[douga]

My wife and I will be heading to the Villages in less that a week. Unfortunately we will be coming with heavy hearts and sadness as we just found out that our 4 month old granddaughter in completely blind. I am sitting here in tears and having a tough time but as you grandmom's know all grandma's are tougher than we old f***ts. She says I have to smarten up or she will drop me off on the way and find someone else when she arrives. Probably not an idle threat.

On a happier note. I found this site that sends a great message from Santa to little ones who still believe. It is easy to do, all you have to do is fill out a little info for Santa, upload a picture of the little one(it really works best if you do) and then fill in an email address and a message will be sent and all they have to do is click on the link and a video message from Santa appears. My 7 year old Kylie was really amazed and this is the age of doubt if you know what I mean. It is a Canadian site that asks you for a province but you are able to put in "another country" instead of a province. I will include the link to the site and the link to Kylie's message so that you can see it before you venture..It is a little late as Santa is getting ready to depart but I am sure that some of you can get this done in time. Hope these links work. It is really well done.

Here is the site that Kylie got

http://portablenorthpole.sympatico.m...f3672e654a14c5

Here is the home site

http://portablenorthpole.sympatico.msn.ca/home

See you all soon I hope.
Doug

[Rokinronda]

I am saddened about your granddaughter. I will pray for a miracle. Please know you and your family have been added to my prayer list. I also want to thank you for the Santa link. My 4 yr. old Taylor will be thrilled!!! God bless you and your family! Rhonda

[twynsmom]

Doug, thank you for sharing the site. Your Granddaughter will be added to our prayers as well as you and your family. Have a safe trip.

[nONIE]

Douga,

Its so hard to find the right words at times like this. I dont know you but feel your sadness, I hope comming to The Villages will brighten your spirits, there are wonderful people here who are incredibly supportive.

Please know that your little grandaughter will be in our prayers., and thankyou so much for the adorable Link to Santa.

[KathieI]

Douga, so sorry to hear about your granddaughter. That is very sad news, and I don't blame you for your tears. I would be too.

We will pray for her and you and we hope you can try to enjoy this time of the year. I'll will send you a pm with my phone number so we can set up a meet and greet when you arrive.

I have some connections with Cornwall, was married for 30 years to a fellow "Cornwall-ian" and I still have many friends there. Hoping to meet you when you arrive so we can give you big hugs!! Have a safe trip. See you soon.

[redwitch]

Doug, your granddaughter is blessed to have people who love her so much. Having a disability is sad but with the love and support of her parents and grandparents, she will grow up and be strong. It will be an inconvenience for her but little more. Please try to remember that through your grief.

Do let us know when you get here. You and your wife will cocooned in a wealth of kindness, good thoughts and hugs. Heck, we'll even work hard to make sure you have some fun.

And tell your wife not to leave on the wayside. TV and TOTVers will get you to smile more than you think.

[Best Mom]

So sorry to hear about your precious little granddaughter. I have already said a bunch of prayers for her.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Doug, your granddaughter is blessed to have people who love her so much. Having a disability is sad but with the love and support of her parents and grandparents, she will grow up and be strong. It will be an inconvenience for her but little more. Please try to remember that through your grief.

Do let us know when you get here. You and your wife will cocooned in a wealth of kindness, good thoughts and hugs. Heck, we'll even work hard to make sure you have some fun.

And tell your wife not to leave on the wayside. TV and TOTVers will get you to smile more than you think.

Redwitch speaks from my heart too. Sometimes terrible things turn out much better than we could hope or dream. You will be in my prayers as well.

[Mikitv]

So Sorry to hear about your granddaughter. Don't give up hope there are sometimes miracles out there. I have a friend who's grandson was diagnosed with blindness before he was a year old. Last year her daughter found out about a program in China that uses stem cells and the baby has regained sight and may require some additional treatment, but it was a miracle. If I can get the information from her I will pass it on to you.

[Donna]

Dear Doug,

May Our Lord Bless You and your little Angel with many happy years to come..
You certainly touched my heart and please know you and your family we be in our prayers from this day on..

A very Blessed Christmas to you and your family!

Thanks so much for the great Santa link..I will have hours of fun!

[rshoffer]

You will forever have the TOTV'ers praying for her....

[renielarson]

Douga,

Don't be sad. I have a good friend with a child who is blind. That child has lived a good and fulfilling life and has had nothing but positive experiences. It's all in the acceptance and fortitude to provide alternatives.

I have a handicapped son. He has not wanted for anything and is able to do whatever he sets out to do...it's all in the determination. He was born with only 7 fingers. I told him I would give anything for him to have 10. His reply...Mom, I wouldn't know what to do with the extras.

You may not appreciate my words of not being sad but you will as time passes. Children with handicaps are only handicapped by people who don't believe that they can lead normal lives regardless.

Have faith...all will turn out okay.

[douga]

A very special thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement. They mean a lot to us. We are praying for a miracle for our precious little sweetheart. A very Merry Christmas to all of you and we will see you in just a little over a week.
thanks
doug

[njgranny]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, too. I know how heartbreaking it must be to find out this news. As Brightspot said, though, kids are remarkable in their ability to overcome handicaps. We have young friends whose daughter was born with one arm missing from below the elbow. She is a bright, outgoing and happy little girl and doesn't let it stop her from trying anything.

Love to you and your family.

Jan
A wannabe