Finding the 1%
Hello Friends and Family,
We have been back home for two and a half months now. The good people at Craig did a great job in preparing us for a new life full of new challenges. Despite equipment malfunctions, power outages, medication schedules and medical supply mishaps, we seem to be staying on top of it.
Gracie is happy to be home. Her initial anxieties have relaxed a bit and she is getting out more. She has resumed painting and playing piano. She even played some Chopin with the mouth-stick this week. She is working hard in her therapies and loves her OT Leslie, and her PT Rob. Gracie is facing each day with courage. She thinks a lot about the future and what role she can play in it. She is still a very ambitious young lady. Disease and trauma can take a lot away from you, but it can't take everything if you don't let it.
Debbie has taken on the role of primary care giver. I wish I could express how big this job is, and what it takes to do it. She meets each day head on and gives it everything she's got. She is made of some pretty good stuff, the best stuff.
One of the things we think about daily is the amount of love and support we have received from the community, our church, co-workers, friends, and family. People we don't know and people we hadn't seen in years reached out to lend a helping hand. We want to thank everyone and don't know exactly how to go about it. We would like to begin by having an open house at our home Saturday the 28th of November from 1-4pm. It would be mean so much to our family to say thank you in person to anyone able to come out the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We are very grateful and have lots to be thankful for. We are especially thankful for everyone who has been following Grace's story and moved by it.
When this ordeal started it was clear something life changing was happening. It was clear it would challenge our approach to this life and this world. Ninety-nine percent of these events were awful. It was fear, followed by despair, hopelessness and pain. Slowly, we began to see that maybe one percent of this was good. All of us tried to put ourselves in this one percent of goodness and try to seek some peace in all we were going through. It took a while, but I think we are there. You all were a big part of exposing this one percent and we are grateful to you for that.
Bill
p.s.; some recent pictures of Gracie are below. Visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/helpgracie to see more.
Gracie painted a picture of her grandmother's hometown for her birthday.
Grandpa and a goofy Gracie.
Irvine and Hanah with Gracie at the Rose Gardens.
Comments (15)
Bill, your update on Gracie and your family was so touching. I was blessed to see those wonderful pictures of Gracie and friends and family. You are all in my prayers and I know God is going to use all these struggles and accomplish something wonderful we can't see yet. But one thing we can see is all the love that is poured out by family and friends. with love, Jane Manasse
Dear Fishers, Thank you for sharing your journey so poignantly. I am sure I speak for many your friends and family when I say that we will do whatever we can to help you all spend as much time as possible on the island of 1%. Love and prayers, Patti and Jeff.
Your family's journey has been such an inspiration. I wish I could be at your open house, but I am leaving for Ohio to visit with my Mother. When I return, I would like to visit. I know how excited Devon is to be with you when she comes home. Much Love & many Blessings, Janice Fitzgibbons
Thank you, Bill for sharing your thoughts and an update on dear Gracie. Your family is incredible and is such an inspiration embodying courage and strength . Gracie is never far from my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to seeing you, Debbie, Emily and Gracie on the 28th. Love, Cindy Billings
I am so inspired by the remarkable young woman that Gracie is! We will actually be in town on that weekend, visiting family for a short 4 days, but I would love to come by and say hi! Maybe I can get my niece Siena to go along with me. I'm sure that stun won't be a problem. What a joy it will be to touch base.
Dear Fisher Family, Bob and I have followed your past almost 11 months through your Facebook posts (and those made by others on your behalf). We were devastated to learn of Gracie's sudden live changing, tragic illness. From what we have read and seen from pictures and videos, your family has met this extremely challenging life altering with strength, grace, humility and many other attributes. We continue to pray for all of you and think positive thoughts everyday. Love Susan and Bob
Bill, Debbie, Gracie and Emily-I am so glad that you all have chosen to look at the glass half full. Although I can't imagine how challenging each day is for your family, I am so happy to hear that life is becoming the "new normal" for you guys and that you have settled into a routine. The strength and spirit that all 4 of you have shown over the last year has been remarkable and inspiring. I'm sorry we won't be able to join you at the open house....3,000 miles is a bit too far to travel :) But, we will be sure to stop by and see you guys when we are next on the west coast. Love, Krista, Bart, Julia and Megan
Thanks so much for the update! We continue to lift Gracie and the family up in our prayers! Debbie, you are a rock! Praying God will give you all that you need to get through each day! Gracie, you are amazing! I know God is using you in so many ways! Praying for strength as you face each challenge! Love you guys!
What a beautiful testament to love, family and determination. We love you all so much and feel so incredibly blessed you moved behind us and became our life-long friends. What a wonderful idea to have an open house! It'll certainly be full of caring friends. Ashley & Dan, Savannah & Olivia
Dear Bill, Debbie & Gracie, Thank you so much for this update. Your strength, courage and love for each other are an inspiration! We look forward to seeing you Saturday Nov. 28th. Love Seymour & Diane
A beautiful mind and soul are a big assets in building on that one percent...two then three and on and on...... Gracie you are such an inspiration, we are in awe.. very few people have your strength and perseverance... You go girl!!!!
Bill, that testimony brings tears to my eyes. You and Debbie and the girls have always been very special to us, and you are in my prayers every night. We won't be in California over the holidays, but definitely want to stop and see all of you when we do come down after the New Year. Please give hugs to all your girls for us. Love, Irene
The strength and resilience of your family is a blessing to me, and as I pray for my own healing in His good timing, I also pray for Gracie and your whole very supportive family. We don't know what the future will bring, but we know who holds the future, and with that assurance, one moves forward with renewed strength and calmness, knowing that He has our best interests in mind. Love to your family, Ruth Warkentin
Dearest Grace, Oh, I'm so happy to know that you are enjoying Chopin. One of the greatest gifts in life is the ability to appreciate and enjoy music. I can't imagine a world without music. I wonder if you might enjoy music composition. Let me know if you'd be interested videos on composition. Big Blessings on all of the Fishers! and thanks for Bill's positive update! Mary Ellen and Bob Logan
Wow! Your family is such an example of courage, love, inspiration, and perseverance. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to seeing you on the 28th! Love, Sharlae