Deployment Stories Will Break Your Heart, Part 2
Mommy and Nora
Garrett’s parents love the books you can get through Hallmark where you can record your voice to read a story. They purchased one for Garrett to record for Nora before he deployed.
A few weeks after Garrett left, a lonely day found me and Nora sitting in the rocking chair thumbing through the pages of the book and listening to Garrett’s calm, soothing voice. When the story was done I put the book on the coffee table next to me and continued to rock Nora; deep in thought.
Nora immediately fussed and climbed down off of my lap. She walked over to the coffee table and dragged the big book off of the table where it fell and made a thud. She then worked really hard (grunting while she worked) to pick the heavy book off the floor and carry it towards me. She couldn’t see over the book and was walking a little sideways but eventually made it to me. She threw the book on my lap and did the sign language for “more.”
This is the first time that Nora has ever used sign language to indicate “more” for anything other than food. I was floored that she was able to understand the meaning of “more” AND was able communicate her desires to me. She wanted more of her Daddy. I was never more thankful in that moment that I didn’t have to read. I know if I had tried my voice would have been shaky. So I just sat there with Nora and turned the pages listening to Garrett’s voice as tears streamed down my cheeks.
Do you like the recordable story books too?
I haven’t heard of the recordable books you mentioned but they sound absolutely wonderful. It is so lovely that Nora enjoyed hearing her Daddy’s voice so much, even if it did bring a lump to your throat. It seems to me that you are doing something very precious for your daughter and husband by keeping them so close to eachother in this way whilst he is deployed.
I would be very interested in the details of these books as we live in England, a very long way from our darling Grandson Sayle in North Carolina. It would be so nice if we could record stories for him and send them back to him too!
Thank you,
Grandma xx
I’ve also read about “Daddy Dolls”. they are basically dolls dressed as a soldier with a personalized picture of dad on it. I read that these were best sellers for kids exactly like Nora who miss their Dad and want “more” of Daddy. I remember the article about them had pictures of little kids snuggling their Daddy dolls so tight… it was heartbreaking.
Kelly,
We are glad the record-able book is a hit. We can’t wait to hear Garrett is reading to Nora in person.
Love,
Ken and Sharon Mulder
Grandma,
From what I understand Hallmark is only selling the books in their stores so you might have to pick one up the next time you are in the United States. Most Hallmark stores don’t put them out on the shelves because they are in such high demand. In order to purchase one you have to ask at the counter. I found a link on line that talks about the books and gives another link to find a store that carries them. Here is the link: http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/GoldCrownStores/GCS_GIFTS_RECORDABLEBOOK?rSearchTerm=recordable%20books
Mamta,
Nora has a daddy doll and LOVES it. She carries it around with her wherever we go and give it kisses. She also puts it to my mouth a lot and wants me to give Daddy kisses too. Garrett has programmed the daddy doll to say, “Hi Nora It’s Daddy, Daddy loves you” It is so cute.
Pawpaw,
Do you see you’re spreading great ideas to other grandparents?! We love both of our recordable books and really appreciate your thoughtful gift. Nora and I can’t wait for Daddy to be home to read to us himself too!
Love,
Kelly
Thanks so much for the link to the books Kelly. I will be sure to look out for these books here in England. Otherwise I will get some when we visit America again.
Grandma
I know how hard it is when your child is missing their daddy or mommy. There is the real daddy doll that is just right for them to hug and you can put any pictures you want in them. A great military charity called operation give a hug. org donates them for free. call susan at 1-253-691-9391 or email her at SLA767@msn.com to get the best daddy/mommy doll.
Hey Audrey,
Garrett bought a daddy doll for Nora before he left. She loves it. Thanks for the information though! It might come in handy for someone else reading the blog!
Kelly
oooh. thanks for the link. i’m totally gonna have lover record one for the kids. how much are they each?
Jessica,
I actually don’t know how much they are. They’re really hard to find around here though so ask friends and families to check out Hallmark stores for you! They will usually have to ask at the counter for the books.
Good luck finding them!
Hi Kelly,
So glad giving out the charity OPERATION GIVE A HUG.org can help you all. Also if anyone wants they can purchase their own for very low pricing. Recordable over the phone and skype and can have custom printing on them. Huggee Miss You.com is their name and are the real and original daddy/mommy dolls. I know there are other products out there using the name given to our product which causes confusion but just know ours are all under $16.00 or less, raise money for breast cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, and many other charities and is green, hypo-allergenic and user friendly and versatile! We are so proud to have helped over 400,000 kids so far. Guess what for the grandmother in England we now have HUGGS TO GO UK LTD. set up so she can shortly purchase them in the UK!! We are trying to help as many as we can. I will be giving your url out to the hundreds of wonderful mothers out there that could really use all of your help. Thanks again.
Audrey