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peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
Tue May 26, 2020, 05:48 PM May 2020

In All the Darkness and Chaos, A Tiny Beam of Light

In this case, a 2-pound, 2-ounce beam of light named Cassandra. Today I am officially a grandmother to a tiny miracle who still has a rough road ahead because she'll require heart surgery in the next few days. But she is in the world and I'm officially a Nana, a first-timer.



If you would, could or are so inclined, say a few prayers for our tiny light Cassandra.

107 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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In All the Darkness and Chaos, A Tiny Beam of Light (Original Post) peggysue2 May 2020 OP
Congrats NANA Peggysue. Zoonart May 2020 #1
Thank you, thank you, Zoonart peggysue2 May 2020 #2
Preemie care today is better than ever. blogslut May 2020 #3
I agree, blogslut peggysue2 May 2020 #14
((peggysue)) blm May 2020 #4
Thanks for the good wishes, the hug and . . . peggysue2 May 2020 #16
Wow. Hello Cassandra's Nana stillcool May 2020 #5
Much appreciated, stillcool. peggysue2 May 2020 #17
Healing Thoughts for tiny light Cassandra, Peggysue! Cha May 2020 #6
Hey, Cha! peggysue2 May 2020 #20
Congratulations, Nana Peggysue! Cha May 2020 #23
sending good thoughts to Cassandra and her mom RT Atlanta May 2020 #7
Most appreciated, RT Atlanta peggysue2 May 2020 #22
Hey Nana. sheshe2 May 2020 #8
Love the sound of that, sheshe! peggysue2 May 2020 #24
Congratulations, peggysue2, on birth of wendyb-NC May 2020 #9
Thanks for that Wendyb peggysue2 May 2020 #29
Congratulations Nana! Positive waves are on the way. yonder May 2020 #10
Thanks yonder! peggysue2 May 2020 #30
Thank you for sharing this beautiful news. badseedboy May 2020 #11
Thanks for that, badseedboy peggysue2 May 2020 #34
Congratulations! Holding Cassandra and family in my thoughts livetohike May 2020 #12
Thanks for that, livetohike peggysue2 May 2020 #35
How lovely. Welcome to the world, little girl. nolabear May 2020 #13
Thanks, Nola! peggysue2 May 2020 #37
Sending vibes for Cassandra malaise May 2020 #15
Thank you, malaise peggysue2 May 2020 #38
Congratulations!! tavernier May 2020 #18
Thank you, thank you peggysue2 May 2020 #39
P..S. My grandson was a 3 pounder. tavernier May 2020 #19
Wow! peggysue2 May 2020 #41
Oh my......congratulations on being a Nana a kennedy May 2020 #21
Thanks for that, a kennedy peggysue2 May 2020 #43
🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 LakeArenal May 2020 #25
Much appreciated, LakeArenal peggysue2 May 2020 #44
Congrats...prayers and hugs. I found out on Saturday that I will have my first Grandchild in Demsrule86 May 2020 #26
Congrats right back at you then! peggysue2 May 2020 #46
Also, now they can do so much...my nephews (twins) were two lbs Demsrule86 May 2020 #27
You're right, Demsrule86 peggysue2 May 2020 #47
One of my friends has a new born preemie...now up to four pounds. hugs and prayers again... Demsrule86 May 2020 #70
Good thoughts and vibes for Cassandra on their way sarge43 May 2020 #28
Thanks, sarge peggysue2 May 2020 #49
Oh, absolutely she has every good thought I can send. Hortensis May 2020 #31
Thank you, Hortensis peggysue2 May 2020 #50
Welcome to the world, Cassandra lillypaddle May 2020 #32
Thank you, lillypuddle peggysue2 May 2020 #53
All this love for your little light! I have a lot of confidence in her doing well and your family's ancianita May 2020 #33
