When you are asked to pray for someone in need, it is always good to get a report on how God has answered those prayers. You were asked to pray for the heart surgery Tuesday on Kim Cooke, wife of pastor Kelvin Cooke of the Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Brethren church. Here are updates as of Tuesday Wednesday morning from Kim’s mother, Sherrie Clingenpeel:
We are praising God for His faithfulness. Bill and I have been the caretakers today of Isabel and Carson. We began the day by arriving at the hospital around 6:30 a.m. where we were able to spend some time with Kim before surgery. Leaving the hospital was difficult, but Kim’s wish for her children today was that they spend the day in activities that would occupy their minds and keep them from worry. That we have done.
Kelvin called us just about two hours ago and said that he had seen Kim in the ICU and that her vitals were good. The surgery was a success, and all signs are very encouraging. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for all the prayers that have gone to the throne of God on behalf of Kim and her family. She said on more than one occasion that the knowledge of that support has been her rock, and we as her family all concur.
Bill and I paused at the side of an ice skating rink with Isabel and Carson and with tears of joy praised God for the good news following surgery. What a sweet blessing that the next generation is already seeing that our strength comes from above. Even Isabel and Carson have been impressed with the generosity of many and the scope of the prayer circle that has surrounded their family. Thank you all again for all you have done.
LATE-BREAKING NEWS — 5:40 p.m. Tuesday — Kelvin just came out of the ICU. Kim is awake and responded to him by squeezing his hand. If she continues to be alert and responsive, the ventilator will be removed.
Kelvin was with Kim at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, and she was asking for Seven-Up because the Sprite being offered was too sweet. Less than three hours later she was back in the OR because of internal bleeding. We received the call from the hospital, and Kelvin left immediately to be there.
It is now approximately 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, and Kelvin has just returned from the hospital. The original surgeon, Dr. Everett, was called in to reopen her and discover the cause of the bleeding. He found a small vein, not even associated with the surgery, that had popped (details are sketchy at this point) and was able to repair it with ONE stitch. He said that she is resting comfortably now and that this will not set back her recovery significantly.
As you rise to begin your day we ask that you continue to remember Kim and her family in your prayers, praising God for His faithfulness and mercy and asking for His continued graciousness to this family. The children slept through the crisis; the rest of us will now lie down and rest in the arms of Jesus.
Thanking you again for your concern and love, Sherrie for the entire family