Graci's Song

Song Written by Easy Street

Oh (Hello) Graci
How you amaze me
The pain from before
will soon be no more
Oh Graci.

They'd always wanted children
A family they could raise.
She woke him up and kissed him.
Their dreams cane true that day.
They painted her room together
And talked about a name.
And all their friends would tell them
Life would never be the same.

The pictures they were seeing
were proof of life inside.
Dad asked, "How is my baby?'
She said, "The doctor's will decide."

There would be complications;
Jubilation turned to worry
with the doctor's every word.

The look she gave to Thomas
said, Our Graci is on her way."
The doctors there were waiting
to hold a miracle that day.

Worried anticipation
turned to joyful tears
As Graci made her presence
Among the claps and cheers.

Graci, your smile shines brighter
than the pain that you've been through
And you spirit is contagious
I wish the world was more like you.

Oh Graci
How you amaze me
The pain from before
will soon be no more.
Oh Graci.

First Fundraiser and it was Fabulous!

I never knew my little girl would bring in such a crowd. Wow, is all I can say about the first fundraiser of the kick off to "An Ear for Graci". That has become our motto. Every since the article it has been remarkable the people that have stepped up and offered to help with fundraising. So for the past two months many people have been planning, advertising and working really hard to raise money for "Graci Brown". I can honestly say that this fundraiser was such an honor to be apart of; and we were so thankful that our daughter was even thought of.

Wilson's Got Talent.....Five local bands were competing for the title of Wilson's Best Local Band and it worked by people donating to their favorite charity. Each band had picked a charity and Easy Street had chosen "Graci's Medical Fund". All bands played all week at various restaurants and people contributed all week either on site or online. On Saturday night all five bands played in the big tent at the Shoppes at Brentwood. It was a big success and all bands jammed throughout the night while people ate, drank and danced the night away.

On Friday night the members of Easy Street, Matt, Jay, Mike and Chris rocked it out at the Doghouse Sports Grill. It was amazing the crowd that came out to support us. I never knew the love from others and how it would feel until that night. I believe you must love people and they will love you back. I have to thank my wonderful mother, who wasn't able to make it, for raising me to be who I am today, and for always telling me to treat people with respect, to refrain from disputes and to make lasting friendships. Because there is one thing for certain that there was love in the air; love for a little girl on a mission to her journey to her ear. There was laughter, joy, tears and hugs throughout the entire night. Nothing has ever given me more joy and reward than being a mother to Graci. I am so proud of her; all this has to be so overwhelming; but she will look back on this journey and realize that everyone was with her all along the way.

Needless to say, Easy Street won the Battle of the Bands and Graci was given a check my Easy Street to help with her medical expeses. The only regret I have about the night was that Graci wasn't there to here everyone chant her name win they announced the winner :) However, it was 1:00 in the morning and a girl has to have her beauty sleep but what a feeling when I was standing up on stage speechless with makeup running down my face and hearing everyone say, Graci, Graci, Graci. It re mined me of Matt singing the song, "Alright" and looking me and Thomas in the eye telling us that everything was going to be Alright. I will never forget that moment and when I am feeling down and blue that will pick me up forever.

I will NEVER know or be able to thank everyone individually but you know who you are. Please take this time to give yourself a hug, wipe your tears and know that we all will walk in victory because you have helped make this Dream come True for Graci. May the Grace of God protect you and be with you while we are away from each other. I had always believed this dream would come true and now I know that it WILL. Somewhere over the rainbow, where skies are blue dreams do come true.

Thank you Easy Street, Dog house Sports Grill, Wilson Business Alliance and family and friends for a wonderful fundraiser for Graci Brown. It was a success and you all should be so proud!! God Bless Each and Everyone of you.

All About Faith!

I remember the comment I made to my little sister a couple of months ago about being able to move from Wilson and relocate my family. We were talking about moving closer and so the kids could grow up together. It would truly saddened me and my heart would be so heavy if I have to leave Wilson, North Carolina. I am so proud to be apart of such a wonderful place to live. When starting this journey with Graci, I really thought we were alone with facing the battles with the insurance and not knowing how we would afford to fly my family to California three times a year. Well, we don't accomplish anything in this world alone....and this stands true for what this community is doing for us. People have spread like stars and their light continues to shine. I never thought such a community and group of thoughtful commited citizens could change the world for me, but indeed they have. My faith has been the motivation through this journey (besides having Graci by my side) and years ago I made my mind up that I wasn't one bit better than the meanest on this earth. I say that now even more, because I know there are families that struggle, criminals that walk the streets and homeless people begging, but faith has kept Graci's dream alive!!! Faith makes all things possible! I want Graci to always remember that you block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.

