Story Sanctuary
By Erika Mendence
Story Sanctuary Feb 11, 2021
A Farewell
Every ending is a beginning,
Amber + Rowan
After a devastating 20-week scan, Amber was given the option to terminate or wait for baby to pass in her womb. On todayâs episode of Story Sanctuary, Amber traces her pregnancy journey and the NICU stay that followed baby Rowanâs birth. She also shares what inspired her to start an Etsy shop (Medical Mama Bear) and the power of spreading joy during difficult times.
E'sha + Kennedy
On todayâs episode of Story Sanctuary, Eâsha shares her personal medical journey, leading up to the birth of her daughter Kennedy. This journey brought her back to Kansas City where she was able to receive family support during her daughter's NICU stay. Kennedy was born at 4 months, weighing 1lb and 3oz, and was in the NICU for over a year.Â
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PSI Online Support Meetings: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/#toggle-id-9-closed
Sophia + Winsley **RE-RELEASE**
When Sophia was pregnant with her first child Winsley, she never imagined how difficult her entry into motherhood would be. At 33 weeks, Sophia delivered a healthy 5 lb 12 oz baby girl via emergency c-section. Unfortunately, Winsleyâs NICU was ill-equipped to care for premature babies and during her hospital stay, she contracted MRSA. Without proper and timely treatment, the MRSA ended up entering Winsleyâs spinal fluid and became meningitis. On todayâs episode, Sophia shares their 63 day fight for Winnieâs life, her NICU journey, and the lessons learned along the way. ⣠â£Â
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ðð¢ð£ð°ð³ + ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ðððð ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð®ðŠð¯ðªð¯ðšðªðµðªðŽâ£
Cathy, Ari & Tikvah
âWe were not born to be Tikvahâs parents, we are growing into being Tikvahâs parentsâ - Cathy
On todayâs episode of Story Sanctuary, Cathy and Ari share the story of their medical journey, which began after a seemingly typical pregnancy and birth. Join these two as they take a âleap of faithâ and allow trust in God to shepherd them on their path as they settle into the role of mom and dad to their lovely daughter Tikvah.
Krista + Riley
At the 20-week anatomy scan, Krista and her husband were surprised to discover their daughter Riley had a birth difference called an omphalocele. On todayâs episode, Krista traces her pregnancy and 9-month NICU stay with courageous Riley. She also discusses the anxiety of having another child after loss, finding the positive along the way, and what encourages her to continue to help other medical families.
*Content Warning: This episode explores infant loss*
https://socialworklicensemap.com/blog/coping-with-secondary-trauma/
Pam's Family
On todayâs episode, Pam shares her motherhood story which encompasses adoption, fertility treatments, biological children, and being a medical foster parent. She goes in-depth into the medical portions, exploring adopting a heart baby, then finding out devestating news about her daughter Ally (pictured above) and what that journey has looked like for her family. Pam also discusses the difference in support with having a sick child in the 1990s vs. in the internet age, trusting your gut and what being a fierce advocate for her children has looked like over the years.
Oley Foundation website: oley.org/
Allyâs crochet business page: hooksnspoons.com
Celeste + Vincent
âOf course, they give you that percentâ95% success, but what happens when your child is born and theyâre in that 5%?â
At 14 weeks pregnant, Celeste and her husband received confirmation of a gastroschisis diagnosis with their child, kickstarting a rollercoaster medical journey. On todayâs episode of Story Sanctuary, Celeste shares her pregnancy story, NICU stay, and the transplant journey that followed. We also discuss having Crazy Faith, supporting someone who is grieving, and learning to live again after loss.
CW/TW: This episode explores grief and the loss of a child
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Grounding worksheet: https://www.winona.edu/resilience/media/grounding-worksheet.pdf
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If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on Story Sanctuary, please contact nicustorysanctuary@gmail.com
Aleeseâs Family
Aleese also discusses building community along the way, raising siblings of children with medical needs and having faith in Godâs plan.
Jazmyne + Crimson
After receiving devastating news during her pregnancy with her daughter Crimson, Jazymne embarked on a life-changing journey. On todayâs episode of Story Sanctuary, Jazmyne shares the story of her daughterâs congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) diagnosis and the NICU stay that followed. Join this mama as she courageously shares her story for the first time publicly.Â
Content Warning: This story explores infant lossÂ
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6 Reasons Why We Need to Share Our Stories: https://mollyhostudio.com/blog/6-reasons-why-we-need-to-share-our-stories
Sammi + Connor
About 3 years into being a NICU nurse, Sammi was diagnosed with preeclampsia and delivered her son Connor at 26 weeks. On todayâs episode, Sammi shares her birth and NICU journey, including how much of a âdifferent worldâ it was being on the parent side of things in the NICU and her experience of transitioning to life outside the hospital after 203 days inpatient. We also discuss trach parent burnout, managing anxiety while inpatient, and differences in trach life over state lines.
