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Post by debs4 on Aug 15, 2007 20:33:01 GMT
Gemma Patricia Steele came into the world on 4th December 2005. She wasnt planned as we already have 3 other children Rebecca (12), Robbie (9) and Katie (7). It was a huge shock finding out she had DS, and for a while we were devastated. We took her home after 3 days and realized we loved her very much, so we were once more devastated when we found out she would need open heart surgery. Her op took place on 6th March 2006 she was 3 months old and weighed just over 7lb. Its the hardest thing when you hand your baby over to the anesthetists. The op went well but 3 days later she had to have more heart surgery for a severely leaking valve. We nearly lost her this time. I wont go into anymore detail because Gemma has her own website which is http//:wwwfreewebs.com/gemmasteele/ Alot has happened over the last 18 months, there have been highs and lows, the highs far outweigh the lows. One thing is for sure Gemma is loved by all who have the luck to meet her She is adored by her 2 sisters and brother and I couldn't imagine our lives without her. She was definitely heaven sent. When I can figure it out I will put some photos on here so you can see how gorgeous she is. Just like all the other little ones on this site.
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Post by Rilith on Aug 17, 2007 17:01:23 GMT
Awwwwwww Your story tugs at my heart strings hun. You can read mine and Hollys story in Riliths therapy . We had a hard time with surgery too and nothing can ever prepare you for it. Can't wait to see piccies. You can find out how to do it by going to the "Let us know" section, there is a thread there for Technical help
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Post by lizzymd² on Aug 17, 2007 20:13:21 GMT
Awwww, Thanks for sharing, sounds like you have a special girl/fighter there. Checked out the webpage its www.freewebs.com/gemmasteele/ Some great pics on it
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Post by debs4 on Aug 17, 2007 20:14:14 GMT
I just read your story. It made me cry. What a little fighter Holly is, some bits I could relate to so much. She is absolutely gorgeous and you should be so proud of her. Its very tough on the other kids aswell. We found it really hard being in Southampton for 3 week being away from them was awful. But they were brilliant and understood exactly what was going on. But it didnt stop me missing them like crazy and feeling guilty for not being with them. I wished I could have split myself in half. We are very lucky, and hopefully Gemma wont need any more ops (they cant say 100% she wont). We have to go for regular check ups down at Southampton. This site is wonderful and its so nice to see such gorgeous scrummy children on it.
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Post by Rilith on Aug 17, 2007 20:39:01 GMT
AWWWWW I just looked at your site. Gemma is gorgeous and what a wonderful smile she has She is an amazing little star isn't she? I know the tearing yourself into as many pieces as possible. Its so hard to know what to do for the best. Its also nice having someone who you can relate to when you read their story, (in the nicest possible way I mean... LOL) We still have a few more to go yet, surgery wise. Next one will be now when new baby is born. Was supposed to have been a week ago but got cancelled... You know that feeling ... But maybe it will be for the best to wait anyway. Holly is doing so well at the moment. they wouldn't let her wait if she couldn't cope with it. This site is a God Send !! Its been a little haven for so many of us, and we are all so proud of it too
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Post by mum2rachel on Aug 17, 2007 21:24:27 GMT
I am in awe of you all, children & parents fo DS children who have to have the heart surgery. Your stories are so inspiring and i know how lucky we are that racehl is so well. Thank you for sharing.
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Post by lisajg on Aug 18, 2007 13:06:50 GMT
Hi Debbie
Just looked at Gemma's webpage, what a brave little girl, thanks for sharing. Had a few tears seeing the photos of her in hospital, reminds me of when my Harry was younger. You have a beautiful family, look forward to getting to know you all.
Take care, Lisa & Harrison xx
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Post by Jojo on Aug 18, 2007 14:07:55 GMT
Thanks for sharing, she is absolutly gorgeous btw!
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Post by Vicki on Aug 18, 2007 16:18:34 GMT
What a great thing to do! Thanks for sharing.
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Post by sarahncharlimai on Aug 18, 2007 21:01:12 GMT
Just looked at your website, what a brave little girl Gemma is and how beautiful she is too. Thanks for sharing that with us, my little girl Charli is having surgery sometime next year so its nice to get a insite into what its like if you know what i mean? x
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Post by debs4 on Aug 18, 2007 22:34:17 GMT
Thanks for all your lovely comments about my little angel. Although she is more like a demon child at the moment as she is still up!! Lol xx
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pëngui
Junior Member
Posts: 110
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Post by pëngui on Aug 18, 2007 23:08:31 GMT
Just had a look at Gemma's web page, it is really good. You and your family are obviously really strong and I am sure things can only get better, Loved all the photo's all your children are lovely. gx
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