What a nice comment, ancianita peggysue2 May 2020 #54
My twins were premies. panader0 May 2020 #36
Thanks for the good vibes, panander peggysue2 May 2020 #55
Not so fast 'Nana'. trof May 2020 #40
LOL!! peggysue2 May 2020 #52
Miz t. is Gigi. Jack named her. trof May 2020 #62
Congratulations Grandma! nt tazkcmo May 2020 #42
Thank you peggysue2 May 2020 #56
Thought you might like it. tazkcmo May 2020 #60
Hoping for a good outcome Bettie May 2020 #45
Thanks, Bettie peggysue2 May 2020 #57
God bless you baby Cassandra. Olafjoy May 2020 #48
Thanks, Olafjoy peggysue2 May 2020 #61
Congratualtions. sent up a prayer for baby Cassandra. nt iluvtennis May 2020 #51
And I thank you for that, iluvtennis peggysue2 May 2020 #63
Many congratulations GeoWilliam750 May 2020 #58
Thanks GeoWilliam peggysue2 May 2020 #74
Congratulations!!!! Peacetrain May 2020 #59
Oh, thank you peacetrain peggysue2 May 2020 #75
You just made my day!!! Peacetrain May 2020 #92
Best of luck Gram. Hope she will be OK. Will be thinking of you. Evolve Dammit May 2020 #64
Thanks, Evolve peggysue2 May 2020 #76
Keep us posted Evolve Dammit May 2020 #93
PREEMIE POWER!!! rocktivity May 2020 #65
That's a great little vid peggysue2 May 2020 #77
Congratulations! mgardener May 2020 #66
People have always told me that grandparent status is the best peggysue2 May 2020 #79
First of all, Congratulations, Peggysue! Mr. Evil May 2020 #67
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Mr Evil peggysue2 May 2020 #80
Ha ha ha! Mr. Evil May 2020 #97
Sending love 💕💕💕💕💕💖💖💖💖 to Cassandra and her family MLAA May 2020 #68
Thank you for the love bomb, MLAA peggysue2 May 2020 #81
Congratulations!!! C Moon May 2020 #69
Thank you, C Moon peggysue2 May 2020 #82
That's so special sellitman May 2020 #71
And I am most happy and grateful to be a member, sellitman peggysue2 May 2020 #83
Wonderful! God bless you little Cassandra. May you grow healthy and happy and have Maraya1969 May 2020 #72
Thank you for that kind and generous thought, Maraya peggysue2 May 2020 #84
Welcome to the world little one. :) StarryNite May 2020 #73
I have two pics so far from the nursery peggysue2 May 2020 #85
((((((((((() Peggysue)))))))$$)$ . So very happy that you are sharing this previous beam of light niyad May 2020 #78
Thanks for the hugs, niyad peggysue2 May 2020 #86
Congratulations, Nana. All the best to her and all of your family. Hekate May 2020 #87
i know you deserve this blessing lady. mopinko May 2020 #88
I will! mahina May 2020 #89
Congratulations, and I hope she has as smooth a course as possible.👶 Crunchy Frog May 2020 #90
Congratulations! jimlup May 2020 #91
How blessed you are to have tiny Cassandra in your life. Congratulations Grandma! Fla Dem May 2020 #94
sez aww. AllaN01Bear May 2020 #95
K&R spanone May 2020 #96
Welcome to the world, Cassandra! Heartstrings May 2020 #98
Congratulations! Mz Pip May 2020 #99
Congratulations Grandma! pandr32 May 2020 #100
Just a general thank you to everyone peggysue2 May 2020 #101
Most hearty congratulations to you and your family! Collimator May 2020 #102
Prayers on their way to Cassandra and her family. pazzyanne May 2020 #103
Sending strength and hope to baby Cassandra. kag May 2020 #104
I'll be praying for Cassandra! DesertRat May 2020 #105
Amazing, so happy for you! bottomofthehill May 2020 #106
My youger brother was a 2 lbs premie... GetRidOfThem May 2020 #107

