felt like we were the only mothers who stayed all day. I pray for you guys all the time and reading this today really weighs on my heart. even though I've never personally met you or your wife, I felt such sadness. my heart goes out to your whole family and you guys are still in my prayers. much love.

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