Monday, November 1, 2010

I'm starting this blog..

Though I'm not sure who will or will not ever read this blog, the other day I felt "inspired," I guess you could say, to start a blog about Lucia and our journey with her.  It has been quite a journey so far, and for those that know very little about our Lulu, she is a sweet little (seriously, she's petite for her age - she likes to watch her figure ;) ) baby girl that was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 just 24 hours after she was born back in July.  Trisomy 18 is a pretty rare genetic condition where an extra piece of genetic material is found on the 18th chromosome.  It's not hereditary, but just one of those things that happens "randomly."  I say that because I don't really believe it's coincidence, but that the Lord chose us for her.  If you read anything about it (it's also called Edward's Syndrome), it will tell you that most children with this diagnosis don't make it to birth and the ones that do, very very rarely make it past their first year.  So Lucia is a little miracle -- maybe a BIG miracle actually, since I think all children are miracles.  Though we've had a few rough patches these past several weeks, she really has been doing incredibly well through the prayers of MANY friends, family, acquaintances, even strangers.

Back to the whole idea of this blog.  It almost goes against my nature since I am a pretty private person, but I have a few good reasons as to why I should.  The first is to keep everyone informed about how we are all doing, most importantly, how Lucia is doing.  Many people from all walks of our lives, our family members everywhere (immediate and distant), our friends all over the world, past coworkers, and many others frequently ask about Lucia.  I see this blog as a good way to communicate about her, and also a fast way to send out our requests for prayer in cases of emergency.  I've also felt that people are afraid to ask about her sometimes..in their sweetness and sensitivity, they don't want to make me feel uncomfortable in talking about her (which I never do by the way, I love talking about Lulu).  But just in case you fall into this category, you can read all about her right here.

Selfishly, this blog is a way for me, her mom, to have an "outlet" --maybe to vent or even to share something joyful, as much as I would want to, to a perfect stranger (because God knows who could end up reading this).    

Lastly, deep down inside, I would hope that maybe I could say something helpful to somebody out there..so perhaps this is my way to connect with you whoever you are.  :) 

What I will try very hard to do is not sound like a great writer or make things sound poetic or pretty, because I see that as a temptation with blogs.  I was an OK english student...a really good English student when I tried REALLY hard.  I don't want to try hard, I just want to be me.

I think my next blog will be about the pregnancy and our last few months with Lucia.  Thank you for reading.

37 comments:

  1. Thank you for inviting me into your private world. It is good for you to write; it is therapy for me to do the same.

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  2. Ramia, thank you for sharing this with all of us.

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  3. Habibti Ramia! thank You for posting the beautiful picture and words. Little Lucia has already touched lives around the globe. We love you all. GOD wrap you all in HIS arms!

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  4. Thank you for sharing - Lucia and her parents are in our prayers each and every day (actually her parents have been there long before she graced us!). We love you!

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  5. Dear Ramia, by sharing, you gladden our hearts.

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  6. Lucia is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing about her here. My girls and I pray for you all every night.

    Much love from the Companik family!

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  7. Ramia, you are a doll & I pray that GOD continues to give you and Fr. Anthony the strength as you share each day with your precious sweet Lucia!! She truly is a sweet little girl that is a miracle from God! Thank you for taking the time to blog...I look forward to the future blogs to come... :)

    I love you guys!!

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  8. Ramia, What a beautiful way to share your moments with Lucia or as you call her Lulu...you are so right when you say sometimes people are afraid to ask about Lucia - truly out of care and concern. Praying for you, Fr. Anthony, and Lucia....love you lots...Anna xo

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  9. Dearest Ramia, I fall in the category of those who are afraid to ask...BUT, all I want to say is that you, Fr. Anthony and precious Lucia are and will be in my prayers! Two monasteries in Lebanon know about her and the nuns and monks have been praying for her...May God strengthen you, bless you, and be with you always...My love In Christ,

    Sandra

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  10. Dear Ramia - I am so glad you are writing your story and sharing with us. When I pray for all of you, I think what a miracle it is to have some one so tiny make such a big impact on all of our lives. She has enriched all of our lives by her very being, so I can only imagine how she has transformed your life. I pray for all of you everyday. love, in Christ, vas

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  11. "The Lord chose us for her..." how beautiful, and how true... Thanks for sharing this Rams. I second Sandra's comment. We always get your news from your mom. No matter how far, we always feel you and your family is with us.
    May God bless you, abouna, and Lucia who's been been a shining light since the day she graced our world.

