05 January, 2010

Living on a Prayer.

Ok boys and girls.
Here's where we are in our fight for our son.
.
  • For Gavin to live, it will LITERALLY require a medical miracle.
  • We have been informed by doctors that he is BY FAR the most critical patient in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
  • They are researching medical reports and looking into performing some experimental procedures (because unfortunatly his condition is SO RARE there have not been studies performed to solidify the validity of what they're HOPING will work for him). In fact, as I write this post, they are trying an expermental plasmatic exchange that we're crossing our fingers will offer some kind of MEDICAL progress (beyond the progress we are praying for as a simple result of the hope and faith we have in God ).
    .


I have COMPLETE faith that God has that ace up his sleeve.
.
I have total faith that my son will leave this hospital
a healthy, vibrant little rascal just like his big brothers.
.
I also feel deeply inspired that one of the requirements for this miracle
is that we as a family are to solicit the faith and prayrs of others to
heal our son.
.
Please continue to pray.
.
I know the audacity of this request but PLEASE spread the word.
. . . in ANY way you can.
.
Blog posts.
Twitter updates.
Group emails.
Texts.
Facebook.
.
Thank you God for the power of social media!!!
.
I love you all so deeply.
My mother heart is touched and absolutely buoyed up by your
faith and compassion.
.
THANK YOU.
from the depth of my being.

129 comments:

APC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charles said...

Praying for you and your son

Heather Ashby said...

Oh Natalie, your faith is inspiring. I will keep Gavin and your family in my prayers. <3
Heather Steadman

Clint Parsley said...

Our Prayers are with you and your family. May God watch over you and your son.

Kevin said...

You, baby Gavin and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.

Kevin

Consuelo Guzman said...

I will keep you and your son in my prayers. God is with you.

Ashley Smith said...

Prayers, prayers, prayer are all for you. I'm tearing up because I know that God does have an ace up his sleeve for you. You'll be blogging about this medical miracle while your son sits on your lap. That's what I'm praying for. God is Good and He has a plan...

Lindsay said...

I am thinking of your son and your family. My prayers are with you

Budget Mama said...

Gavin is in my prayers. May he be blessed with a quick and complete recovery and come home to his family soon.

I'm also praying for strength for you and Richie.

TreeFrog Studios said...

You and your son are in my and my family's prayers.

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Kerri said...

Praying for you, your son, your family. Praying for strength, courage, healing, hope, joy and peace. God be with you.

Nicole Christensen said...

Everyone I know is fasting and praying. We love you. Go Gav Go!!!!!!!!!!!

sanaejames photography said...

Oh Natalie, I just finished reading all of your posts regarding little Gavin. I stared at the computer and cried. I know if there is anyone out there that is strong enough to fight through this, it's your sweet Gavin and the Norton family. Your faith is so strong and the Lord will bless your family. Your baby and family are in our prayers. We love you guys!

JudgeDanny said...

Oh wow... heard about your plight on DPS... will definitely be praying for you and your little one :)

Go Gavin!!!

Wendy said...

Lifting your precious son up to the Lord of Life in prayer. May He bless baby Gavin with endurance and healing. May you feel the presence of the Savior, Jesus! And may He fill you with His peace.

Jacqui Barreto said...

I am so sorry to hear about what your little boy has to go through, as well as you and your loved ones.
God is definitely with you and Gavin right now helping you get through - continue to be strong.
My thoughts are with you.
I really hope everything turns out okay.

Unknown said...

Well I do not even have words! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I leave you with a little quote that helped me through a time in my life were it seemed as if the sun may never shine again!!

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

{Erica} said...

praying for you and little Gavin. Called the Redlands temple earlier today and put his name on the list. Maybe have someone put his name on the prayer rolls at their local temple? also, let the blogging world know if you'll be doing a special fast for Gavin (tomorrow?) I'm sure many would participate.

Julie Cannon said...

natalie...our church is fasting this entire month...i will post this on twitter as well as send to our prayer groups at our church. we have seen so many miracles...our god is a good god and "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us". i/we will be praying for little gavin and your entire family.

