October 7, 2003

Dear Friends:

We have been asked several times lately, "What is the latest news on the twins?"  So here is an update on our conjoined twin grand-daughters Victoria and Brynleigh Smith.  The twins' website address is www.caringbridge.org/tx/toribryn.  There was another newspaper article in the San Antonio News on Sunday.  That web address is on the twins' website; the article is very informative.  Please pass on this information to those who  may be interested but who do not have e-mail access.

Basically, the twins' status is that they remain on ventilators two months and two weeks after their birth on July 25th.  Until they breathe on their own, progress is difficult.  The twins have remained remarkably stable despite their dependence on breathing support.  They are grappling with fatty fluid buildup around their lungs, which may be impeding growth and progress toward getting off the ventilators.  One doctor said that he did not know if their prognosis now is any different than when they were born.  They could live 20 years, 20 months, or 20 days.

Thanks so much for your prayers.  Continue to pray for God's will in the twins' lives.  Give praise for their lives so far, and for how many people have been touched by them around the world.  Pray for parents Matt & Dawn to have strength and for God's wisdom for the future.

Kathy and I are now on furlough in Tacoma, WA through October.  We will travel south in November and plan to spend Christmas with our son Matt and family in San Antonio.  Thanks again for your much appreciated prayers.

In the steadfast love of Jesus,

Norm & Kathy Smith