“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.”
~A.A. Milne, from "Winnie the Pooh"

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Ramblings Within My Heart....

Dear Liddy,



I got out of bed this morning in a VERY grouchy mood. That's a little unusual for me.. it usually takes at least an hour before I'm even awake enough to be a grump. But, it is what it is. I even tried to take a nap with you, hoping that the cuddles and the extra sleep would awaken me with a better attitude. Apparently not the case.



I am starting to show the symptoms of an extremely elevated stress level. My mind is heavy with thoughts of everything that must be done in the next four days, amid all the fear and doubt about what will come after. I need to do this and that, but all I really want to do is cuddle you every second you're awake. Not that that is real high on your list of priorities. ;) I seem to lack the energy to do anything, except snap at everyone who comes near me. For goodness sakes, your dad and I had a small tussle this week about the windows and the curtains being open! My patience is thin, I have had a headache for days, and my stomach is literally in gigantic knots that grow tighter and tighter with every passing day. Life around me continues on with the exact same ebbs and flows of any other day. Yet all I want to do is curl up for naps with you.




I pray every day for the strength that I will need to see you through. And my brain truly knows that you are going to be just fine. Oh, but Liddy, my heart is screaming. I know that I don't have a choice. No magic to stop time. No way to speed it up so that we're safely on the other side. And that, quite simply, sucks.
I am thankful that I am not going through this alone. I'm so thankful for your daddy...as well as a host of other people who are already filling the heavens with their prayers. I'm thankful for every encouraging word from the mommies who have been standing in my shoes and have made it through to the other side. I am grateful for a wonderful loving family who will fill the waiting room on Thursday and for very dear friends who will call and visit. I'm immensely blessed. And I know it.




A special thank you needs to be said to Miss Juli. She stopped by to see us this evening and brought me a beautiful necklace (which I am already sporting..) that has a small cross and a little circle that says "Faith". That little reminder is not going to leave my neck until we have you home, safe and sound and with a properly functioning heart. I have a feeling that I'm going to desperately need that reminder several times throughout the coming days. Faith is resting in the knowledge that God is in control and that His plans truly include prospering us..not harming us. And somehow, I have to shut off all these horrible Mommy fears ( the ones deep in my heart that no one knows because I can't find the words to even voice them) and let Him do some of the worrying for me.....
I feel like I'm whining. Constantly wallowing in my fears, and putting them out there for the world to see when other mamas have already walked this road. I really thought I was doing ok, then *wham* everything started truly hitting me as the days wind down...I know I am tough, but nothing (NOTHING) in my life has prepared me for something like this. For being your mama, yes. For open heart surgery, no. Not even close. 
The one thing I know for sure is that I love you more each second that passes during the day. 



And so, despite wanting to allow myself to completely give in to sheer panic, there is no option but to suck it up, let my fears go, and simply drink you in. Knowing that we will come out of that hospital with a brand new life, without this surgery hanging over our heads. We will walk out those doors a little stronger and even more in love with each other than ever before. We will hug your brothers a little tighter, and know that we never have to be separated like this again. We will know, without a single doubt, that we have walked through the very fires of Hell, and made it safely back into the sun. Celebrating all the way the miracle that is you. There are simply no other options. 
I love you with every breath in my chest, and every beat of my heart.
Mommy

327 comments:

  1. Cant even imagine what you are feeling. Praying for you.

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  2. Thanks Jenny. Prayer is good! :)

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  3. My dear Heidi, I know a little bit of what it's like to turn over the light of your life, your precious child, to the doctors and hope and pray and trust that everything will turn out fine in the end. It's the worst place in the world for a parent to be, and the stress you're under right now is enormous. Don't be ashamed of it - it's perfectly normal. You know what to do . . . just love your little girl, and be there for her.

    And know that there are many, many others who will be lifting up all of you in thought and prayer this day.

    Much love,
    Nate

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  4. I don't know quite how you found us, Nate. But looking at your words to me and reading about your project makes me extremely thankful that you you did! Thank you for your prayers. They are appreciated more than you know. :)

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  5. Hi Heidi,

    I can only imagine what you're going through. I don't think you're whining at all. In fact, I am amazed and inspired by your strength.

