Bits of Good News
I wanted to pass along a conversation I had with Debbie this evening: “A few bits of good news from the past couple of days… Gracie has been feeling deep pressure in her right arm. She’s asked for Bill to massage her, and is intermittently feeling it. She has also asked for ice packs in her hands because she can feel the cold. She is also working on her visualizations… she asked me to put her cell phone in her hand… she can’t feel it or see it, but knows it’s there. It gives her something to focus on, to visualize something that is a normal part of her life. I want to celebrate even the small wins.”
I second that… Gracie’s recovery is going to be made up of many small wins, and I was excited to hear about these improvements.
Debbie and Bill are both sleeping better, but is still a very tiring ordeal (Gracie has one of them by her side 24 hours a day). We all want to be there for them, but it’s best if, for right now, you reach out to them through this web site, or by sending them a card, but not by calling or visiting. I know they don’t want to say that, but it’s what’s best for all of them right now. They both appreciate the love and support, but they are a bit overtaxed by the number of visits… more than once, after spending time helping Gracie, they will finally fall into a much needed nap only to be woken up by someone coming by for a visit.
On a side note, there was a short TV news piece tonight from the local Santa Barbara ABC affiliate… Gracie’s name was not mentioned, only that a “local Santa Barbara teen has been diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis,” that her condition is not contagious, and a bit of background about the disease.
Continue to keep them in your prayers... they need them.
Good night,
Paul
Comments (27)
Thank you for the updates!! Gracie's TN family really does appreciate it! Prayers going up continuously!!
Thanks for the update, I'm very happy to hear Gracie is making some progress, good news is always welcome. Love ya Gracie!
This is such incredible news!!!! Gracie - your positive spirit and love of life is at work! Keep it up! Kelly
Keep going Gracie, we are praying for you and cheering you on! Lito, Joany, Indi
I appreciate this update. I love the idea of small wins. Small successes add up to the big ones. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful to hear of your progress, Gracie. We are thinking about you and praying for your recovery. Stay Strong, Gracie. You are very much loved!
Gracie, Hannah is holding her cell phone in her hand and visualizing texting you, and then you instagramming her, then she makes a vine and then you put her in your story. And I'm not even sure I'm saying this right and Hannah is rolling her eyes and saying - Mom you are so embarrassing! But that's what moms are for. Debbie you are such an amazing mom - that you know what the phone means to these girls. I love that she can feel that connection and know all her friends are just a key stroke away. Sleep well, Sweet Gracie
Thank you Paul. You have made this journey smoother. We are praying for a better New Year filled with amazing grace.
Paul, Thank you for all you are doing! The Fisher Family is so lucky to have you and so are we!! This is great news to hear she is having some sensations!! Please continue to keep us updated as you can!! I wake up every morning and Gracie is my first thought of the day, so these updates are incredibly helpful and supportive to so many of us that want to help in anyway we can!! I saw the news clip last night and thought they did a very nice job with it. I especially appreciated that they asked the community who knew the teen's family to be as supportive as possible to them. Paul, there was mention of Debbie and Bill ready to accept meals once school starts up again next week. Do you know if there has been a schedule put in place for that? I am willing to help coordinate that if that would be helpful. I can be be reached at [email protected]. Thank you again for everything and sending love, light, prayers and healing to all!!
Thank you Paul. We too look at the post multiple times during the day to see if there are any updates. We are keeping Gracie, Bill, Debbie, Emily, Joyce and Norm in our thoughts everyday wishing them to be strong, courageous and positive. As with Claire, always willing to help coordinate anything that is needed. Rayanna, Scott and Cadyn
Small steps lead to bigger ones. Keep going Gracie!
So wonderful that a parent is with Grace every minute (and Grace knows it). For Debbie to sense and find out what her need at that moment is . . . is so great. We too, check our e-mail first thing for news of improvement. That her feelings are being understood and filled, will be a long-term benefit. Love to you all.
Bill and Debbie have always been such warm & thoughtful hosts but now is the time for them to focus only on Gracie and family. This wonderful website is the path to communication for now. Allow them uninterrupted time to be with Gracie by not visiting. They will let us know when. Sending love & prayers to all. Nancy and Clint
Paul, thanks for postings. There is a great website for long term meal rotations called meal train. It allows all to see what has been made so families don't get the same meals daily, etc and allows for special dietary needs, etc. I think there are many of us who would love to help and dinners are a quiet way, allowing more time for family to stay focused. Tho we in SB are mostly "green" it is nice to do disposable pan deliveries so you don't need to invade privacy to pick up serving dishes. I suggest setting it up now for next week, so people can plan accordingly. I am happy to do this, just give the word! Thanks again for updates. I can be reached at [email protected]
These web sites are so helpful and the best place and means for us to stay in touch! And let you know we're thinking of you all. Fisher's, you are surrounded by multitudes of prayers and love! Friends, family, medicines, expert medical, massage and music will get you through this - miracles happen! We look forward to the updates and hearing when and how we can help. XOXO Chris, Susie and Annika
Sending you our love! I know Grace gets her strength from her family :-) xoxo Robert, Jill, Hunter and Emme
Sending our love to you all. We are so happy to hear of her healing, and are absolutely focused on full recovery! You all are amazing and doing an incredible job! Keep your strength up and know that you have so much love surrounding you always. With so much love, Polly, Ivan, Oliver and Ashton
We are continually praying for you, Gracie and family! You are such an amazing young woman, Gracie. We know that God's protective hand is over you during this difficult time. I see your bright, smiling face throughout my day. Lots of love to you. Lori, Scott, Zadie, and Ella.
Praying for your sweet daughter!!
Such great news! Keep up the hard work Grace! We think of you often as we are always quoting your most infamous line from Dracula "there's another way....but it involves murder!" You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Gaitans
Hi Gracie. What good news. We are sending you our love! the Rogers Family
Debbie~ I just heard the news from Marsha. I am so sorry. Please know that you, your family and especially Gracie will be covered in prayer. Sending my love and encouragement. Kristen Battles
God is good, God is Great. Thank you for your Grace! Amen
Dear Gracie, Last night a small group of church members played beachball volleyball in fellowship hall. During our halftime spiritual time we said a prayer for you. We toasted the new year in at 9pm with our east coast friends and bid adieu to our fellow players. We continue to hold you in our prayers and thoughts in whatever we do. Patti, Jeff and Wes
Thank you for these updates Paul-they are truly appreciated, and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and heart. Heather
Sometimes God's miracles seem very small, but a lot of small ones make big ones. Know that His strength is behind your determination. Our love and prayers are with you all, Sue & John Z.
Wonderful. Dreaming of seeing her play that guitar again someday soon. Love you all. -Christopher, Katie, and Caroline