Bobby and I have the opportunity to see and do a lot of things. We have been to places and seen things we never dreamed we would get to do…
I mean, I have been in the White House, met Oprah and stood on the sidelines in Athens for a Bulldogs game!
But the biggest honor for us is to be chosen as a special childs “Make a Wish” wish.
This morning Donna Vance and her family drove down to Savannah from Tennessee.
Her wish was to meet Bobby and I and have a meal at the Lady & Sons.
Donna is a beautiful 16 year old girl. When her momma was 7 months pregnant doctors discovered Donna had multiple birth defects. Water on the brain, deformed brain stem, very little brain inside her skull and a portion of her brain had developed on the outside of her skull.
You would not know it to see this ray of sunshine this morning. The sweetest smile, a bubbly attitude and one of the tightest grips of a hugger I have ever met...and I have been around the block with huggers.
The whole family headed out to finish their trip in Orlando this week and as soon as they left I kinda figured I would share this with y’all.....give thanks for what you have that you may take for granted, like your brain is on the inside. You may have a hard day or different struggles, we all do. But you meet a kid like Donna and her momma and daddy and it makes running out of coffee creamer a little easier to deal with, you know?
She made up a little gift bag for Bobby and me too....but what she did for me this morning would not fit into a bag the size of Deleware.
She gave me joy.
Joy for my life and hers...for my sons life. My life with my family and my beautiful wife...pure joy.
Oh, which just so happens to be her middle name.
Donna Joy Vance...... thank you sweetie.
I’ll be out next monday so check back in 2 weeks for an update....
Rumor has it Bobby may start one of these up so keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks Y’all
Hi Jamie,
I too am amazed at the joy that young children with major illnesses can give. They have such strength and there love is so pure. They bring us back to what is really important in life, and make us realize the blessings we should be more aware of daily.
I became a Grandmother four months ago. My daughter-in-law developed a large blood clot the last three months of her pregnancy, we could have lost them both. Now when I look into my little granddaughter’s eyes, I see someone so special and thank God every day for this blessing.
I’m really enjoying your blog, take care.
By Diane on June 24 2008
What an inspirational story, Jamie! Heart-warming and touching. I do count my blessings everyday.
By Sean on June 24 2008
That is amazing! What a blessing this little girl is!
I used to take care of a little boy with cerebral palsy when I was in college. He had a twin sister the same way but was not able to communicate. I never took care of her because she was in a group home but her brother was an absolute joy to care for. Someone mentioned to me a long time ago why God puts people like these on the earth. I don’t remember what I said but it was something to the effect, He puts them here to bring joy to our lives to make us see how precious the life He gives us, and that through Him we can overcome any obstacle.
That is truly wonderful you and your brother take time out of your busy day to make her feel extra special. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing that with us!
Glad to here everything is okay with your restuarant. How scary to have smoke in your place of business that you’ve worked so hard to build! Yikes!
Way to go Dawgs on winning 7-6 to Fresno State in the College World Series in the first round! Only one more game left to win the the National Championship! Woohoo! I live in Omaha so I’m pulling for Georgia!! GO DAWGS!
By Heidi on June 24 2008
Jamie....You are so right. We All have so much to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing this story.
Hope Bobby starts one of these blogs....that would be so awesome!
Love to you both.
Deb M
Darien, Illinois
By Deb M on June 24 2008
Hey there...It’s me again!
I wrote about your blog then read the responses. I just wanted to tell you what you did for Donna Joy was one of the greatest things anyone can do. Many years ago, my niece was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 23. Dalmation Dreams, now The Dream Foundation, arranged for her to meet Garth Brooks prior to a concert he was giving in Illinois. She talked about that meeting for 6 months! She passed away having met her idol and, to this day, I am so damn thankful to that man for what he did for her, I can’t even put into words how grateful I am. So know what you did for that beautiful family will stay with them forever. You and Bobby should be very proud of your time spent with the Vance family. For what it’s worth, I know I don’t get a vote, but I am proud of you both too! I really hope to meet you someday, now especially so. As a RN I work with a lot of very sick people every day,and it’s always the special things they remember.
