Sunday, August 11, 2013

A Special Gift for Grace

I was moved to tears today when I received this package from our good friends, Rachel and Jon. It was from Rachel's thoughtful grandparents, Tom and Mary and their wonderful church in California. It was a beautiful soft blanket, hand-made by someone whom we have never met, and given to Grace by a church congregation that has been diligently praying for our daughter over the past year. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was so touched that these remarkable people have been praying for Grace this entire year, thinking of her everyday, wishing her well and loving her so much. I was partly in disbelief, and then it hit me: THIS is why she is doing so well. THIS is why she continues to be a miracle each and everyday. THIS is why we never lose hope, no matter how discouraging things get. Sometimes I still become sad because she can't walk by herself or talk yet, her left side is weak, and she is still behind most kids her age, but my goodness... she is ALIVE, and HAPPY. She is seizure free and cured. She is here with us today because of God's grace and faithful prayer warriors from across the nation who continue to believe in her, and think about her everyday. This package today reminded me again of how incredible and unified the church congregation is, and gave me hope that I sometimes lose. It reminded me of why Grace went through all that she did - she's a testimony and a constant reminder of God's goodness, faithfulness, and the power of the body of Christ. For those of you who are new to Grace's story, you can read her original journey starting from here.
While Grace was holding the letter, she looked at it like she knew how special it is. She knew that it was for her, and she smiled. Then she proceeded to try to wrinkle it up, and I took it away from her just before she tried to eat it. This letter and blanket is such a gift, and I will plan to keep it with all of her other treasures that were given to us so that she may open them someday and remember how much she is loved.
Thank you, Tom and Mary. I am eternally grateful to you and your church. The little girl that you see in the pictures above, her happy smiles and great progress is partly because of you. I know you are not the only ones who continue to think of Grace and pray for her. Her journey is not over and she still has along way to go, but we know that you'll be here with us.

Thank you again to our friends in Chicago, CCUC, Joshua Fellowship, Lansing/Michigan friends, South Church, CCCC in Cleveland, friends in St. Louis, Autumn Ridge in Rochester, Rochester Chinese Church, MSU CCF crew, Oregon friends and of course, thank you to all our supportive friends who read Sunny with a side of on the blogosphere, who have lifted up our family with encouraging words and thoughts. This child is so blessed beyond words can describe, and I will continue to share her growth with you throughout the years. You have all become such an important part of our lives, and I can not imagine how we could have gotten through last year's hardships without you! We love you guys, and hope that you will all be able to meet this little girl you have been praying so hard for. We want her to grow up knowing and remembering how much she is loved.

This is my first time posting a video, it's a little small, but here is a clip of Grace walking with her walker:


24 comments:

  1. Christy,
    I'm agnostic, but I want to tell you that I find so much inspiration (not just of clothing outfits, haha) in your blog. Your positive attitude and your family's ability to have faith and remain close in the face of adversity is really humbling, and reminds me to be grateful for my own blessings and the health and happiness of my own child, who is Grace's age.

    Best wishes to all of you, and especially to your beautiful daughter!

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    1. Thank you so much, just_kazari for your kind note. Your words and encouragement brings me much joy that sharing Grace's story has been able to touch others. I'm so glad that you shared this with me! Wishing you and your family health and happiness as well!! I wish there is a way to keep in touch with you.. do you have a blog as well?

      -Christy

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  2. What a special gift, and I completely understand your appreciation for your church family. God created us for community, to lift each other up! Bless you as you continue in His grace for the sake of YOUR little Grace :)

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  3. This is so great! What an amazing reminder of the power of prayer and God's "grace" in our lives. Thanks you so much for sharing this!
    Ginny

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  4. many people are praying for Grace. Honestly whenever i am busy and don't have the time reading post, whenever i think of your blog, i think of Grace. That's why i do follow your post mainly because of her and the fashion is only the spice. i lovehow i see her become healthy and seizure free not like the one i read from the start. There are people who are praying for your family and Grace and i'm included to that.