Continue following Sammi and Connor's story @connor.chronicles on Instagram!
Stephanieâs Family
Stephanie and I met in Omaha while both our daughters were inpatient for transplants. If youâd like to follow her daughter Ellieâs multi-visceral transplant journey, check out âA Belly for Ellieâ on Facebook!
LaTonya + Kelsey **RE-RELEASE**
After coming to terms with the fact that they would be unable to conceive, LaTonya and her husband were surprised to find out in November of 2016 that they were expecting a child! Women become mothers every day and while mostly routine, occasionally there comes a transition into motherhood that could be ripped out of the script of a Lifetime Drama. On today's episode, LaTonya traces her remarkable journey into motherhoodâfrom infertility to the NICU and eventually home with her beautiful daughter Kelsey.Â
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ðŠð³ðµðªððªðµðº, ð§ðªð£ð³ð°ðªð¥ðŽ, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð®ðŠð¯ðµð¢ð ð©ðŠð¢ððµð© ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.
Ashley + Bode **RE-RELEASE**
Oftentimes, parents who have made it through a long-term NICU stay feel the call to help other families who are in the trenches. My guest this week is a lovely example of that. On todayâs episode, Ashley traces her son Bodeâs 4 month NICU journey, then shares how that experience inspired her to become a postpartum doula, specifically for moms facing NICU stays. ⣠â£Â
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠðŠð€ðð¢ð®ð±ðŽðªð¢ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ð¢ðŽ ðžðŠðð ð¢ðŽ ðµð©ðŠ ð£ðŠð¯ðŠð§ðªðµðŽ ð°ð§ ð®ðªð¯ð¥ð§ð¶ðð¯ðŠðŽðŽ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðŽðŠðð§-ð€ð¢ð³ðŠ ðžð©ðªððŠ ð¯ð¢ð·ðªðšð¢ðµðªð¯ðš ððªð§ðŠ ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.â£
Cayla, Jake + Parker **RE-RELEASE**
In February of 2019, Jake and Cayla received devastating news during their 20 week anatomy scan. On todayâs episode, this husband and wife duo share the story of their daughter Parkerâs birth at 34 weeks and her arthrogryposis amyoplasia diagnosis, then take us on their NICU journey. We also discuss in-home nursing, adaptive sign language and finding joy despite difficult circumstances.Â
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð¢ ð§ð¢ð®ðªððºâðŽ ð³ðªðšð©ðµ ðµð° ð€ð©ð°ð°ðŽðŠ, ð¢ð³ðµð©ð³ð°ðšð³ðºð±ð°ðŽðªðŽ ð®ð¶ððµðªð±ððŠð¹ ð€ð°ð¯ðšðŠð¯ðªðµð¢ (ððð) ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð¯ð¢ð·ðªðšð¢ðµðªð¯ðš ððªð§ðŠ ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.
Shamire + Julian **RE-RELEASE**
On todayâs episode, Shamire shares the story of her son Julianâs birth and her familyâs NICU journey. â£Julian was born at 26 weeks. At 29 weeks he developed NEC (a devastating intestinal disease) and had to be airlifted to a childrenâs hospital an hour away. He and his family spent the next 110 days at this hospital before settling at home. ⣠â£Â
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ððŠð€ð³ð°ðµðªð»ðªð¯ðš ðð¯ðµðŠð³ð°ð€ð°ððªðµðªðŽ (ððð) ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð¯ð¢ð·ðªðšð¢ðµðªð¯ðš ððªð§ðŠ ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.
