Prayers Needed

AThe following E Mails  were recenlt sent to Laticia's Prayer Group.    Phil


E- Mail of July 4, 2011

Hi  All,

Just a note to wish you all a very Happy and Safe Fourth of July, 

 I'm  a bit late in saying this for I was  a bit on the excited side of going to the Beach and wondering  if I was also going to have a Party tomorrow, to celebrate my second birthday .  

Just  think I'm going to be 2 tomorrow and I owe a great deal of my good fortune to you, for all the prayers you said on my behalf and all those like me.

If I can reach 2, by golly I'm looking forward to being 3, with the help of your prayers.

It was a bit chilly at the beach, so I decided to give up being an Olympic swimmer, and now I'm "Joe Cool" sitting at poolside with my new shades.   A girl can change her mind can't she?? 

Love you all, and I keep you in my prayers too.

Laticia   

E Mail of June 21, 2011

Hi  All,

Some Good News and not so good news..

On the 16th we learned that Laticia was an Olympic swimmer  for the family surprised her with her very own baby pool to assist with her  daily exercises.  They also found out that she is particular.  Let the pool water be on the cool side and she will squirm out of the pool like someone set  fire to her diaper.  We're happy to see that in her own little way she can express herself, and will show you immediately how she feels. 

Marc is the only family member that has not heard her giggle. She must be holding out on him.  No new sounds to report.

On the sad side, the little one has had a couple bad weeks, with increased seizure activity. Some  to the point  where she had to be injected which sedated  her. When this happens her activity level decreases. The family is  working with neurology to get her back to the level where she was extremely active.

The last 2 days have been better where she is holding her head up and smiling like crazy. The family  continues with working with her daily, hoping and praying that she get stronger.

On July 5th, Laticia will be 2 and the family  is planning for a family vacation to Myrtle Beach to celebrate their little angel.  Sue commented that  she is such a blessing and  they thank the good Lord for everyday they  have with her. Sue asks all of us to keep the prayers coming, for Laticia is not out of the woods but we are hopeful she will show them all what she is made of.

A closing thought; God always gives His Best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Let's remember to pray for one another too.

Phil

e-

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Posting 9    June 12, 2011

"Laticia Up-Date"

Hi All,

Returning from vacation Agnes spoke to Sue about Laticia's condition; following is a summary of their conversation...Phil

When I talked to Sue about Laticia's present condition, she assured me that I would be much surprised to see Laticia now - so many small, yet significant improvements since their recent visit here in Florida.

It appears  that Laticia has gained much strength in her upper body.  Laying on her tummy, she is now able to lift up her head and chest, not just for a couple of seconds, but for as long as she wants to look around.  When you hold her, she holds her head and chest up, looking at the world around her. 

She is now able to deliberately make new sounds, looks like she is really trying to say words. 

To everyone's surprise, she is beginning to giggle - not just once, but several times and most deliberately.  Yes, she is a happy child!  On the bad side is the fact that she still has seizures and her medication had to be raised again. 

All in all, this is good news, but she still needs so much prayer - and we all believe in Miracles.

 *****                    

Speaking of Miracles, one did happen to Debi, a friend of mine.   Recently I received the following e-mail which explains the happening.

Miracle, Largo Fl.

To my dear Catholic family and friends,

I wanted to share this miracle that took place yesterday at St Patrick's Church - the very same church where our Spiritual Director for Children of God for Life, Fr Pecchie, is pastor.  

There is a Pilgrim Cross that has traveled across the world and it was venerated twice by Pope John Paul II. The crucifix exudes oil and blood at different times and you can read more about it at http://spiritdaily.com/PilgrimCrucifix.htm

When we found out Monday this holy Crucifix was coming to St Patrick's I made plans to go and to attend the special Mass immediately following the hour of veneration and prayer. The crucifix was nothing extraordinary when I saw it in the Church - there was no visible blood or anything. It is carved of a dark wood with nothing painted except the white cloth around Christ's waist. A large sign at the bottom said "DO NOT TOUCH" and as much as I wanted to, I was obedient.