Unknown said...

Natalie, sending my prayers from the East Coast and whispering to that little guy, you can do it! May God give you strength, courage, wisdom and faith in this struggle and I do believe in miracles

Kevin Lavin said...

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are watching over little Gav. His guardian angels are watching over him. He is a little fighter.

Lesley said...

we will keep you in our prayers. Your faith is inspiring.

R and J said...

Hey Natalie, my family lives in Cleveland a mile from the Rainbow Babies Hospital. If, by chance, you are here, we and my ward can offer assistance in forms of meals, shelter, anything. Let me know.
-Ryan

Tasha said...

I am sure you have thought of this already, but did you put his name in the temple? Our prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

Natalie- you and your family are in my prayers. Having a 7 week old myself this has hit me hard. I truly admire you courage, faith, and hope. I'll be thinking of all of you and look forward to some good news!!!

Lindsay said...

I will be praying for your sweet baby!!!!!! I am nicole carmen Christensen friend! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Unknown said...

Cousins, we're thinking of you and praying.

Hobbs Family said...

I don't know your family but I want you to know that my family is praying for yours. He is the most beautiful little baby ever!! I hope that you feel peace and love in your time of need. Thank you for your posts in keeping everyone updated. My son was very sick was he was born, I know how when people are talking you can't even understand what they are saying. What a blessing little Gavin has been for your family. We will be fasting and praying for everyone!!

Kristin said...

Sending my prayers and support your way. I don't even know you (yet...) and I can't stop thinking about you and your little warrior.
Kristin
(Ben/"Red's" sister)

FMN Design said...

I'm moved by your story and praying for you and that little boy of yours. I believe that miracles are possible. I believe that anything can happen. I also believe that whatever the outcome this is an agreement that you have with one another and that God is at the center of that agreement. HE is with you, HE is with Gavin. Always.

I pray for you and your little boy and for a miracle.

Debi said...

Our prayers are with Gavin and your family. I have seen one medical miracle this year through the power of prayer - this time it's Gavin's

[Morgan] said...

I'm a friend of Erica Grover's and also a mother. Your faith and strength are admirable and my fervent prayers will be with you and your son.

Unknown said...

Prayers and assurance to you and yours... Our hearts go out in faith your littlest one grows big and strong each day.
Tamara

Jeff said...

Praying for you and your baby

Anonymous said...

If you can imagine a huge hug from a strange from the bottom of my heart. ALL is possible with GOD and NOTHING is impossible. I am standing with you in FAITH. GOD is GREAT , miracles happen EVERYDAY!

LOVE HUGS AND PRAYERS
Mackenzie from Edmonton

Melissa said...

I dont know you but my heart is hurting for you right now. I am praying...my family is praying. As a photographer who is trying to balance her business with being a new mommy herself, I can not imagine what you guys are going through. BUT, I do know that God writes our stories MUCH better than we could do it ourselves and this is just a chapter in Gavins story...in YOUR story. We love your baby without even knowing him and I know God's going to hold him until he heals him. I cant wait to hear the good reports and see pictures of his sweet little "all better" face.

Jesus, give peace to this family and Lord love on Gavin and make him better. Make the doctors even more wise...make their medicine work...and bless this family for their faith in You. Amen.

Hannah said...

I am so sorry! We are thinking about and praying for your little family. So glad you are in such a wonderful community there in HI. We loved living there, and my parents do still. It is so nice to live in a place where the people have such faith and are so supportive.

-Hannah C.

lindsey said...

Praying very, very hard for your family and for Gavin. Peace be with you.

Raquel Leal said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers!

Ryan Christensen said...

Natalie, My family and I will be praying for Gavin and your family! I will call tomorrow and have your names put in the bountiful utah temple.

Amanda Richelle said...

Prayers for you, Gavin, and the rest of your family. Keep your strength, keep your faith. I'm about to marry a medical miracle who was in a 6-month coma when he was seven. He was not supposed to live, but we have the most full, amazing life!!! Praying for the same miracle for you!