You both did a real good thing.
Deb M.
Darien, Ill
By Deb M on June 24 2008
God Bless her heart...and your’s and Bobby’s. It’s so nice to read about people taking time out of their busy schedule to help others out, especially kids. Jamie, you and Bobby are two great guys. I’ve met you and still think about that day. Let’s go SUNDEVILS! 
By Christine on June 24 2008
Hey guys!
Greetings from Orlando!!! Thanks so much ya’ll for the kind words about Donna Joy. She and others like her have so much to give humanity if only given the chance to do so.
Jamie, thanks again to you and Bobby and everyone who worked to make her dream come true. She is still talking about her visit with you all.
BTW, I picked her middle name because a doctor once told me that even if she somehow breaks all the rules of HPE and lives,(HPE is Holoprosencephaly, meaning multiple centers of the brain do not form, and there is no clear division of the 2 halves of the brain, and much more usually fatal stuff....), anyhow, he said ....."She will be nothing but a burden, a heartache and a sorrow if she survives.”...I answered back without missing a beat and said..."No sir, she’ll be my JOY!!!”. Way back there, they said after she was born that her brain is “completely incompatable with life.”. Yet, I don’t think you’ll ever meet anyone as full of life as Donna Joy! Am I right Jamie? I think if she ever learns how to use a measuring cup, watch out! She may just be a Food Network star herself someday! After watching everything else she has accomplished, I would not be suprised.
We’ve had a great time at Disney, although I have lost my cell phone already! We all went on an African Safari today....she was so excited to see the lions and giraffes, but she about died when she saw the baby elephant!
There is a special resort here for sick kids called “Give Kids the World” where we’re spending our mornings and evenings. The kids get to have bananna splits for breakfast! It’s a great place to be.
We walked our legs off today. Mark and I are really beat! God bless ya’ll! And take care Jamie....Much Love, Lori Vance and family
By Lori Vance on June 24 2008
That is a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing this. Make-a-wish has always had a special place in my heart. Those kids are true inspirations. Despite everything they are going through they have the best spirit about them. The true beauty of Make-a-wish is that those kids end up giving you more than what you give them.
Glad that everything is okay and getting back to normal at the restaurant. I cannot imagine what must have been going through all of your minds. Ya’ll are really blessed!
Coming to Savannah next week—planning to have lunch at the restaurant on the 3rd. Would love to say “hey ya’ll” if you and Bobby are going to be in the resturant that day
Your “Chattanooga buddy”, Dawn
By Dawn on June 24 2008
Greetings, Jamie Deen &/Or Whomever Reads This:
I was born with: Cerebral Palsy & Scoliosis, although the 1ST that I mentioned is only mild, I’m glad to hear of y’all being kind to someone with challenges. I’m moving aay from my folks & I’m currently writing my autobiography, which will be titled; “Life’s Short, So Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff”!! Anyway, I’ll be in GA as soon as I walk tere, F.Y.I. I do NOT drive, due to my challenges being wht they are, I’m trying to find a bus &/or some other transportation, & I still Love & Admire & Deeply Respect Bobby Deen, & I too wish you, Jamie, your wife, Brooke, & your gorgeous son, Jack, all the best , & a howdy to your other relatives too. God bless all y’all, & God bless America.
Sincerely,
JoAnnA E. Foris P.S. Go-Dawgs!!!!
By JoAnnA E. Foris on June 25 2008
Thanks for sharing that story! What an awesome opportunity for you and your brother to have. You are both very blessed to have such a platform and able to brighten this young girl’s life.
That would be very cool if Bobby started a blog also. My vote is YES!
Take care,
Mindy K.
P.S. I’m enjoying reading your blogs...I’m new to the site...and find it very interesting.
By Mindy K on June 25 2008
Jamie, when I read your blog just now it warmed my heart and soul. I understand what a child like that can do, sometimes people shun and feel as though they have no feelings, but that is not true, they have feelings and they bring joy to our hearts and souls and I think that is what God intended it to do, it brings us all back to the reality that life is very precious and God reminds us of that from time to time. I want to say to you and your brother, Bobby that you both are a blessing to your mother and all of us out here. Your mother did a wonderful job raising two wonderful sons, but you both had a hand in it to because you carried forth your values and upbringing and wholesomeness into manhood and you have the opportunity to pass that down to your son. I want to thank you for sharing that story and your heart felt thoughts, it takes a man to say what you said and to do what you and your brother did for that beautiful child.
