Remembering Gracie

I had the privilege today of attending the funeral of Gracie Gledhill. At just 11 months old, she touched and captured the hearts of many around the world. She was born with a severe congenital heart defect (HLHS, or hypoplastic left heart syndrome), and had open heart surgery at just 4 days old. She needed a second surgery last fall, but her heart wasn't ready for it. Last month they determined that her only hope would be a heart transplant. A miracle occurred, and she received a heart after just 3 days of being on the transplant list. Unfortunately, the heart never worked for Gracie. She came out of surgery on life support, and her parents said goodbye to her this past Monday.

I remember the first conversation I had with Michele after hearing that their ultrasound had shown a problem. I was her visiting teacher at the time, and we were both pregnant with due dates just weeks apart. It was heart breaking to think about, but Michele was preparing by finding as much information as she could, much of it from blogs. Michele started a blog to document their own journey. It turned into a way for family, friends, neighbors, and ultimately thousands around the world, to connect with little Gracie.

Over the past year, Gracie and her family have been very much in our family's thoughts. Here are just a few things I have learned along the way:

The power of prayer. Tom, Gracie's dad, spoke at the funeral and mentioned that they really feel like Gracie was being called home when she was 4 days old and crashed after her first surgery. However, she was allowed to stay here on earth a little longer through the faith and prayers of many, especially children. In their blog they also wrote about how they could literally feel the power of prayers lifting them up and sustaining them. From the day she was born, Andrew prayed daily that "Gracie's heart could be healed the rest of the way." I tried to explain to him that it may not happen like that, but he was undaunted. When we heard about her heart transplant, it seemed like his prayers would be answered fully. While it wasn't the case for her on this earth, we know that her heart truly is healed "the rest of the way" now. As for me, I have prayed more fervently over the past few weeks than I have in a long time.

Be more patient, enjoy the journey more. Often as I hold Logan, I think of sweet Gracie. When he makes a mess out of the lid drawer for the 10th time in one day, I am thankful that he is energetic and full of curiosity. When he gets up in the night, I am just thankful that he is here.

Give of ourselves. So many people have been touched by Gracie's story. This wouldn't have happened if Michele and Tom hadn't been willing to share it. Paul Cardall, a gifted musician who himself is waiting for a heart transplant, played one of the musical numbers at the funeral. On his blog just a few days ago, he mentioned that he had never met the Gledhills in person, though he felt a closeness with them. He also was willing to give a gift today to this family who played his music to Gracie since her birth.

The Plan of Salvation is real. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and families can be together forever. My testimony of this has grown tremendously. Tom and Michele's faith in this is also evident. Singing the words to "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and "Families Can Be Together Forever" packed more punch for me today. Almost every line seemed tailored for the circumstances.

Gracie was only here a short time, but she lives on and will be remembered always.