Saturday, August 1, 2009

Gracie's Theme Music Video


(press pause on the music playlist at the bottom of the blog to be able to hear the music on this video without interruption)

We had never met Paul Cardall before Gracie's funeral. We connected through our blogs while she was in the hospital in February. Our relationship started with correspondence through the blog and then through email about his music. I had wanted a change from the usual music we had been playing in her room. With a one disc CD player, the CD's we had were getting old and repetitious. I was looking for something peaceful, something instrumental to play. I received a copy of Paul's Primary Worship CD and knew I had what I was looking for. It quickly turned into our favorite CD, the one we played over and over and over in her room the last two weeks she was alive.

I mentioned in a previous blog post that my step-dad Gary had secretly emailed Paul and arranged for him to play at Gracie's funeral. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our two families. Paul, Lynnette, and Eden hold a special place in our hearts and we love them not only for everything they have done for our family but also for being such an example of love, faith, enduring to the end, patience, long suffering, optimism and hope.

This is a picture of Paul, Tom (and Lynnette) coming through the line at Gracie's funeral. A picture of the first time we met them in person. We were then, just as we are now, overwhelmed by Paul's kindness and love towards our family. We are blessed that Gracie's life has touched and inspired him enough to write a song for our little sweetheart. Paul wanted the video to show the full circle of her life from heaven and back again, starting with her funeral and ending with her birth. I think he did a wonderful job. It was emotionally difficult going through every picture and video of Gracie for this music video. I gave Paul a LOT of pictures and videos to choose from and then he put everything together to form this music video.

It was an interesting thing to review her entire life through pictures and videos over a matter of a few hours. Only then was I able to get a comprehensive view as to how many struggles she (and we!) had to endure. Gracie is my hero. We are so blessed to have had her in our home.

Paul also posted this video to his blog and wrote a beautiful post about Gracie and our family, to read about it click HERE . He dedicated the video to every family who has lost a child.

We pray nightly for all of our heart friends who are struggling right now. The only thing we know is that we have a Father in Heaven who is mindful of us and our trials and who will always be there for us if we will let him in. If we will just try to continue on in faith, we will make it through.

I saw this quote on a plaque at Deseret Book:

"Faith in God includes faith in his timing."

Neal A. Maxwell

We are fortunate to have been able to feel our Savior's love through all of the kind words and actions of our numerous friends and family members. You continue to strengthen us, thank you!!

38 comments:

cici said...

That video is straight from Heaven.
Paul has proven to be a Saint and Little Gracie an Angel of God.
I know her message today is to Pray for Paul in his hour of need. I see a miracle in the making.
God bless your family
xxoo

Summer said...

That video is absoluteley beautiful and I cried through the whole thing!! What a remarkable person Paul is and how kind of him to have shared his talents with your family. Thank you for your continued example of amazingly strong faith!

Love, Mason's Mommy

Orr Family said...

It is just Beautiful! The love your family has for sweet Gracie can be felt in every image.Thank you for sharing something so personal. My our Father in Heaven and Savior comfort your family, and Paul's Family.

Mama Byrd said...

It's just precious. Thank you for sharing Gracie's life.

Melissa said...

Amazing video. Every picture is gorgeous. What a wonderful blessing

jen said...

I have the primary CD and I love it. What a neat and special friendship you have. I'm sure it makes Gracie smile:). Love the video.

Artfulife said...

My little 3 year old and I listened to this beautiful song this morning together. Although I don't know you personally, I am touched by the tenderness of your blog. While I was listening to the talks in conference this year, I was especially touched by President Monson's talk entitled "Be of Good Cheer". I thought of you and your family and all that you have endured. While I was listening I sketched out a drawing that I have turned into a painting for your family. Please contact me so I can send this your way. I hope that it captures the tenderness of your sweet little family. Take care and look forward to hearing from you.
-Summer

Meg said...

I have been a follower of your blog for awhile. My cousins baby died of the same thing. You always touch me spiritually by the tender testimonies, faith, strength, honesty and love you share. I have never even been fortunate to meet you.. but feel like I know your spirit already!
I own that plaque from deseret book it is the first thing I look at in the morning and the last thing at night! It is truth.
May you continue to feel the love and peace of the Lord!
Meg Gazaway

Anonymous said...

I saw that plaque and thought of so many heart families that are struggling...especially your family. It's a beautiful song and video and I'm so happy Paul and his family have been such a big part of your lives since Gracie's passing :)

Ali said...

I just bawled through that entire video - it is priceless!! What a sweet gift to have to remember your Gracie by. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Ali Mugleston Hillstead

The Mason Family said...

Beautiful, beautiful video...thank you so much for sharing it with all of us; what a treasure. I continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers...

Amy said...

Michele,
That video leaves me speechless. How wonderful to have all of these memories and a song that is all Gracie. I know we have never met but Gracie will always have a speical place in my heart. I miss her and I never met her.
Prayers from Dallas, Texas
Amy

Unknown said...

The family came home from church today finding that Ashley had been crying, she had gone to the singles ward and was home before us. She told me to go to Gracie's blog. The video is beautiful and what a wonderful inspiration you are Michele and your family and to Paul and his family. Our prayers are always with you and we have added Paul to our prayers.
xo
Connie

jessica said...

