Thursday, September 2, 2010

Gracie’s Walk

I sit here trying to get reports done for work and can’t stop thinking about what I should post to start with on Gracie’s blog. My husband did such a wonderful job with the introduction to Gracie’s page yesterday, and he is truly very talented.

Since we were discharged from the hospital on Monday, the past few days have been just a whirlwind of activity and it’s hard to even remember what day it is today. Between trying to adhere to a new feeding schedule, watching for seizures, a plethora of medications, learning how to operate new medical equipment, consulting with hospice visitors and doctors on a daily basis, as well as reconfiguring the nursery and bathrooms to accommodate her needs, I have also tried to slowly get back into the office and focus more on the work that I truly love. That got me thinking about other things I truly love and what things I think that Gracie will truly begin to love as she grows and develops.

What do you love to do? For us, as a family, one thing that we are so happy to have back is our evening walk together. Each night, either before or after dinner, my husband, Gracie, and Bodie the beagle set out to walk around our neighborhood. We never truly realized how much we treasured this time together until it was gone. In the hospital we truly missed this time dearly. My husband would come home in late evenings and try and walk the dog by himself while Gracie and I stayed at the hospital and this was a very sad time for him since we couldn’t join him.

Last evening, we took our first walk together since being home from the hospital. Brien kept saying how happy and overjoyed he was to be walking again together. He must have repeated himself five or six times over the course of the walk! We walked by one yard where the yard was being mowed and suddenly, the smell of the fresh cut grass was just very evident to me. I never realized how much I loved this smell, it was heavenly, and I wondered why I never noticed before. Each day, I am slowing realizing that little things mean a lot, and although I don’t notice a lot of little things, I try and now make it a point to notice at least one every day.

I think Gracie is also good at noticing the little things that give us pleasure in life. Yesterday, for the first time, she stayed awake through the entire walk. Usually, the lull of the stroller puts her right to sleep, but yesterday she remained wide-eyed and alert. She even made a few cute baby noises that brought smiles to our faces. Perhaps she too, enjoyed the smell of fresh cut grass or just being out in the fresh air. Or, perhaps she also missed these walks as much as we did.

So, through this blog, each week, Gracie will ask you to do something for her. It may be something that you already do each day, something you have never done, or maybe something you’ve done in the past but haven’t done it lately. Little suggestions on small things that you may enjoy and may also help you love your life just a little bit more. This week, Gracie asks you to take a walk with her on some evening, look around for something new and different that you maybe never noticed before. She looks forward to hearing your comments on the wonderful things you encounter on your journey with her.

15 comments:

  1. Amazing words Holly! I will do this!

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  2. You got it kiddo! Enjoy your evening walks.... give Gracie kisses from "Uncle John" and "Aunt Tiffany".... oh and from the girls too. xoxox

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  3. I sure will! I'm so happy you all have your walks back and that Gracie enjoys them as much as both of you do! Oh...and Bodie too...can't leave him out :)

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  4. So inspirational Holly girl . . . glad you are slowly but surely getting back into your routine. Grace will be in our hearts this weekend and we will make certain to take the time to see and enjoy our time in Bishop through her beautiful eyes. xoxoxo

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  5. I love the pictures of little Gracie, she is so beautiful. I admire you and Brien, such strength, such love, such insight. God Bless you all. The three of you are always in my prayers. I am here if you need me.
    Love,
    Mammas C

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  6. Absolutely, we will make a point to take a walk for Gracie and share our experiences. What an inspiring and devoted message. Our dog Sierra will love to return to her nightly walks. After reading your blog, we realized how much we've missed taking our family walks since Audrey came along. Thank you for sharing and please keep in touch. There are many, many people who are praying for you, Brien and Gracie.

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  7. My kids and I will take a walk this evening. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun! My prayers are with Gracie and your family.
    Karen, Isaac's Mom
    www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaachatfield

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  8. If I ever stop crying long enough to do that, I will. This is so sweet, Holly (and Gracie and Brien). Brien is a good blogger, but so too are you, Holl!

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  9. I will slow down and walk for Gracie and appreciate the little things!!

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  10. Here is a message from PJ Decker's Aunt Louise to Gracie:

    "I am praying for the whole family for courage and strength; Gracie is graced with God's courage and strength. Also praying for any other care givers and professionals. Gracie knows she is loved."

    Louise Battista, Massachussetts

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  11. Gracie, Holly and Brien:

    As promised, my dog Sierra Breeze and I took a walk tonight after dinner. We took time to smell the roses, hear the crickets chirp, listen to the sprinklers watering the green grass, smell fresh cut grass, listen to dogs bark in the neighborhood. We saw parents walking their little one and she yelled out "doggy" as we walked by. We thought of you and sure can't wait to see your sweet smile. We're rooting you on! Go Gracie Go! PJ, Mark & Audrey Decker

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  12. I have been blessed with a daughter and son-in-law with more courage, strength, and love than anyone I have ever known. Now God has blessed me with a grandaughter. Grace could not have asked for a better mother and father. My heart goes out to the three of you....All my love, dad

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  13. Walden, Dolly, Bitsey and I went for a walk through the woods and around the property in Gracie's honor early last nite. Pooter just sat on the couch and watched us from the window. He is getting too old for such fallderol.Bitsey enjoyed it the most, running in circles around us. She was so happy and excited. You and Brien have missed your calling. You are great writers. It is this writing ability that helps us cope in all your wonderful postings and pictures. Love Mom, AKA Granny

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  14. Our family walked from the car to a fishing spot in Lake Mead on Wednesday (1/4 mile). The view was breathtaking. We watched birds soaring through the sky so effortlessly; sparrows singing in the air; watched two quails chasing each other in and out of the bushes; a coyote walking through his environment and watching us intrude in his space; the beauty of the lake was so relaxing watching the ripples in the water move so tenderly created by the fish and the wind blowing. The silence in the air was so remarkably peaceful and tranquil. The sun was shining brightly in the big blue sky. What a great day! Grace would of love the view. God bless you all! The Crespo Family

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