AUBURN -- Sydney Renee can be bold and strong willed, but John and Tina Socci say their granddaughter has been the bright spot in some very dark days as they deal with their daughter Katie's death.
"Actually she's probably going to be spoiled because we have so much more patience than we did when we were parents," said Tina Socci
The Soccis are adjusting to their new life as parents of a toddler. Signs of the change are all over the house and Grandpa's Harley is now pinned in by plastic toys and bikes.
The Soccis are thankful for the help they're getting from friends and family with Sydney, and they're also incredibly grateful for the support they've had in dealing with Katie's death.
Every day stacks of cards come in from friends, strangers and people who wanted to tell them about how Katie touched their life.
The Soccis say Sydney is just as outgoing and playful as she ever was and they have done everything they can to maintain Katie's parenting.
"Actually she's probably going to be spoiled because we have so much more patience than we did when we were parents," said Tina Socci.
"We haven't seen any signs she's been traumatized. She still recognizes her mother," said John Socci. "She sees pictures and calls her mommy," added Tina.
The Soccis hope the pain of Katie's death will ease over time, and say Sydney's love and energy are helping them return to full-time parenting.
"It's a transition knowing it's going to be all day, every day, but her being here isn't a transition," said Tina Socci.
