n hearing of the tragedies that occurred very early in her life, one might assume that Gracie McDougal’s life is rather sad. One would be very wrong. This upbeat, energetic and funny high school senior lives life not just with her cup half full, but with it overflowing with activities and care for – and from - those around her.

*Gracie and Georgia Cobb, one of Gracie’s best friends, when Georgia was announced as Homecoming Queen for Pleasant Grove.*

Gracie Ann McDougal’s birth on July 23, 2002, fulfilled a dream and months of medical interventions for Phillip and Holly Ann McDougal to become parents. To say that Gracie was “wanted” is such an understatement – she was adored even before she arrived and still is cherished as a true gift from God.

This photo of 4-year-old Gracie with her mother, Holly, and father, Phillip, was featured in Four States Living Magazine’s 2007 Women’s Health Awareness special edition in a story about Holly’s battle with cancer.

In some ways, Gracie is a “typical teenager” with a schedule that is definitely not for the faint of heart with varsity cheerleading, yearbook ads and book sales manager, volleyball manager, Keyettes, National Honor Society, Student Council and HOSA (Health Organizations Student Association) Secretary for four years. She has two dogs, “Roxy” and “Lucy,” and recently welcomed her first dog of her very own – a Goldendoodle named “Gabby.” The fondness and admiration of her peers is evident as she was selected for the Homecoming Court at her high school, Pleasant Grove. But when Gracie walked onto the field for the Homecoming ceremonies, it was her uncle Greg Capps who escorted her – and on Senior Night, it was her maternal and paternal grandmothers, Linda Harville Williams and Phyllis McDougal, who were at her side.

*While in Hot Springs for a week, Gracie helped her grandmother, Linda Williams, celebrate her birthday.*

When Gracie was only 3, her mom, Holly, was diagnosed with cancer. Then only a year and a half later, her dad, Phillip, was killed in a tragic cycling accident. Her mom lost her very courageous battle when Gracie was 8. Both of her grandmothers and other amazing family members immediately stepped in to care for Gracie and ensure that she never for a moment had any doubts about how much she is loved.

“I feel like everything that has happened has made me become the person I am today – God blessed me with a wonderful family,” Gracie stated with gratitude. “My cousins are like my siblings, and my friends have always been there for me. I don’t know what I would have done without them. My family has taught me the same morals and values as my parents would have.

*Cousins Shane Riddell, Gracie and Kirklan Capps celebrating their Mimi (Phyllis McDougal’s) birthday at Gracie’s Aunt Julie’s house.*

“Living in a community like I do, I got to grow up being around all of my parents’ friends, which kept their memories alive, and I learn continuously about them and how much I remind people of them all the time,” Gracie shared. It seems Gracie is a perfect mix of her mom and dad with a quick sense of humor like her father and the constant laughter for which her mother was known. It has even been said that when behind the wheel, she looks and drives exactly as Holly did.

Her family makes a special effort to keep the memories of her parents alive for Gracie. She is surrounded by pictures of them, and they even celebrate their birthdays. They talk about Holly and Phillip any time they are together – remembering the good times and acknowledging how very much they all loved them. Gracie embraces new adventures and enjoys taking vacations and going to the places she visited with her parents – and she loves family beach vacations in Destin, Florida.

*Gracie (right) with her best friends, Olivia Rochelle and Andrew Legrand, on Homecoming night.*

The one thing that Gracie is adamant about is that no one feels sorry for her. It is obvious that she is a happy and outgoing young woman who truly cares about people. She has an incredible work ethic and values the fact that people view her as dependable. Her faith is at the core of her life and when asked if she has a favorite scripture or quote, there was absolutely no hesitation. “Jeremiah 29:11 – I have it memorized. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I love this verse because everything my Mom had when she was alive always had this verse on it – picture frames, cards and journals,” Gracie explained. She added that the best advice she has ever been given is “always remember to count your blessings.”

So what does the future hold for this dynamic young woman who has a wonderful life despite challenges early in life that most can’t begin to imagine? “I would like to go to the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, and major in medical imaging and possibly be a sonographer,” Gracie said with pride. “I’m a people person, and I believe my life experiences have given me a unique ability to deal with good and bad circumstances. I would love to use that gift to extend care and compassion to people who might be experiencing the joy of expecting a child or the difficulty of an unfavorable diagnosis.”

Gracie was not only a gift to her parents; her grandmother Phyllis too considers her a gift from God. “Having her helped her dad’s family and her mom’s family accept our grief and move forward,” she said. “I thank God every day for her, and my saddest moments are when we are blessed watching her grow into the amazing young lady she is and her parents aren’t here to be a part of it. But I know they would be as proud of her as we are. She is a joy to all of us!”

How fitting her parents named her Gracie – as her name means goodness, generosity, beauty, joy and God’s grace. Gracie Ann McDougal certainly reflects all of those attributes and SO MANY MORE!

Feature Stories

The Grace to Count Your Blessings