I had never heard of this Pilgrim Cross before but there were little flyers with info about its history which I read.  And of course I took a couple pictures one before Mass and one right afterward because I wanted to have a memento of such a holy icon.

Later that afternoon I downloaded the pictures and to my shock, the pictures revealed blood all over Jesus'  body. You will see them below - and they ARE NOT MODIFIED in any way!

I immediately sent the pictures to my sister and friends who were with me and to Fr Pecchie. He wrote back to tell me that after most of us had left, the Crucifix began bleeding first behind the left ear and then from the crown of thorns, then down the wrist.

The last picture you will see below was taken by one of the people who stayed at the Church - between 3 and 4PM - the hour of Divine Mercy. Needless to say I am, overwhelmed by all of this...

For those who have little faith, I pray as word spreads it will convert many hearts. For those who are rock solid, just know the power of God's love in the precious blood of His Son, poured out for all to strengthen you. His love remains always.

Much love in Christ,            Debi

First picture - and remember - there was NO BLOOD visible anywhere on this cross - but look at the head, the wrists, the knees, the chest, the feet - in fact, copy the image and then zoom in at about 200% - shocking.

#2 After Mass.

3 Between 3 and 4pm NOT Taken with my camera.

Miracles do happen don't  they.    Let's not forget to pray for one another too.   

GOD  Bless you all. 

Phil

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8 Posting  -  June 12, 2011

"Closure....May 12, 2011"

Sue, Alias the "Ghostwriter", writes,

Hello All,        

 We finally received justice for Laticia after 21 months.

Below is the link to a newspaper article that was on the front page of our

paper.

If that wasn't a surprise this morning. We did not know the media was even in the court room. The sentencing was very emotional for all of us, but we are relieved it's over and we can move on.

Thanks to all of you for your loving prayers, and your support over the past 21 months.

It's has been a struggle for Laticia and for us, and,  a day at a time we are getting our life in order and doing the best we can for Laticia. Laticia is getting what we consider better, she can interact with us with a smile, get physically excited when she sees us but she still has the mental development of a 3 month old. She will be 2 in July and we are grateful for every little improvement she makes. She will have a very long and hard road ahead of her, so we still need your continued prayers for her developmental progress.

We love you all,

Marc,Sue,Jessie and Laticia

           

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/052011/05132011/626269/index_html?______

array

Click on the http above and it should contact you to the newspaper article. The above all happened the week of May 13th when we were enroute to Europe.  More to follow shortly. Phil

*** Following is the newspaper article in the event of any difficulty:

Abusive father given 20 years in prison
Man gets 20 years for causing permanent brain damage to his 6-week-old daughter. Date published: 5/13/2011

BY KEITH EPPS

A man who caused permanent brain damage by violently shaking his then 6-week-old daughter was ordered yesterday to serve 20 years in prison.

Christian Letreal Wallace, who will turn 23 on Sunday, was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to a total of 40 years with 20 years suspended.

Wallace previously pleaded guilty to aggravated malicious wounding and child neglect.

The child, Laticia Nicole Wallace, was critically injured on Aug. 27, 2009, at the hands of her father. She was diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

According to doctors and witnesses who testified yesterday, she cannot eat on her own, will never walk or talk and has a short life expectancy.

Laticia, who will turn 2 on July 5, is also on numerous medications and has seizures daily.

Judge J. Martin Bass went above the state sentencing guidelines, which called for a maximum active sentence of 11 years and four months.

Bass cited the "heinous conduct" of Wallace and the devastating impact it had on the child in deciding to exceed the guidelines.

But Bass did not exceed the penalty requested by prosecutor Eric Olsen, who asked the judge to give Wallace a life sentence.

"He all but ended the life of this child," Olsen said. "Laticia will never be free and neither should he."

According to the prosecution's evidence, Jessica Kissling, the baby's mother, returned to work on Aug. 27, 2009, and left the baby alone with Wallace for the first time. The baby was perfectly healthy at the time, Olsen said.

