It seems unreal that in just a few days it has been a month since Pat and I received the phone call explaining what had happened to Preslee. Time continues onward whether we like it or not. I'm still amazed with all of the blessings we keep receiving.
Actually, last Sunday I felt overwhelmed by such a peace. I felt stronger than I had in a long time. The thought came into my head that many of you were fasting and praying for us that day...thank you.
I shared the quote below about service. Service is all that has been on my mind lately. I have a totally new way of looking at life. Every day I receive e-mails from family, friends, and complete strangers trying in some way to serve us. It's been life changing. I can't tell you how many times I've prayed and by the end of that day someone (many times strangers) show up or do for us what we needed help with. It's been an incredible thing to experience.
One of my good friends came through the viewing with a beautiful picture of Christ holding a baby by Del Parson. She explained that her neighbor had bought it for us... That night I went home and new exactly where it needed to go. As I hung it, on the back was a card. This sweet lady, whom I've never met and hope to soon, told me that a couple weeks prior the accident she felt prompted to buy the painting. She explained that she knew it would be a gift for someone else, but she didn't know who. When she heard about our situation she knew she had bought it for us. I don't know why, but I treasure that painting. It's something that brings so much comfort to me. I desperately needed it. I have thought a lot about this lady, someone who is living so close to the spirit that she would be in a store and buy a random picture for somebody else. I know before this if I would have been placed in her shoes, I would have thought I was crazy and moved on.
I have a new goal, a new need to live as close to the spirit as I can. Every single day I pray that I'll be able to help someone who is need. This is the only way I feel I can repay many of you for your kind acts of service. It has been AMAZING to see where I am led and who I help. I'm learning to live my life differently because of many of your examples.
As Thomas S Monson stated "While those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”
This is how I'm surviving, this is how I'm saving my life. I have found that my little service projects are the highlight of my day and is making me such a stronger person. In fact, somehow I somehow managed to get through the day without crying yesterday. Every time I came close to crying, (I seem to still cry a lot) I felt a peace come over my body and found a new strength I didn't know I had. I know it's because of the changes I've made. So I encourage you to do the same. Pray, listen to the spirit, and act on those promptings. It will change your life for the better. I promise.
Ashley -all I can say is wow. You are an amazing person and an excellent example of true faith. I can feel the spirit so strong when I read your blog and I know that you guys are special spirits. I don't think I have ever seen anyone handle such difficulty with such grace, positivity, and such a mindset. I know you will grow tremendously from the changes you are implenting and I think we could all serve a bit more. Thanks and still praying for you guys. Love the Blaus. (Kash and Cara's sister and brother in law.)
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me...I just wanted to drop you a quick note and tell you how amazing I think you and your husband are. I hope you don't get creeped out that I've been watching your blog every now and then since I heard about what happened to your liitle girl. I don't know of anybody that could handle this trial that you were given the way you two have! I'm amazed and extremely humbled!!! I have a little one year old baby boy (our first) and can't imagine having that happen. But...the thought that keeps coming to my mind is that our Heavenly Father is not going to give us any trial that we can't handle! I know that doesn't take any of the pain away...but you both are such great examples...THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteShai Brown
Pocatello, Idaho
Thank you for sharing these experiences. They help me to desire to be better; to take my predicaments and grow from them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your testimony. I love that quote by President Monson and know it to be true. I pray for you everyday! You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteAshley I love you! If you ever want some company on any service things you are doing call me I'd love to be apart of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that. I myself need to remember to serve others!
ReplyDeleteWow! You guys are amazing! I still seem to cry a lot with you whenever I read your blog. After reading your blog and going through your experience with you has made me a better mother and now hopefully I can serve more. I always have little promptings like that but always just think I am crazy also. Hope I learn to start listening because it is so true that we can be saved through service.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I have been following your blog since I heard about the accident through a friend. I just can't seem to get you out of my mind. I have shed tears for you and your family over this. You have been a great example of faith and strength to me. I have a child with special needs and we don't know what the future hold for him. I can only hope that if we lose him I can be as strong as you are. Thanks for being such a good example to all of us.
Chrystal Wagner
Ashley -
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing. I continue to pray for you and your husband every day. I'm glad it's working.
I think of you everyday and am so happy you have your faith to get you through...life is so temporary but it's hard when we get such a cruel reminder. Keep blogging for us so we know you're ok.....