Blessings,
Barbara
By Barbara from Virginia on June 25 2008
Thank you so much for that wonderful store, it wormed my heart, as some one who has had the oppertunite to work with people with mental illness as well as phisical disabilites, it worms me to the very core to hear that others care. may your whole family stay bleesed sharon from Ohio P.S. Bobby i vote that you start a blog as well.
By sharon on June 25 2008
Wow, Jamie, I almost cried when I read your blog about Donna Vance. I bet that made her whole trip. I think it’s great that you and Bobby were able to do that for her. It sounds like she is a true blessing to her Mom and Dad.
I am so glad that you didn’t have any major damage at Lady and Sons! We were just there in late March and the food was excellent as always.
I think Bobby should start a blog. Maybe if you bug him enough he will do it.
Take care everyone
By Sonya on June 25 2008
Hi Jamie,
I am sitting here cleaning the desktop of my computer and came across this link from when I was trying to see if you and Bobby would be rolling through Southern California with your show. You see, I have a crush on Bobby. I feel silly writing this into a blog but I believe if you put it out in the universe it may just as well happen! So here I am, putting my crush into the universe in hopes to meet Bobby one day in my path of life. One of my gal pal’s even said Bobby and I would look like a cute couple and most likely get along well. (Smiles!) (from one gem to another)
Have fun with your blog. I plan to start one at some point focused with a platform for the health of our bodies and planet!
Blessings to you and your family!
Kimber
By Kimber on June 25 2008
In little over a week I am going to be participating for a fundraiser for the Make a Wish foundation here in Sioux Falls. I get to combine my many favorites, Harley’s, good music and great food.
I used to work at the Ronald McDonald House and volunteered my time at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Joseph’s/Candler in Savannah during the short time I lived there. I truely miss Savannah and the wonderful people I met there.
I was actually thinking of both you, Bobby and your momma while I watching the local news here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A 10 year old boy had gotten a item listed on a local BBQ restuarant and Paula would be so proud of him. The item they added was mini-hamburgers that were dipped in beer batter and then deep fat fried. It was funny that both my mom and I said at almost the same time, someone needs to let Paula know about this kid.
Are you and Bobby going to do anymore Road Tasted shows? I am enjoying the reruns and actually last summer when I drove from Concord, North Carolina back home to South Dakota for a wedding I stopped at one of the places you had gone to. Of course I can’t think of the name for the life of me right now but it had the candy fishes and it was in Indiana just north of Louisville.
Dang it I just heard that the Dawgs got beat in the College World Series. I was hoping to hear that the beat Fresno State. Not that I am big baseball fan but the time that I lived in the South I because a HUGE Georgia fan.
As also I wish you and your family continued success and I hope to eat at the Lady & Sons when I come down on vacation next year...wish I could come sooner. I miss Savannah so much!
By Sara Hoffman on June 25 2008
That was so nice what you and Bobby did for Donna. What a touching story, I cried when I read it. You have a really nice family! (Paula, Micheal, You, Bobby, Brooke and of course little Jack)
I can’t wait to go to Savannah, I only have 78 more days. But who’s counting?
I really hope that Bobby starts a blog too!
Go Buckeyes!!
Melisa Yerger - Lima, Ohio
By Melisa Yerger on June 26 2008
Jamie:
“Will you kindly give your handome bro’, Bobby a hug, & let him know that I, JoAnnA E. Foris sent it, just for him, please”?? “Thank-You & God Bless You”!!
Sincerely,
JoAnnA E. Foris From: Hot Springs Village, AR
By JoAnnA E. Foris on June 26 2008
What a sweet story to share and such good advice for us all, Jamie.
Tell Bobby to jump on the bandwagon and start blogging!
By Michelle on June 27 2008
I sent Bobby an email via your web address. I wanted to make sure you were able to read it also and say thank you for such a nice restaurant and staff.
