2nd stage Ear Surgery

Well, the alarm went off early this morning and we all got a good nights sleep to prepare for the long day ahead of us. Graci woke up smiling and ready to put behind her, yet another surgery that would have her closer to her "New Ear".

We arrived at the Surgical Center at 6:30 am with gear in hand and angels watching over us. Graci and I had on our matching monogrammed t-shirts on so we could feel connected to one another. The surgery that Graci was having was 2nd stage Earlobe Transposition. Dr. Brent was going to reposition Graci's earlobe by releasing the earlobe surgically, moving it lower and placing it in the correct position. Many families that we had talked to stated that 2nd stage was a breeze. However, anytime your child is having surgery it tends to be difficult, regarding how much of a breeze the surgery is. It wasn't until Graci crawled up in the bed with those lovely hospital PJ's and looked at her Daddy with huge alligator tears that I lost it. For that split second, she was actually scared and reality had hit that she was going to be taking away from her family for three hours to have surgery. After a couple of rubs on the arm, hugs around the neck, kisses on the cheek and the liquid Valium...she was fine. She knew that we would anxiously be waiting for her in the waiting room waiting for Dr. Brent to come through those double doors.

While waiting in the lobby I was able to relax with coffee and doughnuts. I completed my Children's Book, "An Ear for Graci". I also enjoyed watching Griffin color picture for his sweet sister while she was in the operating room. They certainly share a unique bond of love and friendship. The two of them share respect and joy for each other. Griffin is so happy and excited for his sister and the journey she is experiencing. Griffin sees his sister as a superhero and a forever friend. She truly is his best friend. I know one day they will grow old; but, I hope they will always have that close relationship.

It was that time when Dr. Brent came through those double doors smiling from "ear to ear" as he always does with camera in hand. He explained that surgery went well and Graci was once again a real trooper. She showed us pictures of what was now a ear with an earlope. It was phenomenal the work he had done in less then 3 hours. He was happy and so were we.

Graci woke up in recovery grumpy and fussy but her first words were, "I want to go home". Once the nurse heard that she knew Graci was feeling fine and much eager to get out of recovery. We changed her clothes and got her already to leave. She was such a trooper and a brave girl....so eager to leave just hours after having ear reconstruction. She is truly an amazing little girl. We headed to Walgreen's to get some goodies and things that would make her happy for the day. We had to get stickers to cover that lovely head piece that I think she had forgotten she was going to have. Once we entered in the apartment she immediately ran to the mirror to look at herself and stated assembling stickers on the bandage and then slowly drifted off the sleep watching Hannah Montana.

We are truly indebted to the numerous of people all over the US for making this dream come true for Graci. We have certainly reached yet another milestone and we are half way there. A special thanks to friends and family, thank you once again for all your prayers, love and support during this second phase of our journey. As you know the journey doesn't end here because we return to this wonderful state of California again in February for 3rd stage......until we meet again!

2nd Stage of Journey

Preparation for this trip required little thought. We were only going to be gone three nights so we were trying to pack as little as possibly. The main things were coats and goodies for the plane ride. We didn't prepare for the cold weather last trip, and we needed more things to keep the kids busy for the 6 hour plane ride. Graci never once stated that she didn't want to come to California for surgery; however, she was just dreading the long ride (along with Mommy). I think Graci is a lot like me and has difficulty sitting still because we always feel like we have to be doing something. Well, Me Me had bought Graci and DS Nintendo and Mommy had gotten Graci a new vera bradley. So, we stuffed it with lots of candy, markers, pads and makeup all given from a formal teacher of Graci's. She had plenty of things to keep a girlie girl busy.