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashley. I don't know why, but your family has touched my heart. I would have never thought it was possible to care about people you don't even know, have never met and most likely never will, but I do. I so appreciate your thoughts and your challenge - a great reminder to do what we are commanded to do, serve. The motto at the collage I attanded was "Be Great, Serve" and all graduates recieved a Towel with those words to remind us of how Jesus washed feet - yes, even Jesus did such a small task. I continue to pray for your family as you walk this road you would not have chosen; yet you walk it gracefully and honestly. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think I know what painting you are talking about. We just got it to put in our apartment to remember a baby we lost. It is a beautiful painting and it fills me with peace when I look at it. It is hard - but it is nice to know that Christ is looking out for our little ones while we can't and that some day we will have them again.
ReplyDeletePraying for you.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know, but your blog has touched my heart so deeply. You are an amazing example to me in so many ways! I check your blog everyday because it is so uplifting. Thank you for all you do and for being such an amazing women. We are praying for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You have no idea how you have helped me. It is amazing how God works and how your testimony has drawn me closer to Him. I hope that I can help you like you have me. You are incredible and I admire you greatly.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley! Your words alone are a service to me and have helped me so much.
ReplyDeleteWow Ashley, you are such an incredible young lady! You don't know me, but you have truly inspired me! I look at life completely different then I used to. You are such a strong individual and I admire you. I pray for you daily, and I hope the best for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI love you. And you don't know me. But your example has changed me in so many ways. I am praying for you and Pat, amazed at your strength and faith. Thank you. The next time I face a challenge, I will remember you. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteHello Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. I find comfort in your words you write here. I do not know you but your little girl has touched my heart. She is so precious in the photos here. I know you miss her dearly but someday you will be reunited and what a blessing that will be. Stay strong and keep blogging for all of us.
Once again I feel prompted to leave a comment for you even though we have never met. YOU and YOUR HUSBAND are so AMAZING! Just you posting these intimate details about your life your struggles and your sweet Preslee you have done a service to me and I'm sure so many others. The 1st time I came across your blog I read for probably an hour before I had to stop. My heart was so full of love from the Spirit! Thank you and know that I pray for you and your family daily!
ReplyDeleteBrianne
Phoenix, AZ
I know what you mean. The only way I got through Shane's passing was by serving and loving others more than I thought I ever could. I'm so sorry the tears flow so often...they will always be there to creep up on you when you least expect it...but it's okay. The tears are healing in a sense--they kinda feel like a washing and cleansing...a purifying. After all, you are in the crucible, being tried so heavily--the tears are normal under such deep and painful fire.
ReplyDeleteYour post was amazing! You are such an incredible person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family.
Great post Ashley - I definitely need to serve more and be less selfish with my time. So thanks for the reminder! Hang in there and you still need to call me back :)
ReplyDeleteLike so many that have left comments, you don't know me either, but I've been checking up on your blog. I've sat here at my computer many nights with tears streaming down my face reading about all that you guys have been through. You have been in my prayers and thoughts ever since I started reading. You are truly an amazing person, just like everyone else has said! It's hard to imagine, but remember that this life is just a pin drop compared to eternity. I found this really cool article at lds.org that you might like to read.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ee5d97a7c1d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=88021b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
You are truly an inspiration and I will continue to pray for you!
So, I am going to basically post what every one else has posted. WOW you are AMAZING! You have touched SOOO many people in SOO many different ways. If I could only be 1/2 as strong as you. I apprciate every post you make. Thank you Ash. For helping me realize how important life is. I don't take any moment forgranted. Because of you, I hold on to Dax a little bit longer. I sing one more song to him at night, I have the TV off a little more, and I get down on the floor to play with him often. I love you with all my heart. My prayers are still with you. I don't know how I can show you how much you mean to me. I am so glad that I know you. Thank you for your Testimony and faith in the Gospel and in Jesus Christ, our Savior our Redeemer.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Paige (Poulsen) Phillips
Ash, wow you are such an amazing person! Everytime I read your blog it is such a testimony builder for me..so I thank you for your sweet spirit and great example! I love you guys and you are always in our thoughts and prayers. and Happy late anniversary! I love the wedding pics! :)
ReplyDeleteEverytime I read I think "Holy cow, that is exactly what I needed to hear." You have no idea how much you have served me...and so so many others. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I want to thankyou and let you know I admire your love and strength for the gosple. Your strength and love gives me a little extra push to live as if that day could be the last I see and hold those I love even closer, hug a little tighter and say I love youas much as I can. I Have a 2 yr old little boy who tries my patients to no end. As I reach my breaking point your family comes to me. And I hold my sweet little boy for me and for u. I hope the days give u more peace then not as time passes and that your heart will mend just enough to keep moving forward as u have. Thankyou for your amazing example.