The video is beautiful. Thank you for keeping us in your lives. We miss Gracie...

Me said...

Breath taking!

♥Stef said...

It takes someone like Paul to understand what you have been through. Now that he has lost his brother, he can identify with you even more. You can feel that in "Gracie's Theme", it is so full of love, compassion and....sadness. He did such an amazing job with the video. I can only watch it about once a day. It takes me awhile to get up the courage to watch it again.
Paul sure is a blessing to you and your family.

Mimi said...

Wow!! That is the most touching song and video! What a neat talent he has. Gracie's sweet face though is what brought me to tears. I think if you often and am so inspired by your faith!! That is a wonderful quote by Elder Maxwell- so great!

Thank you for sharing that with us!

jaacs said...

That was just beautiful. I saw the video on Paul's blog just now. What a divine song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it and my thoughts are filled of your sweet little girl and her amazing journey on this earth. Your family inspires me daily.

Katie said...

That Paul is amazing...what a wonderful treasure to have of your sweet baby girl. She is so dear to so many-

I think of you often Michele, please know that heart hugs are being sent your way!

lundgrenville said...

Michele-
There isn't a day that I don't think about your sweet little Gracie. When I have my tough medical battles, I think of your sweet Gracie..and am often reminded that the Lord continues to bless our lives. Your Gracie brings light into my day! She will always be remembered. She will always be in our hearts.
I hope each of you are beginning to heal, at least for a time until she is in your arms again!
Much love

Winnie said...

Beautiful.
Thanks for sharing. The thing that struck me watching and listening to this video was love. The love that you and Tom had for Gracie; the love that Max, Taylor and Callie had for her; the love Gracie had for all of you; and especially the love of the Savior. Bless you.

Evie's Story said...

Im speechless...this is just beautiful!

The Gatherum Clan! said...

Wow! I wasn't so sure I could make it through--But, so glad I did! Thanks for sharing---my heart still aches for you and our prayers still go out to you!!!

Matt and Lena said...

What a great tribute to such a precious angel! My prayers are with your family.

Lindsay said...

I love the video it is so beautiful and moving. Thanks for sharing your life and Gracie's through your blog. It truly is inspiring! I took your advice and now take as many pictures of my children and family as I possibly can:-)

Preppy Coastee said...

Sooo pretty! My lap top might not work tomorrow though because I just soaked it w/ tears. I just feel for your family, my heart really just breaks. I could not imagine and I pray for strength for you and your husband, I think of you guys all the time. God bless! xoxoxo

Colleen said...

Watching through tears. This is one of the most precious, beautiful, heartbreaking things I have ever seen. I think of your family often and continue to pray for healing. I know your pain and it is a long journey that no parent should have to travel. God Bless all of you.

Dennison Family said...

Wow, I LOVE that video! What a priceless gift!! I love all of the ones of your kiddos holding her, and of Max reading to her. I have one of my Payton reading to Jake and it is so sweet!! I loved that video. Thanks for sharing!

Brooke said...

Oh my goodness! that was beautiful!!! What a neat video for you to cherish. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! I will ALWAYS remember Gracie and the impact she had on my life. Did I tell you we are expecting our first in December? A little boy! Maybe he knows Gracie.

Court and Britt said...

Wow, that was so beautiful!! What a special gift. You guys are amazing, we think of you and your sweet Gracie often. Thank you for being such great examples to us!!]

Love,
Court & Britt

Allison said...

This was just perfect. I was in tears last night watching it. You guys are so strong and continue to be an inspiration!

Kyle, Alli, and Grant

Leslie said...

The gift that Paul made for your family is priceless. The gift that Gracie gave to each of us is beyond words. I feel her spirit so close whenever I watch this, which has been many, many times! I have often reflected this summer about our many times together with her last summer...sure do miss that little missy! I check Paul's blog almost daily waiting and praying for his new heart news. I hope it comes soon. Love you guys!
Leslie

Diana said...

That was just beautiful. I think of your family often and wonder how you are doing..Praying for all of you!!
Hugs

Rach said...

Michele and Tom,

We walked into Deseret Book last Saturday and just as we walked in; Ben said at the top of his voice "It's Gracies Song"! He was so excited to hear it! We all were.

Kierstin said...

That was so touching and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your tender moments with me. I gain a better appreciation for my own three children after reading your blog. Have a wonderful day. love, Kierstin Laws (kathy jensen's daughter)

Scott M. Roberts said...

It was about 6 months ago that I found your blog as I was searching for other HLHS parents. It was right in the middle of your terrible loss, and I cried and cried as I read your story. I am an LDS woman living on the East Coast, and I was desperately trying to find other LDS women who I could relate to. You ahve set such a wonderful example to me as I struggle with my own heart baby. I'm so glad that you have kept posting. You are wonderful. I continue to pray for your family.

Mandy Roberts
cp:Tiptoe

Julie said...

Thanks so much for sharing!! You all never cease to amaze me. Hope you are all doing well.

Shelley Eggett said...

That is an absolutley beautiful video of Gracie and your family. You have a beautiful family, thank you for sharing.