    I don't know you, but I just wanted to send you a little love and support. I'm glad to hear that you have good people standing by you. You and your beautiful little girl will be in my thoughts!

    Love and light,
    Lori

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  6. Dear Heidi - I found you through this: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/love-bomb-take-five-minutes-to-share-some-love/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tinybuddha+%28tinybuddha%29

    You are doing everything you possibly can for your little girl and that is all you can do as a parent: your little girl is blessed. Thoughts are with you. M

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  7. My heart goes out to you and yours. Best wishes.

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  8. Wishing you all the best possible luck in a very difficult time. Fingers crossed for your family.

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  9. Libby is very lucky to have you on her side. I know it will be difficult handing her over to strangers. But as you said, you will leave stronger and better than you arrived. I'll be sending love and light your way!

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  11. Much, much love and light and many prayers. Liddy is so lucky to have you and her daddy as her warriors. Thinking of you. xx

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  12. You, your family, and especially that adorable daughter of yours are in my thoughts today!

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  13. Hi Heidi,

    I found you through Lori Deschene and I just wanted to say, no matter who we are, at some point we all need someone to stand by us.

    Wishing you all the very best today and I hope the song below provides a few moments relief from such a difficult time.
    http://big-zen.blogspot.com/2010/12/stand-by-me.html

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  14. Hi Heidi,
    Love Bomb sent me your way. I can't imagine what you must be going through right now, and my thoughts are with you. Remember your own choice of words for this blog: you are most certainly braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, even to yourself. Just keep breathing and know that there are a lot of people who are keeping you in their prayers!

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  15. Hi Heidi,

    If found you through Tiny Buddha.
    May you and your daughter be free from all those suffering and be happy always.
    Best luck wishes.

    Young

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  16. I too found your story via Tiny Buddha...Wishing you all the positive energy to make it safely through life's struggles, particularly today.

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  17. I also found your story via Tiny Buddha.

    Good luck! I hope Lydia's surgery goes off without a hitch.

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  18. Sending light and love to you and your beautiful daughter today. Your courage and love for Libby is truly inspiring.

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  19. Heidi, A love as great as yours is a true blessing for your daughter. All the faith and support I can muster today is with you and your family.

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  20. Hi Heidi,

    I saw your story on Tiny Buddha- I'm so inspired by how you seem to be handling all of this with such grace- I'm sending you, Lydia and the rest of the fam oodles of love and light today.

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  21. I also saw your story on Tiny Buddha :)

    Sending positive energy & strength to you and your family today and always.

    Peace & love & blessings,

    ~Laura

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  22. Sending Love, light, healing and speedy recover to your precious daughter.

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  23. Sending out a prayer today for you and your daughter. Big hugs.

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  24. Thinking of you and your beautiful daughter today, and sending you all the positive energy I can muster for this difficult day. Wishing a speedy and complete healing!

    -Rebecca

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  25. Hi Heidi.

    My thought, heart, and every ounce of love I have is available to help you in this. Stay as strong as you have been and I wish your daughter a speedy recovery.

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  26. You and your beautiful daughter are in my thoughts. Stay strong and know that wonderful, beautiful days are ahead. This is a very scary experience, but know that all of this worry is only temporary. I wish for complete healing!!

    Jenni

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  27. Thinking of you and sending strength and endurance!

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  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  29. Sending you lots of love & good vibes for your daughter & your family on this important day. Wishing for a speedy recovery for your daughter & years of smiles for the entire family :) <3

    (found you via Tiny Buddha & Love Bomb)

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  31. best wishes today, my heart and thoughts are with you!

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  32. Your daughter is absolutely beautiful - and so are you! I can't even imagine what it must be like to have to watch your daughter have to go through such an ordeal. I had to have a lot of surguries as a kid... but nothing like that, and I don't know how my mom did it! My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend, and your family. I pray the doctors receive the skill and strength to perform the surgery well, that your daughter stays strong, and that you and your husband do as well!

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  33. Your Liddy is a gorgeous girl... I'll be praying for you and for her as you go through this difficult time. May you be comforted by the rod and staff of God, guiding you through a valley of shadows, and may you be dazzled by the sunshine on the other side!