blogslut

(37,955 posts)
3. Preemie care today is better than ever.
Tue May 26, 2020, 05:55 PM
May 2020

That heart surgery is scary. I know. Mine had it. She's 33 years old now.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
14. I agree, blogslut
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:12 PM
May 2020

That's what we're hanging onto, the incredible advances in both preemie care, surgical techniques and personal stories like yours.

Thanks for the good thoughts. And back.

blm

(112,920 posts)
4. ((peggysue))
Tue May 26, 2020, 05:56 PM
May 2020

Best wishes to your family.

When I was a little girl in the early 60s my oldest sister had a baby who required open heart surgery. He was only the 10th infant in the country to undergo the procedure at the time. Because of that they came back to hm when he was 12 and reopened his chest to do an exploratory procedure. All was well. 😌

Our thoughts will be with you.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
16. Thanks for the good wishes, the hug and . . .
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:15 PM
May 2020

the personal story. Makes a difference because ultimately it's what will get us through a bumpy ride.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
20. Hey, Cha!
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:24 PM
May 2020

Can you believe it? I'm a Nana. Didn't think I was ever going to get to say that. I was at Krogers when my son sent me a pic of him in scrubs with a text line: It's a Go!

By the time I got home, I had my first picture of Cassandra. As tiny as she is, she's sporting my husband's nose. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The nurses had her all wrapped in plastic to keep her warm. The good news is her coloring was really good, nice and pink.

Thanks for the hugs and thoughts.

RT Atlanta

(2,517 posts)
7. sending good thoughts to Cassandra and her mom
Tue May 26, 2020, 05:58 PM
May 2020

Congrats to you and hoping for the best next steps in the coming weeks for your granddaughter and her family!

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
24. Love the sound of that, sheshe!
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:32 PM
May 2020

Yes, she can do this. I've been repeating it like a mantra hoping she's inherited my stubborn gene, the one that reads:

Don't give it up, ever. LOL.

Thanks for the good thoughts, she

wendyb-NC

(3,250 posts)
9. Congratulations, peggysue2, on birth of
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:01 PM
May 2020

your sweet grand baby, Cassandra. I send, best wishes, and pray that the heart surgery goes very well, and she thrives, in every way. A tiny beam of light that will soon light up the whole house . Many, many blessings to you, Cassandra, and the whole family. We welcome the beam of light. Thank you, for posting, please update us, when you can.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
29. Thanks for that Wendyb
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:42 PM
May 2020

And yes, updates will follow. My son's emotions are running between joy and absolute terror. For my daughter-in-law, I think she's probably relieved that the babe is here so the heart problem can be addressed. It's been a very tough pregnancy. This is her third child but for my son Cassandra will be his first.

Lots of hope in one tiny, little package. Thanks for the good wishes.

yonder

(9,631 posts)
10. Congratulations Nana! Positive waves are on the way.
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:06 PM
May 2020

We're expecting to join that club as a first time Papou and YiaYia in a few months.

badseedboy

(174 posts)
11. Thank you for sharing this beautiful news.
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:06 PM
May 2020

My wife and I are enjoying a two-night visit with our grandsons, at our home, after nine weeks of separate, staying-home isolation. You are in for some awesome times.
Cassandra's name carries strength. She fought to join your family. She will fight, if need be, to stay.
I'll ask my family to include Cassandra in their prayers. She is in mine.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
34. Thanks for that, badseedboy
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:51 PM
May 2020

It was a big reason we were hoping to move closer so we could enjoy being the grandparents we'd like to be. Didn't happen last year and Covid-19 has screwed the plan for 2020. But next year? We're headed for Philly.

And yes, I like the name Cassandra. My daughter-in-law tried on several but she and my son latched onto Cassandra, Cass, Cassie as the final pick. Thanks for the prayers.

livetohike

(22,084 posts)
12. Congratulations! Holding Cassandra and family in my thoughts
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:10 PM
May 2020

for healing and strength . Edited to add that my cousin’s daughter weighed 1 lb and 1 oz when she was born in 1992. They named her Faith. She’s a healthy 27 year old today.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
35. Thanks for that, livetohike
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:56 PM
May 2020

Love the personal stories. And the good wishes, of course.

Btw, your screen name would be a favorite with my older son. Pretty much his creed to live by. He just finished the Hayduke trail in November and can't wait to get out there again.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
37. Thanks, Nola!
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:01 PM
May 2020

I've been waiting forever to claim the Nana tag. Even with the problems ahead, it feels good. And I'm overjoyed for my son and his wife. My son's two stepsons, an 8 and 13 year old, are eagerly awaiting their baby sister. They're really excited by the news.

tavernier

(12,322 posts)
19. P..S. My grandson was a 3 pounder.
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:23 PM
May 2020

He graduates Thursday from high school... all six foot two inches of him!

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
43. Thanks for that, a kennedy
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:13 PM
May 2020

Sorry to hear your own story. I wasn't so sure this would finally happen. But even with the touch and go nature of Cassandra's early birth and problematic heart, I'm grateful for the event.

Thanks for the good wishes and take care.

Demsrule86

(68,352 posts)
26. Congrats...prayers and hugs. I found out on Saturday that I will have my first Grandchild in
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:34 PM
May 2020

December.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
47. You're right, Demsrule86
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:19 PM
May 2020

And that's what we're hanging onto. The advances have been pretty spectacular with preemies.

sarge43

(28,939 posts)
28. Good thoughts and vibes for Cassandra on their way
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:42 PM
May 2020

Virtual hugs Nana and for your granddaughter and her mom and dad.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
50. Thank you, Hortensis
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:21 PM
May 2020

Good thoughts and congrats are much appreciated. I was weepy when I started this thread but my mood has definitely perked up.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
53. Thank you, lillypuddle
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:30 PM
May 2020

