Eliza Update--Gratitude through tears

From 3/15:

These MRI results show that, although her body and skull have continued to grow, Eliza's brain has not; in fact, it appears to be continuing to shrink. We'll know more once all the neurologists have a conference tomorrow, but the neonatologist has cautioned us that whatever they have to say will not be good. A person can't live with a disappearing brain, and since no one knows what is causing the shrinkage, at this point only a miracle will stop it. And so, as we have been all along, we continue to pray for a miracle and trust that God knows what is best for Eliza.

From 3/16:

We had a conference with the doctors and neurologists today. They confirmed the ill tidings of yesterday,with a little more detail. Eliza has lost 2/3 to 3/4 of the mass of the "thinking part" of her brain. The positive "baby" signs that we have seen require only a relatively reliable brain stem. Based on this finding, the doctors prognosticate that Eliza will not make it through her first year. If she does, she will be incapable of spontaneous physical motion, vision, and regular body function overall. So say the doctors. Because Eliza may only survive through dependence on machines, we have been advised to consider end-of-life decisions. Please pray that God would unite us in decisions that honor Him.

...[Eliza's Mom] had an image this morning of God waiting to hold Eliza. Then, as we left the hospital, the bells at the VA hospital next door chimed "How Firm a Foundation": "Fear not, I am with thee, o be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand." His Love surrounds us.

The doctors repeated time and again that they had no "good news" for us. It was a privilege to share with them that we had brought the "good news" to them: Jesus is Lord! Thank you for your prayers for the strength to see and express this truth clearly.

From 3/17:

We're grateful for all your expressions of sympathy over the past several days. Our emotions have run the gamut: sadness, fear, anger, but mostly joy. No, Eliza isn't the baby we imagined we'd have two months ago, but we're grateful for who she is and the blessing she is to so many people around her. We're eager to get her home so you all can see her and enjoy her, too. She really is so cute, and when she's snuggled up in our arms, it's easy to forget the challenges she's facing and just focus on our sweet baby.

I paste these notes from Eliza's parents on the 1st anniversary of the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Her disabilities were deemed so heinous that she no longer deserved to be fed. For her intercession and for that of our late Pope, both of whose lives ended publicly even as people debated the value of the less than perfect life, I ask--asking especially again that "well-meaning people" don't devalue Eliza even as her family realistically faces what appears will be her short life.