Marcus Kissling, the baby's grandfather, said he came home that night and found Wallace standing over the obviously distressed child, claiming he'd found her like that.

The grandfather called 911, and the baby was flown to the VCU Medical Center. About a week later, the family was told that the child probably would not live.

But the child did survive and is now being cared for by her mother and maternal grandparents. Olsen said the child needs round-the-clock care.

"I cannot put into words the daily heartache and sorrow that my family and I endure," Susan Kissling, the child's grandmother, wrote in a letter to the judge.

"I love Laticia very much and I am heartbroken when I look at her knowing that she will never have a normal life her life has been stolen from her and my family's life has been changed forever."

Wallace's family members who testified on his behalf yesterday described him as a loving father. Wallace has not said what caused him to hurt the baby, and his family members said they haven't asked him.

Wallace yesterday said he was sorry about what happened and that "I loved Laticia with all my heart."

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com

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I'm Back

7th Post       May 2 2011

Laticia adventures continue
with a big bang 2011,

Narrated by the Ghostwriter

Greetings to family and friends, I apologize with being behind in my writings.  This year has been very busy for me and the family.  I don’t even know where to begin, so much has happened.  All I know for sure is life is pretty good for me right now.  As you know from my last writing I have 4 nurses with me 16 hrs a day, no not all the nurses work the same day there are different shifts.  I have to admit my favorite is Ms Terisita.  She is my day nurse and is with me 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  Ms Terisita is wonderful to me, we have a great routine.  I look forward to seeing her first thing in the morning when I wake up.  She keeps me so busy all day; she is able to travel with Mom and I to my doctor’s appointments.  My other nurse is Joanna, she is my night nurse, I do not get to really play with her since she comes when it is time to go to bed.  But she is always singing to me and ensuring I sleep well through the night.  I sleep like a little angel knowing she watches over me.  My other 2 nurses are Alice and Amelia they work weekends.  Amelia's last day with me was this week, I get a  new nurse next week.

For those who don’t know, I started what they call a ketodiet, this is specialized diet for people who have seizures.  The diet can be researched through a website called Charlie’s Foundation.  When you get a chance look for yourself, it’s about a young child who had severe seizures at age 2, he tried this diet and has been seizure free for several years.  I don’t want to give it all away in case you are interested in reading.   I can tell you for me, I started this diet last month, had to go into hospital for 3 days to be monitored.  There are some minimal side effects but my family and doctors agree that it was worth for me to try.  There are no promises that my seizures will stop, but I can say since I have been dieting I have been more active.  This diet makes my stomach feel so much better.  I’m still having seizures on a daily basis, but they are not as severe, and I am more alert after them.  We will try this for 3 months; if I show progress then I can continue for 2 years.  The other thing this diet as done for me, it has made me gain weight.  Who would have thought you would gain weight on a diet, Grandma says it’s the story of her life, the more careful she is the more she gains.  She is so funny.    Please continue with the prayers that this diet will help me so I can stop these seizures.

Other exciting news is in Jan, I had started vigorous physical therapy outside the house once a week.  Let me tell you, it is one hard workout.  But I love to go there now; I have made some good process in my activity.  Even though I cannot sit, I am able to pull my head up more and I am a lot more mobile.  So much that I really go crazy with my legs and arms on my mat.  I have been able to rollover more and get my little bottom up and am ready to take off crawling, but I can’t because I’m unable to lift my upper body.  Someday I might be able too, if you continue praying.  I am waiting for my special suit to arrive.  This suit is used in therapy, they want me to have one at home,.  The suit is like a wet suit when I have it on it assists with my muscles and loosens them so I can sit.  I love being in the suit it makes my whole body feel good.  I don’t know how it works but it does. 

