Of all the countless gestures and kind things done on behalf of the Sullenger Family, we wanted to share with you something that happened this last weekend. A blog reader sent Ashley the following message along with an mp3 file of a song she wrote and recorded about Preslee.
"I knew as I was reading your blog on Friday that I was supposed to write a song. I had no idea how to start. I started reading Patrick's post, A Father's Love. His words inspired the whole message of Preslee's song, happiness and love. I asked my husband to help me write the lyrics because I wanted to have a father's insight. We wrote the song Saturday night and with the help from friends, I was able to got to the studio on Sunday to record. Everything came together so easily and naturally. The song was truly inspired and I'm grateful to have been able to be a part of it." Molly Swank
In listening to the song, we cried, we had chills, we felt peace and love. Ashley herself even said she felt like Molly knew Preslee and knew her and wrote exactly what she felt. We believe that this is a way for Preslee's memory to live on, a way for her light to shine upon this world, and a way for her love to spread through the hearts of everyone who hears and listens to these words.
To help alleviate any financial burden the last few weeks have presented to Patrick and Ashley, we want to make the song available for anyone and everyone to download for $1. Most importantly, we want Preslee's memory to continue on.
How it all works: Click on the donate button below or the button on the right side bar and you will be taken to Paypal where you can enter in $1 donation. After checkout, click the "Return to Donations Coordinator" button and you will be directed to a place to download the mp3 file. (If you experience any problems or have questions, please email us at presleesong (at) gmail (dot) com).
To hear a sample of this beautiful song, click here.
(be sure to pause the music player on the sidebar)
Preslee's Song
On the first day that I held you,
The cold December winds blew.
I never truly knew happiness or love
Until I saw you.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
Days crawled, walked and ran by.
You had sweet fire in your eyes.
You quickly came to know of happiness and love,
And it never passed you by.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
Since the first day that He held me,
and wiped the tears from my eyes.
I felt surrounded by his happiness and love
Knowing you'll be by our side.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
On the first day that I held you,
The cold December winds blew.
I never truly knew happiness or love
Until I saw you.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
Days crawled, walked and ran by.
You had sweet fire in your eyes.
You quickly came to know of happiness and love,
And it never passed you by.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
Since the first day that He held me,
and wiped the tears from my eyes.
I felt surrounded by his happiness and love
Knowing you'll be by our side.
You are life.
And you lived.
You gave what you needed to give.
Forever ours. Forever His.
The greatest gift, was always you.
Preslee.
Thank-you Molly and to Pat and Ashley, we love you.
To the family we love, adore, and grieve daily with, we will "stand by thee" faithfully. What a wonderful way to support Pat and Ash through this time...I don't have much at this time, but I do have $1. We love you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful song. It's hard to listen to, though. Love from PA.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed that people can recieve such inspirations! Beautiful words, beautiful song, and a beautiful, perfect Preslee!!
ReplyDeleteThe song is beautiful and wonderful. Thank you, Molly, for this tribute to Preslee and her parents.
ReplyDeleteYou will continue to be in our prayers and even though we have never met I hope daily that you feel the arms of our prayers around you!!! Much love
ReplyDeleteTifani CLuff
Safford AZ
What a beautiful song and gift to a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteMy little sister (Kayla Salisbury) knows Ashley from BYU-I. She left a comment on my blog the other day and told me that I had to read about your family.
I lost a little boy in January of this year. He is a twin and they were born 3 months early. He spent 4 1/2 years with us fighting for his life. He was PERFECT! In everyway! He was beautiful and a true missionary. It is truly amazing to see the lives that these pure little spirits are able to change, through their example of pure faith and willingness to come to a life that may be more difficult or short than anyone of us would like them to have.
Dawson spent his 4 1/2 year enduring over 40 surgeries (PCMC is one amazing place) and changing all of our lives for good!
I was certain that when his little body finally wore out and he gave up the fight in January that I would be able to "out faith" grief. Not so. It is incredible the way it sneaks up on you! Just last night I laid in bed looking at a picture of him I have next to my bed and I winced at the familiarity of his face. It seems impossible that he can't just be here and that I can't hold him again in this lifetime.