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  35. Hi Heidi,

    I just want to pass along some words of encouragement as someone who had open heart surgery at 3 mos and is now typing this to you at 27. Keep the faith and stay positive! Liddy is the sweetest little thing and children are so resilient! I'll be thinking of you, Liddy and her doctors today.

    All the best,
    Christin

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  36. Sending you love, courage and the best wishes for a healthy little girl... I was sent here via Love Bomb

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  37. This post is absolutely amazing. Your daughter and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine what you are going through and feeling, but I am sending all of my positive energy and thoughts your way! I know that these doctors will take care of your precious little one and she will have a speedy and uncomplicated recovery! LOVEBOMB!

    Christy -- Fargo, ND

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  38. Love, hope and prayers all directed toward your family and you. Everything will be okay no matter what happens. God is good!

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  39. Tiny Liddy is beautiful. I will be sending you happy thoughts and warm wishes on these difficult days. Thank you for your courage. Tons of love coming your way!

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  40. Dear Heidi, Thinking of you today and lifting you ALL up in prayer. He is in control. I loved what you said..."We will walk out those doors a little stronger and even more in love with each other than ever before. We will hug your brothers a little tighter, and know that we never have to be separated like this again. We will know, without a single doubt, that we have walked through the very fires of Hell, and made it safely back into the sun. Celebrating all the way the miracle that is you."

    Beautiful and so true!!! "We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us." Your faith is a witness to many. Praying for sweet Liddy!
    Big love and hugs to you and your family!
    <3, jamie

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  41. I'm coming to you via Lovebomb, this is my first mission :) Oh Heidi, you have a beautiful family! My thoughts are with you today, be brave.

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  42. Hi Heidi, found you through Love Bomb :) Just wanted to send you tons of good juju, love and prayers for you, your whole family and precious daughter.

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  43. Your daughter is beautiful. You can tell she is so loved. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love
    Amie

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  44. Saw your story on Love Bomb. God bless you, your precious little girl, and everyone else in your family. Prayers are being lifted up your way. Believe that God already knows the outcome, because He does, and He has forever and ever. I believe we can find comfort in that. I hope He gives you the outcome we all so desire for your family, and a peace to calm the storms in the meantime. God bless! Jonathan.

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  45. What a sweetheart that little Liddy! I am sending lots of calming vibes your family's way as you struggle through this day, and confident vibes to the doctors you are entrusting her too.

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  46. My thoughts and prayers are for Lydia and your whole family today. I found you though Love Bomb.

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  47. Praying that God will hold your little girl tightly in his arms and protect her today. And praying that He will guide the surgeons hands. Keep the faith. You are so strong! You will get through this!

    ~Robin

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  48. Sweet Liddy and Mama and Papa Bug. I am praying with you today across them miles and grateful for the skillful hands of your doctors and nurses, the boundless love of your family friends, and the unceasing joy Liddy has brought to you all.

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  49. Holding Liddy and your family in my thoughts today. What a beautiful little girl - I love that last photo! xxxx

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  50. Heidi, I don't know that I can say anything that hasn't been said by others, and so well. Your Liddy is a beautiful gem. My wish for you is all the naps you could ever hope for with her once you are all home again.

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  51. Hi, Heidi-

    Liddy is so beautiful! Just thought you should know, there are prayers going up for your entire family from here in VA.
    Peace and love,

    ~L

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  52. Your beautiful family is in my prayers. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses precious little Lydia through all this. Your strength is inspiring.

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  53. Heidi, God blessed you with such a beautiful little girl. I saw your story on Love Bomb.
    I know this is very hard for you and your family, put all your trust in God and rest in Him.
    My prayers are with Lidd and you.
    Karen

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  54. Liddy is adorable. I have been in Liddy's shoes, and my parents were in yours. I had a very rare surgery at 14 months of age, many moon ago where there was very few survivors of heart surgery - especially the kind that I had. I want you to know that my prayers will be with you today, and continuing forward! Please let me know if you need anything!

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  55. Heidi,

    I cannot even begin to imagine how hard this is for your family to go through, but I'm a mom as well, so I can imagine the pain that you have in your heart. We don't know each other at all, but just know that even though we're strangers, my family and I have you and Liddy in our prayers today. May God bless you, and may you feel how loved you are today.