ReplyDeletetwo years ago Stephanie Nielson was introduced to me through blogging and the Lord brought me closer to His spirit then ever before. Since that time my devotion has grown and grown. When cJane introduced me to your tender and loving, yet sad story I learned even more lessons that were not possible to learn from Stephanie. God has put you both in the lives of thousands if not millions. What a blessing He has bestowed on your little family. Through all the sadness you have shown grace and peace. Do not think this is any human feat. You sweetheart are a blessing in our Heavenly Father's eyes and by His hand you are moving the hearts of the world through Preslee's story. God will keep you in His care.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an amazing person. I admire your strength, your testimony and your example. I want to be a better person and live my life differently because of your example! :)
ReplyDeletethe crazy thing is that you think that everyone else has been the example, when HELLO you have been such an AMAZING EXAMPLE to everyone else :)! i think you're great, and still pray you'll keep that peace that you have. i need to do more service for others, thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteYou really amaze me!! You are so strong! It amaze me the strength you have to get through a day with out crying! I cry almost everyday for your family and I don't even know you! You have inspired me to do more to help others.
ReplyDeleteashley you are so amazing. You are such a great example to everyone around you, even those who don't even know you! I'm astonished at how every time I read your blog I feel completely uplifted and wanting to change for the better.. You are so great, love you and thinking of you
ReplyDeleteThank you, once again you made me want to be a better person. We continue praying for you and your sweet family.
ReplyDeleteHI-
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Cicily's here in Meridian. I have been following your blog and praying so much for you. I can't imagine what you are going through. It is so encouraging to see how you are living in the Spirit. He is near to the broken hearted. Praying for you- Abby
Thank you for this post. I was on the computer preparing my lesson for Young Women on Sunday, and had to stop by your blog. I don't know you, but your story inspires me to be a better mom and a better person, so I couldn't resist stopping by to see if you had anything new to share with us. My lesson is on "Strengthening Testimony through Service." Your words were so touching and so perfect--I know my girls need to hear them. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDeleteI attended the temple last night, and as I walked past the box to put peoples name sin for the prayer roll, The Spirit stopped me and I wrote your family's name down. Even though we don't know each other, I have a prayer in my heart for you!
ReplyDeleteAs the song on your blog states--We all "have been changed for the better" because of you and your strength. I don't know you or your family, but I pray for you and admire you so much!! You will only grow stronger day by day. Thanks for your inspiration and hope!
ReplyDeleteI don't know you but read about your story on a friends blog tonight and have been glued to my computer all night reading your blog. I can't stop crying thinking of your sweet little girl. Tonight when I tucked my three young kids into bed I held them a little longer. Your story has gave me a renewed sense of what is truly important. I realize how quickly things can change, and it has already helped me be a more kind a patient mother as I see how blessed I am. I love all of the inspiring quotes you have mentioned and I want to adopt them into my everyday life as well. Thank you for sharing your strength and testimony with me. You and your husband are incredible people. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe never know why we go through the trials that we do..... but look at all the lives that you are helping and saving... I am one of those! Thank you for your example of Faith and Strength and for your testimony! I love you girl!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI was directed to your blog. I am sorry for your loss and am happy that my painting helped you in some way.
Del Parson
This is Katie Sommers sister Michelle. I loved your post. My family continues to pray for you. You are an incredible example of enduring such a hard trial. Two of my most favorite quotes about service are..
ReplyDeleteGordon B. Hinckley:
If as a people we will build and sustain one another, the Lord will bless us with the strength to weather every storm and continue to move forward through every adversity. The enemy of truth would divide us and cultivate within us attitudes of criticism, which if permitted to prevail, will only deter us in the pursuit of our great divinely given goal. We cannot afford to permit it to happen. We must close ranks and march shoulder to shoulder, the strong helping the weak, those with much assisting those with little. No power on earth can stop this work if we shall so conduct ourselves."
Howard W. Hunter:
"Helping hands are more holy than praying lips."