    Will continue to pray for your family and to adorable Grace.

    <3,
    Angie
    Audrinajulia.blogspot.com

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  6. You can't help buy smile when looking at these photos :) Grace is so precious and beautiful! I will keep her in my prayers :)

    Veloria in Velvet
    www.veloriainvelvet.wordpress.com

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  7. I nearly teared up reading this post. I can't quite associate myself with a religion (I do believe in God and I am baptized as a Catholic - but there are things I believe in that the Catholic church doesn't), I have never forgotten to pray for my friends and their family members. Although we hardly know each other, since the day that I've came across your blog and read about little Grace, I have always kept you and your family in my prayers. <3

    Michelle

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  8. This is such a beautiful, touching, and encouraging story, Christy!
    All I can say is "Amen!"
    What a beautiful way for God to encourage your heart & your family.
    Many blessings to little, precious, Grace & her loving family.
    -Carley
    xx

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  9. That is a very, very sweet gift! And these photos are adorable! :)

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com

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  10. wow what a special gift from a total stranger. Isn't amazing? Your little one is so precious and I wish her to be well all the time. I can feel the love even just looking at this pictures.

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

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  11. Que hermosa nena tienes!
    saludos
    L.
    www.lalouuula.com

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  12. Christy, that was so beautiful of them. Wow, it seemed like Grace knew (the picture of her looking at the letter). That is so awesome. The blanket is beautiful and has so much meaning behind it. Grace has come so far. May GOD continue to bless her and your family.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  13. Thank you so much for sharing such personal moments with us! I hope you continue to share thee updates :) It's to see the love and support that Grace is surrounded by, both near and far.

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  14. What a wonderfullly thoughtful gift for the greatest gift in your life. It's lovely to see Grace walking. Her beautiful journey is only beginning...

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  15. This is so sweet! Your daughter is beautiful
    <3
    katsfashionfix.blogspot.com

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  16. What a special gift! What happiness to see your daughter smiling and walking. It's easy to forget that every day is truly a gift. :)

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  17. Oh my goodness, this is so beautiful. What a testament of our faithful Father's love over us, that he would allow his children to care for one another through prayer, giving simple but meaningful gifts, encouraging with words, and so many other ways his Spirit has taught us. He has shown us to love in a way that reflects his greater Love. I am so thankful that your family has been covered with the prayers of your brothers and sisters in Christ. What a cool way to see how we are all children of a great and loving God who delights in his children and leads us through the darkest days. Grace is beautiful. And when I say that, I mean it both ways. God's grace upon us is amazingly beautiful and when we see snippets of it in our everyday lives, it changes things. And I also mean it this way: Miss Grace is absolutely beautiful and it is no mistake that you named her Grace! She is a daily reminder of God's gift to you and his unfailing love over you, no matter the circumstances!

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  18. What a beautiful gift. This post put some tears in my eyes. You are truly blessed to have so much love in your life, love from within your family and outside of it! And I love that Grace noted how important the letter was, but a kid's impulse to wrinkle up and eat paper is too strong haha! She's a lovely and beautiful girl and she's lucky to have you as a mom!

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  19. She is a doll! How amazing.

    Thanks for linking up with Style Sessions!

    Lauren xx
    www.stylelixir.com

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  20. Grace is such a beautiful little girl! How absolutely wonderful and sweet that she is being prayed for and loved by so many people! I just read her story, and oh my... what a miracle she is! How amazing God is to take care of you, to take care of HER, and to heal her! What a beautiful, beautiful story, and what a precious gift she is!
    I hope and pray she continues to heal and grow stronger, and know how loved she is!
    xo
    Kristina
    www.eccentricowl.com

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  21. So precious! That is so cute!

    http://ncboodah.blogspot.ca

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  22. What a story she will be able to tell someday. God bless.

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