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  56. This brought tears to my eyes. I have a 2 month old daughter and I can't even imagine what you're going through. I can't have anymore children so I fret even putting her to bed at night for fear she won't wake. What you're experiencing is beyond what I can even fathom. The strength you have is strength I can only hope to one day have myself. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers today.

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  57. Heidi,

    May God be with you and your beautiful little princess today and always. Leave it in the hands of God and all will turn out well. Praying for your family.

    <3

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  58. Dear Heidi, I'm sending you love and positive vibes! Keep the faith, everything will turn out the best way for both of you! Wishing good health to your little wonderful girl!

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  59. Heidi,
    Sending much love and peace to you today- peace that comes from knowing your beautiful Liddy is in the loving hands of her Creator.

    Sincerely,
    Tina

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  60. Hi Heidi
    Love Bomber here from So. Cal and I'll be keeping Liddy and you and all concerned in prayer today. I hope you can feel the love coming your way and I'm also sending healing thoughts for little Liddy. ((Hugs)) ~Mitchypoo

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  61. Love Bomber from Toledo, Ohio. I'm praying for you, Liddy, and all the folks taking care of Liddy!

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  62. Hi Heidi,

    Another love bomber to tell you that you and your beautiful daughter will be on my mind and in my heart today. Take care of yourselves!

    Lots of love,
    Angie

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  63. Sending thoughts and energy to you and your little one; may you find peace while you experience what is hopefully a very speedy recovery from this life-saving procedure.

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  64. Hi Heidi and Family,

    A coworker of mine sent your story on to me, and I wanted to let you know that your family, Liddy especially, is in my thoughts. I send you all the love and strength that I have in me today.

    love,
    joanna

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  65. Hi Heidi,
    Love Bomber here from the Seacoast in NH. I'm sending good loving vibes to you, Liddy and your family today. (Hugs) - Alyssa

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  66. Sending you and your Liddy peace, love, and great luck

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  67. Dear Heidi,
    A mother's love can hurt so much at times such as these. Keep positive for Liddy. Know that she will be blessed with a full life.... you have a Big love bomb team supporting you today. The power of love is phenominal!
    We are with you in prayer....

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  68. May God bless you with peace in your hearts and thousands and thousands more days to love on your little girl.

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  69. praying for you and your beautiful daughter with love and peace.

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  70. One foot in front of the other one step at a time for you and your family. Stop to breathe...peace, love, and great luck.

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  71. Dear Heidi and Family,
    This note will reach you in the midst of Libby's surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers today. May your family be blessed with great courage, strength, and faith!
    With love and hugs,
    Lu

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  72. I came to drop a "love bomb" and when I got here and saw the baby had Down's I knew it was divine intervention! I'm the proud mother of a 16-year-old son with Down's and he is my joy and teacher. Believe it or not, it was all those hours seperated from him in waiting rooms during surgeries that helped me realize how grateful I was. I was grateful for staff that cared, waiting room angels, and even that surgery was an option. I don't want to discount the fear and pain I felt, much like what you're going through today. It contrasts the joy in a unique way few people know. Welcome to Holland and God bless!

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  73. Love from Vancouver.

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  75. Heidi,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers today. I pray that the Lord guide the surgeons hands and give him wisdom. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
    What a blessing little Libby is and God has her name tattooed on the palm of His hand!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin
    www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com

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  76. Life is so precious- we need to hold and cherish every little morsel. God's blessings to you and your family. I hope that Libby's surgery is a success.

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  77. GO LIDDY GO!!! You got this, Girl!! Much love and positive energy headed your way~

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  78. Hi Heidi,
    Found you through Love Bomb. Your little girl is so beautiful. Praying for your family today. Praying for the doctors and anyone involved. God bless you and keep you and Liddy close to His heart.

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  79. Miracles have a wonderfully unexplainable way of finding children when they need them the most. Liddy already has had one find her: having a family like yours to love her. I have no doubt another one is on its way to her right now.
    Be strong, and know that there are people pulling for Liddy!

