Toby misses Gracie too.
Friends and family, today is Monday and we are just a couple of days away from changing her trach to a different device. We are hoping and praying that the Wednesday, March 18 procedure to change devices will go smoothly and without complication. Even though it is at the bedside, it is delicate.
She has had very restful nights recently, and the days are a bit long and boring but, uneventful. I can’t wait to hear her voice again, no matter what she says.

Regarding last Saturday’s house cleaning, I’m so grateful to the dear friends and family who came and helped me get my house ready for Gracie. It is now much easier to maintain the air quality when the house has less dust-catching items like decorations, rugs and plants.

What I’ve learned:
1. Simplify your house, don’t keep so much “stuff.”
2. Love has many faces. I have been blessed by many people and things recently: A long drive all the way from Naples, just to come hold Gracie’s hand. A well-timed delivery of a box of pastelitos and croquetas.
A warm cup of soup from Panera.
A long quiet walk, and a gentle conversation.
A container of Lysol disinfectant wipes.
A pile of empty boxes to help me clear out my house.
A pile of kindergarten get well cards.
A pile of 6th graders get well cards.
A warm blanket with puppies that look like Toby all over it. A video of dancing poodles to make Gracie laugh.

The words “Thank you” will never be enough.

I’ve been saying it for a while now, Gracie has so much love, she could be the mayor of a small town by now.