Difficult news to share

[crayonblue]

Hi everyone. I've been missing for awhile now and wanted to tell you guys what is going on and ask each of you who pray to pray for us.

We found out today that Carmen has Tay Sachs disease. We found out 3 months ago that Carmen has a degenerative neurological disease but it took awhile to get an official diagnosis as she has an exceedingly rare form called the AB varient.

This is hard news but this is not a surprise as Carmen is now displaying each of the symptoms associated with Tay Sachs. Carmen is now 15 months old and has been home for 10 months! We have just a little bit of time with our Guatemalan princess, maybe 2-3 years as Tay Sachs progresses rapidly and relentlessly. We love this little girl and feel that she is a blessing in our lives. I think I am changing daily by being Carmen's mom. Suddenly the things that used to upset me and stress me out just aren't important anymore.

Some of you already know about Carmen's illness and I thank you so much for your support. I couldn't get thru this alone and I thank you.

One thing I want to add is this. I absolutely hope that we do not scare people away from adopting. This is so rare and so unlikely and should not be a reason to not adopt. We believe in adoption and hope that someday we can bring another little one into our family and have a brother or sister for Lauren.

Carmen has a very hard road ahead of her and I ask for prayer.

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[TaChapm]

I am so sorry! You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Tara
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[happy2bamom]

{{{HUGS}}}
I'm really so sorry to hear your news. I am praying for you all now. It sounds like you are already doing this, but remember to soak in every minute with your little angel.

[o_mom]

I'm so sorry. I hope that you can enjoy your time with Carmen as much as possible. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

[Fairy]

Lana, I don't have the words to express my deep sadness for Carmen and your family. Carmen is so beautiful, and looking at her picutre, it's obvious just how happy and loved she is. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. I know I speak for everyone when I say you have endless support here in this community. Thank you for telling us, and I'm sending you positive energy, strength, and caring.

-- Hilary

[chlobo]

Keeping you and your family in our prayers.

[sidmand]

Lana,

I am so sorry to hear your news. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Debbie
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[Alys the Cat]

Wishing you continued strength and grace as you face the challenges ahead. Hugs and prayers to your beautiful little girl...

[CiderLogan]

I am so sorry. I hope you find the support you need during this difficult time.

-J (Mama to two amazing girls, ages 1 and 4)

[JustMe]

From the mom of one Guatemalan blessing to another, I am so sorry to hear this news.

Robyn

[lisams]

Lana, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Carmen is a beautiful child - her whole face lights up with that smile.

I can only imagine how heart breaking this is for you. Please know we are here for you, whatever it is you need. And please keep us updated on your sweet baby when you get a chance.

[Ceepa]

Lana,

I'm so sorry. I know you will continue to give Carmen the best, happiest life she could have even in the face of tragic events.

You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

-Ceepa

[JTsMom]

I'm so sorry. Carmen is such a beautiful little girl. Your family is in my thoughts.

[buddyleebaby]

Lana,
She is beautiful and I have to believe that she was sent to you because you are capable of loving her and giving her the happiest life possible. You were meant to be her mommy and she your daughter.

I wish you and Carmen love and peace for the road ahead.

[nfowife]

I'm so sorry to hear your news. You and your family will be in my thoughts, your daughter is just beautiful and looks full of joy!

[Hallie_D]

Lana, I am so, so sorry to hear this. You and your family, especially beautiful Carmen, will be in my family's thoughts and prayers.

[mamicka]

Lana, my friend, [[[HUGS]]].

Carmen is so beautiful. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Please email me if there's anything I can do.

Much love, Lana.

Allison
DS1 2003
DS2 2005
DS3 2007

[Tondi G]

Oh Lana, I'm so sorry. I hope that you can enjoy your time with Carmen. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

~Tondi
Mommy to Mason 7/8/01 and Aidan 5/4/05

[Marisa6826]

Lana-

I am so sorry to hear of Carmen's diagnosis. Please let me know if there is anything I can do from here. You know that should your journey ever bring you to NY/NJ, I am just a phone call away.

Hugs and prayers to you and your entire family.

-m

[g-mama]

Lana, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you know that Carmen was placed with you because God knew you were the perfect person to love her and give her all that she needs in her far-too-short time on this earth. I am so sorry you are going through this pain.


~Kristen

Paolo 11-00
Benjamin 8-03
Marco 12-05

[kristenk]

Oh, Lana, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Your family is in my prayers.

[MelissaTC]

You are continually in my thoughts and prayers, Lana.

[Moneypenny]

I'm so sorry to hear this! Prayers going out to your little girl and your whole family. I think she's blessed to have such a loving and caring family.