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  80. I'm so sorry to hear about Libby's trials, but know that I'm sending love your way. I'm an adult now, but for years I have wondered what it must have been like for my parents when I had cancer as a toddler, having to send me away for surgery and watch me undergo treatments. I can't imagine. I can't imagine what it must be like for you to wait for your daughter's surgery to be complete, but know that many people are thinking of you.

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  81. Another Love Bomb coming your way. Surrounding you & your family with love & light <3

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  82. Another love bomb. Holding you and your family in my thoughts.

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  83. Hello Heidi:
    I heard about your story through Love Bomb and I am sending lots of love to you and your family. Libby is beautiful and I know she will continue to amaze you with her strength. Namaste. <3

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  84. Hey Heidi - Tiny Buddha told me about you and I came by to give you and your family some support. Sending lots of happy thoughts and good vibes your way! Namaste.

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  85. Hi Heidi,

    I heard your story through Tiny Buddha, who heard it through Love Bomb. I am sending lots of hugs your way! God will give you strength to see your beautiful family through this tough time :) Blessings to all of you!

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  86. Mother Theresa said "I know God never gives me more than I can handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much." :) May your heart be open to whatever growth He desires for you, and may your family's love only grow stronger <3 Sending love and light :)

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  88. Found the link from Tiny Buddha as well. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

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  89. As a mom my heart is hurting for you today. I know how hard it is to find the faith that it will all work out. Stay strong and love that baby.

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  90. I'm sending you wishes of strength and good fortune. Please know that there are many people out there that care about you and your sweet baby girl. You will get through this. [hugs!]

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  91. Heidi, Lydia is so lucky to have a great mom like you who cares and loves her so much. I wish you the best in this time. Whatever happens, Lydia will be okay because she has a great family supporting her.

    <3,
    Jordan

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  92. Brought here by Tiny Buddha, and sending all the love I have to you and your family! Libby is adorable and I can't wait to hear the great news. Best wishes to you all

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  93. Well you definitely have the right attitude, I am sure that you will pull through this rough time and into sunnier days :)! You rock!

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  94. Heidi,

    As you can see, there are many, many people from all over the world standing by you right now. Sending all my love to you, your family, and your beautiful Liddy Bug.

    Stay strong xo

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  95. Much love and peace to you. May you feel each and every prayer.

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  96. Oh I'm so sorry - Liddy, not Libby - I'm too quick to type sometimes <3

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  97. Heidi and family,
    Good luck today. I'm sending you good vibes from Oman and hoping that the surgery goes well.
    What a lot you are all going through. What brave souls you are living your life filled with joy and love. It's humbling!
    Prayers and blessings for you all :)
    Angela

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  98. Hi Heidi,
    I found your story through Tiny Buddha and am sending you and your family positive thoughts for strength and courage and a speedy recovery.

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  99. Sending love and light to your little Liddy today!

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  100. Tiny Buddha sent me to Love Bomb who sent me to you to send you love, positive thought and prayers your way! Bless you and your baby! Hoping for the best!

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  101. Your daughter is beautiful!
    I had open heart surgery when I was 2 and now I'm 21 and healthy! Best of luck to you and your family. Sending thoughts and prayers.
    <3

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  102. Heidi, I'm praying for you and Liddy right this moment...for God's protection, strength, and healing. May he bless you, your little one, and your family.

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  103. May God watch over & protect Liddy all the days of her life. Sending prayers for healing, comfort, strength & peace to Liddy, you & your family. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Found your story through Little Buddah. Much love & blessings to your & your family :)

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  104. My thoughts are with you and your whole family. Stay strong and remember everyone supporting you.

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  105. Also found you on Tiny Buddha... Sending you and your family much, much light and love.

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  106. My love and thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautifully family.

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  107. hello like many others i have found you through tiny buddha. good luck and blessings to you, your amazing daughter and your family. x

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  108. I'm here to drop you a LoveBomb. Your letter to your little girl is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. I simply cannot imagine how hard it must be to face the challenges your family has faced and continuing having faith. But you do. And in the end that faith and all the prayers that I and all these other people are sending up to the heavens for you, will get you and gorgeous Liddy through. May light and love surround you all and fill you up when you need it most.