The plane ride was just like any other plane ride, crowded with lots of smelly people. I enjoy my space too much and I have a issues with smells. There were people every where falling asleep with their mouths open and all these weird smells all around me. Anyway, Griffin watched movies and Graci kept herself busy playing and she even sat beside a Spanish girl and they colored and laughed together. It was really sweet watching two innocent girls who didn't even know laugh and smile together. One would giggle and then the other would giggle and their smiles were contagious. They had everyone around them smiling. In the meantime, I was actually able to relax and read a book. "A Flame on the Front Line" written by John Weaver, my dear brother. The book explores his aspects of life as a child, teenage and then discuss his journey from America to Afghanistan. He now shares God's love in Afghanistan and has been helping Afghans for over 25 years. If any of you are interested in learning more about this remarkable man, please consider purchasing a book from amazon. Anyway, this book got me thinking about my very own child hood. My child hood consisted of growing up with three older brothers and a younger sister who is now my best friend and the divorce of my parents. John's book took me back in to my life making me realize all my earthly struggles, painful experiences and disappointing failures. But now I stand proud of the mom and wife I have become and all my dreams I am fulfilling. I say all that to say, that I don't want Graci to have the child hood that I had. I don't want her to experience the things I did at such a early age; I don't want her to look back at her life and regret things that she has done. However, the sad thing is that she will face and have obstacles that I never had. Each year of her life will consist of surgery, new doctors, therapy and hospital stays. I know that this will only make her stronger. However, It is hurtful to know that she will look back at her childhood and have those types of experiences to share. I just want her to know that her family has always put her first and the joy that she has brought to our lives is unmeasurable. Graci, you brighten my day and warm my heart each day I am alive. You are full of beauty, forever beautiful and truly amazing. God made you exactly the way he wanted and placed you in our lives for a reason. You have brought so much sunshine in my life and each day you fill my heart with love. Ok, you can see that every time Graci has surgery it saddens me. My heart rejoices because it is just one step closer to the completion of this journey; but it never ends for Sweet Graci. I am so thankful that God has given me such a strong and determined little girl who NEVER lets anything or anyone stand in her way.

We arrived in California and was immediately hit with the cold chill in the air. However, the strong chilly wind moved my spirit and I was trembling with joy. I was so happy to be with my family, away from all the hustle and bustle back in Wilson and the stress at work. Well, the cold wind brought us closer and we all began to hold hands and walk together. It certainly brought back memories of of our first journey together. We got settled in our same little apartment that we had last time and enjoyed the evening together. After being up for over 24 hours and with little rest from a busy week we all crashed before 9:00. We woke up early to grab some breakfast and thank God for another day and headed off to the city before Graci's pre-op.

We decided to hit China town just to say we went. Well, it was the most hectic mess of confusion that I had ever seen in a city. People every where, cars pulling out of alleys, people begging, fruit markets on every corner, jewelry and pocket books galour. Graci and I did get us a couple of knock off pocketbooks while Thomas stood there holding Griffin looking like a tourist watching the people go by. We didn't stay too long, due to the lack of walking the children wanted to do so we headed to Pier 39. We had visited there before so we were all excited about looking at all the gorgeous attractions right on the San Fran Bay. We ate at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and enjoyed the scenery and walked around for a bit. As Forest Gump said, Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you are going to get. That has certainly been a reality for us these past three months.

Off to the gorgeous city 0f Mountain View for Graci's pre-op which is about 40 minutes from San Fran. The city gets its name from the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Looking out at these mountain views makes you feel good all over. It is such a unbelievable picture that I can't even describe. We may not be able to conquer a mountain but we can conquer ourselves and that is exactly what Graci is doing. The dream of having two ears and we have kept her dream alive. We have achieved this dream from faith and the belief in God. Also from Graci's hard work, dedication and determination. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. At one point we didn't even know how to make this dream come true. Thanks to all of you her dream has come true and this journey will have a happy ending...............

September's Super Fundraisers

Today has been a very emotional day for me. I guess it started at 12 am when I laid my head down for bed and I began to pray. I immediate started to cry because I have never ever felt like this before. It's so overwhelming for me and I don't know what else to do but cry. I began to thank God for my family, friends and everyone who doesn't even know my family but yet cares so much. I was pouring my heart out to God asking him why "us". Why do we deserve all this when there is so many people who need help. Well needless to say, I feel asleep because I woke up and looked at the clock and it was 7am. I woke up to most precious sight ever and that was two small children lying next to me. I must have been so tired that I didn't even know they had gotten in the bed with us. Graci was all snuggled up to her Daddy and Griffin was whispering in my ear, "Mommy, Rub my back". My eyes watered up and I begin to thank God again for two amazing children and wonderful husband who have made me the person I am today.