April Guided Meditation
This monthâs meditation is a walking meditation. Walking meditations are meant to bring your mind and body in sync while on a stroll. It can be done at the park, in your neighborhood or even in your home. If sitting with your eyes closed to meditate is difficult for you, walking mediations are an alternative way to train the mind in awareness and being present in the moment. They can also be used to supplement sitting mediation practices.⣠â£Â
These mediations are not only for medical parents! Everyone from any walk of life is welcome to set aside a few minutes to access the healing that can come from Story Sanctuaryâs monthly guided meditations. Carve out some time and give it a listen! ⣠â£Â
ðð¶ðŽðªð€ ðð°ð·ðªð¯ðšððº ð€ð³ðŠð¢ðµðŠð¥ ð£ðº ðð°ð£ðŠð³ðµ ðð¢ðŽðµðªððð°
Cynthia + Adonis
Marissa + Brielle
March Guided Meditation
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This monthâs meditation explores breathwork. Breathing is one of the few things in life that is free, easy and accessible to everyone. You can practice it almost anywhere!â£
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Join me as I teach you simple breathing exercises that can make a big difference to mental, physical, and spiritual well-being if you make them part of your regular routine. For these exercises, focus on breathing in and out through your nose.â£
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These meditations are not only for medical parents! Everyone reading this is welcome to set aside a few minutes to access the healing that can come from Story Sanctuaryâs monthly guided meditations. Carve out some time and give it a listen!â£
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ðð¶ðŽðªð€ ðð°ð·ðªð¯ðšððº ð€ð³ðŠð¢ðµðŠð¥ ð£ðº ðð°ð£ðŠð³ðµ ðð¢ðŽðµðªððð°
Martin + Zora
Diane, Alayo + Iyanu
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ðð¢ð³ð¯ðªð¯ðš: ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ð¢ð¯ðµ ðð°ðŽðŽâ£
February Guided Meditation
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ðð¶ðŽðªð€: ðð°ð£ðŠð³ðµ ðð¢ðŽðµðªððð°
Kati + Haylee
Ashley + Delilah Sunshine
Ashley and I also discuss the benefits of art therapy, accepting your tube-fed child where they are and the joys of having medical mom friends who understand your path.
Nico + Kylo
January Guided Meditation
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ðð¯ðµð³ð°/ðð¶ðµð³ð° ðð¶ðŽðªð€: ðð°ð£ðŠð³ðµ ðð¢ðŽðµðªððð°
Erinn + Langston
Part 2: Erika + Birdie
Part 1: Erika + Birdie
On todayâs episode, I go from host to storyteller and trace our journey from that initial ultrasound through my pregnancy and into Birdieâs NICU stay and homecoming. I also explore mindfulness tools, the value of primary nurses and my lasting memory from this leg of our journey.
Tanisha + Jaleel
Kamilah + Christian
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ð¢ð¯ðµ ðŽðŠðªð»ð¶ð³ðŠðŽ, ð±ðŠð¥ðªð¢ðµð³ðªð€ ðµð³ð¢ð€ð©/ð·ðŠð¯ðµ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð£ðŠðªð¯ðš ð¢ ðŽð±ðŠð€ðªð¢ð ð¯ðŠðŠð¥ðŽ ð±ð¢ð³ðŠð¯ðµ
Ima + Jaxson
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On todayâs episode, Ima shares her son Jaxsonâs birth and NICU story, then explores how faith is often increased through experience. She also talks about navigating the new world of a NICU, changing career plans and the fact that âHard things donât have to break you.â. â£
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Following her story, Ima and I discuss affirmations, undoing trauma and appreciating the journey.â£
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Donât forget to check out her clothing brand at www.halosandmiracles.com!
Ebony + Reignâs NICU Journey (RE-RELEASE)
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ð±ð³ðŠðŠð€ðð¢ð®ð±ðŽðªð¢, ð±ð¶ðð®ð°ð¯ð¢ð³ðº ðŠð¥ðŠð®ð¢, ððððð ðŽðºð¯ð¥ð³ð°ð®ðŠ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð±ð¶ðð®ð°ð¯ð¢ð³ðº ð§ðªð£ð³ð°ðŽðªðŽ.
