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

[peggysue2]

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.

[Zoonart]

1. Congrats NANA Peggysue.

Best job you'll ever have. Prayers for little Cassandra.

[peggysue2]

2. Thank you, thank you, Zoonart

Makes me want to cry. In fact, I am crying just typing this.

[blogslut]

3. Preemie care today is better than ever.

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

[peggysue2]

14. I agree, blogslut

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]

4. ((peggysue))

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]

16. Thanks for the good wishes, the hug and . . .

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

[stillcool]

5. Wow. Hello Cassandra's Nana

I will surely have your tiny light Cassandra in my prayers.

[peggysue2]

17. Much appreciated, stillcool.

Every prayer and good blessing helps.

[Cha]

6. Healing Thoughts for tiny light Cassandra, Peggysue!

[peggysue2]

20. Hey, Cha!

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.

[Cha]

23. Congratulations, Nana Peggysue!

What an incredibly wonderful journey you all are going on!

[RT Atlanta]

7. sending good thoughts to Cassandra and her mom

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

[peggysue2]

22. Most appreciated, RT Atlanta

[sheshe2]

8. Hey Nana.

Healing vibes to baby Cassandra, she will do this.

Congratulations, peggysue.

[peggysue2]

24. Love the sound of that, sheshe!

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]

9. Congratulations, peggysue2, on birth of

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]

29. Thanks for that Wendyb

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]

10. Congratulations Nana! Positive waves are on the way.

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

[peggysue2]

30. Thanks yonder!

And congrats to your family, too. Positive vibes much appreciated.

[badseedboy]

11. Thank you for sharing this beautiful news.

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]

34. Thanks for that, badseedboy

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]

12. Congratulations! Holding Cassandra and family in my thoughts

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]

35. Thanks for that, livetohike

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.

[nolabear]

13. How lovely. Welcome to the world, little girl.

And welcome to Nanahood. ❤️

[peggysue2]

37. Thanks, Nola!

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.

[malaise]

15. Sending vibes for Cassandra

Congrats

[peggysue2]

38. Thank you, malaise

I'm catching those vibes now.

[tavernier]

18. Congratulations!!

A prayer, a kiss and a hug!

[peggysue2]

39. Thank you, thank you

That triple decker is all most of us need. Much appreciated.

[tavernier]

19. P..S. My grandson was a 3 pounder.

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

[peggysue2]

41. Wow!

Six foot two. That's a growth spurt for you!

Nice to hear.

[a kennedy]

21. Oh my......congratulations on being a Nana

I will never be so lucky.

[peggysue2]

43. Thanks for that, a kennedy

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.

[LakeArenal]

25. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[peggysue2]

44. Much appreciated, LakeArenal

[Demsrule86]

26. Congrats...prayers and hugs. I found out on Saturday that I will have my first Grandchild in

December.

[peggysue2]

46. Congrats right back at you then!

A Christmas Babe, too. Best to you and the family.

[Demsrule86]

27. Also, now they can do so much...my nephews (twins) were two lbs

and both survived and are fine.

[peggysue2]

47. You're right, Demsrule86

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

[Demsrule86]

70. One of my friends has a new born preemie...now up to four pounds. hugs and prayers again...

[sarge43]

28. Good thoughts and vibes for Cassandra on their way

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

[peggysue2]

49. Thanks, sarge

That's all we need!

[Hortensis]

31. Oh, absolutely she has every good thought I can send.

Congratulations, Nana!

[peggysue2]

50. Thank you, Hortensis

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

[lillypaddle]

32. Welcome to the world, Cassandra

all best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery.

[peggysue2]

53. Thank you, lillypuddle

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

[ancianita]

33. All this love for your little light! I have a lot of confidence in her doing well and your family's

future happiness.

[peggysue2]

54. What a nice comment, ancianita

Thank you for that. And back!

[panader0]

36. My twins were premies.

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.....

[peggysue2]

55. Thanks for the good vibes, panander

And that's certainly what we're looking for: to thrive.

[trof]

40. Not so fast 'Nana'.

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]

52. LOL!!

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]

62. Miz t. is Gigi. Jack named her.

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.