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  12. Thank you so much for sharing this blog with us. You guys are in our prayers always and forever. I know that Lulu is a miracle and that she is so loved by many. You are truely blessed to have these days with her and I hope and pray you get years with this beautiful child of God. We are always here if you need anything.
    Albert, Taroub and AnaBella Delgado

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  13. GOOD IDEA!!!! :) Much love!!

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  14. God bless you all! You are always in my prayers. This is a great idea, in so many ways. I look forward to reading and following your posts. God bless baby Lucia! She is so cute :)
    Much love *hugs*
    Christine

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  15. Thanks for this blog Ramia! It is sometimes hard to know how one wants to blog but I am glad to hear what has been going on for you and your little one. Fr. M always prays for both of you at vespers and liturgy. I also seek to pray...

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  16. Thanks Ramia! God bless!

    Fr. Raphael

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  17. Lucia!!! So happy to see your sweet picture! You have already brightened my day! Tell your parents how much I love them!

    Jaleen

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  18. It made my day to ready about baby Lucia. I'm so glad you started this blog and I look forward to reading more about her.
    love you guys

    Diana Sada

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  19. I love your words! Reading about little Lucia has brightened my day!
    Hugs and Prayers,
    Jenn

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  20. Ramia thank you for sharing! I'm so excited to be able to know how you, Father, and Lulu are doing through this blog! Lucia looks so happy and sweet in the pictures I've seen, and I'm not exaggerating to say that her name is really the most beautiful name I've ever heard! Thank you for your courage to make this blog. :) Sending love and prayers,
    meredith rutledge

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  21. What a sweet little angel Ramia. Thank you for for sharing this. So much in your life has changed since I've talked to you last. I look forward to hearing more about your journey. You are in my thoughts today :)

    Andrea Bray

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  22. RAMIA! I love that you are blogging! Thanks for sharing with all of us.

    Tell Lulu Auntie Erin says hi!

    Talk to you soon. (literally, because it's Tuesday)

    SO much love!

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  23. Dear Ramia, I must echo the rest of the comments and thank you deeply for sharing your world with little Lucia with us. She is absolutely precious, and may God bless you, Fr Anthony and Lucia with beautiful memories being made each and every day.

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  24. I am so glad to hear what is up with you and sweet Lucia. I think about all three of you often.

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  26. Ramia, I was filled with joy when I saw this link on Fr. Anthony's wall! Thank you for posting that sweet blog. It really warmed my heart. You are such a loving mother, and I am so amazed with your recognition of God in all things. You have already, in your very first blog, been helpful to me. I look forward to hearing more about your precioius Lucia, who is always in our prayers. I love you, Father, and Lucia all very much!
    Love, Vanessa Kinan

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  27. Ramia, I couldn't wait to see what you would write when you were telling me about this at church! You are such a sweet and beautiful person! This blog really touched me and I am sure everyone who read this. I wish you, Father A, and Lulu the best of luck on your journey. I love you all so MUCH!

    You're always in my prayers, Rawan
    (You and Fr. A are the hippest parents ever! No emmbarassing Lulu now!Hehe. Love you guys)

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  28. Ramia and Fr. Anthony and beautiful Lulu!

    Thank you so much for sharing with all of us, and for giving us her sweet picture to know her! You have all been in my prayers and we are so happy to see and hear all about her. God bless you all- Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias

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  30. She couldn't be more blessed to have you as her Mama :) Love you, miss you and I wish i could hold your little one :)

    Love,
    Liana

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  31. I'm so glad you're doing this! I look forward to reading more about Lulu and having the chance to share your life and experience. Take care and God bless you and your family!

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  32. Thank you so much for sharing this blog with all of us and for introducing us to your sweet little angel. May God guide you and give you strength through every step of your journey !! Our prayers and thoughts are with you always. God bless your little family xox

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  33. It is so comforting to look at this little angel that we were blessed to have among us. I'm proud of you Ramia that you decided to write and share your experiences as a new mom with your special child Lulu. I encourage you to continue to blog because it must be a good outlet for you and others. Ramia, Fr anthony and little angel Lucia you are always in our hearts and prayers.

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  34. Thank you so much for sharing this journey! You have all been, and remain, in my prayers. Sending lots of love to all of you! Michelle Morrow xoxo

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  35. Ramia,
    You, Fr Anthony and Precious Baby Lucia are such important parts of our lives. Thank you so much for doing this and allowing us to be part of your lives even though we can't be with you. You are a wonderful mother...I always knew that you would be. Our thoughts, prayers, and much love are always with each of you.
    Bob, Sharon, Caroline and Maddie

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  36. Dearest Ramia. This Blog is such a great idea for us all to remain connected on so many levels ! You are always in my thoughts and i am so happy to have "virtually" met Lucia ;)

    Nisrin

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