With all these good wishes, prayers and hugs, how can she miss? I know I'm feeling more hopeful.

ancianita

(35,816 posts)
33. All this love for your little light! I have a lot of confidence in her doing well and your family's
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:49 PM
May 2020

future happiness.

panader0

(25,816 posts)
36. My twins were premies.
Tue May 26, 2020, 06:58 PM
May 2020

Olivia was 3 and 1/2 lbs and Matthew was 4 and 1/2. They both thrived quickly. By the time
for kindergarten, they were normal in height and weight. Matthew is now 205 pounds of solid
muscle and 6'3" in Special Forces training. Olivia is a free-lance photographer in Denver.
Cassandra will thrive too. Sending vibes.....

trof

(54,255 posts)
40. Not so fast 'Nana'.
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:05 PM
May 2020

Sorry, but you don't get to pick your grandmother name.
Cassie will do that a little later.
That's how it works.

I am not Paw Paw.
I'm Baba.
Jack named me almost 18 years ago and that's that.

All the best for tiny Cassandra.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
52. LOL!!
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:28 PM
May 2020

Well in my mind I'm Nana or Nan. But you're right, the name will probably come from Miss Cassandra. My oldest cousin named my paternal grandmother Franny because he couldn't get his mouth around the 'G' in Granny. The name stuck and we all called her Franny, even though it made little sense. My maternal grandmother was always Nana.

Outta the mouths of Babes, as they say.

Thanks for the good wishes. And the laugh.

trof

(54,255 posts)
62. Miz t. is Gigi. Jack named her.
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

Jack is our grandson. He starts at William and Mary in August.

Our granddaughter Charlotte is 13 and she did not get naming rights because Jack came first.

Being a grandparent is way better than being a parent.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
61. Thanks, Olafjoy
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:39 PM
May 2020

That's exactly what I've been whispering long-distance since I received the news:

You fight like hell, child. And you never give it up.

I like stubborn.

GeoWilliam750

(2,519 posts)
58. Many congratulations
Tue May 26, 2020, 07:36 PM
May 2020

And prayers for her to grow into strong, bright, wonderful woman. We need all of those we can get!

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
74. Thanks GeoWilliam
Wed May 27, 2020, 12:57 AM
May 2020

And you're right. We can never have too many strong, bright, wonderful women. Of course, I'm a tad bias on the subject.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
75. Oh, thank you peacetrain
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:01 AM
May 2020

Cassandra has already been transferred to the pediatric surgical center in Wilmington where her surgery will be performed. But the nurses told my son she looked exceptionally good and they were actually surprised at how strong she was. Good signs!

mgardener

(1,799 posts)
66. Congratulations!
Tue May 26, 2020, 08:06 PM
May 2020

Will pray for Cassandra and whole family.
Being a grandmother is the best !
Have not seen my grandson since Christmas. I really, really miss him and the rest of my family.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
79. People have always told me that grandparent status is the best
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:06 AM
May 2020

Thanks for the good thoughts. Though my grandparent tag is pretty new, it feels pretty good at the moment.

Mr. Evil

(2,749 posts)
67. First of all, Congratulations, Peggysue!
Tue May 26, 2020, 08:07 PM
May 2020

Secondly, here's my personal story that may give you a little more confidence in the coming days. My son, Trevor was born 6-11-93, 3½ months premature. He weighed only 1 lb. - 10 ozs. Fortunately at that time my wife (at the time) and I lived in Baton Rouge, LA and he was born at Woman's Hospital which has one of the best equipped and staffed neonatal icu's in the country. Her Ob-Gyn was Dr. Kathy Guidry and she and the rest of the staff were absolutely incredible. He had his rough patches and gave us a few scares but, he came through it with flying colors. He spent about 4 months in the hospital.
Today, he's a graduate of LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and is currently employed with Kroger.

So, Peggysue, you hang in there. If they can do what they did for my son way back in 1993 I'm sure they have an even better handle on preemie care today. Those dedicated people can work wonders and are committed to going above and beyond. High hopes for Cassandra and the rest of your family!

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
80. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Mr Evil
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:19 AM
May 2020

These personal experiences do raise my confidence level. Although it can shift quickly. At the dinner table, my husband received a text. He looked up and said, "Cassandra's already gone."

My heart did a huge flip-flop. I said, "Oh my God, what happened?"

He looked stricken, then said, "No, no, it's not what you think. She's gone as in transferred to the surgical center."

We laughed but also made a pact to be more careful with our words.