Susan
mama to my 3-year old cutie pie

[mommy_someday]

I'm so sorry, Lana. I will keep Carmen and the rest of your family in my thoughts. I'm so sorry.

[trentsmom]

((((Hugs))))
I'm so sorry. And I'll pray for you and your family and for wisdom for the doctors.

[val01]

Lana - I am sorry your family is going through this. Please call me if you need anything.

Valerie

[ErinMC]

Oh Lana, I'm so sorry to hear your news. How lucky for Carmen that she has such a wonderful and loving family to share the rest of her too-short life with.

Erin

Mom to Chase 2/2004 and Logan 5/2006

[Puddy73]

I'm so sorry! I'll keep your family and especially beautiful Carmen in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer
Mommy to Annabelle 9/08/03 & Finn 10/31/05

"If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane." - Jimmy Buffett

[npace19147]

hugs to you and your family, what a hard thing to deal with. what an adorable picture!

[Hippoharbor]

Lana,

I am praying for Carmen and the rest of your family. She is so darn cute! What a beautiful smile.

Your message is a good reminder to me that I need to not mind (so much) life's little upsets and stressors and truly enjoy our kids.

My mommy heart aches for you,

Michelle

[thomma]

I'm piggybacking on Alicia's response because she put voice to my thoughts.

Carmen is a beautiful baby and your family will be in my daily prayers.

Kim
ds&dd 5/03

[megs4413]

thinking of you all...

[jbowman]

Big hugs, Lana. I will keep Carmen and your family in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do from "back home." ;)

[mudder17]

Lana, I'm so sorry to hear such sad news. Carmen is a beautiful little girl and it's so obvious she's a happy and much-loved little girl. My prayers will be with all of you as you face the hard road ahead of you.

Hugs and love!

Eileen

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[wendmatt]

Oh no, that is so tragic. I'm so sorry for your poor little girl, she is just gorgeous. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Jenn98]

Carmen looks like the happiest baby in the world! She is adorable. (((hugs))) to you and your entire family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[marit]

I am so sorry for this horrible news. I know what Tay Sachs is. I will pray for you and your entire family. Hugs and kisses and love and strength to you.

[buddyleebaby]

Lana,

We are sending hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Kiss sweet baby Carmen for us.

[2girlsandalab]

I'm very sorry. Carmen will always be your daughter, and you are all in my prayers.

[egoldber]

Lana, I am so so sorry. What terrible news.

I wish you joy in every day you have with Carmen. How lucky she is to have you as her forever family.

[Corie]

Lana,

I am so sorry to hear about Carmen. I will keep your family in my thoughts.

[jillmk]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear your news! Carmen is beautiful and I'm thinking of her....

[Sillygirl]

I am so sorry.

[caleymama]

Thinking of all of your beautiful family, Lana. What a tremendous journey you've been on to make Carmen a part of your family and how blessed she is to be yours. I wish you much serenity as you treasure your time with her.

[trumansmom]

I'm so sorry. She is truly a beautiful child. Your family will be in my prayers. I wish we could do more.

(((Hugs)))

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[niccig]

I am so sorry this is happening. She is such a gorgeous child, you can tell from her smile that she is full of energy and life. I know you'll enjoy every moment with her. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[kcimato]

As a grandmom to one little Guatemalan I know just how precious she is to you. I will keep Carmen and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[tylersmama]

Lana,

I'm so so so sorry that you and your family are going through this. It has to be incredibly difficult knowing that your time is limited, but I hope that you are able to enjoy every second you have with your beautiful little girl.

Sending (((hugs))) and prayers your way!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Lana, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Beth

[ellies mom]

I am so sorry. Hugs to you and your family especially beautiful Carmen.

[mommy111]

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you as you face the hard road ahead.

[tarynsmum]

I'm so sorry to hear about Carmen's illness.

She's such a beautiful girl! We'll keep you in our prayers.

[MarisaSF]

My heart goes out to your, Lana. Carmen is a beautiful girl who has touched the hearts of BBBers and will not be forgotten. Many hugs as you continue to love your girls.

[JoyNChrist]

I am so, so sorry to hear this Lana.

Carmen is beautiful and she looks so happy. She's incredibly blessed to have you to love and care for her. And I know you're blessed daily by her presence.

I will continue to pray for joy-filled days and strength and peace during this difficult time. If you ever need anything, we're here for you.

[JoyNChrist]

I am so, so sorry to hear this Lana.

Carmen is beautiful and she looks so happy. She's incredibly blessed to have you to love and care for her. And I know you're blessed daily by her presence.

I will continue to pray for joy-filled days and strength and peace during this difficult time. If you ever need anything, we're here for you.

[bubbaray]

She's a cutie pie! Many prayers are with you.


