10/17...the surgery

Hey all...thanks for your overwhelming prayers, blog posts, and a full mail box of cards. I don't remember all the people to pass on to Gracie but know that she'll be reading through all of this I'm sure when she is home and doing better.

I got in safe today at 5:50am and Grace's mom and youngest sis Emma got there not long after. They were getting Grace a bath and we headed in to see her and pray for her before her surgery. We spoke with the doctor before and after and she did a great job at letting us know how everything was. They did both skin grafts to her feet and though they were a little deeper than expected, neither got into her tendons or arteries so she didn't lose much blood at all and it sounded like it went really well. So PRAISE GOD for his mercy and goodness which we are so undeserving of. But he is so gracious to his' Gracie.

Chris (Julia's hubby) and Julia came down to be with her as well during visiting hours today. We rotated between mom, me, Ems, and Jules. She was pretty sleepy and didn't open her eyes much from 12:30-2:30. Then we headed out for lunch to Nifty Fiftys (small advertisement - GO there if you can) it was great fun and I had a Flyin' Hawaiin (in honor of Shane Victorino). When we got back from 4-6pm she was a little more awake and sensitive to the music and what we were talking about. Just some tears coming out that we got to dry off for her. We had her smiling a little and crying some more and she was just resting. It was a blessing to have that interaction again today though it was hard too.

So what are the medical plans...she is still on antibiotics, steriods for the swelling in her lungs, pain meds, and "sleepy drugs" as I call them...not to mention the ventilator, feeding tube, and IVs. The plan is to do a scope again on Monday and we are all (nurses and doctors included) really hoping that they can take it out. Though we've come to see that is her worst burn and are not sure whether to expect that on try #4 or not. Then Wednesday they will take her bandages away from the donor site on her thighs and on her feet to see how everything is healing after the surgery. So Monday and Wednesday are the scheduled big days ahead.

In between keep praying for her peace and comfort and that her body can remain strong and get ready to breath again on it's own. Also for us as a fam as we are in the waiting room with many other familys that are in and out. Today was a pleasant day with 3 other families, one with a young child, one a teenager, and one a father/grandpa. At all stages.

As for me...yeah I'm ready for it to be over to be honest. As my grandpa King used to say, "I've learned a lot, but I wouldn't give a nickel for another". I'm doing pretty good and God has been more than faithful.

Grace's dad looks to return from overseas next week so hopefully Gracie will be up and walking by Thursday for when he gets in.

Here is a song that Gracie and I love to sing together, when it came on my mp3 player yesterday it brought tears to her eyes and we cling to the truth together.

There is none like You
No one else can touch my heart like You do
I could search for all eternity long
And findThere is none like You

Your mercy flows like a river wide
And healing comes in Your Name
Helpless children are safe in Your arms
And there is none like you

Thanks again for your prayers and letters and posts...they are so encouraging to me and the family now and will be to Gracie soon.