Spencer W. Kimball:
"Only when you lift another's burden can you lift your own."
Thank you so much for your example of courage and faith. You are both an inspiration to so many. Even though we don't know each other we love you and care for you. Michelle Christensen
I know that I don't know you or your family personally....but I'm definitely touched by your stories and your photos... and your testimony.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you... as a mother myself... I know the hopes and love and dreams we share with and for our children. YOu want to see them succeed and happy... they're not supposed to be taken from you so suddenly, so unexpectedly. It doesn't make sense.
I feel... that this is one of those moments that everyone should take away to live your life to it's fullest with these precious wards we have been given to take care of.... to teach them His word... to show them their importance...
In the end.. it doesn't matter if your house is clean.... if the laundry is done... if you made homemade or canned biscuits... if those moments that you share together...those are what really matter ...
Tears stream down my cheeks as my little son sleeps peacefully in the bed next to me... I feel so guilty for having taken some moments for granted ... moments with him and his brothers... to do seemingly meaningless things that DO NOT MATTER!
I pray for your continual journey... and I pray for your strength and comfort...
A couple of years ago I had a miscarriage. Though I'm sure my pain pales in compairison to yours, I too, felt the Spirit comforting me. It's was amazing. It gave me an unshakable testimony of my Heavenly Father and his love for me. I'm sure the same is true for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an amazing woman. I hope you can continue to feel the loving hand of our Heavenly Father in your life. I'm struggling right now to get pregnant with my second child. I've wondered if I could adopt a child after having one of my own. One of my good friends said, "You don't love just because it is your flesh and blood, you love because you serve." How true that is that you learn to love the ones you serve. What an inspiration you are!
ReplyDeleteTears come to my eyes each time I read your sweet blog. Yes, I am another stranger who has been touched by your story and now, most of all, by your testimony. Thank you for sharing what comes to your mind with me. I continually think and pray for you and your family and know that angels are with you!
ReplyDeleteWOW. Is what comes to mind first. I've been struggling with my YW lesson all week. I still didn't feel quite ready, but thought I had all of the material. Then while waiting for my printer to print the handouts I went to Blogger and saw a post from your blog that I hadn't read. I started to read and felt overwhelmed by the fact that your words were the missing piece of my lesson. Our lesson today is on service. Thank you so much for your inspired words and your strength. We don't know each other, but I have family that is close to you. I am very grateful for your courage and strength. Thank you for giving me the missing piece that will surely bring the spirit to our little class today. Thank you for sharing. You are still in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing women! You don't know me, but I have followed your story! I have cried, and prayed for you and your family at this time. I am truly sorry for your loss. My husband and I lost our two sweet boys 4 years ago now. Its amazing how over time the pain isn't as sharp. Just last week we had to take our only boy left on this earth to the doctor. The news wasn't good at all. Through all my tears I have thought of you and how strong you have been. Please know you are in our prayers and thank you for all your strenght!
ReplyDeleteYOU are my first prayer in the morning and my last as I fall asleep..your strength in Christ has inspired me. I have had to go through things in life where all I could do was rely on God's strength and from that I know that God gives us grace we didnt even know we had until its all we have. I am sorry that you have had to go through this tragedy but I thank you for being such a testimony and pray that because of your family, especially that sweet baby girl of yours, that many will come to know Jesus Christ as their saviour. With much love, Heather
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ashley, for your example of service and love. You are living the way Heavenly Father wants us all to live, and I appreciate your light. Preslee is proud of you.
ReplyDeleteyou are such a beautiful person. thank you for your words.
ReplyDeleteAshley you & I seem to have a lot in common. Our names for 1 our girls are the same age our religion our love & devotion for being a mother. I thank you for this post- I thank you for letting heavenly father turn your heart in this to something good. & I thank you for helping me realize what I need to be doing more of in my life. I thank you & I pray for you.
ReplyDeleteI am not imagine your pain. Your daughter is so beautiful. You and your husband seem to have a light that also shines. I do not know how this tragic thing happened to such a sweet little child of God, but truly she had a more important job to do elsewhere. I read this just before going to church and I prayed a little harder, took pride in my own daughters with yours in my heart. I pray for your healing, your faith and your happiness in blessing to come.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing and so very wise beyond your years. Your little Preslee is smiling and is so very proud of her Mommy and Daddy.
