Coming Home!

The feeling I felt when we pulled into my drive way in Wilson North Carolina was a feeling I can't even describe. There was Welcome Home Banner hanging on my porch where I immediate turned my eyes towards. I saw my flowers and rocking chairs on the porch and it reminded me of how grateful I was for the little things. I then walked into my house and dropped my bags right at the door. Everything looked so cozy and I could even smell the scent of "Home Sweet Home." My eyes filled with water I looked all around. The feeling was great and I was so thankful that this journey had ended for now. It was time to get back to the hustle and bustle of life back home. However, I am truly grateful for the enjoyable time I had spent with my family, the spiritual insight I had gain from watching such a brave little girl, the friendships I had made and the romance that had rekindled with me and Thomas. It was an emotional, spiritual, eventful and best journey of my life.......and we were just getting started.

Well, Today I reminded Graci that we had to take the bandage off. She didn't say a word. I asked her as I played with her long gorgeous hair and asked, "What's wrong?" You don't want to take it off?" She said No! The bandage with the jewels reminds her of a headband. She than begin to explain that she didn't want anyone that she didn't know to ask her to see her ear because it wasn't complete. She also doesn't like that her hair is shaved and that hair will start to grow on her ear because of her hair line is so close to her ear. Daddy, replied don't you worry about the hair, we can shave it every day like I have to shave. She laughed. However, after a hour conversation explained to her that she needs to be proud and grateful for all that she has been through and already accomplished. Graci said, "I know I'm Special". This is how God made me. I immediately had to leave the room because of the tears building up in my eyes. I walked into my kitchen and turned on my radio. Listening to Music helps my soul and allows me to forget about the trials and tribulations of everyday. It truly takes me to another world. I turned the switch to hear the most gorgeous sound coming through the speakers it was "Amazing Grace". After just explaining to my daughter to never be ashamed and then the greatest song ever written was playing through out my house. It reminded me that their will be a day when there will be no more tears, no more pain and no more fears and the burdens of this world will be no more.

I know the journey seems so long, but my family isn't walking alone; and we are so thankful for our family, church and friends who have experienced this trip with us. It. Thanks again for to everyone and words can't express how much we appreciate all of you. Graci is so lucky and one day she will look back at all this and really have a heartfelt story to share with others. Please stay in touch for the journey begins again in October for 2nd stage ear reconstruction. Love to All.

2nd Post Op

Last night when I layed my head down to rest, I glanced over at my son who was sleeping so peacefully and it reminded me of a comment he made a couple of weeks before our trip. Griffin was asking me why we were going to California. As if he really knew it was on the other side of the country. I explained to him we were going for Graci and that this was Graci's trip. He looked at me with his big blue gorgeous eyes with his curly eyelashes and said, "Is it her ear?" Why isn't my ear like Graci's; I want an ear like hers". Well, it reminded me last night that this journey has been just as much Griffin's as it has Graci's. He has been there for his big sister and wants her to be like other children. This is just as important to him as it is for her. Sibling love was really shining throughout this trip. Graci and Griffn have a strong emotional bond that will never be broken and it embraces my heart when I see them together.

Today we woke up really early, because we knew this was our last day. Before getting out of bed this morning, I closed my eyes and prayed that God would be with us today as he was all week and I prayed that what was behind that bandage (that we have called a head band) was going to make Graci smile and be an amazing sight that we were so delighted to see. 3:00 was going to be like forever. We headed out around 9:00 and headed to the Golden Gate Bridge (big red bridge, according to Griffin). It was truly a beautiful sight. We were standing behind the second largest bridge in the United States and the Pacific Ocean was right beside us. To our family it was a once in a lifetime moment. We decided to travel downtown to the city to the Golden Gate Park which is over 1000 acres. It was a total urban chaos. People were riding bikes, homeless people were begging, and the market was open to the public for all kinds of tasty fruits and vegetables. It was so congested with traffic and people that were thought we were in a movie. It really made us appreciate the Carolina's.

It was time for our post op so we traveled to the beautiful city of Woodside, California. Graci didn't seem quite as excited as I did about seeing the start of her ear but she hoped in the chair with a beautiful smile. She was adorable as ever, in her pink and white seersucker smoked outfit and jewels wrapped around her bandage. The nurse took off the bandage and there sat Graci with an outer ear that was craved out of her very own flesh. Goose bumps came over me and I felt my eyes begin to water. I looked and saw the beginning of this fabulous journey and knew that God had answered my prayers. Graci was alittle upset from the removal of the tape and had stated that she didn't want to see her ear in the mirror. That surprised me but once we were in the car both her and Griffin wanted to see. I showed them both and almost at the same time they both said, "Pretty". I then knew she was happy.

