63 Comments
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Mansi's avatar

Jeannie and Sarah: thank you for these incredible insights into Sarah’s hand surgeries and how involved the after-care was — not just the physical changing of the gauze and keeping her fingers separated but the emotional toll it must take. I appreciate that Sarah has Ms. Heather and you to help provide the assertive and confident language she needs to navigate mean comments. Life shouldn’t have to be this unfair or hard … but it is. Thank you for sharing your experiences, so it reminds us that kindness, empathy and grace matter. Thank you for helping us all be better humans. ❤️

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I always value your thoughtful comments, Mansi. It is so good to be here with you and to participate in your own journey, as well--I learn so much from you! Thank you for supporting us.

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Michele's avatar

Sarah, you are the most amazing and beautiful young girl. You inspire me to be strong and brave. Thank you to you both for sharing your wisdom and journey. ❤️

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you, friend! We are so glad these videos are not only connecting my readers and friends with what I share here on Substack, but they are also helping Sarah grow in confidence.

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CathyAnn's avatar

Thank you Sarah and Jeannie! Your strength and bravery have helped me so much today! I so appreciate being able to watch your videos. 🙏🏼💕🌞

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, CathyAnn. I always smile when I see your name pop up. You are one of our biggest cheerleaders. We appreciate you!

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Suzanne Peters-Float's avatar

Just watched this with my husband, we both think she's a very brave, strong young lady. Go Sarah!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Suzanne! We appreciate you.

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Eddie Burns's avatar

Jeannie, thank you for sharing your Sarah with us. She's adorable! I had never heard of a diagnosis like hers before. You're a great mother, I can't imagine the energy required to care for her, much less all of the emotional support she needs. She is lucky to have you as her mother!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I appreciate this so much, Eddie. It's good that others like you are able to learn more about this rare diagnosis and how it might affect the people who are born with it. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and your donation today!

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Sarah (and Jeannie), thank you for sharing so much about your hands and how a surgeon helped you. Your handwriting is so beautiful. It can't have been easy to go through all the surgeries, aftercare and OT that was required. Your kindness and bravery is so inspiring.💙💛💙

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Isn't it a marvel how well Sarah can write and draw, Nancy? Considering her fine motor limitations! That's partially why I included it, because she has worked so hard to be able to use her hands like we do.

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

She has overcome so much! I can only begin to imagine just how significant and rewarding this is for you, based on how hard Sheila worked to learn to talk. Children that overcome extraordinary challenges amaze me. They are such a gift to us as parents and to their world around them.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

You’re right—looking back, Nancy, I see how rewarding all that hard work is. It’s true what you say, that these kids are such a gift beyond their families. I am sure Sheila and her legacy is still such an incredible light in this world.

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Liz Flaherty's avatar

Hi, Miss Sarah. Thanks for sharing!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks for being here, Liz!

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ugochukwu Harbor's avatar

Sarah, you are a brave young lady..you inspire me to value life

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Wonderful! If only we would all value life!

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Ryan Delaney's avatar

After reading your stories about Sarah, seeing her face and hands and hearing her voice, I felt heartened. At the end, I teared up when she shared her wish for everyone. Sarah is brave and strong, and I'm delighted to hear she's becoming more confident through the videos.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Ryan, I truly value your sensitive heart. It is wonderful and refreshing to see that in men especially. Thank you for sharing how Sarah's story touches your heart. Glad to have met you here on Substack!

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RNJohn575's avatar

You are brave and beautiful

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Gary's avatar

Sarah…God was there too..right beside you holding your hands!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Gary.

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Gary's avatar

Jeannie, my pleasure…God bless you and Sarah! You both are in my prayers 🙏🏼

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Gary!

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Aramis Michael's avatar

“You are SUPER BRAVE Sarah!!

WAY TO GO!! 🥳

I have had surgeries on my hands too. ✋️🤚 Ouch!

I am PROUD OF YOU!! 🤩

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Oh wow, then you know what it’s like, Aramis, to go through that type of surgery. Thanks for sharing that with us today.

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Aramis Michael's avatar

"Bilateral Carpal Tunnel for 12 years until Surgeries" 🙏

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

WOW that’s a lot to go through, Aramis.

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Dana West's avatar

Thank you for sharing this story with us. You are very brave, Sarah!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I’m glad you’re here with us, Dana.

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Shifra Clara Wasserstein's avatar

I love the way she listens to you when you describe the thimble and gauze process.

It’s so sad that someone would hurt her with mean words about her hand being different

You are incredibly brave and Sarah is blessed to have a wonderful mother like you 💝

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you kindly for stopping by this post, Shifra. Your presence here means so much to me.

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Pam Reese's avatar

Thanks, Sarah. I needed those kind words today.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

So glad this reached your heart today, Pam.

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Niall McGivern's avatar

So real and natural. Love this conversation, Jeannie.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Niall. I appreciate you saying that.

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