ReplyDeletePeace and Love,
The Sabols-Wisconsin
Still thinking of about you two every day. Thanks for your testimony Ash, it has strengthened mine and for that I am so grateful. Hang in there :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley and Pat. My name is Jessica Stoddard. My father in law and Ashley's dad were good high school friends, (Sterling) and my sister in law in Michelle Woolf. So your family has been in all of our prayers. I saw this poem on another friends blog, and I just thought of you guys, so here it is...
ReplyDeleteIf tomorrow starts without me and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you!
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand;
she said my place was ready, in heaven far above
and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
for all my life, I’d always thought I didn’t want to die;
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad;
If I could relive yesterday,just even for a while;
I’d say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me;
when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from his great golden throne,
He said, “This is Eternity and all I’ve promised you.”
Today your life on earth is past but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow but today will always last;
and since each day’s the same way there’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true;
though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free;
so won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart…
You are truly AMAZING! Your words inspire and help me more than you will ever know. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove Megan
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYou spoke so perfectly in this post. I look up to you in so many ways. What a blessing to have a sister-in-law like you. You and Patrick are two amazing individuals. Your example of faith inspires Jamie and I. I hope to do more service for others and touch lives as you are doing now. You inspire me to be a better person. We love you guys so much. It was great talking to you last night.
Love you guys so much,
Linsy and Jamie
every time Bry and I read your blog we are in total awe of you. You inspire and strengthen us so much. you're incredible sidd. thank you so much for your testimony! we love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart and strength. You are an amazing person. I don't know you, either - I'm a friend of Dustin's, but we pray for you daily. Thanks for inspiring me to serve more.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. Be more like Christ is what our religion tells us and that is all about service. I know my days are much better when I am not selfish with my time. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am another supporter of your blog you don't know, but only through the gospel. My husband is from your area and I from Poky area and we now live in Boise with two of our own. After being in a minor car accident recently and then reading of your blog your tender experience and your powerful strength I am also changed for the better because of you. Your testimony is beaming from this blog! I thank you for having such a closeness to the Savior. I am and will be better from reading your blog. May Heavenly Father continue to bless your little family.
ReplyDeleteYou dont know who I am but I came across you blog by Alisha Siddoway's photo blog as she has taken pictures of my baby. I just want to say that you are all amazing. I sit here with tears streaming down my face just thinking about what you have gone through. I have a baby myself and I cannot imagine my life without her. Thank you for your testimony. I am so eternally grateful that families really are forever. You are beautiful people and are incredibly strong. My heart aches for you. Please take care
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI am doing a fundraiser for your family through my jewelry business. Trying to spread the word for those who want to help!
All you have to do is go to my website http://stelladot.com/tahnie and enter The Sullengers name in the hostess page. To do this you will find that in the upper right corner under Stylewatch it will say 'can't find your hostess' and click on that. Then enter The for the first name and Sullengers in the last. Then click 'Search'. Click on their name and then click continue and shop away! It will say Online Fundraiser, Idaho.
Thank you so much!
It is so amazing to think that Heavenly Father had that lady buy the painting before anything ever happened. He truly does know everything. He could have prompted her to buy it the day before the funeral but he didn't, it really wasn't an accident but part of His plan.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I was directed to your blog by my sister and I can't tell you what an exaple you and Patrick are to me. I know that the Savior is carrying you during this trial. I will continue to pray for you and Patrick.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, to be turning your grief into something good. Your example is inspiring to many.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for the knowledge our gospel gives us and for people like you who live it to its fullest. You are certainly ensuring that Preslee will be placed in your arms again.
Ashley you are an AMAZING woman! I still pray for you and your family each day, you guys have taught me things I no I have needed to do for a long time but have choose not to. Thank you for showing me the light and how I need to change myself! May god be with you!
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I had a couple friends tell me to read your blog just after what had happened to your little Preslee! I hope you don't mind me stocking your blog since. I'm so sorry for your loss I couldn't imagine what you guys are going through. I have a little boy just a couple months older than your little Preslee and my heart goes out to you and your family! I just wanted to thank you for your strong testimonies and your strong spirits that i can feel while reading your blog. You guys make me want to be a better person and you make me realize how truely blessed we are to be eternal families.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI linked to your blog through Noah Estes' blog. I am so encouraged by your faith shown through these tough times. I often pray that if God takes me through a trail of this magnitude that my testimony will be to the praise of HIS glorious grace! In Psalms David talks about how there are a certain number of days given to each of us. How comforting to know that God didn't cut short your precious daughters days. He knew all along just how long you had with her...and he was working in preparing for that even in prompting a total stranger to buy a painting. Praying for your healing tonight. You'll never be completely healed, and I'm sure you don't want to be. Her memory will always be etched on your heart. What a glorious thing to know whe resides with the Saviour this day!
