Remember the Todd e-mail dump that MSNBC got last year that they used to claim Todd was like, a shadow governor or something? Here’s part two of the breakdown. This should have been done a long time ago but it hasn’t exactly been on the top of my priority list. In part one I listed the emails that had to do with airline travel, so that breakdown was boring. This one is heartwarming.
When Governor Palin had Trig in April of 2008, congratulations poured in from all over the country, many from families who had children of their own with special needs. I have drawn up two documents; the first contains simply the emails congratulating the Palins. These were forwarded to Todd. The second document deals with emails that pertained to Trig’s birth but were not straight-up congratulations. For example, in one of them we learn that the Palins wanted the congratulatory emails printed out for Trig:
Todd – I have sent on to you all that was in my inbox for today. I received the note from Hannah that you would like them printed out for Trig. I have done this and Hannah is putting them into a binder. I am sure there will be more.
-Janice
A citizen emails the Governor’s office with a suggestion:
I just wanted to say Congratulations! to the Palin family on their new arrival. I am glad to hear that she made it up to Alaska safely for the delivery. Will there be any sort of online book that Alaskans can digitally sign or a place that we can send cards to? Our family is sending our prayers her way and continuing to think fond thoughts. Thank You!
Todd forwards the email and jumps on the idea:
Janice, can we set up some sort of on line book so other Alaskans can read these amazing emails from all across the country?
And he responds directly to the person who made the suggestion:
Elisa,
Thank for the idea of setting up an on line guest book.We’ve been flooded with some amazing family stories from across the state and country from families with children who have DS. I think these stories should be shared with others, not only with us but with the rest of the state to educate and provide a positive light for families with children who have DS.
Thanks,
Todd Palin
They also dealt with some “concern” from a citizen who thought the Governor should go on maternity leave.
In an amusing turn, Janice told Todd:
Todd – We have received a bill and subscription addressed to Trigger Palin from People Magazine. Do you know if this is something you had wanted to subscribe to – Thanks, Janice
Todd replied:
Who’s Trigger; Trig never ordered anything. No thanks.
The document detailing the “other” emails can be viewed here. The bolded numbers refer to the pdf email number. The original PDF’s for the “other” emails can be downloaded here.
And now, on to the congratulations themselves. First off, a few ”name suggestions”:
I have a suggestion for your baby’s name. Since your children’s names are unusual, I thought the new baby’s name should be Field; then your son’s names would be Track and Field!!! Congratulations to you and your husband and if you need a baby sitter in the Anchorage area, we’re available anytime.
Suggestions for your second son’s name:
Forest
Champion
Yup’k name for Special One
Spring
I’m sure you have had dozens of suggestions…! Wishing you, your family, and the fifth child a happy spring. May all of you continue to be in good health and be happy!
And now onto the stories. Here are some of my favorites but there are much more where these came from:
Congratulations Governor Palin and family! You have been truly blessed with the birth of your 5th child. Though most news articles have not listed what kind of special challenges your new son has, I was able to find one that listed some of the challenges associated with Down syndrome. My youngest child has Down syndrome- William will be 8 in August. Our family has truly been blessed by all that he has taught us since before his birth. He is currently in a mainstream first grade class and has a reading level at and above the ‘typical’ kids in his classroom (he is the only one with Down syndrome in his school). I am sure Trig will be well-loved by all who meet him. Welcome to the world Trig!
***
Congratulations on the birth of your son. I found it touching that you named him after Paxson. My grandfather, Alvin Paxson was the pioneer who established the first lodge, telegraph service and mail service in the area.
Coincidentally, our first grandchild blessed us with her presence about two weeks ago, keeping the Paxson name alive. Her name is Natalie Faith Paxson and she is already showing her great-great grandfathers strong spirit.
Thank you,
John Paxson and family.
***
Govenor Sarah Palin, Todd, Track, Bristol , Willow and Piper,
Congrats on the birth of your son/brother, Trig! We will be keeping all of you in our prayers! We do not know what struggles you are facing, but your positive outlook will provide a beautiful environment in which he will thrive!
Our fifth child, Michael Theo was born 17 months ago with a congential heart abnormality and Down Syndrome. He is such an amazing joy to each one of us! I believe that God placed Michael with us not because we are a great family, but to make us a great family …. we are truly a work in progress!
May God continue to give you the grace you need to enjoy each new day. Hope you are recoving well after Trig’s birth.
Enjoy your sweet baby!
***
Dear Governor, You are amazing! WE are so blessed to have you. Congradulations on your new baby. He too is so blessed to have come into your family. I must say I was a bit dissappointed that you could not wait and have him on the 15th as that is my birthday…but I will get over it don’t worry.You are the best thing this state has ever seen. I know this as I was born and raised in the territory of Alaska, that gives away my age but even so when I grow up I want to be just like you!
Sincerly,
Laura Hamilton***
Dear Governor Palin,
Yesterday evening as I was flying back to Juneau from a business trip in Seattle, I had the pleasure of chatting with you and your husband Todd in the Alaska Airlines boardroom. It seemed as though you were engrossed in a book so I spoke mostly with Todd and tried not to intrude on your opportunity to relax. Little did I know that your were in labor at the time. I’m impressed that you were gracious enough to speak with me even though you both obviously had much more important things on your mind. In retrospect, it would have been totally understandable if you had just asked to be left alone. My prayers will be with you, your new son and your family.
Sincerely, John Carlile
***
I love that your new baby’s name has Paxson in it. Can you say why? My family owned and lived and was raised in Paxson Alaska since 1959. It is a historic land mark on the Richardson Hwy. My brother Stan, who was a friend of your Father’s passed away very suddenly last November and I know how honored he would be to know that your son’s name has our family’s home name in it. Congratulations on the birth of your new son.
Respectfully, Pat Williams
***
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby. As a fellow parent of a child with Down syndrome, I know you will be blessed. You will come to appreciate the little things that many take for granted. My son is now 5 and will start Kindergarden in the fall. He has worked hard but is doing so well. Academically, he counts to 20, knows all his alphabet letters, colors, shapes, and his address.
Behaviorally he is just like any other child, he is stubborn, wants to watch cartoons, argues with his brothers and sisters, can be good when he wants to, and knows how to come up give a great hug and kiss, tell you he loves you then ask for a cookie.
Your life has changed , but if its like mine he has taught myself and those around us so much.
***
Would like to extend my congratulations along to Mrs.Palin and her family on the birth of her son. As a fellow “over-40″ mother, I was amused at the flight from Texas to AK for the birth. Made me think of the pioneer women that worked in the fields, went home and gave birth and then returned to the fields. lol How did you manage to let them let you on the plane? I have 4 kids with my last being born at age 43. There are times when folks ask if I’m his Grandma. lol I don’t color my hair and am rather grey these days.
So congrats and hope you’re back on your feet soon. Give the little bugger a nose tweak for me.
***
Hi, My name is Kym and I live in Chandler, AZ, but I heard about the birth of your son and wanted to tell you Congratulations!
I would say God bless, but I can see he already has.
Sincerely,
KymPS I belong to a great on-line yahoogroup called upsndowns. It has really helped me over the years when I have had questions, concerns, or just want to brag on my son. It is a list of great parents who understand some of the unique experiences of raising a child with special needs. I love it. Just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to check it out
In closing, a little comic relief. One congratulator simply said:
Congratulations on the birth of your new daughter!
Janice added:
Todd – we may need to straighten this poor soul out. Janice
Congrats document here. Individual PDF files here.
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