My Endurance is Getting Better...
My endurance is getting better... I can see and feel the progress I'm making on the FES bike and Erigo tilt table, and I can also feel more upper extremity awareness after starting the Armeo robotic arm. Two of the videos my dad posted are linked below that show me on the Erigo and robotic arm.
Armeo robotic arm: http://youtu.be/xeOSu1hC1ZA
Eridio tilt table: http://youtu.be/i7wm1fLhzQU
Mom and Emily got me some new clothes and I'm feeling more like my old self. My mom's friend, Josie Devine, gave us a book called Wonder by RJ Palacio. The end of the book made mom cry, which me laugh, which made reading the book worth it. Although pretty elementary, I enjoyed listening as mom read it to me, maybe as much as she enjoyed reading it to me.
I've been enjoying enjoying going outside and soaking up the unseasonably warm Colorado winter (it's been crazy warm here!). It's been great to have Emily's company, and I'm impressed she read Divergent in three days. She's also been helping me with Facetiming and Snap chatting with friends.
One advancement over the past 7-10 days is my blood tests are normalizing and I haven't been feeling as sick. My appetite continues to improve... tuna fish sandwiches and Big Macs are my current favorites, although I do mix in enough healthy food to even it out. I've been able to take more pills on my own and the feeding tube is definitely wearing out its welcome!
I love to hear from you, and thank you for all your cards and letters! And thank you for all the support! It really means a lot to my whole family.
Love,
Gracie
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[From Paul]
Couple of quick notes:
If you'd like to write Grace, you can send your card or letter here:
Craig Hospital
c/o Grace Fisher
3425 South Clarkson St.
Englewood, CO 80113
Also, Goonies for Gracie, a movie night featuring Grace's favorite movie, is a week from Friday, March 27th, at the Marjorie Luke Theatre on the campus of SB Junior High School. Come watch Gracie's favorite movie!
Comments (32)
Gracie, GO GO GO! Patti and Jeff
Grace, it is so nice to hear your voice in your writing and read the good news of your progress. Not a day goes by that we aren't thinking of you and your family. That robotic arm is impressive! Stay strong. Love, Amy, Alegra, Matt and Oliver
Yay, Gracie. So good to hear from you!
Gracie it's Emma-Jane and Upstarts! We are in tech week! Can you remember how we all thought THAT was endurance!!! Our play is dedicated to you this year. No matter what is thrown at you, you seem to deal with it, using great dignity and aplomb - and that smile... You are an inspiration to those of us who think a problem is running out of glue sticks, or not being able to finish our dress rehearsal on time! Keep smiling Gracie ! Think of us this Thursday on opening night of FRANKENSTEIN ... Or Is It...? I will send you a program when it's all done! Once an Upstart...
HI GRACE! And Debbie and Bill and Emily! So great to hear an update from you!! You have been in our thoughts and prayers a lot lately because we are in Santa Barbara. We miss seeing you and your family here! Hopefully we can come to SB sometime this summer to see you guys! I will have to ask Josie about this Wonder book - if your mom cried I bet I will too! Sending you lots of good strength building vibes!! xoxo Joie, John, Jaclyn, Jayna and Joe Horton
Yeah Gracie! You are an inspiration to us all. So very good to hear from you of your improvement. Love to you and your family from all the Follies. We will be kicking in line, twice as high tomorrow!
Great work Grace. You are an inspiration to all of those cheering for you and your family. Nice to have some warm weather in Colorado to let you know Spring is almost here. Sally Blevins
Gracie, It is so great to hear your voice through this update! We think of you every day and are so happy to hear you are getting stronger! You are an inspiration to us all and I keep saying I know you are going on this journey to teach us all something amazing and you have already done that with your positive attitude, determination and perseverance! We can't wait to see your smiling face and hear your beautiful voice back in SB! Sending love to you all! John, Claire, Mae and Quinn Pendergast
The Gallivans are lacing up our running shoes for the Run for Gracie! We know how much you always enjoyed running - HA!! I am thrilled to hear you are getting stronger! I have also read the book, "Wonder." It is one of my favorites....you would have gotten a good laugh at me because I, like your Mom, cried and cried!! We miss you! Love to all the Fishers! xoxoxo
Dear Gracie, so good to get a report from you. You would be surprised at how many people ask me about you that don't really know you but who are cheering for you. Glad you have some of this warm weather, because it is actually pretty HOT here in SB. I send hearty hugs and wishes for a good day today and everyday!
Gracie, you write so beautifully it's like reading a musical score/composition. I am heartened by the progress you are making as well as the terrific support system that you have. What courage and determination all of you have.
So wonderful the "hear your voice" as I read your words. Keep up the good work...we're all cheering for you!!
Gracie~ We don't know each other but I am a mom of two Dons. I was devastated to hear of what you have been going through and am so happy for your recovery! My family sends its love and best wishes for your continued and improved health and we look forward to welcoming you back to SB in the near future!