September started out with Chicken :) A dear friend of mine contacted Chick-fil-a about doing a fundraiser for Graci and they agreed. The date was picked and it just happen to be on our 10th Year Anniversary so I knew that it would be a special day and one to remember forever. It started bright and early in the morning, 6am to be exact, and people were rolling in for breakfast and the drive thru line was backing up. Lunch came and people were ordering chicken sandwiches faster than they could make them. The volunteers (who were dear friends of Thomas and I) were busying filling drinks, wiping tables and checking on the cow. Yes that reminds me that Chick-fil-a has its very own cow. Well he was quite entertaining out in the street catching peoples eyes and trying to get them in to support a great cause. Dinner came in like a dynamite and business was booming. Kids were having fun in the playroom until MiMi the clown came in with her bright colorful balloons and vivid paint images. MiMi spent over 3 hours painting kids faces so spectacular that it was eye shadowing. Tables were filling up and the noise was flowing throughout the restaurant. The atmosphere was wonderful. Graci had a great time in her cow outfit prancing around talking to the customers. The night ended with alot of tired people but the generosity that was shown for such an amazing little girl was breath taken. Thank you to all our friends who helped organized and plan this event and thanks to Chick-fil-a for helping make Graci's dream come true!!!

Also that same day, my employer, Wilson County Health Department, hosted a "Dress Down For Graci Day". Every employee interested paid $5.00 to dress down for the entire day. They also had a bake sale with scrumptious desserts from chocolate pie, brownies, cupcakes, key lime and even one of the employees famous Caramel cake. Many of the staff visited the Bake Sale through out the day, buying their favorite dessert and munching on them all day. It really brought tears to my eyes knowing that my own co-workers care so much. It is important to know that I can come to work and be around such a group of caring individuals. Many of them I see more than I do my own family. It reminds me of a Winston Churchill quote that "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." I hope one day my family will be able to give back to the community what they have done for us. I am so thankful and fortunate to work with such a giving group and I thank the Health Director and the staff at Wilson County Health Department for supporting my family and helping Graci with her journey.

Words can't describe what a wonderful weekend this was for The Brown Family! Friday started out with "An Ear For Graci" Golf Tournament. The committee for this fundraiser has been working so hard and so deli gently on this project that they were addicted to making this happen. We will NEVER be able to thank everyone who was apart of this because the response was just that remarkable. We had over 41 golf teams and over 35 Sponsors who came together to help Graci with her Ear. The morning started early with volunteers putting up sponsor signs and getting ready to sign the golfers in, selling raffle tickets and selling for the 50/50 raffle. I couldn't have been more amazed by the organization of this event and the Wells family needs to be committed immensely for their hard work. As Mark Fulford said, "What an amazing day, I had a great time being apart of such a great cause." Thanks to Mark as well for is eagerness to make this happen. However, the rain clouds and the chilly air set in and it poured for about an hour; but it didn't stop those golfers from trying to win. It ended in the afternoon with many tired, wet but still smiling golfers. Graci was waiting at the clubhouse for them and giving them high fives as they came in. Winners were announced, door prizes were given out and the 50/50 winner donated his money back to Graci. The day was a dynamite and it raised over $15,000. It will be an annual event and dates and place are already being discussed for the next year. Graci's Golfers sure knew how to make her feel like a real pro that day!!

Graci's Journey to Her Ear doesn't end there. Rib Hut a local business in Wilson, NC who is famous for their ribs and famous John Boy and Billy Sause wanted also to be apart of a great cause. With every $25 gift card purchased for the next two months $5 would go towards Graci's Medical Fund. Many people were going online to purchase and visiting the restaurant for gift cards. Michelle Lewis, owner of the Rib Hut wanted to end the fundraiser with a Benefit Concert. Easy Street, the greateast and most sought after band in Wilson graciously agreed to play to wind up the fundraiser. It was a great night with my family and Graci's Biggest Fan's coming out to support her. People were coming out ot eat good food, drink cold beverages and listen to good music. Easy Street brought tears to my eyes when they played "Graci's Song" and remindedThomas and I over and over again while playing "Alright" by Darris Rucker that "we have all we've ever wanted and that everything will be alright." Every time I hear this band it just makes me realize that nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Easy Street, Rib Hut and staff made it a great night and Graci enjoyed it so much! She is turning into a little Country Music Girl and ready to learn to play the Guitar.

Pretty, Pretty Princess!!!!! Playdate a drop in childcare center in Wilson, NC just adores my children. I have been dropping them off every since they opened their doors. In fact, we were probably one of their first costumers. Graci and Griffin are their biggest Fans and Angie and her staff have always been so welcoming and loving towards all the kids that come. They too wanted to to be apart of the community reaching out to help Graci. The week started with a basket raffle. Baskets and Gift Certificates were donated by various Wilson Businesses and individuals and people came in all week to buy tickets and placed them by the basket they wanted to win. Many baskets included make-up, jewelry, hair products, scrap booking, massages, gift certificates, pottery, art work and much much more. It was so excited brownsing all the baskets and picking which one you wanted to win.