Our journey doesn't end here, we return on October 5th for 2nd stage. During this time they will do transposition of the ear lope and she goes home the same day. However, it will only be a 3 day trip for us; but it will still be on our journey to Graci's New Ear.

A Day at the Beach

Everyone knows we are beach lovers!!! So we couldn't leave without visiting the beaches of Santa Cruz. We headed to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which is the oldest surviving amusement park and one of two seaside parks on the West Coast of the United States. The kids thought it was really neat. We sat out on the beach and rested for a bit. Griffin wanted to know why there wasn't any seashells. Graci was so glamours in her cherry ruffled bathing suit with a geranium flower in her hair and her sparkly jewels on her bandage.

We let the kids ride a few rides and then we grabbed lunch and sat down at the picnic area. Right before leaving Thomas spotted a beautiful view down by the beach. It was where the sea and the sand rested along the rocky cliffs above the Monterey Bay. It looked so peaceful so we walked over there. It was breathtaking. You could see sailboats skim the water and if you listened closely you could hear the faint bark of the sea lions in the distance. It truly was the highlight of our day and it reminded us of God's nature and the beauty he created.

Tomorrow is our 2nd post!!

1st Post Op

Today Daddy woke up first. He came in the room where Griffin and I were sleeping and gave me a kiss and that started out the morning so wonderful. Griffin went in and woke Graci up with his usual, "Good Morning, Grace" She immediately said, "Do I get my tubes out today?" I could tell they were bothering her and she was beginning to itch all over, especially around her ear and her incision at the rib. We had a nice breakfast together and enjoying another day that God had given us.

We went and walked around Pier 39 which is a huge popular tourist attraction built on a pier of San Fransisco with many shops and restaurants. Graci loved looking at the boats and would stop several times so she could get her picture taken around all the beautiful flowers. She is such a little model.

Arriving 10 minutes late to our fist post op due to traffic, she went in ready and willing. She hoped in the chair looking like a little executive (per Dr. Brent) with her pink and white gingham short set with her white cardigan and big white bow. The nurse begin to take her bandage off and it really was quite painful for her and tears were rolling down her face. I immediate stood up and held her hand and tried to assure her that it would be OK. Well, Dr. Brent came in an took a quick look under her bandage that covered her ear and said that everything looked great. I only got a small look but noticed the hair they had to shave. I also saw her cute little small ear and her ear lobe (which I miss seeing) that they will use for her 2nd stage surgery in October. He then told Graci to take a deep breath and he pulled the tubes out so quickly that Graci had no idea what he had done. I almost fainted.

He bandaged her head back up and Graci was smiling again. She then knew that she was able to decorate her bandage with many stickers since there was no more tubes. She walked out smiling and happy and that's what matters. So we treated her with a chocolate sundae.

We had a wonderful evening spending time and networking with other families. We cooked out, enjoyed a glass of wine and watched these three amazing girls (with Griffin tagging along) run, play, giggle and make memories.

Wonderful Weekend!

Well, Friday we took it easy. Graci was still alittle sore and was walking around like an old lady. But she always got the royal treatment just like a queen. We explained to Griffin several times that it was Graci's Day and he would say, "I know that". We sat out by the pool, Jacuzzi and played some putt putt at the Suite. We met two families who had surgery with Dr. Brent the same week. The girls made bookmarks, colored with glitter pens, painted toe nails and even decorated their bandages with fun stickers. It was a remarkable moment watching three little girls who had all gone through ear reconstructive surgery playing and laughing together. They were truly troopers sharing their stories about each others ears. It was priceless.

Saturday we traveled to Bear Mountain and visited Roaring Camp of Big Trees. We took a steam train through the Redwood Forest and saw trees that were over 2,000 years old. It was so peaceful and calm looking at the historic railroads and all the beautiful flowers. Graci would stop and smell the flowers and pick them so Mommy could put them in her hair. We even had Griffin saying, "look at the pretty flowers".

