I met a little girl named Devina today

[snelsonbrown]

Here a while back a post was made about a little girl named Devina who loss her daddy in Iraq - her adopted grandfather was taking her on her first cruise today not only to celebrate her birthday, but to help with the pain of her daddy not being around to wish her a happy 8th birthday - ----I really really hope that D.A.I. D. got a message that was sent to him by someone on the board and that she is made to feel extra special these next couple of days - this little girl is very deserving.

I have had the pleasure to meet many families who have stop by the shop - thank you for taking the time to do so - I always feel very honored that those that have had time to do so, have stopped by.

Anyhow thank you for allowing me to share my feelings on these little ones especially the children that have been in struggles.
Always
shirley

 

[ivanova]

Originally posted by snelsonbrown
Devina may you walk in Pixie Dust these next 3 days sweetie.

Amen (pass the Kleenex)

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I have gotten to know Mr. Bill thru emails - What a honorable man he his! Devina sounds like a great little lady and I wish them nothing but the best for their cruise! What a little pixie dust would do for her - Mr. Bill is a great guy for helping her thru the pain of losing her father -

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Our joy is multiplied when we bring joy to a child!! God Bless you both Devina and Mr. Bill! Make some special memories.

 

[Verandah Man]

Shirley, I'm glad you were able to meet up with Bill and Devina!!! I'm wishing her some extra PD on her cruise as well!!!

 

[Hygiene99]

PD from us Also..

And Shirley u have a neat little shop...


Anyone who is going to be in the area , should stop in and Meet Shirley and Norm and the Crew...

Was a lot of fun....

 

[Mr. Bill]

Devina had a WONDERful trip. I’m sure she has acquired a lifetime of memories. Andy (VERANDAH MAN) and Shirley (The Perfect Gift) were instrumental in making this a once in-a-lifetime event.

Devina was greeted by the crew sing “Happy Birthday” as we boarded. Then Mickey & Minnie (somehow) found out about her birthday and had several surprises waiting for her in our room. A birthday cake was presented at dinner and once again, she was serenaded to the tune of the b’day song!

She was thrilled by the big yellow slide. The characters simply “blew-her-away” with their charm and willingness to sign autographs. She played so very hard each day and late into the night that getting up the next morning was a chore. When she finally got awake it was full-steam ahead until midnight again.

She slept 4 of the 7 hours it took to drive back to middle Georgia. How interesting it would have been to be able to peek in on her WONDER dreams.

Devina has brought much joy to my life through her mental maturity. Her ability to accept the things she cannot change is amazing. When I see the way she has handled her loss, it makes me embarrassed of the selfish grief in my life over the loss of my wife several years ago.

Devina is a remarkable child:

GIFTED CHILD PROGRAM AT SCHOOL – INVITED TO SKIP A GRADE BUT HER MOTHER (WISELY) REFUSED

ASSISTED THIRD & FOURTH GRADERS WITH THEIR READING AND MATH – SHE WAS IN THE SECOND GRADE AT THE TIME!

3.97 AVERAGE FIRST TWO YEARS IN SCHOOL

RECIPIENT OF AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAMP THIS SUMMER

INVITED TO PARTICIPATE THIS SUMMER IN AN ADVANCED READING & WRITING PROGRAM AT MERCER UNIVERSITY


Thanks again to Andy and Shirley for helping me bring joy to a special child.

Bill

Incidentally … when asked by some of the people I had met on this forum how they would recognize me on the ship, my reply was:

“I will be with Devina. We stand out in a crowd. She’s young (8), pretty, slender, dark haired and dark skinned ....... I’m not!!”

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I am so glad she had a wonderful trip. Devina and many other people will be in my thoughts and prayers, especially this weekend.

 

[Verandah Man]

I'm so happy to hear that Devina had a WONDERful and MAGICal cruise, and you too Bill!!!

 

[4nana]

Grandpa Bill,

What a wonderful post! I am so very happy your little grand daughter got to share in some Magic this week, especially after all she has been through. Thank God for special people like yourself, Shirley and Andy, who reach out and make the world a better place.

I feel your love and pride and your little Devina sounds like a special young lady. May God Bless and bring you both the best life has to offer in the future. May her Daddy rest in peace as he smiles from above.

Godspeed ^i^
~ Sandie

 

[snelsonbrown]

I am so glad to hear that D.A.I.D. did come through for Devina and to have made her feel very special - she was a sincere pleasure to meet so thank you Mr. Bill for making it possible and I am glad to hear she enjoyed her Pooh Bear - Hope all goes well in her young life -
May everyone have a very special day today.
Always
Shirley and Norm

 

[musicgirl]

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing Devina's trip with us and also to DAID, VM and Shirley!!

But no fair, there should have been a tissue warning!!!

Lorie