Saving Gracie: A Road Less Travelled
Grace has started a new blog, below is her first entry....
Some of you may already know my story, but for those who don't, this is where it begins:
In the fall of 2014 I was what you'd consider a normal high school Senior. Most of my time was spent working on college applications and preparing for music school auditions. My passions resided in piano, guitar, cello, voice and dance. I knew music was what I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. I was a normal healthy teenage kid despite a minor case of Senioritits. Because my friends were busy with college apps and winter concerts, we decided to celebrate my 17th birthday on December 21st, the day before winter vacation was to begin. As friends began to arrive at my house, I knew something was wrong. I suddenly began to feel extreme pain in my neck and numbness and tingling in my hands. A panic overcame me and my Mom rushed me to the ER. Within minutes I was unable to walk and within hours I was completely paralyzed, unable to breathe on my own. A series of tests were taken over the next few days and the doctors came up with a diagnosis of Acute Flaccid Myelitis. I was the 101st case of this polio like illness and little is known about it. Over the next few weeks I was treated with steroids, plasmapheresis, immunoglobulin therapy and chemotherapy. Nothing seemed to help. The only thing keeping me alive was modern medical technology. A machine breathed for me and a tube fed me. My only form of communication was through my eyes. After five weeks in the ICU I was stable enough to transfer to a rehabilitation hospital. I was fortunate enough to be sent to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. It is well known as one of the worlds best hospitals specializing in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury. Over the next seven months Craig Hospital not only helped me rebuild my body but also my mind and spirit.
My path may not be a traditional one, but my only limitation will be my imagination. We have a choice to remain slaves to our past expectations or we can be pioneers and embrace new possibilities.
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Hi I'm Gracie, I'm 18 and I'm a quadriplegic. Although I am in a chair, my chair does not define me. I'm still a student, big sister, and lover of music and art. Hopefully some of the lessons I've learned along my journey can help you in ways big and small.
You can also find my blog on Blogspot: http://savinggracesb.blogspot.com/
Comments (18)
Such an inspiring message, Grace. God must be very proud of how you have chosen which direction to take this path you have; with grace, resourcefulness and appreciation for what you have, instead of a focus on what you have lost. I am inspired by you every day, sweet girl. Love you to the moon and back.
Dearest Gracie; That was a great blog, thanks for your story, hopefully I'll keep my promise soon to come to SB for a short visit, I made that promise to your Mom a few months ago and assured her that it would be coordinated with everyone's schedules. I recently moved to Westlake Village (your old neighborhood) and am still getting moved in, keep blogging Gracie, you are really good at it. Love ya lots young lady, best of everything to you and the whole family, Bob Mitchell
Hi Grace, My name is Carla and I used to live in Santa Barbara. I too am a lover of all things artistic. I've been following your story and progress and absolutely knew from the beginning that yours is a spirit that would not be stopped by this life altering event. You're a wonderful writer - true and pure - taking your reader beyond adversity, which is so needed because there is so much adversity and hardship in so many lives and all need the learned wisdom of each other to light and lighten the way. My favorite phrase in your blog post is "...we have a CHOICE, we can become slaves to past expectations or pioneers to new opportunities!" Very inspirational, Gracie! I look forward to more showers of blessings from you! Warm Regards, Carla Jamie Perez
Gracie, you are such a great role-model for all of us. Your writing is moving and inspiring. I agree with Bob, keep it coming. We care. Love, hugs & kisses, Donna & family
Good Morning, Grace, your prespective on life helps us all to see more clearly what really matters. Thank you and keep blooming, Love, Kathy Weiner
So very beautifully written, Gracie! Yes...keep writing - you inspire us with your passion, determination, and honesty. I love you! 💕
Grace, What a beautifully written blog telling your difficult story. You amaze us! Your spirit, your positive outlook, your perseverance are such a reminder of the resilience of our human spirit. May God bless you in all you do. You are such a shining light to all! Love, The Eubank family (Holly, Andy, Trevor and Kaylee)
Good Morning Grace! Is it a coincidence that I should read this first this morning? Tonight is yet another Upstarts opening night- last year's show was dedicated to you! Whenever I think of you I always think of you as one of " my" actors. That's my experience of you and Emily; Upstarts actors. You managed to slip music into your performance, as Inremember. Who could forget your legendary Toothless Hag on the Piano in Dracula, 93101? Your spirit, your smile, your kindness and compassion stood out then, in your Peabody days. You haven't changed. Look at you: writing a blog now to Inspire others with your story. Once the play is over I would really love to come and see you. Much love to you! And a warm hello to Emily and your utterly brilliant mum'n'dad💗
You are an inspiration Grace! Kathleen "Lunchlady" Peabody
Gracie, you are full of loving spirit. Your light shines and affects those who come in contact with you. Your smile fills our souls. Sending you love and blessings.
I think you have the elements to be a great writer. You have a unique story and perspective, insight about it, and you tell it in a clear way. You make me curious to hear more (if you choose to share it, of course).
Gracie, i have been following your story since day one. You are an amazing young lady. Thank you for sending out such a positive message. Much love!
You are amazing, Gracie! Keep on keeping on. xo
YOU are an inspiration to everyone...no matter what path they are on! Shine on Gracie!!
Such beautiful, inspirational words from a truly exceptional being. Brava, Gracie!!! xoxo
Dear Gracie, what a beautiful message you have shared! Your courage and positive attitude are such an inspiration. Keep it up, Sweetie!
The Lee Family Dear Gracie, thank you for your updated blog. We have followed your story every since you were stricken. You are such a inspiration everyone. With much love and blessings.
This is amazing, Grace! And I LOVE the photo of you and Emily...so beautiful!!