A New Back
So I am back blogging a little.
I have been hesitant to post about Grace's back surgery. It is her story to tell, so I do not want to overstep or overshare. What I will say is that I am beyond touched by the way God answered the prayers of the 100s and probably 1000s of people "standing in the gap" for Grace. The doctors and nurses both commented that they normally do not see people do as well as Grace did after the procedure. It is amazing. We are now three months post op and you can not even tell she had a major surgery. She is back to playing cello, working hard on her school work, and enjoying everyday life.
A few things I do not what to forget from this experience.
1. God answers prayers
2. Tender hearted Charis, who over the past two years has endured watching her father and sister undergo major surgeries, requested that kids and teachers from school, CYT, and friends send "Notes for Grace". These notes were a huge blessing. When Grace was feeling down in the hospital we would open the box and read through the sweet loving notes from friends and family.
3. Ronald McDonald House is AMAZING! If you ever need a charity to support, this is the one. We lived in the RMD House during Grace's recovery and it was a warm and welcoming place to rest and renew our strength.
4. The power of giving. Grace made 85 hats to take with her to the children's hospital. She donated these hats to the other children who were there or going to be there in the future. While she should have been focused on herself, she was making things for other people.
5. Support. Once Grace was home for a few weeks her homebound teacher began to visit. She came twice a week and helped Grace get up to speed on the school work she had missed. Her homebound teacher went above and beyond every week! She even had cards passed around to Grace's classes so that the other students could send her well wishes. What a blessing! Also, our family showed up in a BIG WAY. from coming to the hospital, to bringing her special gifts, to staying with Grace at our house for a week so that I could go back to work. They knew just what to say and do to keep our stress levels down.
6. Focus. When Grace was in ICU waking up from the procedure I noticed she was slowly moving her left arm back and forth while she was moving the fingers on her right hand. I could not figure out what she was doing. She looked at me excited and relieved and said "look, I can still play cello".
7. God works in mysterious ways. We learned about Dr. Geck from a friend I had not spoken to in years. She texted me randomly months earlier when we were trying to decide what to do about Grace's back. She had extensive knowledge of the procedure and which Dr she would use it if was her daughter.
8. Friendship. Once again our Sunday School Class, neighbors, and friends generously gave us meals, and many gifts for Grace. PJs, snacks, puzzles, coloring books, visits, and lots of love.
I have been hesitant to post about Grace's back surgery. It is her story to tell, so I do not want to overstep or overshare. What I will say is that I am beyond touched by the way God answered the prayers of the 100s and probably 1000s of people "standing in the gap" for Grace. The doctors and nurses both commented that they normally do not see people do as well as Grace did after the procedure. It is amazing. We are now three months post op and you can not even tell she had a major surgery. She is back to playing cello, working hard on her school work, and enjoying everyday life.
A few things I do not what to forget from this experience.
1. God answers prayers
2. Tender hearted Charis, who over the past two years has endured watching her father and sister undergo major surgeries, requested that kids and teachers from school, CYT, and friends send "Notes for Grace". These notes were a huge blessing. When Grace was feeling down in the hospital we would open the box and read through the sweet loving notes from friends and family.
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| Charis holding the box of notes. Along with special visitors the Wenzel and Stacy family. |
3. Ronald McDonald House is AMAZING! If you ever need a charity to support, this is the one. We lived in the RMD House during Grace's recovery and it was a warm and welcoming place to rest and renew our strength.
4. The power of giving. Grace made 85 hats to take with her to the children's hospital. She donated these hats to the other children who were there or going to be there in the future. While she should have been focused on herself, she was making things for other people.
5. Support. Once Grace was home for a few weeks her homebound teacher began to visit. She came twice a week and helped Grace get up to speed on the school work she had missed. Her homebound teacher went above and beyond every week! She even had cards passed around to Grace's classes so that the other students could send her well wishes. What a blessing! Also, our family showed up in a BIG WAY. from coming to the hospital, to bringing her special gifts, to staying with Grace at our house for a week so that I could go back to work. They knew just what to say and do to keep our stress levels down.
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| Grace with Miss. Herne and 1 of the 3 large cards she brought to Grace while she was at home. |
6. Focus. When Grace was in ICU waking up from the procedure I noticed she was slowly moving her left arm back and forth while she was moving the fingers on her right hand. I could not figure out what she was doing. She looked at me excited and relieved and said "look, I can still play cello".
7. God works in mysterious ways. We learned about Dr. Geck from a friend I had not spoken to in years. She texted me randomly months earlier when we were trying to decide what to do about Grace's back. She had extensive knowledge of the procedure and which Dr she would use it if was her daughter.
8. Friendship. Once again our Sunday School Class, neighbors, and friends generously gave us meals, and many gifts for Grace. PJs, snacks, puzzles, coloring books, visits, and lots of love.
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| Pre-surgery. Friends Josh and Elise, plus Nana and Pa were there before hand to offer support. |
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| Post surgery walking around and looking at the book cart. |
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| Leaving the hospital |
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| I love this picture because Scott and Charis are walking up to help Grace to the car. |
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| Before and after |
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