Miracle Mamas + Life After the NICU
Kaylee + Kaydeeâ£âs NICU Journey
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On todayâs episode, Kaylee shares her pregnancy journey and NICU story, exploring how her promise to âlook for Godâs hand throughout the journeyâ allowed her to find peace and hope during incredibly trying times. We also discuss Kayleeâs role at our local childrenâs hospital, what she has learned about how best to prepare parents for life outside the NICU and how medical parents can manage goals vs expectations.â£
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ð±ð³ðŠðŠð€ðð¢ð®ð±ðŽðªð¢, ð±ðŠð¥ðªð¢ðµð³ðªð€ ðµð³ð¢ð€ð©ðŽ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð®ð¢ð¯ð¢ðšðªð¯ðš ðð°ð¯ðš ðµðŠð³ð® ðððð ðŽðµð¢ðºðŽ
Donya + Kenzieâs NICU Journey
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðð°ð¯ðš-ðµðŠð³ð® ð€ð³ðªðµðªð€ð¢ð ð€ð¢ð³ðŠ ðŽðµð¢ðºðŽ
Cailin + Cadenâs NICU Journey
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Learn more about Cailinâs products and story at www.matronee.comâ£
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠðŠð€ðð¢ð®ð±ðŽðªð¢, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðŠð±ðªððŠð±ðŽðº
Adam + Brady
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð°ððºð€ðºðŽðµðªð€ ð¬ðªð¥ð¯ðŠðº ð¥ðªðŽðŠð¢ðŽðŠ, ððð, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðŽð¶ð³ð·ðªð·ðªð¯ðš ð¢ ðð°ð¯ðš-ðµðŠð³ð® ðððð ðŽðµð¢ðº
Adrianna + Astin
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðððð ððªð¥ð¯ðŠðº ððªðŽðŠð¢ðŽðŠ, ðððð, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð±ðŠð³ðªð¯ð¢ðµð¢ð ð®ð°ð°ð¥ ð¥ðªðŽð°ð³ð¥ðŠð³ðŽ
Carrita + Isaac
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠðšð¯ð¢ð¯ð€ðº ðð°ðŽðŽ, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ðŠð¯ð€ðŠð±ð©ðð°ð€ðŠððŠðŽ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðµð©ðŠ ðªð®ð±ð°ð³ðµð¢ð¯ð€ðŠ ð°ð§ ð¢ð¥ð·ð°ð€ð¢ðµðªð¯ðš ðªð¯ ð¢ ðððð ðŽðŠðµðµððªð¯ðš.â£
Part 2: Tara + Jett
Part 1: Tara + Piper
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ðð³ðªðšðšðŠð³ ðð¢ð³ð¯ðªð¯ðš: ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ð¢ð¯ðµ ðð°ðŽðŽ
Sophia + Winsley
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ðð¢ð£ð°ð³ + ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ðððð ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð®ðŠð¯ðªð¯ðšðªðµðªðŽâ£
Amanda + Theo
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðð°ð¯ðšðŠð¯ðªðµð¢ð ððªð¢ð±ð©ð³ð¢ðšð®ð¢ðµðªð€ ððŠð³ð¯ðªð¢ðŽ (ððð) ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðððð
Stephanie + Kai
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð€ð©ð°ððŠðŽðµð¢ðŽðªðŽ ð°ð§ ðµð©ðŠ ððªð·ðŠð³, ð°ð®ð±ð©ð¢ðŠðð°ð€ðŠððŠðŽ, ð±ðŠð¥ðªð¢ðµð³ðªð€ ðµð³ð¢ð€ð©ðŽ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð§ðªð¯ð¥ðªð¯ðš ð€ð°ð®ð®ð¶ð¯ðªðµðº ð¢ðŽ ð¢ ðððð ð±ð¢ð³ðŠð¯ðµ.
LaTonya + Kelsey
ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ðŠð³ðµðªððªðµðº, ð§ðªð£ð³ð°ðªð¥ðŽ, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð© ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð®ðŠð¯ðµð¢ð ð©ðŠð¢ððµð© ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.
Part 2: Moji, Annaelle + Annabelle
Part 1: Moji + Grace
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ðªð¯ð§ð¢ð¯ðµ ðð°ðŽðŽ, ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ð±ðŠð¥ðªð¢ðµð³ðªð€ ð©ðŠð¢ð³ðµ ðŽð¶ð³ðšðŠð³ðº ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð§ðªð¯ð¥ðªð¯ðš ð€ð°ð®ð®ð¶ð¯ðªðµðº ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.
Ashley + Bode
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ðð©ðªðŽ ðŠð±ðªðŽð°ð¥ðŠ ðŠð¹ð±ðð°ð³ðŠðŽ ð±ð³ðŠðŠð€ðð¢ð®ð±ðŽðªð¢ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ð±ð³ðŠð®ð¢ðµð¶ð³ðŠ ð£ðªð³ðµð©, ð¢ðŽ ðžðŠðð ð¢ðŽ ðµð©ðŠ ð£ðŠð¯ðŠð§ðªðµðŽ ð°ð§ ð®ðªð¯ð¥ð§ð¶ðð¯ðŠðŽðŽ ð¢ð¯ð¥ ðŽðŠðð§-ð€ð¢ð³ðŠ ðžð©ðªððŠ ð¯ð¢ð·ðªðšð¢ðµðªð¯ðš ððªð§ðŠ ðªð¯ ðµð©ðŠ ðððð.â£