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[bubbaray]

She's a cutie pie! Many prayers are with you.


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[Rachels]

Lana, I have chills looking at your beautiful daughter's picture. I can't even imagine hearing what you've just heard. How lucky Carmen is to have her life land with someone who can make her smile in that way, who will love and comfort her until the time of her soul's release. You'll be in my prayers as you face this unimaginably difficult journey.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg

"When you know better, you do better." - Maya

[Rachels]

Lana, I have chills looking at your beautiful daughter's picture. I can't even imagine hearing what you've just heard. How lucky Carmen is to have her life land with someone who can make her smile in that way, who will love and comfort her until the time of her soul's release. You'll be in my prayers as you face this unimaginably difficult journey.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg

"When you know better, you do better." - Maya

[scoop22]

prayers are here for you and your family!

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[scoop22]

prayers are here for you and your family!

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[Mamma2004]

Lana, my heart is breaking as I read your message and gaze at this photo of such a vibrant, beautiful and HAPPY little girl. I am so sorry to learn of this tragic diagnosis.

God meant for you and Carmen to be together, to bless one another in countless ways. I pray that he will grant you all strength, courage and love as you face this dark path. May you enjoy every precious moment with your gorgeous baby girl.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

Stephanie

[Mamma2004]

Lana, my heart is breaking as I read your message and gaze at this photo of such a vibrant, beautiful and HAPPY little girl. I am so sorry to learn of this tragic diagnosis.

God meant for you and Carmen to be together, to bless one another in countless ways. I pray that he will grant you all strength, courage and love as you face this dark path. May you enjoy every precious moment with your gorgeous baby girl.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

Stephanie

[elizabethkott]

Thinking of you and your beautiful daughter.

[elizabethkott]

Thinking of you and your beautiful daughter.

[pb&j]

I'm so sorry for you and your family. She's beautiful, and I hope her presence in your life is always joyful.



-Ry,
mom to Max, age 1.5
and my girl in heaven

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[pb&j]

I'm so sorry for you and your family. She's beautiful, and I hope her presence in your life is always joyful.



-Ry,
mom to Max, age 1.5
and my girl in heaven

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[anamika]

I am so sorry to hear the news and I am sending your family all our good thoughts.
She looks beautiful.

[anamika]

I am so sorry to hear the news and I am sending your family all our good thoughts.
She looks beautiful.

[elephantmeg]

hugs to all of you! One of our all time favorite peds patients had Tay Sachs disease and lived to be 7! She is adorable, it is so sad!

[elephantmeg]

hugs to all of you! One of our all time favorite peds patients had Tay Sachs disease and lived to be 7! She is adorable, it is so sad!

[Bethann31]

Lana,

I'm so very sorry. My heart is breaking for you and your family. It is definitely such a blessing that you were able to find your Guatemalan Princess and get her home, so that you can help each other through the next few years. Many of us have followed your journey and we will continue to follow your journey. Know that none of us is more than a phone call away if you ever need to just talk.

Beth

[Bethann31]

Lana,

I'm so very sorry. My heart is breaking for you and your family. It is definitely such a blessing that you were able to find your Guatemalan Princess and get her home, so that you can help each other through the next few years. Many of us have followed your journey and we will continue to follow your journey. Know that none of us is more than a phone call away if you ever need to just talk.

Beth

[wencit]

I'm so sorry. Sending you and your family lots of prayers.

[wencit]

I'm so sorry. Sending you and your family lots of prayers.

[jk3]

I'm so sorry. Thinking of your family.
Jenn
DS 6/03
DS 5/07

[jk3]

I'm so sorry. Thinking of your family.
Jenn
DS 6/03
DS 5/07

[casey0729]

She is a beautiful little girl. I am so sorry your family is going through this.

*HUGS*

KC

DS 5/11/05
DD 7/14/07

[casey0729]

She is a beautiful little girl. I am so sorry your family is going through this.

*HUGS*

KC

DS 5/11/05
DD 7/14/07

[kaylinsmommy2]

I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Carmen has the most beautiful smile - she looks so very happy. You must be a wonderful mom.

Caroline
mommy to Kaylin 6/5/04 and Carter 3/8/07

[kaylinsmommy2]

I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Carmen has the most beautiful smile - she looks so very happy. You must be a wonderful mom.

Caroline
mommy to Kaylin 6/5/04 and Carter 3/8/07

[TahliasMom]

prayers and hugs...

[TahliasMom]

prayers and hugs...

[Melanie]

Lana, I'm so sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your family as you continue down this road.

[Melanie]

Lana, I'm so sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your family as you continue down this road.

[janeybwild]

What a beautiful daughter you have. I am so sorry that you are all facing this road. My thoughts are with you.