However, with that being said, as we prepared his sacred little body for burial I was struck with the thought that I was preparing him for the next time I would see him. He was being saved for me, in a sacred spot, dedicated for the purpose of holding his little body, until we meet again at the ressurection. Isn't the Gospel amazing?! The knowledge of that brings peace! And when you are a parent that loses a child there are things that DO become knowledge. This experience changes the very chemistry of who you are!
Oh I wish I could squeeze you both! I wish I could be your shadow and support you through the next few months! I have a dear friend that lost her baby boy 9 years ago. She is an amazing strength to me! Please know that if there is ever a time you want to "download" (as my friend calls it) every last feeling to anyone that can feel what you feel because they have been there I am all ears! ANYTIME!
Allow yourself to feel the grief. Walk through it. Talk through it. Pray through it! When your angry, let it come (that was a hard one for me).
Just always remember that GOD LIVES! He loves you so beyond what you can even imagine! He and our Savior are all around you right now, as is your precious little girl! In quite moments feel for her. You will find her!
You are in our prayers! Please email me if you ever want to talk
yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com
(If you want to see my Dawson or read more about him or our journey through the last several months, my blog is yourlifeuncommon.com January archive has his obituary and a video I made about his life just before he passed away.)
Much Much Love!
Amy Lindstrom
Sun Valley, ID
That song is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing Preslee with us!
ReplyDeleteWow...how beautiful and what a wonderful idea and perfect way to share Preslee with the world.
ReplyDeleteThank-you
Thanks for sharing this song with us. It is so beautiful, just like little Preslee. My little 3 year old has asked me several times today if she can listen to Preslee's song. Preslee has touched the lives of so many people. I know I will forever be changed by the strength, courage and faith you have shown during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
the Arave's
What a beautiful song!
ReplyDelete_Anonymous from Salt Lake City, Utah
What a great song. Little Preslee has touched a lot of people. Thank you for sharing the song and story with us. We think of your family daily and my kids ask about little Preslee. They do not know her, but feel like they do. God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to see how many and who Preslee's spirit has touched and spoken to. Amazing song, We love you guys
ReplyDeleteBeckstrand's
wow i also got the chills, cried AND smiled! what a great way to remember presslee through music. what a great lady to do that!
ReplyDeletelove you!!
There is nothing as pure and sweet as a child's spirit. This song brought tears to my eyes. Preslee will always be remembered and this song is just beautiful, like the little girl it was written for.
ReplyDeleteYou dont know me, we are complete strangers. Ever since I came across your blog, there hasn't been a day go by that I haven't shed a tear for you and your sweet little Preslee. Your story has impacted me in so many ways that I can't even begin to tell you. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Thankyou for sharing your story, you truely are amazing people!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Pat and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThe funeral was perfect. And this song is perfect, absolutely perfect. I can see her twinkling big blue eyes as I listen. Your faith and your behavior and your attitude have touched and continue to touch people beyond numbers known. It is Preslee's touch, and God's touch, through you. What an amazing angel. What an honor to be her parents. This song is an appropriate tribute to her and you. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us. Perhaps the rest of us can now look at some of our "angels" who walk among us here on earth, whom we have not recognized as being such, and treat them with greater love and respect and gratitude. You have been blessed to see with God's eyes through this experience. May we all choose to follow your example and strive to do the same with all of our own trials we have been given. Through God's eyes we find comfort, purpose, submission, gratitude, peace and unconditional love. You two have shown us it is possible. Thank you. Love you so much, Cami
What a beautiful song. I will cherish it. Thank you for sharing it. I am praying for you to have the strength that you need to continue on.
ReplyDeleteThat song is beautiful.. just like your sweet daughter. I can't find the words to explain how truly sorry I am. Your family has taught me so much in the last week of reading your blog. I can honestly say my life is different because of you..because of the faith you've shown, the strength you've shown and the sweet spirit of your little girl that is so evident when I sign on this blog. Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for sharing this beautiful song. May heavenly father be with you and comfort you. With much love and appreciation,
ReplyDeletea mom from Utah
Such a beautiful song. What an amazing tribute for such a perfect little girl.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace continue to be with you.
Thank you for sharing your testimonies, faith, and courage with all of us.
Hi Patrick and Ashley - I don't know you but when I came across your blog, I had the impression to share the following story I read a few years back and maybe you have already heard or read this story, but I hope that it brings you some peace, even if it's only for a short time. Your story has strengthened my testimony beyond words and I pray that the Holy Ghost will be there to comfort you in all the rough days that lie ahead.