By Dana Gurley on June 27 2008
I love to read your blogs and hear what you are up to. I think it is wonderful what you guys did for that young lady. Then again I think that everything you ya’ll do is wonderful I am like one you and your moms biggest fans. my myspace page and everything is all about your mom. I too will be making a trip to Lady and Sons to dine with my family the weekend of the july 18. I am so excited I cant stand it. I was just wandering is there any chance at any of you guys being around or even in town then. I would give anything for a chancwe to meet your mom.(well any of you guys really) my kids and husband tell me all the time mom your acting like Paula dont embarass me now any way please her give her my best regards from NC (GO TARHEELS!!!!) sorry had to throw that in hope to meet ya some time!!!
Christalina P. Gilbert age 33 Brevard North Carolina
By christalina Gilbert on June 27 2008
Ya know ladies, if Bobby had his own blog-not saying I don’t want him too;) - ya know how overrun with messages it would be? He would need a super SUPER computer to keep up with all the postings… No offense, Jamie, something appealing about a completely single man...... 
(That is if he still is. *crossing fingers&toes;*)
Anyhoo, yes, the Lady and Sons will just have to buy another building to house the monstrosity.........Just an observation....
p.s. sorry the Dawgs lost, I was really pulling for them. :(
By Heidi from Omaha on June 27 2008
Happy Birthday Jamie!!
Congratulations on turning 41, hope you have a wonderful, fun filled day.
By Diane on June 27 2008
i have a son who has struggled all of his life with learning needs and it wasnt easy when he was a child.he would get so mad at himself if he couldnt figure something out or if he didnt understand what people where saying to him.slang words where lost to him he just got more up-set with what you were saying.his sisters never had that problme.he is now 28 years old and his only problme is that he cant find bad in anyone.he believes that there is good in everyone if people would only take the time to see.
bobby,if you really wanted to start a blog you would have done it already.being single is haard when you are cute and there are so many singleor divorce women out there wanting to get close to you.be sweet and cherish life to the fullest.
thank-you
By linda on June 28 2008
Jamie,
I remembered Donna Joy Vance from the Homelife magazine article in March 2008.
What an honor God has given you, Bobby, and the staff.
A beautiful wish!
Praise God!
Blessings,
Rhonda
By Rhonda on June 28 2008
First of all, I have to say what an inspirational story! Stories like Donna Vance’s absolutely help others to put their own lives in perspective as to what’s important and what should make you ‘joyful’.
Secondly, I have to agree with Heidi from Omaha. Though it would also be nice to read Bobby’s take on life as he experiences it, the administration of the blog might be a nightmare just weeding out all the marriage proposals and outright propositions he would get (sorry, I had to say it).
I bet 5 or 10 years ago he (or you, Jamie, or your mom) would have never even dared to dream about having such popularity and success.
Your entire family comes across as really genuine and kind and any success you have is well deserved!
By Kate on June 30 2008
Hi there Jamie.
How are you?We have two blessings in our life
also. Mary is 10, Parker is 9 the doctors told us that Parker would never walk, or talk or suck
through a straw. But he has, but he is still
on a feeding tube.He and his Mary wants to see you,your family.It,s hard for him to wait in long
lines for a long time so I don,t how we could come and eat.
By L isa on June 30 2008
Jamie and Bobby, I just wanted to say that this blog made my heart filled with joy. I know this little girl will feel that joy that you gave her from your heart forever. So, we all should remember never take little things for granted. Oh and by the way just a little off this subject but we will be cruising with y’all on the high seas again in 58 days 10 hours 32 minutes and 40 seconds. Can’t wait to see your entire family again. We had such a blast with y’all last year that we just had to go with y’all again. Alaska here we come!!!!
By Tammy Veach on July 01 2008
Jamie Deen......Did I go and forget your birthday????
I am so sorry. I really hope you had a great day and that you and your family got to do something really special.
You so deserve it.
Happy Birthday to you from one of yours and Bobby’s biggest fans!
Big hugs!
Deb M
By deb M on July 01 2008
Commenting is not available in this section entry.
