Baby Gracie

This sweet little baby girl has been tugging at my heartstrings for almost a year. Some of you who read this blog know Gracie, but quite a few don't. Gracie was born with only half of a heart. As soon as she was born, surgeons operated on her to make her half-heart work for a limited amount of time. She spent several months in the hospital, and then she got to go home to her family.

At this time, Gracie should have a second operation in a three part series to help her live a funtioning life. She has had problems, however, and doesn't meet the necessary criteria for this operation. So....she is now being evaluated for the possibility of a heart transplant. Yesterday, she had a stroke and is now in Primary Children's Hospital in very serious condition.

My heart goes out to Gracie and her family. They have had so many challenges this past year and have stood strong. Thousands of people have followed Gracie's blog, and many concerned friends have provided food, babysitting (for the three other children), housecleaning, etc. It has been amazing to me to watch the flood of support Gracie's family has received.

Gracie's mom (Michelle) has been best friends with my daughter Natalie since they were in 2nd grade. Gracie's Grandma Connie Mayer has been my good friend for over 30years. We helped each other get through our terrible divorces, and we still keep in touch and get together occasionally (now with our second husbands). Even our ex-husbands are friends!

As you can see, I have a strong bond with Gracie's loved ones, and I can see that this latest trial with Gracie has made their family closer and resolute in the face of adversity. We never do know what trials are waiting around the corner for us. Gracie and her family have certainly been an inspiration to me.