1000 Cranes and THANK YOU!

First of all, though both Kim and I are very emotional and grateful today, for many reasons, I begged her to let me write this post.

First the Medical Update - Grace's numbers are now at 500! and the Bone Marrow test shows that her cancer is in complete remission. We know that many thoughts and prayers for Gracie have been answered and we cannot express how blessed we feel to have such an amazing support system.

Our families have provided so much support and love, helping with our house, our dog, our children, and us. Our friends and coworkers have been amazing as well. And both our friends and family continue to ask "what can we do next" an amazing showing of love that I hope Kim and I, and our children can emulate. Kim and I will never be able to thank you adequately for all your love and support. Our prayers have certainly been answered and we feel honored to be in the company of such amazing people with such amazing hearts.

When I uprooted our young family from our home is SLC, I did so to provide a better life for them. At the same time I knew that our family and long-time friends would be left, and with law school being so busy, I hoped that Kim and our family would find some friends to make our move to Oregon easier.

We have always felt loved here and before Gracies sickness we felt so lucky to have the friends we had in Oregon, both in Lake Oswego and in our new neighborhood. That being said, this morning was one more tremendous example of the amazing people around us. Individuals who are busy with school starting, families, sports and other obligations gave their time and talents to make Grace, and our families feel loved.

I cannot do a better job than to quote the letter and show pictures of what we came home to after hearing the good news about Gracie.

Dearest Ujifusa's,

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one fo the mystical or holy beasts, and is said to live for a thousand years.

When we heard of Grace's illness, there were so many of your Lake Oswego Ward friends' voices pleading to help. Those of us who were in contact with you knew that there was littel we could do immediately except pray and wait for opportunities that would surely arise where you might need a physical favor, and we knew we had an army willing to pitch in! When Raina heard about your situation, she related it to her sister, who told her of this Japanese legend. A light went on for Raina and she immediately thought, "We can do that for Grace." She begaan to spread teh word of this, and many were excited. That's when this amazing ward activity came together , where fifty plus excited ward members: some old, some young; some long time friends and others who are strangers to you but who had heard of your trial and wanted to help. We were amazed as the dozens of people filed in eager to fold paper cranes as a token of their love and support of your family. When we planned the activity we thought it would take days and weeks to complete the 1,000 cranes, but to our surprise, by tthe end of that amazing evening, the papers were gone. Our number was attained. Thus we were entitled to our wish.

So our wish to you, Grace, is for health and happiness, and a quick recovery from this illness. We all love you and your family and hope that these cranes will be a reminder to you of the prayers that are being sent up to heaven on your behalf every day. There is power in collective faith, and we know that Heavenly Father loves you and will watch over you in your journey.

All our love,

The Lake Oswego Ward

THANK YOU!