You would not believe I got to go on my first vacation since all this happened to me.  My grandparents and mom took me by car to Florida to see my grandma Agnes and Grandpa Phil.  This was a huge adventure for us since its very challenging for everyone to take me out for too long,  I come with a lot of equipment that helps me with my daily care and of course everyone’s luggage.  We were all excited that as a family we were able to travel such a long way.  I had a great time going to the beach, this was the first time to feel sand, touch the ocean waves and just be out in the beautiful Gulf.  We were so busy while we were visiting; I had met such many wonderful people.  One in particular was Sister Marie, we went to her home and we all had a great visit.  Sister Marie just held me and talked to me she said it was like holding a angel.  Little does she know Mom had a little talk with me before we went and said I need to be on my best behavior?  Really that was not a problem, I felt so comfortable being with Sister Marie, it was like I knew her all my life.  Thanks Sister Marie for my little bunny, I sleep with her every night.  There was so much other fun stuff and folks to would take me all night to write, so I will just say it was a great vacation.

I have one favor to ask, my family has to go to court this month for my dad's sentencing for what he did to me.  Please keep all of us in your prayers to include my dad.  I don’t know why he did what he did, but I do know it is not up us, to ask why.  We have all been hurt by all of this, but we all know,  with the help of God and you kind folks with all the prayers, that me and my family will get stronger and be able to live our lives.  Thanks to everyone for your prayers.  With your help I know that even though the road I have to travel will be hard for me, but we know that we will survive because of you. 

Love you all a whole bunch!   Laticia

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6th Post    April 28, 2011
Beach HouseVisit ( Mar Apr )     

The day finally arrived, Pip Squeak and her family,  Jessica (Mother) Sue  and Marc (Grandparents)  pulled into our parking area after a two day drive.  The family piled out of the SUV and hugs and kisses were the immediate order of the day.  Agnes and I were so looking forward to their arrival for it was Laticia's first visit to the beach. 

Marc (Agnes' son) and I started to unload and move their bags to our apartment. To be honest we didn't know what to expect for we knew Marc had a trailer and Laticia does require quite a bit.  Unloading their car kept us busy for a while.  So much stuff!  There were suitcases, there was a crib and an intricate set up to feed little Laticia, a stroller, a car seat, a high chair, a play mat, toys, food and clothes, even a special tub-lounge, for her to be given her daily bath.   I have to hand it to Marc, for  he was a packing specialist every bit of storage space was utilized and we were kept busy unloading, for quite some time.  It was surprising to find space in our condo to fit it all  – but where there is a will, there is a way!

 

Another surprise, 5 grownups and a baby sharing a 2 bedroom 11/2 bath took some doing but it did not take long to establish a daily routine and tending to Laticia’s needs came easy.  She slept quite well, and we attribute that to the love that permeated our condo and  the warm gulf air. She had a ball  laying on her mat, playing with her toys and watching TV especially anything where  music was involved. Her little legs would move in time to the music and so would her bottom, squirming around on her mat.

More surprises were in store for us, Sue's mom and dad were visiting friends in our area and they were stopping by so Sue and her dad could attend  a spring training ballgame. Laticia  loved every minute of it for she sat in her highchair and watched with delight all that was going on.

Sue's boss and another friend were  invited for dinner, and Agnes went all out making a delicious meal for we ate like kings and queens.  Each evening Laticia would sit in her chair and oversee what was going on and when finished, we took a walk by the beach – she could feel the warm breeze, touch the sand and splash the water of the Gulf of Mexico.  The fresh air was good for her and all of us.

Still being fed by tube, her feedings took much time, as much as several hours.   No problem when travelling, since her food-bag and feeding tube were kept in a small insulated backpack, so she could be “hooked up” whenever it was time to eat.  This gave us a chance to visit with a couple of our special friends, One in particular, for their visit did provide them the opportunity to make one very special visit. The family wanted to meet and visit with Sister Marie.  Sister Marie smiled with joy as she held and played with Laticia and spoke to us all while doing so. Laticia received a fuzzy stuffed animal to add to her collection. After taking the family on a tour of the church we said our goodbyes. Besides  making trips to malls and the bird sanctuary, It was all accomplished without upsetting Laticia’s eating routine. 