Generosity from the Community

The Wilson Daily Times issued an article about Graci on July 10th. If you haven't read the article I ask that you take this time now because it will touch your heart and make you realize what an amazing little girl she is and becoming everyday.
http://www.wilsontimes.com/News/Local/Story/An-ear-for-Graci--

After the article, the community was so touched by a brave little girl and who's parents went out on faith to do what was best for their child and that was giving her the dream of having two matching ears, like her brother. My husband and I certainly knew this was an expensive surgery, but; what we didn't know, was the struggles and battles that we were going to face with the insurance company. We would have invested in a fund for Graci earlier and would have better prepared ourselves. Me working for the county, Thomas working in the restaurant business and having two children to provide for, we had no idea where all this money was going to come from. But there was one thing for certain and that was we had waited for this moment every since she was born. In my heart I knw that God would make a way and the good news is he already has.

We started the "Graci Ear Fund" with State Employees Credit Union only because the reporter from the newspaper suggested it. I am not one to beg for money or even let people know of my financial burdens . We all are facing battles and each every one of us has burdens that we carry and mine probably seem very small to others. Therefore, all this was difficult for me. Working as a Social Worker, there are so many people less fortunate and my heart goes out to the ones that have to struggle just to feed their family. Anyway, the tears are pouring down my face as I continue to write about the generosity of the community that we live in. Kay Bunch, The executive Director of The Arc here in Wilson was so disappointed in the insurance that she graciously sent out an email to others taking up donations and the response was and unbelievable. The generosity and the thoughtfullness of everyone has been amazing. Also, a dear friend of my husbands has been working so hard to get people to donate money to help with the completion of Graci's Surgeries. Many Fundraisers are in place and the community is reaching out and working together. Wilson is a Wonderful Place to Live :)

I didn't know how to express thanks for the blessings and good things in my life until this journey. I guess I just sometimes took things for granted like we all do. It always seems that acknowledging all the blessings in your life would result in bad luck. Now, I an quick to express thanks whenever good comes into my life, and I walk with a grateful heart. God has changed me and blessed me and I am so thankful. My family can't thank you enough and words can't describe how I feel in my heart to all of you. With the economy the way it is, I appreciate everyone for donating their hard earn money to my sweet little girl. I am so thankful and thank God for each and everyone of you. I hope that you'll find things in your life that fill you with thankfulness.

Graci will never forget this and all the support that she has throughout this journey; it will only make her stronger!!

Stay in touch about Upcoming Fundraisers!!

Septecular Summer

Wow, What a wonderful summer we have had. Graci has been quite the busy bee. She attending an Art Camp, Craft Camp, Bible School and most of her afternoons consisted of playing with her younger brother and watching ICarly. They have had babysitters that have kept them occupied with playing the Wi, painting, coloring, walking the dog and running and playing int the hot sun. The two of them have enjoyed PlayDate and being around the wonderful staff and loving kids that usually attend. We have gone to the beach several times, built sand castles, played putt-putt and enjoyed being together with family. Graci has experienced the birth of my sister's baby and just adores her little cousin. She also has had the opportunity to play with two of her other cousins who live in Afghanistan but are here in the states preparing for another sibling. We are excited to visit with more family from Pennsylvania next week. Family is God's gift to us so we must make memories that will last forever. I honestly, believe that in time of test, family is best. Graci knows that she always has support from her family. The most important thing in my life is my family and friends. It truly is the corner stone of society and it shapes the attitude, the hopes and ambitions that we instill in our children. This summer even with the ups and downs that we have been facing, we are still embracing and enjoying all the hidden treasures of family and friends.

I know everyone is wondering about the "Exciting Ear". Yes, it looks incredible and makes me smile every time I see it. Graci has had some issue with soreness, itchiness and hair is growing on it everywhere you can imagine. Daddy, will soon have to shave it especially before the first day of school :) She has made several comments that she is "SO READY" to have it complete. It still looks a little odd to her and she can't wear those stylish head bands that she loves so much. So we have resorted to the aggravating big bows that drive her crazy but still insist on wearing. Graci's Summer has been one to remember! We only have 2 more weeks before she enters into the Public School System. Please Pray for strength for her parents and guidance for Graci as she is faced with obstacles. We are excited about the first grade and this new experience for her and trust that God will keep her safe in his arms.