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  109. Heard about this time of trial for you and yours from Tiny Buddha. Love and light to you. I'll be keeping your little girl in prayer. --Ryan

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  110. Heidi -

    I found you via Tiny Buddha and your post is an inspiration. What a beautiful daughter you have and you are clearly a wondeful and loving mother. Despite the obstacles you are going through, you still managed to say, "I'm immensely blessed. And I know it." You are an inspiration for me.

    Good thoughts and prayers being sent your way. All the best to you and your family.

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  111. Good luck with surgery - the angels will be watching :)

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  112. Your have a beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit. Focus on the beauty and love that surrounds her. Love can heal!

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  113. While reading your post I could feel your love for Liddy, the joy she brings to your life, the terror you feel in your heart, and the strength of your faith. I am praying for a successful surgery, for Liddy’s speedy recovery and for some serious cuddle time in the very near future. Blessings . . .

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  114. While I know that you are going through an extremely difficult time right now, I have to thank you for this post. I am a seventeen-year-old who has gone through twelve surgeries (mostly on my face) and I think your post was a reminder of how much my own mother most have loved me throughout. It's the way God does things sometimes - one person's suffering helps another one to find strength.

    My little sister was in the hospital when she was born and it was one of the most difficult moments of my life. I am amazed at the strength I see in every word of your post - the strength to admit the challenges you are facing and to admit that it's hard, and the strength to rise above them. Liddy is blessed to have such a wonderful, loving mother to guide her.

    There are no words I can say that will make today easier for you; I wish there were. I know and pray that your daughter will soon be safe in your arms, and that you will have the strength to see her through this.

    By the way, Liddy is beautiful. She looks so snuggle-able. :)

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  115. Everything will be fine. And don't forget, Happiness can be found even in the darkest time, if one just remember to turn on the lights.
    Good luck, all the happiness in the world for you :)

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  116. Heidi & Family (found you via Tiny Buddha)
    Healing thoughts, wrapped with strength and courage are being sent from all of my family (out east in Canada) to your precious Liddy and beautiful family. Heaps & heaps of love to you!

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  117. Hi Heidi - I was directed here from Tiny Buddha and am sending positive thoughts to you and your adorable wee one. Take care - Deanna

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  118. Know that you and your beautiful family are being held and prayed for while you go through this trying time. God is good.

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  119. Liddy is such a cutie!! I hope everything goes great today. And I'll send you all my love and strength so that you can be strong for your lovely family. Hugs!

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  120. Sending you good thoughts & prayers.

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  121. Incoming Love Bomb!

    All my love, good thoughts, and prayers for this sweet one, and for yourself and your family. Lydia is absolutely adorable-- get well soon, dear Liddybug! :)

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  122. Sending you all the love and prayers I can give.

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  123. From my two healthy happy daughters and me...we send our love, prayers and explosive positive energy to your daughter, you, your family, doctors and all the caregivers!!!!!!! Lots of love and hugs!!!

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  124. a beautiful thing caught my eye
    it was your beautiful smile
    may you know it filled my heart with love
    my happy thoughts are you for a while :)


    i survived brain surgery thru an army of angels, they are now sent your way~

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  125. You and your sweet baby girl are in my thoughts today.

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  126. Sending you love, prayers, positive energy, anything and everything you need. Also sending baby kisses from our baby Violet to your baby Lydia.

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  127. Liddy is simply precious. I am sending you loads of love, strength and courage!

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  128. Heidi - sending you, sweet little Liddy, and the rest of your family love and light. May Liddy heal fully and FAST!

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  129. Thinking about you and sending lots of good vibes your way. Lydia is adorable!!

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  130. Sending thoughts of comfort and support to you all.

    (((hugs))),
    Lori

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  131. you are loved today and in my thoughts. :)

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  132. Matthew 10:29-31. Love, light, and prayers for all of you! :)

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  133. Blessings, Love, and Prayers . . . to you and all those you touch.

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  134. sending positive energy your way...love you all

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  135. I just found your blog and am very thankful for it. I am so happy to see the love that you have and give to those around you and want you to know that you are now permanently on my prayer list. May the most High God richly bless you with his peace during this time of stress and uncertainty. Much love to you today from Rochester MN.....ps if you are here, at the Mayo clinic, please call me:)
    507-990-9480

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  136. Praying for you and your little bug! You and Lydia are safe in His arms and never outside His care. Thanks for the updates!