Muir Adams said...

I'm praying.

Jessica Stier said...

Hello,
I just read your story from Rachael's post on FaceBook. You've got my prayers for you and your family! I could feel the spirit just from reading your words have been touched by your strength. Your sweet baby is lucky to have such a strong and faithful momma. Big hugs!

Heather said...

I believe in your faith and conviction and look forward to hearing all about Gavin's recovery.

Anonymous said...

This is a prayer that helps me out when I feel like I'm in need of assistance, be it physical or spiritual. I hope you might find comfort and strength in it too.

"Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise."
- Baha'u'llah

CoCoTree Photography said...

Me and My family will keep Gavin and your entire family in our prayers. Our hearts go out to you, remember through God anything is possible. :)

Anonymous said...

Praying for a healing miracle tonight!

Psalm 139 v 13-16
"For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in the mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well."

Telgenhoff Photographers said...

We are certainly praying! Keep us posted.

Heather said...

Psalm 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Praying for Gavin...and for you to feel God's comfort, courage & hope right beside you.

Heather Beadles

Corey B said...

Both me and Chris have had you in our thoughts and will continue to send prayers and well wishes your way. I trust that Gavin will pull through and this will be the story you tell his girlfriend when reasoning with her why you are a wee bit possessive of him later in life!

*hugs*

Athena said...

I'm still with you and Baby Gavin. Please pull through, little one.

Jen Kroll said...

Praying for you, sweet Gavin, and your family. You're such a rockstar mom! Continue to let HIM sustain you... God is big enough. We were born to trust him the way you are RIGHT THIS MINUTE. Gavin IS your miracle baby. :)

Alida B. said...

I don't know you but I read about you and baby Gavin because a Facebook posting from one of my friends. I wanted you to know that I am praying for your family and for your sweet little Gavin AND I reposted a request for prayers on Facebook and hopefully the request will keep going. My hope is that prayers for Gavin will flood the earth.

NellieAnn said...

I'm an aspiring photographer from Wisconsin that heard of your story from a post by @jakattack on Twitter. I pray for you and your precious little one!! I can't even imagine what you must be struggling with but I can see you are doing the perfect thing; staying strong in your faith and trust in God! All the best to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh Natalie, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Just found out about your situation through mike's facebook post. I told my little Gavin about this and we sat down and prayed together. Your Gavin will be in our prayers every single night until the night you bring home home from the hospital. Sending you all my love.
Pascale Wowak

Jordan and Krista said...

Oh Natalie, I am so sorry. I read about Gavin on your blog earlier today and posted about it to my network of friends, asking for prayers. I really have no words, just that I'm praying for a miracle.

William Lehman said...

We are praying for Gavin and your family.

c r y s t a l said...

From a mother to a mother, I ache from the center of my being for you. Lifting your sweet baby Gavin and your family up in prayer right now.

Ephesians 3:20-21 God can do immeasurably more than all we could ask or even imagine.

Your faith is inspiring.

heather de rox said...

natalie and family. i have posted a link to this on my facebook and twitter profiles. our little family is praying for baby gavin and for you, his precious family. so much love to you and strength. your faith is beautiful and inspiring.

Anonymous said...

You and your little man are in my prayers! I will pass your message on.

Laurina said...

Dear Natalie, hoping my prayers will join the many others to help make the miracle happen for baby Gavin...

brooke bowland said...

your family is in my thoughts. stay strong!

Unknown said...

hi natalie!
you are truly inspiring. i cannot even imagine the struggles you are going through. i will pray for you and your sweet boy. i do believe that prayers can and do precede miracles.
here's adding my prayers to the list!
Stefanie Zeltner

Brady and Rachel said...

