Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A New Heart For Paul

Last week, we were out of town, waiting in line at Disneyland when we got a text from Paul that he was going to be receiving a heart. We were ELATED, and nervous for what would be transpiring. We were without internet access but had our cell phones and hung onto every text we got the next day from family and friends giving us the update on Paul's heart transplant.

As most of you know, it went better than expected and we couldn't be happier!! We were able to visit Paul in the hospital for a little while and he looks great. It is truly an unbelievable thing that here we were talking to Paul, sitting up in a chair, when only a few days earlier, he had received a new heart. Simply amazing! It was also a little ironic that he happened to be in the same room that Gracie was in for over six weeks following her surgery at 4 days old. The visit brought back a lot of memories.

I read a quote by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander that said:
"Whatever happens in the life of a person, if his attitude is right, the Lord will work that experience for that person's good."
Paul has the best attitude about life and I have no doubt the Lord has worked a miracle for him in part because of his faith and positive outlook on life. We are lucky to have gotten to know him over the past 7 months. He and his family have blessed our lives immensely. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him!

13 comments:

kdance10 said...

That is so amazing. I was so happy when i heard the news:) Wow, that's neat he was in the same room as sweet gracie. I actually didn't even notice you had a new post today i just clicked on to leave you a comment i was thinking of gracie today as i do often, my son is two weeks younger than gracie occasionally i look at him and think of gracie. Your always in our prayers.

Brooke said...

That is fabulous news!!! We are so happy! Thanks for sharing. We will pray he has a speedy and well recovery!

Livy's Blog said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Colleen said...

I have been keeping up with him and was elated when I checked on him via his blog and read the awesome news. Hope your family had a very nice time at Disneyland. Did you get the email I sent to you about adding Gracie's name to the memorial program for my Walk and reading her name at the memorial service? We go to print next week and I really want your okay before doing this. Hope to hear from you soon.

lundgrenville said...

What a humbling post Michele. Thank you!
Our prayers have reached the heavens & the Lord has spoken and performed miracles! Wonderful! Amazing! Beautiful! Your Gracie will never be forgotten. We still cherish her in our hearts. No doubt, it wasn't a coincidence that Paul was in the same hospital room. Perhaps their spirits connect. What a beautiful experience. My heart is tingling today! We find out what lies in the future for my heart this next week. I believe in miracles, and surely, this has strengthened my faith.
Hugs to all of you!

Lindsay Dean said...

OH! I couldn't be happier for Paul and his family! I have goose bumps all over and tears in my eyes and completely overjoyed! The day that we got "the call" is oh so fresh in my mind and get so emotional still. Michele~ I think of you and your family just about everyday. My heart is still broken over your loss and even though I never knew Gracie personally, I did get to know her through your words and Tom's and that day felt as though I lost her right along with you. I do hope someday that we can share stories together in person. Thank you for sharing the great news of Paul's angel heart. May his body accept this gift without hiccups.
With Love,
Suzie

A Musing Mother said...

I don't quite know how I stumbled upon your blog but I am so touched by your little Gracie.

I am a Paul Cardall blog stalker. In other words, when I read he got his heart, I bawled. Back to Gracie, I didn't know who little Gracie was but the song touched me on a visceral level. It is Paul's finest work, quite honestly. Now, watching the video, I understand why. What a beautiful girl you have. I look forward to see your reunion someday.

Jennifer said...

Wow--as I sit here and read about your little Gracie, I'm just in awe at the LOVE that interlinks between you all.

Thank you for sharing~~


(BTW~~ I love love love that quote by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander)

Love Family said...

I'm not even sure how I came across your blog, but want to tell you thank you so much for sharing this and having it be public. Your story is so touching and I could never imagine what you have gone through. I love your positive attitude and strength of knowing Families are Forever. I could not read your blog without tearing up and remembering to cherish every minute I have with my children. Thank you so much.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for them

The Blanchard Family said...

I just wanted to tell you that your blog has truly touched my life. You don't know me, but I found myself surfing the "heart" blogs on a regular basis when I was given the news in July that my baby girl would be born with HLHS. I was pregnant with twins and delivered last month at only 27 wks gestation. Due to prematurity and my sweet baby only weighing 1 lb 11 oz. our Angel Ava was called home just 2 hours after she was born since she was too small for surgery. If you get a chance I would love to chat sometime. . .my email is casiblanchard@yahoo.com. Your family is in my prayers and your angel is beautiful!

Heath said...

I LOVE that quote. My friend informed me of his successful surgery and I began to cry when I first heard the news. I thoughts were immediately turned towards you and Gracie. I think about you all the time and I pray that the Lord has you in His Hands.

Anonymous said...

Your amazing posts continue to inspire and turn hearts to our Savoir....You are an amazing family. No coincidence that a special child, Gracie was sent to your family. Our father knew you would do HIS will with the situation. I am sure HE is pleased. Blessing to you from us...