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  137. Lots of prayers & love to you & your family! A lot of people are thinking of you today!!

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  138. You have the most beautiful little girl - stay strong i will be praying for you and your family

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  139. What an adorable babygirl, sending a love bomb to all of you, found you via tiny buddha

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  140. Love Bomb-- Sending you wishes for happiness and health for Lydia.

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  141. Sending you every ounce of love and hope and all the best wishes! You and Lydia will be in my thoughts all day today : D

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  142. Your sweet one is so lucky to have such loving parents. I'm sending you all lots of love and healing! -M

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  143. I'm holding you, your loved ones and the medical team in the light today.

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  144. You are in all of our thoughts! Via tiny buddha

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  145. Sending energy and love to get her through this, and have a happy healthy life!

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  146. Blessings, love & light! You are, indeed, stronger than you know.

    ((( )))

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  147. Your daughter is precious and most likely one of the luckiest person on this planet to have a mom like you ... wish you only the very best ... everything will be ok ((((HUGS))))

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  148. Found you through Love Bomb. Keeping you in our thoughts and sending tons of strength and hugs!

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  149. Want to tell you that you are already blessed with more character and strength than you know! G-d bless you with patience through this surgery!

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  150. Sending you love and comfort as well as strength to endure the struggles you are facing.

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  151. Following the path of Tiny Buddha, You are in my thoughts and prayers today ♥ Love & Light ~Eliana

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  152. Heidi,

    We do not know each other, but I wanted to let you know that your family and little Liddy will be in my prayers today and through out this coming week. Prayers for strength and a speedy recovery for all involved are being sent your way from sunny Mentor, Ohio!

    <3 Michelle.

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  153. Hoping that everything goes well. Sending good wishes and vibes your way!

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  154. Sending lots of love and light to you and your family today. Love!!!

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  155. Praying for you, your family, the team of doctors and nurses, and especially that beautiful baby girl!

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  156. I just found out about "Love Bomb" today....detonating one for you and your gorgeous baby girl...her sweet face turned my whole day around....and the rest of your family. Sending healing energy to those surgeons...thank you for sharing your feelings with all of us so openly...your little girl will one day be smiling as she reads your words...and the words from a thousand "stranger"...herself!!

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  157. I am praying for God to send his angels to wrap your Liddy and you and your husband in their wings of comfort all through the surgery. This image helps me at my most stressful moments with my daughter.

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  158. Also came here from Tiny Buddha. I'm thinking of you and your precious daughter today, and wishing peace and happiness for your whole family!

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  159. Sending love and strength to you and your family, Liddy, from North Carolina.

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  160. Sending endless love, thoughts and prayers your way!! xoxo

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  161. She is amazing! and Beautiful! Sending love to you and yours :)

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  162. Oh my goodness, Heidi.. The strength and grace of every word of your post brought me to tears, and my heart aches for what you are going through. Truly, I have no concept of what you must be feeling.

    Please know that people all over the world are sending you love and blessings, and sending prayers Heavenward with all their might and love. I add my prayers as well, for your adorable Liddy, you and your family, and Liddy's entire medical team. The Lord will be with you all, giving you His strength, grace and peace.

    Sending my love and prayers to you,
    Heather

    ps - I found my way to your blog by Tiny Buddha and Love Bomb - http://tinybuddha.com/blog/love-bomb-take-five-minutes-to-share-some-love/

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  163. Much love and positivity coming your way.

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  164. She is beautiful. Praying for you all.

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  165. Lots of positive thoughts being held for you and your family all over the world today!

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  166. Lifting you up in a heartfelt prayer

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  167. You and your little girl are in my prayers.
    Much love,
    Whitney

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  168. It's never too late to leave an encouraging comment, right? Your fears are valid, but your faith is even more valid.

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  169. My prayers are with you today. I am part of the Tiny Buddha Love Bomb group, too. I truly believe this kind of thing makes a difference. I hope you feel the love.