Their visit came to an end so swiftly for it seemed like it only began. Marc and I hauled bags etc., and the SUV  slowly filled to the roof for the return trip home. Upon returning home, Laticia is off to the distant teaching  hospital to undergo a two day exam for a special diet that, if all goes well at the end of two years, her seizures should hopefully cease.  While her daily seizures are not as severe as before the seizures do interfere with her healing and hopefully normalcy 

Laticia loved to lay on her mat, move her arms and legs and roll over – no she cannot sit yet, that’s the next goal!  However, she had already come a long way, the tightness of her muscles was beginning to loosen up, sometimes she could even grab one of her toys and make some happy sounds – no words, just sounds.  She was very alert, looked at every- thing and  responded beautifully to sounds, music and television. Yes, she had seizures, just about each day, but they were not too severe – what a sad experience to see her entire body shake and shiver and not to be able to help her.  But anyhow, Laticia brought so much joy to our days.  She is a very content and loveable baby, smiles easily and makes people contact, finding her way into everyone’s heart  - but she still has a very long and very difficult way to go – Her need for prayers is as great as it ever was.  She needs your prayers!

A thought for today and all the tomorrows:

God always gives His best to those who leave the Choice to Him.

 

Phil

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5th Posting   April 12, 2011

E mail 5   12 22  10     written by (Sue) the Ghost Writer

Merry Christmas,  2010

Hello to all my family, friends and especially my extended family.  Can you believe this year is coming to a close?  What a year it has been for me and my family.

First, I wanted to personally thank each and every one of you for all your support, and prayers this past year.  This year has been very successful because of wonderful folks like you who gave so unselfishly of yourself.  Without your love and prayers  I don’t know what we would have done.  My family really appreciates all that you have given us.  I would like to share my 2010 with you;  I thought I would start from the beginning since we have had a lot of extended family members come later in the year.                                                                                                                      

I started 2010 with having a feeding tube inserted in my stomach for nutrition,  I continue today with this feeding tube.  Being feed by a tube has been very challenging for me and my family.  We were hopeful that late this year I would be able to join the feeding program so I could learn to eat by mouth, however that had to be postponed for now.  Due to my silent aspiration, (I choke on my own saliva) we all agreed this would not be a good time to start, maybe  we can try in 2011.

My biggest challenge for this year has been getting my seizures under control.  I suffered terribly the majority of this  year with having such severe seizures that I had to be sedated.  The seizures have slowed me down in my progress.  The good news; recently I had my medicine changed and my seizures are coming less and less.  Thank goodness, I actually have energy to play. 

Mid-Year I received some really cool medical equipment.  I have a special chair that my family can adjust by height if they want to play with me on the floor or they can sit me high enough to join them at the dinner table.  I enjoy my cool chair it helps provide support to help me sit-up.  I haven’t done well in this area on my own,  I have such severe muscle tone problems I’m unable to support my head on my own.  The good news I have learned to lift my head all on my own.  I scare the heck out of my grandparents when I’m being held, I can move my head so quickly now to look at all the cool lights.  I know for some of you asking what so cool about all that well let me tell you a couple months ago I could not even lift my head. 

Play time has been great the last couple months.  I have a neat play mat with hanging toys; I can swing the heck out of them now, the family better watch out I’m ready for the big league now.  I’m able to finally get on my stomach without screaming my head off.  I still don’t care to lie on my stomach since I’m unable to move anywhere.  Put me on my back any day.  I have learned to lift my back and get myself turned around.  My family is always asking how I can do that.  Pretty amazing stuff what a kid like me has to do to be in the know.  I’m always busy trying to see what is going on.  Let one of my family members leave me alone in a room.  I show them!!  I learned I have a pretty good voice box and I do use it to get them back in that room.  Let me tell you,  they come running.  I  have them wrapped around my little finger don’t you think?

