Those nine months a mom carries her baby are filled with joy, anticipation, and a dose of uncertainty. What the new parents hope for is their bundle of joy to be healthy. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Jennie Wilklow, from Highland, New York, couldn’t wait to meet her daughter. She and her husband were over the moon to hold her in their arms. All the ultrasounds and doctor’s appointment suggested the baby was healthy, so they were eased and never thought sweet Anna would be born with a condition that would change all of their lives forever.
Jennie delivered Anna via C-section at 34 weeks. Doctors told her she looked beautiful and that was all Jennie needed to hear at that point.
Shortly after, the proud mom heard her daughter cry, and that was just another sign that everything was right with her little jewel.
When her husband visited Jennie, he was strangely silent and looked worried and puzzled.
“My husband’s silence scared me; he just sat in shock as the doctor left, and I prodded for more info,” Jennie shared with Cafe Mom.
“He just kept saying, ‘It’s bad.’ What does that even mean? I thought in my head. He told me, ‘Jennie, I looked in her eyes, and she has the most beautiful soul.’”
Anna was diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition that causes thick diamond-shaped plates that are separated by deep cracks. “As they tried frantically to help her, her skin hardened within seconds (of birth). After hardening, it began to split, causing open wounds all over her body,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.
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Although doctors weren’t sure she would survive, Anna beat the odds and is thriving. “She was beauty in the purest form,” her mom said.
There isn’t cure, and the treatment is quite demanding as it requires constant baths and keeping the skin as much moisturized as possible. “Every couple of hours I covered her with Vaseline and bathed her for many hours of the day. I had dreamed for years about the things my baby would wear, and though it seemed so trivial, it was what I struggled with most,” Jennie said.
In an attempt to raise awareness about this condition, Jennie posts photos of Anna on her Instagram page harlequindiva. She opens up about the everyday struggles and what it is like to have a child with harlequin ichthyosis.
“Anna captured everyone’s hearts because she is the purest form of perfection. Doing the work every day is simple when I’m doing it for her, and with every new accomplishment, the world celebrates with me,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.
She adds, “I now understand that I was given her because of the love I already carried in my heart for my daughter. Anna was meant for me, and I for her, and together we will show the world what true beauty is.”
Antiquated device that simplified our work
Let us discuss the unsung hero of the office: the old-fashioned stapler remover. Staple removal was comparable to medieval torture before this handy equipment graced our desks: it was unpleasant, tedious, and frequently resulted in a ruined document. The stapler remover was created in the early 1900s by a person who was obviously frustrated with staple accidents, and it completely changed the way we pulled paper. These early models, which were frequently constructed of metal, were both practical and masterworks of craftsmanship.
How to Use a Stapler Remover
Stapler removers are essentially used to remove staples from documents without creating any mess. Imagine two sets of curving metal jaws that, when applied pressure, grasp the staple and pull it straight out of the paper. It’s quick and accurate, much like an uppercut in boxing. However, this little device is not a one-trick pony; it has repeatedly shown its value by finding its way into a variety of industries.
Have you used it for anything other removing staples? It has been adapted by some inventive brains to open keyrings or even as a temporary crab cracker. How adaptable!
The Stapler Remover’s Legacy
Beyond just being a useful tool, the stapler remover is a monument to the inventiveness of bygone eras. Not only are these small gems useful, but their retro style also attracts collectors and fans of antique office supplies. These removers, which are made sturdy and occasionally have beautiful accents, reflect the attention to detail of a bygone era.
In the present day, stapler removers remain in use even with the digitization of documentation. They remain a favorite in homes and offices due to their classic style and hassle-free staple extraction process. Furthermore, looking at an old-fashioned stapler remover is like taking a sentimental walk down memory lane; it reminds us of the history of workplace technology and the never-ending pursuit of simplifying daily duties.
In summary
Although the antique stapler remover may appear to be a minor component in the larger office tool system, it has an intriguing history. It was invented in the early 20th century and made the difficult operation of removing staples seem easy. Furthermore, despite the fact that enthusiasts now collect it, its functionality and design are still relevant today. Let’s give a nod to this timeless, skillfully designed instrument that reminds us that often the simplest solution is the most elegant one, even while we delve headfirst into new technological marvels.
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