Our prayers and faith are with your family and baby Gavin. He will win this fight! I too look forward to hearing updates of your family later on with him sitting on your lap in the days, weeks, months and years to come. I can picture it now (barefoot and all), and all the fun you will have with all four boys hanging out at Hukilau. Hope you guys can get the rest you need to remain healthy yourselves. Praying for miracles and that God will use his own hands to guide the hands of the Angels surrounding and caring for baby Gavin at this time. GO GAVIN!! FIGHT! We LOVE YOU!! I look forward to sitting at Hukilau with you and your 4 cute blonde headed boys this summer when we get there. Praying Praying Praying CONSTANTLY for you guys!

sepa said...

baby gavin and the norton family are in our prayers.

Melinda said...

OH My Gosh I am thinking of you! HOw hard this must be. I will keep praying!

Mama Bear said...

I am crying just thinking of what you are going through, I will be praying for your little guy!

Anonymous said...

i dont know you but i want you to know i am praying for your little sweetheart.

Unknown said...

I'm a mom too (6 months and 2 yrs old) and so I know what it feels when our little ones gets really sick. My prayers to you and the family. God is good and loving... keep the faith and all the blessings to your baby!

Kate @ ramblingsfromutopia said...

I sending hoping for baby Gavin's miracle and the strength to see you through, we've had our share of near death with RSV, whooping cough and a pneumonia/strep blood infection between our 4 kids, so I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and spread the word to pray.

a-hem said...

Dear Baby Gavin,

Love and luck from Dubai. You've got people rootin' for you from all over the world. Hang in there, li'l guy. You and your parents are in our prayers.

denise olson said...

my thoughts to you and little Gavin..... "keep your spirit high, little man, and fight...."
many many blessings.....

Anonymous said...

Each child is a precious miracle. I am praying for yours this night. Here we are, on the eve of Epiphany... Mary must have prayed for her son, too... prayers of thanksgiving and pleas for protection as they fled to Egypt. Like that mother so long ago, I am sure you are on your knees. Know that God is with you. Know that we are praying for Gavin from around the world. And know that miracles do happen.

Blessings and Peace!

Anonymous said...

Praying for your gorgeous little guy. So much love coming from Sydney, Australia.
Love Katie xx

Ams said...

Many prayers and all of my love to you and your family.
God is good... you will get your miracle!
*Hugs*

qwertycris said...

We don't know each other, but my heart goes out to you. My baby was diagnosed in utero with a severe congenital heart defect and suffered complications after her first open heart surgery (at 6 days old). I've walked that path through the ICU, back and forth to the lactation room. There are good days and there are bad days, and I think it's lovely that you have your faith to carry you through your bad days. If you'd like to talk, you can contact me by leaving a comment on our blog: www.mirabelalice.blogspot.com. Blessings to you and your family!

Best,
Cristy

Edward Weiland Photography said...

I am send all the love and prayers you can imagine Gavin's way. I have been thinking of him constantly and say a prayers constantly. Stay strong! Gavin will recover.

Peace and Blessing,
Edward

Dane Sanders said...

I'm praying for you little Gavin...for life... for your fam too. In Jesus name.

Vivian said...

I don't even pray but I am praying now for your boy.

Unknown said...

I saw your story on DPS. Although I don't know you, but I know God knows you and little Gavin better than anyone else. And I'm sure that because of your faith in him, he will have the best in store for you and Gavin. Keep going!

This is me.... Kristen said...

Nat, I've followed your blog for over a year now.. My husband used to work for IHC, as the QA guy for blood bank. You are in perfect hands, as you well know. We have also had children in the NICU there. It is a special place to be - one that carries a different spirit. You really are among miracle workers, who walk hand in hand with a loving Father in Heaven. They are the best. Keep up your faith, we'll be praying for you.

Anonymous said...

I pray that Gavin shall live and not die and proclaim the glory of the Lord!

Astaryth said...

You don't know me... I read DPS and read about Gavin there. It is so hard when they are sick and so little. You can't explain why to them, and you can't understand why yourself. Just know that I (along with apparently a lot of other people) are keeping your little guy in our thoughts and sending him, and you, all kinds of positive energy. I really believe that the power of positive thought held by many people (whether thru prayer or meditation or any other way) is a powerful tool! Just keep loving, hugging, and kissing that little guy till he gets to come home!