Today we went to San Francisco Zoo where there were over 250 species. Graci loved looking at all the animals. Of course we pushed her around in a wagon and she never once asked why people were looking at her. She never was ashamed that she had a white bandage wrapped around her head with tubes coming out with test tubes of blood. By the way, her favorite animals were the monkeys and the huge Tiger. She reminds me of a little monkey always smiling and jumping around so graceful. She reminds me of a Tiger because of striking personality and her braveness and determination. We stopped at a gift shop and Graci picked out a stuff giraffe because that's Mommy's favorite animal and she is always thinking of others. Griffin on the other hand, picked out a Caroline blue calculator. (who knows maybe he will be an Accountant or something when he grows up).

We have had a wonderful weekend enjoying each other and thanking God for his many blessings. Every morning we go out and pick a flower for Graci's hair and we spend time changing her tubes as a family. Griffin even likes to help. I am so proud of how well Graci has done and has constantly had a positive attitude about everything.

Tomorrow is our first post-op!!!

The Day After!

Graci and I only stayed one night in the Surgical Center. She woke up bright eyed and repeatedly said, "I want my Daddy". We had a good night and she only woke up twice to go to the restroom. Everyone at El Camino Surgical Center was so nice and sweet and just adored Graci. Well, Daddy and Griffin came to pick us up early and we were headed back to Staybridge Suites (our home away from home).

Well, Graci had a good day. We pained fingernails, watched high school musical, Dora, changed clothes several times and did some walking to help with the pain that she was experiencing where they cut her on her rib cage. She repeatedly said, "I need a wheelchair and why can't I have one". She was the cutest thing walking around like a 90 year old women holding her back and constantly saying in the sweetest voice "Owe, Owe, Owe. She did finally look in the mirror later on in the day and said, "That's not too bad". "Fix my hair Mommy, I want to look pretty". A tear rolled down my face. She never complained and only teared up a few times when it was hurting. We had a pain chart but she still always pointed to the smiley face because it her mind she was happy and not in pain.

Our night went well, Thomas and I took turns sleeping and changing her tubes. Graci woke up a little grumpy, but believe it or not, she is restless and getting bored so I imagine we will head to her favorite store today, Target.

Words can't express how much we thank ALL of you for your prayers, messages and well wishes. Graci is truly so lucky to have all of you in her life. She is gift from God and so very special to everyone she meets.

Hopefully, we can do more sightseeing this weekend and off to the doctors on Monday and Wednesday. We all can't wait to see the beautiful sight underneath the bandage. Will keep you posted with pics.

The Big Day/First Stage Surgery

Got up early to get to El Camino Surgical Center. Graci looked so adorable in her Barbie nightgown and hot pink leggings with her flip flops, caring her Vera Bradley and Pinkie the Bunny. Then she changed into those great PJ's they have and so bravely hopped on the bed and said, "I'm Ready". I felt the tears come pouring down my face. I took a deep breath and turned around so I could be strong for Graci. Thomas and Griffin were getting ready to head to the lobby when Graci began to cry, "Don't leave me", Thomas started tearing up and explaining that we would be just in the next room. However, she slowly began to get really sleepy from the Valium and they slowly took her back to the OR.

Waiting four hours in the waiting room was like eternity. I read some of Twlight so Edward Cullen helped me take my mind of everything. Suddenly, Dr. Brent came out of the double doors with a smile and was grinning from "ear to ear". "Graci did well; surgery was perfect and she was a dynamite". I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my chest.

He then proceeded to show me on his camera her ear that he carved right from her very own rib cartilage. The second picture was the ear actually attached. Words can't explain the feeling I felt when I saw the outer ear that was just created and sculptured from the most incredible surgeon in the US and he did it all for Graci. What an great feeling! This was only the beginning of Graci's Journey to Her New Ear. The first stage was amazingly remarkable; and I couldn't be more pleased. God be the Glory!!!!

A Day in the City!

Today we drove to the beautiful city of San Francisco. I just loved looking at all the beautiful huge palm trees and all the flowers and greenery. It was breathtaking.

We took a cruise on the San Fran Bay and went under the Golden Gate Bridge (the red bridge, according to Griffin). It was amazing looking at the city on the water. Thomas and I even had a toast while on the boat with a Corona and lime, and the kids had a Sprite. We had a "Cheers" to Graci getting her new ear the four of us!

We also saw sea lions resting on the rocks and traveled up close to the Alcatraz. I can only imagine how those prisoners felt in that cold dark place. We then went to the Aquarium by the Bay where we toured an underground aquarium with over 20,000 fishes. There were fishes everywhere and even on our heads, at least, that's what the kids thought. A great day before the Big Day!!

