Posted on 12/12/2004 3:55:37 PM PST by AM2000
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- When most parents have a baby, they spend months dreaming about what their bundle of joy will look like. Will she look like mom? Will he have dad's eyes? But for one local Navy family, the birth of their daughter didn't give them the answers to those questions. Their daughter was born without a face.
When Tammy was pregnant, she knew something was wrong. At worst, they thought maybe their baby had a cleft lip.
So Tammy, and her husband Tom, went to the hospital happy, until the birth.
"The nurse is like, 'We got her stable, we need to rush her upstairs,'" explains Tom, as he recalls every minute of that day. "And the nurse asked, 'Do you want your wife to see her now?'"
Tom says he thought to himself, "Before she gets the shock I did, let me take a picture so she's prepared."
Tammy hadn't seen her new baby yet, because she almost bled to death during delivery. Tammy would be okay, meanwhile, dad went to take pictures of his new daughter.
But no matter what, these new parents had a wish. "That if there was something wrong, she wouldn't be alone. We wanted to make sure she felt loved," said Tom, as he began to cry. "She squeezed my hand."
Little Juliana is missing 30 - 40 percent of the bones in her face.
"She has no upper jaw, no cheek bones, no eye sockets, and she's missing the corner of her ear," explains Tom.
Her birth defect is called Treacher Collins Syndrome. Doctors say it's the worst case they've ever seen.
So, how do you get people to see past all the defects, and find her heart? For mom, it just hurts.
"I just wish people would ask questions. Don't just stare," says Tammy. "I guess the most hurtful thing came not long ago, a little girl said she was disgusting."
Juliana has to eat through her stomach, and she has a trach to breathe. Already, less than two years into her life, she's had 14 surgeries. Doctors say she could need at least 30 more.
Every time she goes to the hospital, doctors make a mold of her head, and then reconstruct her skull to figure out the next step.
It's a life-long process that's draining for Tammy and Tom. Even still, they're thankful and full of love for their sweet child.
"God never gives you more than you can handle. I figure she has a lot to show everyone... to show the world," says Tom.
If you are interested in helping the Wetmore family, a savings account is set up for donations at the Vystar Credit Union in Middleburg.
Donations can be made at ANY Vystar Credit Union to Juliana Wetmore at member number 2102465.
Direct donations can be sent to:
Juliana Wetmore
3018 Hickory Glenn Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
I re read and saw that I had missed that. I have had to face tough things in my life but this would be unbelievably hard. God keep her parents strong.
Pro-life ping!
We have had one bad thing happen to us since Oct. 2003. I was pleased that Bush won again. But other than that, every time I think I can't take any more, something bad happens. Like my planets are alligned against me this past year, and no I don't believe in astrology! Even Friday night, as I was getting ready to go to Houston to meet John O'Neill author of UNFIT TO COMMAND, at a big Republican Christmas party - my son totalled his car. He totalled one last Jan. In Oct. 2003 we had a house fire. In Aug. 2004 we were robbed $23K worth... etc. Friday my husband had a flu shot and had a severe reaction to it. These are just a few of the bad things that have happened to us in the past year. Of course MANY good things happened, too. I just feel like a black cloud has been following me for a year now. I was afraid I would jinx the presidential election. People were even telling me maybe I should support Kerry
so I wouldn't jinx Bush.
I keep wondering how much more God can give me to bear. But this couple and this little darling baby girl....
I will keep their troubles in mind next time I feel sorry for ME.
Follow the link and watch the video. It'll break your heart. I don't understand why this sort of thing has to happen. Not if there is supposedly a loving God. How does anyone explain it? The poor child. The poor parents.
Gee you said in one sentence what it took me a paragraph to say. Good going~
God bless that little girl and the people in her life.
God has a purpose for each of us.
tripe=nonsense
God has a really really sick sense of humor.
"In the faces of men and women, I see God."
-Walt Whitman
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." I Cor. 10:13
omg. I have tears and I never cry.
Direct donations can be sent to:
Juliana Wetmore
3018 Hickory Glenn Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
My problems seem very insignificant right now, after reading about this little angel child & her wonderful parents. Most of the physically & mentally challenged people that I've known have the most fantastic dispositions, they take things in stride that would terrify me - submitting to that many surgeries, trusting a seeing eye dog to lead you down the street when you are blind, going out by yourself in a wheelchair....I have so much admiration for these people. In an ironic way, God has blessed them in special ways. I've had very good friends that have been severely disabled, but I admire them more than I can say.
No, friend. God is not mocked.
This is a fallen world where sickness and disease are rampant. This is part of the sin Christ came to bear on the cross."He bore our iniquities."
I pray you will find healing inside like this girl needs outside.
Does not alter my position one iota!
Please don't get preachy, ma'am. People aren't used to her condition, and it's natural to be un-nerved by it. Call it empathy, if you wish.
Mr. Fighter Pilot, Sir! Allow me to be the first to say to you: Fnck You, Sir!
The video brought a tear to my eye.
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