The most amazing thing happened in early December; I was approved to have home care nursing staff 16 hours a day.  Wow,  if my nurses aren’t something.  I have four of them currently.  They are here Mon thru Fri during the day and at night.  This has not only been great for me, but more importantly for my family.  My mommy and grandparents are amazing people and there is nothing they wouldn’t do for me, however they were getting pretty wore out.  I do have my challenges and need a lot of extra special care.  We count our blessings every day for this extra help, our house has such positive energy again.  Because of this major change, we are all happy and have discovered a wonderful routine that is working. 

The latest news as of last week, I have been sent to Special Doctor.  Wow,  was that some amazing visit.  We were told I’m a good candidate to try this special diet Ketogentics diet.  This diet has been around since 1920.   According to the experts, this diet can either stop my multiple seizures or at least reduce the amount of medicine I have to take,  Yes,  it is dangerous, but through this 2 year program I’m monitored by doctors via blood tests to ensure my nutrition is good and all my levels.  We will find out the first of the year if we will try this diet.  My neurology doctor and my family feel that it is worth a try if it can help me get better.  If my seizures would stop or if I could reduce some of this medicine  I would have a better chance of getting stronger and be able to develop to live a more productive life.

We have tried hard and continue this fight.  My family and I have a very long hard road of ahead of us, however with your continued support and prayers anything is possible.  Please continue keeping me in yours prayers, it only because of the Grace of God and your prayers that I have progressed the way I have.  

I wish all of you a blessed Christmas season!  I, on the  other hand, can't wait for Santa.  I can't imagine what he could bring me, for I have  already been given more than one can dream.  I love all of you and wish you safe holiday.     

Love You       Laticia Nicole

E mail  6,  January 23, 2011

Thank You

These two words represent so much. There are not enough words to describe what I wish to convey to each and every member of  Laticia's Prayer Army, so I will just say Thank You for all the prayers that you render on behalf of her and all those like her.

 The other day I met Judi , a Prayer member,  who related to me a very sad, but true,  story written by an old friend, who like many of you, have extremely strong feelings of the rights of an unborn child of God, and a mother's decision to carry her gift to full term.  I'm trying to compose words that will be forceful enough for you to go to the following internet web site (http://www.cogforlife.org/nevan.pdf ) and read the story of "Nevan holy little saint", for yourself.   I also urge those that do, to print the article so that it can be shown and read by those who do not have a computer.  I have tried to copy the story to attach it here without success.

Judi also told me that another prayer group was aware of Nevan's story and they asked Nevan to intercede with our heavenly father, on behalf of the child that they were praying for.  The group attributed the success of their prayers based on Nevan's intercession.

Laticia I am happy to report, is making very tiny steps of improvement; occasionally, there are dark days where she will have 3 seizures in a day, and bright ones, without her having any seizures, she is beginning to have more muscle control, is able to focus on reaching for her toys and rolling over on her stomach is almost effortless.  She is definitely a people person and her bright smile is catching. Laticia still has a long way to go, she needs your prayer.     I believe in miracles -  I hope you do too!

Phil

E mail 7,  February 11, 2011

Hi     

The other evening we were in touch with the family and were pleased to learn that Laticia is now bigger in height and weight.  19lbs,   2' 11.5"

She now tries to place her fist in her mouth, which is a new movement, and she easily turns herself over without any effort.

The seizures are becoming less severe, but still too frequent.   The family reports that she is a very happy baby, with a big smile on her face, most of the time.

The most amazing thing of all, she is now able to eat by mouth.  she  eats one teaspoon full of baby food each day and enjoys it.  Her doctors were pleased at the news so.... when she returns from Florida (visiting us at the later part of the month, if all goes well) they will start her on a special diet, which should help her seizures.

While the above results seem to be too small to shout about, they are really tremendous in view that others like Laticia haven't got this far. We're convinced that your prayers are the reason why Laticia is still with us, and will be for many more years to come.

Many thanks for all your prayers and may the good Lord keep you in the palm of His hand.

Phil     

PS I'm charging my camera batteries and hopefully will get some good pictures that I can send along to you.