Sunday ended the weekend with Graci's very own Princess Party. You could drop off your royalty for some true princess pampering for two hours and your little one would sure be treated like a queen. Graci being the most gorgeous Princess of them all had a glamours time. It was just a sweet event to watch girls prancing around in heels, glitter, pearls and crowns. Thank you so much Angie, Mike and the Playdate staff for making Graci feel like a true princess and helping her with her journey. We just love you from the bottom of our hearts. I want to end with a quote from Brian Andreas, "Are you a princess I said and she said I'm much more than a princess, but you don't have a name for it yet on Earth....."

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.

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.

Our little Graci

My name is Graci and my mommy wants to tell you all about me. She is the best mom in the world, and without my family I wouldn’t be as strong and determined as I am today. My family thinks I am a “little princess” and an angel sent from heaven. Come to think of it I am pretty special ,and no one will ever tell me any different!

My husband and I were so excited to find out that we were expecting our first child. My pregnancy went great. I felt so good and I loved food and sleep and I got plenty of both. The day of my ultrasound it was my husband, my mother-n-law and myself. We were so anxious to find out the sex of the baby. We found out we were having a girl.
We were all convinced it was a boy, but knowing it was a little girl growing inside of me made us all ecstatic. I will never forget my husband asking the ultrasound tech, “Is everything okay?” and she said, “I’ll let the doctor decide.” I was so nervous and my heart immediately fell to the floor. They proceeded to tell us that she would be born with a cleft lip and surgery could fix it. Well, that didn’t make things any better. We were devastated and all we could do was cry. I couldn’t imagine that this would happen to me. I couldn’t imagine that this precious baby inside me that God was creating was going to be born with a birth defect. Immediately, I got on the computer and researched and learned everything there was to know about cleft lip. I learned more than I ever thought I would about clefts, for example I learned that a majority of children born with clefts also have cleft palates as well. I then educated my husband family, friends, and myself.

It was hard going through my pregnancy knowing that something was going to be wrong with my precious little girl. But, we were thankful that the ultrasound was able to pick it up, so we were prepared. We then found out that it was a common birth defect and had met several people of parents with cleft lips. Knowing that there were other people out there in our shoes gave us hope. Being a parent is hard enough; but being a parent of a child with birth defects is even harder.

The day Graci was born was the happiest day of my life. She came into this world just as I had imagined—beautiful! She was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. She also was born with an ear deformity called microtia that was not seen on the ultrasound. There were other issues and doctors had diagnosed her with hemifacial microsomnia. She had an underdeveloped side of her face. Along with her cleft lip, palate and ear, she also had a coloboma (cleft in the eye) and was missing half of her jawbone. All of this was hard for us, but we were able to look past all the things that were wrong, and she made us fall in love with her.

We were introduced to a wonderful craniofacial team early in my pregnancy that provided great help and support for my family. Being a parent of a child with birth defects brought many trials and frustrations, and without the support of a great team of specialist, as well as all the many web sites it would have been extremely difficult. They were always there to answer all questions and reassured us that Graci’s issues were all treatable. We then realized we had so much to be thankful for and felt blessed that we had a healthy baby.

The day came and Graci had her first surgery to repair her cleft lip at 4 months of age. It was hard knowing that your little girl was about to have surgery, but it was even harder knowing that she wouldn’t have that same wide smile that we were all so use to. The surgery went great, and she recovered and healed perfectly. We were just amazed and pleased with her surgery, and thankful for modern technology. She had the cutest little nose and lips I had ever seen. Feeding was also an issue and very difficult at times, but after surgery Graci was even able to form some suction through the Pigeon nipple. (Thank goodness for all the great bottles made just for cleft babies).

Graci had her second surgery repairing her cleft palate at 14 months of age. It was hard for my husband and I because we hated putting her through it, but we know that it was for her own good. The surgery went great and she was back to her normal self-days later. She was then able to eat table foods and her speech began to improve. She started speech therapy at 18 months and with the help of great therapist, she was talking and pronouncing her words like a pro. Since she has had several tubes in her "good ear" and now we have reached the point where she will have ear reconstructive surgery.