37 Comments
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Doreen Frances's avatar

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing that your Teddy helps you when you are scared. I've had a teddy my whole- life to sleep with when I'm scared, and I'm a grown-up now!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I love hearing adults tell Sarah in these comments that they still have their special teddy bears, too, Doreen. It goes to show that we are never too old to cuddle with a stuffed bear!

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julie elder's avatar

My Teddy has gotten me through a lot of tough times!

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Heather Hay Charron 🇨🇦's avatar

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing what helps you when you are scared about a surgery. My granddaughter, Áine, who is about a year older than you, has had many surgeries since she was born, just like you have. We talk about surgery and compare how we feel before it happens, and what helps us feel better. I have had a few surgeries, as well, and we are the only ones in our family who have this experience.

We help each other by saying what we like about our surgeries. She likes getting banana popsicles from the nurse! I like getting apple juice and cookies and a warm blanket! Áine is my mini-me and we look alike, too. It’s nice to have someone who understands these things, isn’t it.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you for sharing all of this, Heather. I loved hearing about Aine. Banana Popsicles sound delicious!

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James D. Caldeira's avatar

Sarah you are absolutely an amazing inspiration for all things people. By wanting to share you know how much you are helping others understand your journey and how you help them through their own struggles and challenges.

Thank you for helping me as well Sarah I hope you have a wonderful day.

Your friend,

James

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I’m so glad to hear this, James. Sarah mentioned to me yesterday that she is so grateful for her Substack friends. She doesn’t realize what an impact SHE has on all of you, but she is leaning on the love she receives when she feels down about herself. I am thinking of how to share more about that or see if she wants to share more about it herself.

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James D. Caldeira's avatar

I think that’s great how Sarah is opening up and you’re right it does have a impact on those of us who follow and I am glad I have become part of the community and family of friends.. she really grows on you and that’s fine with me. I have found a place to hang my hat so to speak. We all learn and grow together. 🙏💛🩵🧡🌞

James

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

“We all learn and grow together.” Amen to that, James. That’s why I’m here.

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Julie's avatar

Beautiful. Can relate with our journey with our baby. It’s fun to see yall !

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Julie. Glad you found us and that you felt connected in your own journey with what we shared here!

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Amy Brown's avatar

I was so moved by this Jeannie. Sarah is so honest and clear about what she is experiencing and what she wants others to know about her, and your guidance as her mom…it is such a beautiful thing to behold.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Well thank you so much, Amy! Thanks for being here with us.

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Imola's avatar

Wow. What an inspiration. I think I need my own Teddy. 💕

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Imola. ❤️

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Alicia's avatar

Sarah, you are strong and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks so much, Alicia! We are happy to have you here with us.

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julie elder's avatar

Thank you Sarah for sharing with us! And yes, I understand you very well. I was in the hospital several times the year I was 10, and that was scary and lonely. I really could have used a friend like you to help me know how to be brave. ❤️

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Oh, wow, Julie, thanks for sharing that. It sounds really tough, especially when you are alone. Glad you are here with us!

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julie elder's avatar

No surgeries were involved, thankfully, just lots of testing. My thyroid quit somewhere between ages 2 and 5. Fortunately the teaching hospital here in Portland Oregon was doing research on the endocrine system. But at 10 and with nobody helping me cope, it was tough emotionally. I’m so glad Sarah has you!!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

That is scary, Julie. I think about that a lot—kids who are in hospitals alone. That’s absolutely terrifying. I’m glad you have learned to cope and that you are here celebrating others, like Sarah. Thank you so much.

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julie elder's avatar

You two always brighten my day.

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Beth L. Gainer's avatar

Sarah, I so appreciate your honesty and your being so brave. It is not easy to have surgery and going to doctors, and we must do what we can to help us feel brave. Having your Teddy is a good way to help you feel better.

Even though I'm a grown-up, my stuffed animals help comfort me, too.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you, Beth. I have heard quite a few adults say their teddies comfort them still!

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Dawn Lauren Anderson's avatar

We all get scared sometimes, Sarah. Thank you for helping me stay brave.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Glad this spoke to you, Dawn!

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Nancy A's avatar

Thank you, Sarah, for telling us about how your teddy helps you! It reminds us that we can be brave too. ❤

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks, Nancy!

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Suzanne Peters-Float's avatar

Glad to help you. Xxx

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Erin's avatar

Sarah is so brave! I loved watching this!

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thanks Erin!

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Dan Blank's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this Jeannie.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

I appreciate you being here, Dan. Thanks!

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Mary Donatelli's avatar

This is so sweet! Hi Sarah! Great job :)

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Awww thank you, Mary. How's B doing?

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Suzanne Peters-Float's avatar

Just become a paid subscriber to say thanks for these bright rays of sunshine.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Wow thank you, Suzanne! I saw your testimonial and plan to share it later today. This means a lot.

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