Sofia Joanne said...

Dear Nat, will keep Baby Gavin and your family in my prayers and will share the appeal with my friends on my blog and FB. I believe a miracle will materialse!

cbpaschall said...

Praying for life for your precious one from California. Praying for peace for Mom and family.

Heather said...

Adding my faith and prayers to the many already offered. When I read your story about telling Gavin to fight, that his Savior and Mama were there with him, I literally sobbed. How can I not add my faith to yours when you offer such a beautiful example of faith and hope. I hope you're hanging in there. Having a little one in the hospital can be exhausting.

Michael said...

Natalie my heart and soul go out to you and Gavin. Your are in my thoughts and prayers!

Godspeed - Amen!

JMay said...

Oh my gosh. This literally gave me tears.

I will def. keep you in my prayers tonight & spread the word!

José Joaquín said...

My family and I are praying for the best outcome in your son's situation to happen. We have faith.

Priscilla said...

I just came across your blog from another photographer friend, and was deeply moved by your story. As a mother of two, I can not even fathom what you are going through, but your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and I am pulling for little Gavin! If he's anything like his mom, he's a fighter!

kate Skogen said...

go baby gavin. you can do it, lovebug! you're in our thoughts.

Sharon Campbell said...

praying hard. I will be praying and thinking of you and your Gavin. From one Mom to another, you are in inspiration and a pillar of strength. May you be blessed by a miracle.

Unknown said...

Gavin is a wonderful name! It has served me well. Us Gavins tend to be strong silent types. We start slow but finish strong. I myself was in intensive care as an infant and nearly died. But I'm now in my middle 30s and strong as a horse. I'm praying for baby Gavin and I'm confident he'll get through this.

Misty Bradley said...

Praying for Gavin and your precious family. What a testimony... overcomers!

Deanna said...

Posted on FB this morning and tonight, Twitter a few times. Gavin has a lot of prayers from all over the world.

rachael said...

your faith through all of this is so inspiring. you truly are a rock for your son.
praying for gavin, you, and your family.

Anonymous said...

I don't know you but you have changed my life forever. I am praying for your family, harder than I have prayed for anything in a really long time. I know God answers prayers, and he will answer yours.

ElizabethH said...

Somehow, amidst troubles having faith for my own daughter's healing, I have faith for Gavin's. Keep speaking the word - the sword of the Spirit will cut through the Devil's crap!

Emily Ruth said...

Posted a Praying for Gavin button on my blog. Let me know if you'd prefer I not use his image for the button...

Maria Draper said...

We are praying for you, Gavin, the Doctors and your family. Primary Children's Medical Center is a wonderful Hospital and the doctors there are inspired on how to help the children in their care.
PCMC has sacrament meeting at the hospital on Sundays (2nd floor by the elevators) if Gavin is doing any better. If not let the nurse know and the branch can bring the sacrament to you.

Our faith and prayers are with you.

The Drapers

Linus Bohman said...

My thought are with you and your family. You'll make it.

sheila said...

our faith and prayers are in support of your family.

Widiger Family said...

We'll be praying for you and bb Gavin, as well as the doctors. Here are prayers coming your way from Belgium. We love you guys.

Tom Photo said...

I know what you're going through, and I know that no words will make you feel any better. But we're sending energy your way ....

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your baby...

Kara's Party Ideas said...

Crying & praying!!!! Hang in there Gavin. You. Can. Do. It.

The Mom said...

The word is spreading in Laie: you'll have lots and lots more prayers tonight. I'll post to my Returned Missionary Moms email group; we're amazing at praying.
Hugs to you Natalie!
Sis. Allred

Wing Loon said...

Natalie, me & my family are praying for Gavin. Godspeed recovery :)

Peanut said...

Sending prayers your way... Stay strong!

Christine said...

Praying for your little one and your family.

sharibug said...