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  170. God love your precious little girl! The last picture you posted is the best and should be blown up poster sized and put up on your wall immediately and stay there to embarrass Liddy in front of her future boyfriends :)

    Hang in there Heidi.. life is hard right now, but you're just getting the bad stuff out of the way early and leaving plenty of time and space for all of the sweetness that lays ahead.

    we're all pulling for you & your Liddy
    <3 Jess.. found via Buddah & Bomb

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  171. Positive thoughts go out to you, your family and your beautiful little girl today!

    Much Love!

    Corrie

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  172. Warm wishes for a speedy recovery for your beautiful little girl, and peace and ease for yourself. You are clearly a wonderful mother.

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  173. All of my most sacred wishes and healing thoughts are being sent to you and your beautiful daughter today.

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  174. You are in many thoughts and prayers today...know that love conquers all! :)

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  175. Much love, peace, and prayers to you and your darling little girl. Sending you positive energy!

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  176. Sending you all the hope, love and prayers you need to get through the next few days! Your little girl is beautiful!
    xoxox alix.

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  177. Sending oodles and oodles of love and prayer your way! Thank you so much for sharing your story, and know how very much you and your family are an inspiration to me and many, many others going through such difficult times. Love and light, beautiful little Liddy Bug!

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  178. Sending Angels to watch over your gorgeous baby girl and sending you all the love and hugs in the world xx

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  179. My daughter was born a preemie by 9 weeks and had a PDA which needed fixing before she was even 36 weeks gestational time. It was nervewracking, and horrible, and knowing people were thinking of her and sending love and care made it so much more bearable. She's a healthy and happy 7 year old today. Sending you love (we found you through the Tiny Buddah site too.)

    - Jen

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  180. Holding you and your family and your beautiful girl in my heart.

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  181. Love bomb! Positive thoughts and much love to you, Liddy, and everyone who cares for you both.

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  182. Hi, my son had open heart surgery when he was 9 months old and my husband had it when he was 24 years old old. They both had relatively routine procedures, and they both did well, but it is scary nonetheless. I'll be thinking about you and your baby.

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  183. Love and hugs and prayers comin' at you from all over today! Including Minnesota... :)

    Liddy is so precious and adorable. She's lucky to have you for a mom!

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  184. Dear Heidi -

    You are so strong, you are so loved, I send positive healing energy to you and your beautiful daughter. Take care <3

    ~ Laura

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  185. I know today is going to be a rough day for you and your family, but we're all rooting for Lydia and wish her a successful surgery and quick recovery! Just stay positive and keep your head high, everything will be ok :) Good luck!!
    -Hannah

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  186. Wishing you the best. Lots of love to you and your entire family!

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  187. Prayers for you and sweet Lydia have been lifted. If you get a chance to read the words to the song "Strong Enough" I encourage you to do so! They are comfort to me. Hang in there Heart Momma, our prayers will help carry you through this scary time. Prayers lifted for the amazing medical team! Go Lydia, you can do this, sweet little one!

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  188. Much love to you and your family<3 I cannot even begin to imagine what you are feeling right now. I just hope that all these words of encouragement will give you the strength to get through whatever may come.

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  189. I can only imagine the heartache you must be going through, having to worry for your daughter's life. All I can offer are my love, support, and best wishes. Human beings are capable of amazing things, and I believe that Lydia can and will prosper, all the more so with your immense love for her. Be well, and I will be thinking of you.

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  190. Hi Heidi, You must be a very special person. God does not give us more than we can handle. Not many people could handle what you are going thru. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. :)

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  191. Hello Heidi! Lots of love and strength to your Liddy and of course to you and your husband!! May all go well and may she soon be with you again, safe and sound, ready to start into a wonderful life at the side of her wonderful parents!

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  192. Sending love and positive thoughts to you, your precious little Liddy and your family today. Kudos for your strength and bravery.

    Jennie

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  193. Sending tons of optimism, healing energy, love, and big hugs to you and your family. What a strong and loving family you have!

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  194. Tiny Buddha and Love Bomb combined to point me to your blog.

    What a darling daughter you have, and what a loving mother *she* has. I can scarcely imagine the fear you must be feeling. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of so many are wending your way. May the doctors and nurses do their very best work today, and may little Liddy's recovery be swift and smooth.

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Yes, I read every single comment and I love them all! Please leave us one (and imagine me doing a happy dance when I see it!)