My Personal Journey with cleft lip and palate

[Beabble]

Wow Sammi, I'm sitting here in tears and awe at your story. I cannot for the life of me fathom what you felt as a Mother going through what you did with your daughter. I'm so thankful to God that you were blessed with her and able to get her the help she needed. I know it had to hurt so much to see her go through that, but it takes such heart and dedication to move forward and keep going. I feel Dena has this very same love and dedication for her Baby Emma and it just rips my heart out and breaks it into a million pieces when people throw stones in the way and try and hinder any hope at help Emma could possibly receive. I for the life of me just cannot understand it. I can see why Emmas story is so close, near and dear to your heart. (((((Sammi))))) Baby Emma (although a pup) deserves the same right to life as anyone else. I have researched the cost of just the surgery itself and let me tell ya, it isn't cheap, and that wasn't including the cost of IV's, meds, or supplies or anything else, it was JUST the SURGERY alone. If we can't get the word out about Baby Emma without having to constantly look over our shoulders, how is she going to get the funds for the surgeries she needs to have such a beautiful face and life as your daughter? It feels like for every step forward, we're getting knocked back 10. Our joys over Emma's progress are constantly being hindered by hurt and hatred and it just shatters my heart. But, I, like you and so many others totally and completely REFUSE to give up. I will continue to do whatever I can to help Baby Emma. Reaching so deep within your heart and sharing your story with us here gives me even more hope for Baby Emma. She has a very dedicated Mom, just as you are to your daughter and as long as God allows Baby Emma to be here, I to will reach into my heart and do what I can to help her. (((((Sammi)))))

[Cookie2]

My Story has a Happy Ending to this date. That sick little puppy I had is now over 4 yrs old is very happy and healthy. He had his surgery a few yrs ago and no Liver Shunt was found instead they found mild MVD. I was making it so much worse by feeding him chicken and chicken babyfood. I had no idea. I immediately switched him to a low protein diet of no more than 20% .He is 3 lbs 2 oz and is my shadow I love him to pieces and I can't explain that to friends and family that down own a yorkie!He's like a perfect little boy.
He walks when I walk,sits when I sit,stands when I stand still and yes he even follows me to the bathroom and sits by the toilett looking up at me until I'm done lol!

The bond between us 2 is super strong just because I went through all that with him. Through all the good times and now he's sharing the best times with me
I know Dena has plans to let Emma go to a very loving family but I dont think she knows how attached she will be after rasing this baby from 20 hrs old! Hope Emma says " Mama " and freak Dena out lol.

Genie,Cookie,Lola, Angel & Lucky

[LuvMySissy]

Sammi - how brave of you to share your story. You touched me deeply and I am sure many, many others have been touched as well. God certainly knew what he was doing when you became a mother.

A little compassion goes a long way and if folks could just remember that, the world would be a much better place!!!! I wish everyone would stop criticizing and just be supportive - but I guess that is my rose colored world.

[a2luckygirl]

I sat and cried like a baby! But I smiled, too!
Smiled at your love and caring for your baby!

And that's what is is all about- love of another life, be it a person or a small puppy!

Thank you for sharing your story of love!!
You are a wonderful MOM, and a beautiful person!

[sammiz]

While I appreciate all the responses, I feel compelled to tell you all....there is not now, nor has there ever been, a halo over my head. I am just a regular person like most of you. While I was raising my daughter, I was also growing up. Not a wonderful combination at all.

It took 57 years to get me to who I am now. I have not always made good decisions and I have been in many dark holes myself. I am thankful that God saw enough in me to pull me out of every one of them.

I actually like the person that I have become. I hope this doesn't sound egotistical. It isn't meant to be. I am just happy in my own skin now. This wasn't always true so I am thankful that I have survived life, thus far.

Thank you, each and every one.

Sammi

[MyPeanutAbbyGra]

Sammiz, I'm at a loss for words. You've done a wonderful job with your daughter and she is beautiful. Thank You so much for sharing your story with us.
God Bless,
Tammy

[chachi]

Thanks for sharing your story and giving us some understanding I also had a special needs child. He passed away when he was 7. I could really emphasize with your story

[sammiz]

Originally Posted by chachi

Thanks for sharing your story and giving us some understanding I also had a special needs child. He passed away when he was 7. I could really emphasize with your story

I tried to PM you. Your box is full.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by sammiz

I tried to PM you. Your box is full.

It figures I am constantly clearing it out. I am on my way now to clear it out

[Betty'sMom]

Sammiz

[sammiz]

Originally Posted by chachi

It figures I am constantly clearing it out. I am on my way now to clear it out

I guess that's the price you pay for being well loved here.

[BamaFan121s]

sammiz--

Your story is a very wonderful one and I feel honored that you felt you could share it with all of us at YT. I hope that your daughter fully understands how incredibly blessed she is and how extremely lucky she was to be born to a mother who cared for her and completely dedicated every ounce of energy that could be mustered to her.

It really frustrates and angers me reading comments from others along the lines of "well, you obviously don't know what it feels like to deal with a situation like this" because the truth of the matter is, NONE of us truly know what the other has experienced in their lives strictly of of what we choose to post and share here on YT. I don't in any way claim my struggles in life to have been anymore trying and difficult than the next persons or to even compare with what others face or have faced, so to read comments towards others implying that they couldn't possibly relate REALLY get to me.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by sammiz

I guess that's the price you pay for being well loved here.

LOL Its because Im too lazy to clear out my inbox. I clear them out like 5 or 10 at a time

[Patti]

Thank you for opening your heart to tell us you story. I am in awe of your strenght and compassion at such a youg age and facing such difficult times.

[AVERYxo]

Originally Posted by sammiz

I totally agree with you that a life without compassion is an empty soul.

Personally, I find life to be difficult for many people.[/B]?

I believe it is important to lend a hand and help others up. Sometimes it is our turn to be on the downside, eh? That helping hand is pretty awesome in troublesome situations.

thanks for sharing your story.. i know you said it was difficult! bless your heart, your daughter, & your family.. i can only imagine everything you must have been through.. emotionally & physically! (and at such a young age!)

i truly believe everything happens for a reason.. some times it may be much much more difficult than others(sometimes unbearable, it seems) but if you can push through the hard times.. there will always be a brighter, happier time ahead! it almost seems as little Emma has helped you in ways as well (whether to cope with unspoken for emotions? or just getting your story off your chest to help other people?) either way.. i comend you for sharing your story and for helping out in something you truly are passionate about!

I agree that a "helping hand" is SO incredibly important, especially in troublesome situations! whether it consists of physical labor, financial help,
or just kind words, prayers, &/or support! each situation is different for everyone and i think if something tugs on your heart you know and you do what you can to help!(even if it is just a few supportive/kind words!) You never know what people are going through.. so i just try and live each day with that in mind.
thanks for sharing your story! xo.