I am touched by your faith, that same faith I have that has healed my grandson, (by the faith of many). My prayers go out to you and your family. Gavin is in the Lord's hands and His Will Will prevail. He who loves us most is very aware of you and your family, yes even Gavin. As you and others pray with faith, your son can and will be healed by the Will of the Father. I know too that you can be given peace and calm and feelings of love from Him who loves you most. That love then will permeate your little boy by your very presence and voice. Keep the faith Natalie.

Nick said...

I'm praying for you Natalie, and of course Gavin!

Nick

April said...

Your faith moves me.

I am hugging my sons tighter and longer tonight.

You, Little Gavin and your family will be in my prayers.

lucillablau said...

Hi Natalie
We had a difficult time with our firstborn too, so I know what your are going through. Your little Gavin and your family are in my prayers.

Nikki said...

Natalie... our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Stay positive... and keep your chin up :) Sending love from Kaneohe, Hawaii

Donna, Champuru.net said...

Natalie, I heard about baby Gavin's situation through the social media networks and wanted to let you know that I'm praying for your baby's healing! I also tweeted/FB/blogged to get the word out and encourage others to keep praying for a miraculous healing as well. God bless you and your family.

Amir Hesam Salavati said...

I will pray for your son, you and your family. May God show us one of his miracles by healing Gevin. God bless you, Gevin and all those children around the world who also need a miracle.

Memória said...

I also send my sincere prayers to you and your family. You all will be in my thoughts.

Marina Miller said...

As a mother of a two week old and a fellow photographer I feel like i could so easily be in your shoes. My heartfelt thoughts and well wishes to your family.

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers. If I can do anything, please let me know.

Truly Silkes said...

Dear Gavin, from this side of the planet, the North of Germany, we think of you, praying and wishing for you to get well quickly.

I’ve been using the internet for 15 years now and yes, it is possible to feel connected and care for people who you haven’t met. As for you, you’re the tiniest internet acquaintance so far!

My kids Max & Marlena, crazy and blonde!, are already out skating and I’ll join them later, skating with much less grace but hey, we’re together enjoying the winter weather, life and nature.

I have learnt so much from your Mama’s blog, checking daily for new photo work, tips – and then I learnt that you were arriving...

Gavin, your Mama is fantastic and your family loves you to pieces. You have three crazy blonde brothers to grow up with, to play, fight, love and to learn from. You’ll live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. There is just too much to miss out down here.

Go Gavin, you can do it!

Silke xx

test said...

Heard about your situation from DPS. Your faith is an inspiration. Prayers for your son and your family.
I leave here, a quote I keep with me.

"Prayer releases the power and wisdom of God into a situation" -unknown

Amie said...

I'm praying for baby Gavin..hang in there baby..love ya.

Amie said...

Natalie, the first "Big Sis" above is from Kuwait. I just want to let you know that being a mother and having had a scare with Joshua (when he was a baby) I know somewhat what you are going through. It is sooo scary but you are so brave to rely on our Heavenly Father. Please know that the Fakatava Family is praying for baby Gavin and for YOU and Richie and your family.

Amelia Poll said...

You don't know me, but I'm a good friend of Olivia B. and found your story through her. I am praying for you. I am also passing along your story to my friends and family. Your faith is inspiring, and I know that you will be (and already are) blessed for it.

Sarah and Desmond said...

As a mother of two, and one on the way, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. But I know your son will pull through. Our family is praying for you, may God continue to save your son everyday.

Camille said...

Following from Heather Mildenstein's blog. My heart goes out to you and your family - but you have the right perspective. Hold onto that faith. That's what will strengthen your family, strengthen YOU, and heal your son! God works miracles! I've seen it happen!

Unknown said...

He's made it this far, I'm sure he'll continue with his battle until the day he's allowed to go home to you and your family. All the best x

Unknown said...

my family and my facebook family are all praying for you. If he is still swollen everywhere try massaging him if they will let you. It helped my mom when she was very ill and not putting out any fluids.
Hugs and prayers.
Jen