[tazkcmo]

42. Congratulations Grandma! nt

[peggysue2]

56. Thank you

What a nice ring that title has!

[tazkcmo]

60. Thought you might like it.

Here's to many more!

[Bettie]

45. Hoping for a good outcome

and congratulations to your family.

[peggysue2]

57. Thanks, Bettie

We're hoping what you're hoping: good outcome and ultimately a healthy baby girl.

[Olafjoy]

48. God bless you baby Cassandra.

You fight like hell, little one ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[peggysue2]

61. Thanks, Olafjoy

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.

[iluvtennis]

51. Congratualtions. sent up a prayer for baby Cassandra. nt

[peggysue2]

63. And I thank you for that, iluvtennis

[GeoWilliam750]

58. Many congratulations

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

[peggysue2]

74. Thanks GeoWilliam

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

[Peacetrain]

59. Congratulations!!!!

How wonderful and she is in our prayers..

[peggysue2]

75. Oh, thank you peacetrain

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!

[Peacetrain]

92. You just made my day!!!

In this time of darkness, you little granddaughter is a beam of light

[Evolve Dammit]

64. Best of luck Gram. Hope she will be OK. Will be thinking of you.

[peggysue2]

76. Thanks, Evolve

Appreciate it!

[Evolve Dammit]

93. Keep us posted

[rocktivity]

65. PREEMIE POWER!!!

rocktivity

[peggysue2]

77. That's a great little vid

Preemie power, indeed! Thanks for putting it up.

[mgardener]

66. Congratulations!

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]

79. People have always told me that grandparent status is the best

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

[Mr. Evil]

67. First of all, Congratulations, Peggysue!

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]

80. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Mr Evil

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.

[Mr. Evil]

97. Ha ha ha!

Okay, your husband's officially in the 'proper word choosing' doghouse!

[MLAA]

68. Sending love 💕💕💕💕💕💖💖💖💖 to Cassandra and her family

[peggysue2]

81. Thank you for the love bomb, MLAA

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.

[C Moon]

69. Congratulations!!!

[peggysue2]

82. Thank you, C Moon

[sellitman]

71. That's so special

Hoping she is a fighter.

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

[peggysue2]

83. And I am most happy and grateful to be a member, sellitman

Congrats back at you, too.

[Maraya1969]

72. Wonderful! God bless you little Cassandra. May you grow healthy and happy and have

a wonderful life.

[peggysue2]

84. Thank you for that kind and generous thought, Maraya

[StarryNite]

73. Welcome to the world little one. :)

Congratulations peggysue2.

[peggysue2]

85. I have two pics so far from the nursery

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

Thanks for the note, StarryNite.

[niyad]

78. ((((((((((() Peggysue)))))))$$)$ . So very happy that you are sharing this previous beam of light

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

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

[peggysue2]

86. Thanks for the hugs, niyad

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

[Hekate]

87. Congratulations, Nana. All the best to her and all of your family.

[mopinko]

88. i know you deserve this blessing lady.

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.

[mahina]

89. I will!

[Crunchy Frog]

90. Congratulations, and I hope she has as smooth a course as possible.👶

[jimlup]

91. Congratulations!

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]

94. How blessed you are to have tiny Cassandra in your life. Congratulations Grandma!

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

[AllaN01Bear]

95. sez aww.

welcome cassandra. congrats peggysue2.

[spanone]

96. K&R

[Heartstrings]

98. Welcome to the world, Cassandra!

Healing vibes sent your way wee one!

[Mz Pip]

99. Congratulations!

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.

[pandr32]

100. Congratulations Grandma!

[peggysue2]

101. Just a general thank you to everyone

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]

102. Most hearty congratulations to you and your family!

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]

103. Prayers on their way to Cassandra and her family.

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

[kag]

104. Sending strength and hope to baby Cassandra.

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

[DesertRat]

105. I'll be praying for Cassandra!

Congratulations, Nana! My first grandchild is due in 9 weeks.

[bottomofthehill]

106. Amazing, so happy for you!

Congratulations NANA PEGGYSUE2!

[GetRidOfThem]

107. My youger brother was a 2 lbs premie...

Close to the world record, back in 1979.

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