ReplyDeleteThe White Rose~
All the earth's mothers and fathers were gathered together at God's garden of flowers: those beautiful budding spirits, who would someday come to earth, were nurtured and tended in the garden. A loving Father spoke to the mothers and fathers: "See the works of my hands; someday you will be the parents of those radiant spirits." The garden glowed with the mixture of all kinds and colors. "Choose Ye," He said. Now in the east corner of the garden, pure, white roses stood as sentinels. They were not so colorful as the rest, but glowed with a kind of purity which set them apart.
One by one mothers and fathers stepped forward. "I want the blue-eyed, curly-haired one, who will grow to maturity and be a mother in Zion. Yet another chose a brown-eyed, brown-haired boy full of life and love who would someday be a prince in a grand country. The garden buzzed with excitement as the others chose their own special spirits, those whom they would soon welcome into the warmth and love of an earthly home.
Once again the loving Father spoke, "But who will take the white roses, the ones in the east corner of the garden. These will return to me in purity and goodness. They will not stay long in your home, for I must bring them back to my Garden for they belong with me; but they will gain bodies as we planned. You will miss them and long for them, but I will personally care for them."
"No, not I," many said in unison. "I could not bear to give one back so soon." "Nor I," said others. "We will take those who will remain and grow to maturity and live long lives."
The loving Father looked out across the multitude of mothers and fathers with the longing in His eyes for someone to step forward. He then said, "See the most pure and perfect of all the white ones? I choose Him; He will go down and be a sacrifice for all mankind. He will be scorned, mocked, and crucified. He is mine own. Will not anyone choose like unto Him?"
A few mothers stepped forward. "Yes, Lord, I will." Then a few fathers said, "I as well."
Soon all the pure, white roses were taken; and they rejoiced in the choices of the mothers and the fathers. The Father spoke again: "Oh, blessed are you who chose the white roses, for your pain will be a heavy cross to bear; but your joy will be exceeding beyond anything you can understand at this time."
The white ones embraced their mothers and fathers; so full was their purity and love that it filled their souls with such endearment. Each mother and father knew they could endure the task. And the greatest of all the white ones gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks, and the outpouring love surrounded each mother, father, and child, consuming all the white ones as He prepared them for their task. And each mother and father who bore the weight of the white rose would feel the overwhelming love of God as they all shouted, "Thy will be done."
** There is a great talk or discussion by Bruce R. McConkie in which he addressed the gospel and how it pertains to infants/children who return home SALVATION OF LITTLE CHILDREN in this discussion he quotes Joseph Smith, “The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth.” (Joseph Smith Teachings, pp. 196–97.)"
The song is beautiful. I wish to write so much but I have no words to explain how I feel. Your little Preslee is beautiful her impact on me has been tremendous. The emotions I feel are endless. I continue to pray for you and I think of Preslee everyday.
ReplyDeleteDear Pat and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI do not know you, I have never met you, but I am sure I saw you in the halls of PCMC. My daughter was there for three weeks , and was there while your sweet Preslee was there. The PICU pictures are a familiar site for me to see. It is an amazing place; but the thing that makes it the most amazing to me was seeing and feeling the strong and courageous spirits of the children there, and parents like you, who have faith in times of a very trying period for them. Reading about sweet Preslee's life there made me want to reach out and hug you, tell you thank you for your example of strength and courage. After 6 brain surgeries at PCMC, people too have asked me "Why you, why your daughter?" Like you, why not me, why not her, why not us? These little spirits enrich our lives. We are truly blessed.
I know that the Lord is walking hand in hand with you. He gives you the strength that is neededd to endure this trial.
Now that I am aware of you, I will pray for you and do all I can to support you. Preslee is watching over you and cheering you on, anxious to be with you again! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
A beautiful song for a beautiful little girl, gave me the chills. Praying for you!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour little girl is so beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't stop thinking about your family. Thank you for being such great examples of faith.
I'm praying for peace for you, your husband and your entire family. God bless.
Some other blogger shared your story with me. I cried for you. I am praying for peace for you... and for faith.
ReplyDeleteLove, makay
dear ashley and pat..
