A day with Gracie
I was able to spend an extra-special day Thursday with Bill, Debbie, and Gracie. I met Debbie at the hospital mid-afternoon, and we went up to Grace’s room, where I was able to see her. I cannot express the joy of seeing her for the first time since this all started. Even in the midst of this terrible thing, to see her smile, and to have a few words with her was amazing. Bill and I setup the iPad holder, a contraption I built with a music stand and an off-the-shelf iPad holder I got from Amazon (plus some help from the Arroyo Grande High School robotics team to machine an adapter to connect the two)… it worked great, and the iPad can be positioned right in front of Grace so she can watch movies.
Bill and I spent the afternoon sometimes talking, sometimes sitting in a comfortable silence. Had some good laughs remembering the trips we took as kids, and talked about movies and a variety of other things. He and Debbie are in good spirits. With the small improvements Debbie has posted previously, there is definitely hope there as well. Even though Grace has a long way to go, the small things really do count.
The day also included mundane things, like getting her hair washed, along with some medical treatments. She had some troubles with blood pressure, not unexpected and caused by the treatments, so the late afternoon saw several people come through the room as they managed and monitored that.
By early evening that was all past, Gracie was settled, and we put on a movie for her (“G.I. Joe: Retribution,” I believe). I stepped out for a bit to meet with Scott and Jen about some upcoming fundraising activities, and when I returned, Bill was reading to Grace out of some Choose Your Own Adventure books I had brought down (he had already read Wizard of Oz and is in the middle of ‘A’ is for Alibi by Sue Grafton). Looking back at the periods of activity and calm, including the concerns that arose over her blood pressure, I asked Bill if the day was fairly typical, and he answered, yes, each day has its roller coaster rides… two steps forward, one step back.
Around 9:30pm, I said goodbye to Grace, and left Bill sitting the recliner, lights dim, watching Gracie as she was dozing. Debbie is coming by between midnight and 1am so he can go home and get some sleep. And so the day finishes, with tomorrow the same, but different, and hopefully just a bit better.
It was an awesome day, and I know all of you wish you could do the same, so I feel extra special in being able to be there. That’s partly why I wrote this post… so you can get a sense of what’s happening. The low number of visitors really is a good thing, as much as we all want to be there... Bill and Debbie have both made comments to that effect. Continue to follow this web site, and I’ll keep the information coming as I can.
Also, as a quick heads-up, there is going to be lunch benefit for Gracie at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 25th. I’ll put a separate posting up regarding that with a bunch more details, but it would be great if you could plan to attend. All of the proceeds will go to the Gracie Fisher Fund.
Paul
Comments (18)
Thanks for your updates Paul; and we're all encouraged hear about Gracie's progress, I'm rooting for Debbie, Bill and Emily too. Bob Mitchell
What a wonderful update, Paul. You are an incredible friend for the Fishers. I know that an enormous number of people are rooting and praying for Gracie and her family. You are doing a great job of setting a lovely tone for the ways in which we can and should support the Fishers. Thank you so much for what you are doing.
Paul, Thank you so much for this post, and for being there for the Fisher family. We continue to hold Gracie and the family in our thoughts.
Thank you Paul. I plan to attend the fund-raiser at the First Methodist church on the 25th. Is that located at Garden x Anapamu?
Thank you,Paul. Your writing is very informative and at the same time, very sensitive and heartfelt. There are so many questions going thru the minds of those of us not medically saavy but you painted a sweet picture of Gracie's condition. Our love and prayers continue for all the Fishers.
In reading your input for the day Paul, all I can remember is you, Bill and Scott in the back of our van with you reading from a map directing me to each freeway and each turn right into the Disneyland Hotel - Scott and Bill doing their part by waving at girls and watching for each Disney sign. May I remind you that you were each about 11 years old. That is why I am not surprised at what you have done to build Gracie a unit to watch movies on with Bill using his calm to be dad and read to Gracie. This is indicative of each day yesterday and tomorrow helping Gracie take each step. Love you all. Think back again on hotel checkin and I can tell you more if you don't remember. Nancy and Clint
Thank you very much,Paul. Your report did help those of us who wish we could be there; knowing it is better if we are not. If there are ever any "facts" it would be great if you could pass them on.
Thank you Paul for taking the time to write the story of your day with Gracie. You are painting a picture with words and we can really visualize it so well. Dad and I read your posts every night before we go to sleep and it is comforting somehow to know what is happening. We send our love to all, Debbie, Bill, Emily and of course, Gracie. Mom and Dad/Carol and Harvey
Appreciate this great update with all the detail. It really helped me picture how things are going. Yay for all the great spirit. Three cheers for Gracie.
Thank you for the detailed update. We send our love and prayers to you Gracie, Debbie, Bill and Emily. Diane and Seymour.
Thank you so much for posting these updates! Gracie's TN family really appreciate it!! All our love to Gracie & the family! We will continue praying for everyone.
Thank you Paul. This post really captures the feeling of being with Gracie and the family at the hospital. Thank you for all the website work, creative ipad mechanics, well worded updates, etc. Your love and support shows through in every word you write.
Paul, Thank you for that beautifully described report and thank you more for the countless hours you've spent to keep our community up to date on sweet Gracie's progress. The Fox Family
Thank you for the update! Every day I run into people who are keeping Gracie and family in their thoughts and prayers.
[Posted for Jeff Weiherer] Paul, thanks so much of the update. It's been difficult for us to stay informed as we're moving and in transition with so much boxed up, so the updates have been especially helpful. We look forward to a visit when it's an option and helping as able in the interim. Please pass along our thoughts and prayers to the Fisher's. Jeff & Sandy
Sending Gracie love! 😘. Wonderful to read about the steps Gracie has made towards healing. Love, Peggy
Gracie! Ben told me he went and visited you and I wish I could be there with you guys too. I miss talking to you so much but I know you're getting better and that's what's important! I nemo'd yesterday and my legs kind of hurt. (by kind of I mean a lot) I thought that was just a myth lmao. Oh and Vita is in like New York with lily and angus right now! I wish I could come give you a hug. love you so much Gracie xoxo -Gillian
Thank you Paul for keeping us informed. We all want to help and appreciate knowing the best way to do that. Praying for sweet Gracie and her amazing family. xoxo The O'Neill-Johnson Family