Thanks for the generous thoughts and yes, I'll hang in there.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
81. Thank you for the love bomb, MLAA
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:27 AM
May 2020

Really appreciate it. When Cassandra is old enough to understand, I'll need to tell her how a whole lot of people on a forum her Nana followed sent out love and hugs and good wishes on the day she was born. And that it made her Nana laugh and cry all at the same time. Because it did.

Duers Rock.

sellitman

(11,596 posts)
71. That's so special
Tue May 26, 2020, 09:03 PM
May 2020

Hoping she is a fighter.

My 1st Grandchild was born almost 3 months ago. It's q great club to be in.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
85. I have two pics so far from the nursery
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:33 AM
May 2020

She's so tiny I've been referring to her as 'Little Bit.'

Thanks for the note, StarryNite.

niyad

(112,438 posts)
78. ((((((((((() Peggysue)))))))$$)$ . So very happy that you are sharing this previous beam of light
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:05 AM
May 2020

Last edited Wed May 27, 2020, 09:08 AM - Edit history (1)

with us. Prayers and healing light for all of you. Please keep us posted.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
86. Thanks for the hugs, niyad
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:35 AM
May 2020

And yes, I'll keep y'all posted on our adventures with Cassandra, our tiny light.

mopinko

(69,809 posts)
88. i know you deserve this blessing lady.
Wed May 27, 2020, 03:11 AM
May 2020

i hope you are ready for the duties that suck blessings bring.
suspect you are, tho, or it would not have fallen on you like this.

namaste cassandra, and nana.

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
91. Congratulations!
Wed May 27, 2020, 07:20 AM
May 2020

I have three (grandchildren) ... Leo was born 7 weeks premature this past December. He's doing great!

The very best to Cassandra and your family. The next month will be hard ... hang in there!

Fla Dem

(23,352 posts)
94. How blessed you are to have tiny Cassandra in your life. Congratulations Grandma!
Wed May 27, 2020, 09:44 AM
May 2020

May she have successful surgery and live a long, loving and beautiful life.

Mz Pip

(27,404 posts)
99. Congratulations!
Wed May 27, 2020, 12:02 PM
May 2020

Sending good thoughts to Cassandra and her family!

We had a tiny one born a few years ago. At 3 she’s just a healthy happy kid. So glad we live in the 21st century.

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
101. Just a general thank you to everyone
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:15 PM
May 2020

Astonished and grateful, I'd like to thank everyone who has responded to my 'Nana/Cassandra' post yesterday. You lifted my spirits on a happy but scary day.

And maybe the good thoughts and positive energy went right to work because this morning I was informed that the original diagnosis may have been wrong, that the interrupted aortic arch appears to be be two tiny holes in Cassandra's heart, a far more common and less dangerous heart defect. Also been told by the staff that that Cassandra is 'feisty'. Can't imagine where she gets that character trait.

Anyway, the news is looking far more positive this morning. Which is perhaps a metaphor on how quickly things can change if we put our minds and hearts into action.

So, thanks for all the good vibes. Thanks for being who you are.

Collimator

(1,639 posts)
102. Most hearty congratulations to you and your family!
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:16 PM
May 2020

I will pray that Cassandra receives excellent care and will grow and thrive. I will also pray that she gets to grow up in a just, green, sustainable world.

I will further pray that she lives in a time of peace and has every possible opportunity in her education and career choices.

Above all else, I will pray that she will have control and autonomy over her body and that she will never have to pretend to be anyone other than who she really is. (I kind of envy her her journey of self-discovery. )

May she never have to apologize for being smart and ambitious and may we have a woman president long before she is old enough to vote.

Live long and prosper, young Cassandra, whether you choose "Cassie", "Cass" or "Sandra" or "Sandy", or even "Sassy"!

And to Peggysue2, may you have a blast being a cool grandmother!

pazzyanne

(6,519 posts)
103. Prayers on their way to Cassandra and her family.
Wed May 27, 2020, 01:29 PM
May 2020

Prayers for a successful surgery and a complete recovery. Love your Cassandra and may all of you stay safe.

kag

(4,076 posts)
104. Sending strength and hope to baby Cassandra.
Wed May 27, 2020, 02:13 PM
May 2020

What a lovely ray of pure sunshine during these strange times.

GetRidOfThem

(869 posts)
107. My youger brother was a 2 lbs premie...
Wed May 27, 2020, 05:25 PM
May 2020

Close to the world record, back in 1979.

He is now the tallest kid. A bit color blind, but healthy as can be...

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