ReplyDeleteMy heart broke when I read your blog today. I am so deeply sorry for your loss I am devastated that you have had to experience so much pain and suffering during what is supposed to be a happy time in your life. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that we are thinking of you and praying for your family.
Your updates about Preslee have been so precious and genuine. I feel honored to read them and to see how you've accepted the Lord's will when you spoke of her spirit torn between two worlds; that is such a true testimony to me. Thank you for sharing your family's love, I can feel it so deeply.
I recently suffered from a miscarriage and wondered how anyone copes with loss of children, as I suddenly realized how deep mourning feels. Just know that through your darkness, God loves you. Give yourself time to grieve. Many of us are thinking of you and praying for the Comfort of heaven.
xo. marta
What a loving and beautiful tribute to your little one. God inspires many people in various ways, and isn't it amazing that HE is the one to choose the platform for bringing people together. Only God has that kind of power over His people.
ReplyDeleteHis word reminds us that He knows the plans He has for us even while we are in the womb. Sending your Preslee to you, even if only for a short while, verifies that God knew that you two would provide the loving environment that she would flourish in. From reading your blog since her birth, it's obvious that your whole family adored her and made the most of each day with her. You see, God knew that would happen for her, and He wanted you to be the recipient of the kind of love she was able to give to you and Pat.
I know you hurt, and I know your grief will be long suffering, but please remember how many people are here for you. May God hold you in His presence throughout your struggle.
I came by your blog just by accident and I read your stories about Preslee. I'm so sorry for your loss. She's definitely an angel.
ReplyDeleteGod is in your hearts and always present.
I found your blog via The Idea Room and your story caught my eye and my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss, she is beautiful. I have two little girls of my own and this has reminded me to enjoy life more with them, buz you never know when life is going to change. Thank you for sharing your story. I bought the song, it's pure beautiful, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteLaura
www.tasteslikechikin.blogspot.com
I just heard about your story through another blog, and read through each of your posts. From one mother's heart, to anothers, I send you my love. My heart goes out to you, and so admires your strength. I can not imagine what you are feeling at this time, but I know that our Lord is always at our side. I am so thankful to know he will be there to carry you through this heartache. You will be in my prayers. All my love.
ReplyDeleteWow--how amazing and beautiful. When our Stevie died, we were overwhelmed by the kindness of people--friends and complete strangers alike. The world really is full of wonderful people (like Molly). I continue to keep your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you. I'm grateful to see only kind comments from the blog world. I hope that continues. And, what a beautiful song. My family will keep you in our prayers. My heart just aches for what I can only imagine you are going through.
ReplyDeleteNot a day has gone by since I read about your story that I haven't thought about your sweet family. Never thought I could love a family I don't even know. My heart aches for you and I hope and pray that you will all be okay. I wish there was something more than time (and of course the Lord) that could make the pain go away like a pill or something. But as they say time will heal your pain. I'm so so sorry, so much love to you
ReplyDeleteIf you look...you can see that you get several hits on this blog every few minutes, its cuz we want to know what YOU as parents are thinking, doing, coping...NOT just your aunt or friends....we want to hear from you...start journaling...it might be counseling for u & us 2
ReplyDeleteI wrote that last comment and I am so sorry. I now realize it was ridiculous and I am sorry. (please delete it)
ReplyDeleteI dont know the family but I stumbled apon this blog yesterday and have been deeply touched by it!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I posted something on my facebook to spread the word about Preslees song and I also contacted our local popular radio station in hopes they would help. Stay strong.
I don't know you personally, but I do know the feeling of loss. Thank you for your faith and your courage - it strengthens people you don't even know. Your sweet Angel is waiting in Heaven and I have no doubt she is holding God's hand
ReplyDeleteMy sincerest prayers and sympathies are with you all.
i want you to know that i have buried my two kids that were both 37weeks fullterm and its the hardest thing that any parent will ever have to do. i am so sorry about your little girl. the song is very beautiful. just stay close to the lord and know you are loved.
ReplyDeletecarters
I have nothing inspiring or profound to write. I just keep thinking of the truthful words, "I am a child of God and he has sent me here." Your Preslee has reminded me of that fact.
ReplyDeleteMay Faith and Love Be In Your Hearts Always,
L. Fuentes