Gracie, you are simply amazing! It's so wonderful to hear an update from you. We pray for you and your family every day. So many people are behind you and so very proud of you!
You go girl!! Nothing like taking this bull by the horn!! So exciting to hear an update directly from YOU!!! We pray for you and your family every day!! Sending love and positive energy your way!! Love you!!
Reading your comments made my morning. Now off to the Follies' rehearsal with more glee than usual. Sending you love and positive energy along with prayers.
So good to hear from you Gracie! Love the updates and hearing that you are feeling better and making progress! YOU GO GIRL!
Gracie, I'm glad to hear about your progress. Keep it up. We're thinking about you everyday. Steve and Debbie Stewart
Hi Gracie, it is so great to hear from you! I'm thinking we should not let Anja read the "Wonder" book or there will be a river of tears!! :) Congratulations on your accomplishments. It must be a lot of hard work... I know you are a hard working achiever so keep it up. I sure miss you all, looking forward to your return to SB. Lots of love to you and your family. XOXO
Grace, the Shorts love that book too! We all read it and would love to have a friend like August. Keep up the great work, we are all rooting and praying for you! -Cathie Watson-Short, Celeste, Noel, Catalina and Brian
Gracie-I'm so proud of you for all of your hard work and for staying so upbeat. Keep it up! I read Wonder about a year ago. Great book. And, it it makes you laugh a bit more, I will tell you that I cried at the end too! Another book that I recently finished and liked a lot was "Delicious", in case you are looking for the next good read. I'm sure you would like it and I know you mom will too. Thanks for all of the updates regarding your progress. Every time I open my email I immediately look to see if there is a new update...I'm sure that MANY others do the same. Julia and Megan said to say hi to you....they ask about you all the time. -Krista
Grace... I am so stoked and so totally amazed at your fantastic determination girl!!! You are the example of the true Lara Croft fighter, you have the Quan.Much Love!
Dear Grace: Wow!!! Good news-- exciting and encouraging. Keep up the great work. We are pleased to hear about the progress and improvement. Everything seems to be on an upturn. I am praying to Padre Pio every night and he has the responsibility to keep things going well. I figure it's good to put things in the hands of God and his friends. Keep up the good work. Love, The Carrolls
Dear Grace, You don't know me but I was a patient of your dad's, several times. He always talked about what an amazing young woman you are and he is so proud of you. I've been following your posts and can understand the strength of spirit that he was referring to. I am so pleased to hear about your recent turn for the better, eating, moving and writing your own post. So many people I know and talk to you are thinking of you and praying for you, some that know you and many that don't. You are truly an inspiration to anyone and everyone that hears your story. CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance to Berklee College of Music.. What an accomplishment! I'm sure you will blow them away with your talent and personality when you are all healthy and able to attend. Keep up all the hard, good work! Love to you and your family, Laurie McMahon
Gracie, It is so good to hear an update directly from you and get to see some of the amazing therapy you are doing! You are constantly in my prayers, and those of so many people at Santa Barbara Community Church! Sending lots of love your way! Taisa
Great job Gracie!! Keep up the good work and keep on treak'n. Prayers and healing vibes coming your way. The Chung Family :)
Hi Gracie. What an awesome post! Your humor and personality remain intact!!! 👍👍👍. So wonderful to hear all about how you are progressing. Have you heard the new Ed Sheeren song Thinking Out Loud? The video is really nice too...Ed is dancing. (I know you like his songs because I have a picture in my mind of you wearing Ed Sheeren T-shirts. ) Check out the video if you haven't already. There is also a video about the making of the video that is also worth watching. Ed couldn't dance at all before this video. And don't you love how I'm on a first name basis with him? Hahahaha Sending you big huge ENORMOUS obnoxiously tight bear hugs! Love, Peggy
Wow, Grace!! It is so good to hear from you and to see your tremendous progress! You are an inspiration to me and such a treasure! I love your humor and wit. Lots of love and big hugs coming your way!!
So glad to hear the good news! Love your sweet spirit! Keep up the excellent progress! You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Totally AWESOME update from YOU Gracie! Big hugs to you and the family!
To Our Gracie Girl, You are making your San Roque 'hood friends so very proud!! Seeing the pictures of you working so hard (and with your beautiful smile on your face too!) to get better made my whole year (so far!). You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and don't forget how much you are loved 'back home." God is watching over you Gracie and we're you're biggest fans and cheerleaders. We love you and Bill, Debbie and Emily muy, muy mucho! Dan and all The Foxes.
Gracie!! So glad you are making progress! We think of you ALL the time and talk about you a whole bunch, always feeling so amazed by your tremendous effort and spirit!! Your smile inspires us ! Also, Peggy Rogers is Oliver's piano teacher, so we have her in common. We are sending you lots of love all the time. Keep up the amazing work! Xxxxooooo. Polly, Ivan , Oliver and Ashton.