Rehab is Hard Work
They have moved Gracie to a new room on Friday… good thing we had not put everything up on the wall yet! We’ve been getting cards, and I know Gracie like reading them, so thank you for those who have sent them! There are probably bunches more in the mail room… Craig is not the fastest in the mail delivery business.
Gracie has a nice view out her window. The snow has all melted and it’s been unseasonably warm here… Friday was a record high for this time of the year at 71 degrees. Even so, it’s still a lot chillier here than Santa Barbara!
Gracie is making more vocalizations each day. It’s difficult to tolerate as her throat hurts and she doesn’t like the way she sounds. However, I think that, while soft, her voice is sweet and definitively Grace in resonance. In kindergarten, the teacher said that it didn’t matter who Grace sat next to in circle time, she equally talked to everyone and didn’t leave anyone out (even when it wasn’t circle time… we got more than one “your child is talking too much” report). Now, we can’t get her to talk enough!
We’ve been getting better sleep, but rehab is hard work for all of us, even dad, too (no, he’s not dead, just dead-to-the-world asleep)…
We also had a couple of seniors from Faith Christian High School come and play guitar and sing for Gracie yesterday. It was the highlight of the day.
Rehab is hard, and not every day is an up day. I can’t imagine doing this without Bill here… it’s hard even with both of us. I so appreciate the prayers and love and support that everyone is sending our way. It makes a difficult thing less so.
Love,
Debbie
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Reminder: NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 from 6pm to 9pm, there will be a Concert For Gracie at The Blind Tiger, 409 State Street. This is likely to be a full event, so come early. Hector Hurtado and Roger Perry are coordinating the concert, which will feature several local bands (Brandi & Jami, The Branbles, Monkey House, Bad Jack, and others) as well as groups who know Gracie or that she's been involved with. It's open to all ages, and should be a great evening. All donations will go to the Fishers. You can download a flyer here: http://helpgracie.corr.org/concert4gracie.pdf.
Comments (19)
Thank you for the the update. You are all so inspiring! Gracie, working so hard, omgosh! I can hear the progress you are making..keep it going! Emily..new school and major cheerleader! Bill and Debbie, stay strong and focused...and get more sleep! Love and prayers for you from Nan, Dave and Kai Mills. We think of you every day!
Hi Debbie, I have been keeping up on Grace's progress too. Remind Grace that her throat and vocal cords are probably swollen from intubation and that her different voice is temporary. When the swelling goes down she will sound more like herself. Wishing you all the best. Debbi Brown
Thinking of all of you. I was hoping today would bring an update. Thanks for the photos. Good going on all the hard work. And I know there is progress. Yay!
As usual, every night, I check my email hoping for an update. Bless all of you for working so hard. You are, indeed, an inspiration to all of us. Thank you...for being who you are. We are lucky to know you. You are special, all of you, in every sense of the word. Harvey and I send our love and encouragement. Keep on talkin' Gracie. Hugs and love. Carol...and Harvey...he looks like Bill right now.......asleep! ❤️
Much love to you guys. You are fighting the good fight and the day to day work in the trenches is going to be huge in the long run. *HUGS*
Think of you all so often....and continue to send strength, hugs and love your way for a continued rehabilitation. Love the updates!
Thank you for the update. It is nice to hear about the blessings-cards, sunshine, high school performers :). I imagine it helps soften the edges of the tough parts of the day. My prayers continue for Gracie and all who surround her.
Soooo appreciate you keeping us all in the loop through your process. Hearing about the family's successes and hard work helps us all keep a mental picture of your experience and our hearts fully engaged. We love you and we are with you.
My love and prayers are with you, Gracie, and your amazo family! The hard work will pay off; know that Santa Barbara is rooting for you, God is with you, and you can do this.
Thank you so much for the update. You can count on everyone at FUMC "holding space" for Gracie and the "amazo" family. Love you all so much. We pray for you all every single day.
Thanks for the update Debbie; From our days at Rancho, we have a pretty good idea of what everyone is going through. At times like these, it seems to be the support of friends and family that seem to make you so strong. Keep up the good work; you're always in our thoughts! Bill and Marion
You go Gracie! I'm glad you are vocalizing....keep up the hard work! You have a beautiful view from your room. It's nice to see all the love on your walls too!. So many near and far are thinking of you. Btw, My fitness instructor at Spectrum was talking about you the other day and saying how strong you are through all this. He was mentioning to people in the class to attend the Blind Tiger Benefit for you this Sunday. It made me happy to hear him advertise. We're all here rooting for you. Hugs!
Thank you for sharing the good news and the challenges. I think of Gracie every day - especially when we are hiking up San Roque Road early in the morning. I watch the sun rise and think of your family and say a prayer. We are so proud to be your friends in Santa Barbara. Hugs to all.
Great picture of Bill! We had a great laugh! Glad you got some sleep Bill! Stay tough guys...kick some bootie Gracie! We are sending you positive healing thoughts daily. Love you guys, Rayanna, Scott and Cadyn
So glad to hear everyone is settled in together and doing well. It's amazing to hear that Grace is talking more and can start eating things that will likely give her the energy boost she needs to make a full recovery! We are praying for you guys and sending our love to you all. Tracey & Mike & the boys
Rehab IS hard work! One day at a time Grace- sometimes one hour at a time! Keep up the great work! P.S. Has Prince Charming awakened from his long CO winter nap? LOL. 💤
Gracie's aunt, uncle and cousin safely arrived. Tonight they will take Bill and Emily out to dinner when Gracie's friend, Hannah and her mom Lynn arrive. No greater gift this Valentines Day than love, family and friends. Thank you for your steadfast prayers and love near and far. My love to you all this day as well. Xxoo. Debbie
Dear Gracie, You don't know me but I've been following your progress. I am an elementary school teacher in Santa Maria and come into contact with many children. Everyone is precious, like you. My friend Bea is visiting and she is very spirit-filled. We prayed for you tonight and wish you a full and speedy recovery. "By His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4. Also, another friend gave me holy water from Lourdes and I'd like to give you a tiny bit. Maybe I can send it to you if your mom says it's okay. Okay get better quick. We are all praying for you. Valerie PS I have a 19 year old and a 14 year old.
Beautiful... thinking of you and sending my prayers!