Pre-op

Everyone got a good nights sleep and a yummy breakfast. Today we drove to Woodside, CA to finally meet Dr. Brent and the sweet ladies I have been communicating with for 4 months. Dr. Brent was wonderful not to mention the office was full of stuffed animals and an aquarium full of beautiful fish in the middle of the waiting room.

Dr. Brent was very nice and laid back. He explained to us the procedure and all three stages of the surgery over the next 9 months. He talked to Graci and went over all the details for her so there would be no surprises. She sat still there with her big bow in her hair and smiled so beautifully at him. He really made us all feel at ease.

We have already met two families here at the Suite that have already had surgery. They both have done wonderful and Graci got to see them with their bandage on. Tomorrow is a free day so we are taking a cruise on the San Fransisco Bay and going to the Aquarium by the Bay. We all can't wait.

California Bound!

We made it safe and sound. Traveling with kids on an airplane was challenging but we tried to keep them busy, but they were still alittle restless at times. I think Griffin called "Mama" a 100 times. He was asking things like, "Are we in the air yet", "Is that the clouds or snow", "When are we going to land?" Graci stayed busy coloring, writing notes and putting on make-up. We had more accessories on that plane then Fancy Nancy.

We have Graci's pre-op tomorrow so we will update you then. Thanks for all the prayers for safe travel. We certainly said,"Thank you Jesus when we landed". I have to admit I was nervous but knew we were in God's hand.

The Night Before

OK we are all packed and ready to leave Wilson at 5:00 am! Me Me and Ga Ga are taking us to the airport. We will have lots of coffee on hand and all our gear with us. We will update you when we arrive in the beautiful state of California. By the way, Graci lost a tooth today and she has been so excited. She said, I bet the tooth fairy is going to bring me lots of money! What is he going to bring me when I get my ear fixed? She is so funny!! Well, we will write more tomorrow when we get settled in. Love to all!

The weekend is here!

The weekend is here and the kids know that in two days we will be on an airplane to California for Graci to get her ear fixed (at least that is how she puts it). Graci graduated from Kindergarten today and ended her journey at St. Therese Catholic School due to the school closing. I cried like a baby leaving that school and it was very emotional for me. My heart goes out to the teachers who have lost their job and the students/parents who don't know where they will be next school year. Graci has meet some wonderful friends there and they will be missed.

Well, we went shopping this afternoon for some new fun and cool stuff for our trip. Graci wanted some new coloring books, markers, flip flops of course, and a new pocket book. We had a great time in Target shopping and spending money to make the airplane ride fun. We got lots of things to do on the plane and snacks and candy to eat. Graci also got a new vera bradley for all her fun stuff and Griffin of course had to get a new book bag. So, we are set for the airplane ride.....also got a few DVD's to watch.

Saying our prayers tonight, when Graci said, "I won't mind sleeping in that bandage because I have slept in hair rollers and braids before." I think it will just be like toilet paper wrapped around my head. It's cool, she said. Got to love her sense of humor.

Packing and Explaining

Well, we started packing last night and I was explaining to Graci about the procedure. I told her they would cut a piece of skin off her tummy area (by the rib) and they would carve her a new ear. I explained that she would have a bandage on her head that would wrap around for the entire time we were there. Graci put her hands on her hips and said, "I don't know why you are worried about California and my surgery, because I'm not." I started to cry.

I then go on and tell her that we have to pick out clothes that either button up or dresses she can slip into because of the head gear she will have. She asked was it a, helmet. I started to chuckle. She was totally OK with everything and I was amazed by her inner beauty.

Griffin asked the most funniest thing last night....he wanted to know if California had chocolate milk and apple juice. That is great !

Insurance

After much research we decided to use Dr. Burt Brent to do Graci's ear reconstruction on her microtia. We found him to be the best in the US. I felt comfortable with him and had read a lot of his articles and have seen pictures that were amazing. We contacted the Doctor and told them we were interested and then they started asking about insurance. It has been an insurance nightmare every since we started this journey. You can only imagine what kind of expense we are talking about and our insurance denied us a "prior plan approval." We basically wanted this for our sake and of course the provider. We even wrote a letter to the Congressmen and the CEO of our insurance provider and still no letter. I felt like I was choosing the Doctor that I wanted her to go to and they were denying us because we were going out of network. Thomas and I then realized that this was about Graci and Graci getting her new ear and we were going to make it work if it meant selling everything I had. She deserves this.

Well after crying for over 2 weeks it all finally worked out where we are so excited to be going to California in less then a week.