[janeybwild]

What a beautiful daughter you have. I am so sorry that you are all facing this road. My thoughts are with you.

[juliasmom05]

Lana, you and Carmen continue to be in my thoughts.

Marci

[juliasmom05]

Lana, you and Carmen continue to be in my thoughts.

Marci

[momathome]

Hugs, thoughts, and prayers for your little angel, Lana.

[momathome]

Hugs, thoughts, and prayers for your little angel, Lana.

[gatorsmom]

Your daughter is just beautiful. What a happy little girl! I'm so sorry you are going through this. We are saying prayers for your family.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

Your daughter is just beautiful. What a happy little girl! I'm so sorry you are going through this. We are saying prayers for your family.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[candybomiller]

Sending you love, hugs, and prayers.

[DrSally]

She's so adorable! I'm so sorry you're going through this. She is very lucky to have you guiding and loving her through this, as you are lucky to have her and the richness she has brought to your life. I agree that this has nothing to do with adoption and shouldn't scare people off adoption.

[noahsmommy]

I've been on and off this site over the years, but I had to tell you what you already know: how beautiful you daughter is, and I will keep you all in my prayers for endless joy with her as you go through this path in her life. It is wonderful that she will be able to spend her time here with such loving parents and family.

Ann

http://b4.lilypie.com/452Zm4/.png (http://lilypie.com)

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[KBecks]

She is a beautiful girl. Many blessings on the time you have to share together.

[deborah_r]

Lana, thinking of you and your sweet baby.

[muskiesusan]

I am so sorry. I will be keeping your family in my thoughts.

Susan
Mom to Nick 10/01
& Alex 04/04

[SASM]

Lana,

I am so sorry. Carmen is so beautiful ~ her smile just melts my heart. Enjoy every moment with your precious little angel. PLEASE know that you, Carmen, and your family will be in my prayers. I pray that she'll be comfortable and that you'll all find the strength to get through the difficult times ahead.

HUGE (((((hugs))))).

[mum1day]

I will be thinking of you and Carmen. She is so gorgeous!

[spunkybaby]

Lana,

I'm so sorry to hear about Carmen's diagnosis. I'm a long-time occasional poster, but I was always encouraged by your posts. May God continue to assure you and your family of His loving presence and bring you comfort as you cherish the time you have with your sweet Guatemalan princess.

Lots of (((hugs)))

Mom to a spunky preschooler (3/04) and a new spunky Christmas baby (12/06)

[karolyp]

I am so sorry to hear this news. All my prayers are for you, your family, and your precious Carmen. Hugs mama, please take care.

[rlu]

I can't fathom. When our little girl dog was diagnosed with cancer we knew she had so little time we immediately went into pallitive care. The same when FIL was diagnosed with cancer. My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family and friends.

[brittone2]

Lana, I'm so very sorry that you got this news. As others have said, there is a reason Carmen is part of your family. She is so precious, and I know that she was brought into your family so she could be surrounded by the love you all have to share with her. We are all here for you through the good days and the bad, and please know our thoughts are with you, Carmen, and the rest of your family.

[jamsmu]

Lana, What an adorable little sweetie! Enjoy every second. Hug her all the time!

Thinking of you all.

[nov04]

My heart goes out to you again, I can't even imagine how difficult this has been for you. I hope sharing this will bring you some comfort.

[murpheyblue]

I am so sorry. Your family is my thoughts and prayers.

[hez]

Many, many hugs to you, Lana.

[B.A.F.]

Carmen and all of you in my prayers.

[kep]

I'm so sorry to hear about your little sweetie. I hope that you enjoy every day with Lauren. Even though it's horribly difficult, just remember that this little girl was meant to be your daughter, and you, her mother. You are the best thing in her life.

Kelli

Proud Mommy to Lukey (2003). Weaned after 3 years of happy nursing!
And Mommy to our newest baby, Joseph, born 3 days after Christmas.

[Karenn]

Lana,
I'm so sorry. Your family is in my prayers.

[SweetTooth]

Carmen, you & your family are in my thoughts.

[missym]

Lana, I am so sorry that you are facing such a terrible diagnosis for Carmen. I will keep her and your whole family in my prayers.

Missy, mom to Gwen 03/03 and Rebecca 09/05

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[calv]

my thoughts and prayers are w/you entire family {{{{{}}}}}

[crayonblue]

Thank you for all of your wonderful replies. I really appreciate all of the support and prayers. I will keep you guys updated.

[ett]

Your family is in my prayers.

[maestramommy]

I had to google to find out what Tay Sachs is. Your little girl and family will be in my prayers. How beautiful she is!

[ilovetivo]

Many prayers are being sent to you and your family!!! Hugs! You sound like an amazing mom!