ReplyDeleteYour strength and testimony is amazing. We don't know each other but my sister-in-law spoke of you on her blog, I believe you are in the same ward. I just wanted to let you know that your faith in God is inspiring and so unwavering and you are such an example. I lost my father in June and I can honestly say that most of what I feel is anger at God for taking him. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, but the way you make it through by leaning on the Lord and relying on your beautiful faith is something we can all learn from. Your family will be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your life with strangers, if you didn't, strangers like me wouldn't be able to look to you as a shining example of loving the Lord and following Him in even the most difficult of times.
ReplyDeleteLean on the Lord, but allow yourself to travel the grieving process. Cry when you need to, don't hold back.....
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me. My sister sent me your blog yesterday. I'm so sorry for your loss. My youngest daughter is close to Preslee's age. Reading your experience makes me want to hold her a little tighter. Hold all my kids tighter. I have been following a blog for the past 2 years. I don't know if anyone has recommended it to you, but it is wonderful. It is written by Stephanie Waite who lost her 14-month old daughter to drowning in June 2008. She also has a blog for fellow angel moms. I don't have the address for it, but her family blog is http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/. She has been an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know how I came upon you rblog but I am so glad I did as I sit here sobbing. You are so strong and an inspiration. Just yesterday I had a conversation with my husband about what I would do if we lost Lydia. I know I would be ok. Thank you for all you've shared.
ReplyDeletemy twin sister was born with spina bifida and from day one we have had so many trials, tendermercies, miracles, and blessings from the lord. We are members of the church and I know that because I have faith in him I know everytime my sister is put in the lords hands, for whatever reason, He will bring us the comfort and strength we need to make it through whatever happens. in 1989 doctors from PCMC told my parents she would not make it, twenty years later I still have my other half. About 8 years ago I was in that same canal and was swept under a dam and almost drowned but the lord gave me a miracle and helped me get out alive.The lord has provided us with so many blessings and I am so sorry for your loss. With Trials come blessings, you are so strong and i am so glad i have come across your blog and will continue to read it. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family. thank you for sharing your story with me. It has helped me realize how much I need to be thankful for every day the lord has given me, Thank You - Chelsee
ReplyDeletei found your blog through one of my friend's blog lists and i am so grateful for that. what an amazing example you have set!! your testimony shines through your words and as i read, i feel the spirit pour into my heart. heavenly father must be so very proud of you and your husband. i feel a strong urge to be a better mother to our precious little boy because of your story. please know that your family is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI found you through Nie's blog. First, I am so sorry for the pain of your incredible loss. I am a MOm to 3 kiddos and I can only imagine your grief. This post and the other about service is a message the Lord is really putting in my heart. Thank you in your grief for teaching others. You are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteDear Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through NieNie. I spent a few hours reading your story and I've been thinking about you, Preslee, and your husband ever since.
I have three children. Three months ago, my oldest (she is six) was diagnosed with Leukemia. It has changed our whole life. And like you I feel the only way I can make sense of the experience has been to help others to repay how we've been helped during this hard time for our family.
I had to write to tell you that I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. As a mother, I know the grief you feel must be enormous. Preslee is beautiful and will always be your daughter. You are clearly a wonderful mother. God Bless you and thank you for sharing your story. Obviously the Lord has a plan for you and your family. Preslee is looking down on you and smiling.
You don't know me, but I'm thinking of you and praying for your family. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I recently stumbled onto your blog, and I just couldn't stop reading. I've been sitting on my couch for the last three hours just reading about your incredible experience. I am not a mom yet, but I hope to be one soon, and the thought of losing my little baby just kills me. You and your husband are just incredible. It amazes me how well you have dealt with this tragedy. You mentioned that you want to serve all of us as you have been served, and I just felt impressed to let you know that you are already serving us. You are bearing your testimony to us, and I don't think there is a stronger testimony than that of a mother who stays so close to the Lord when she is losing her precious child. So thank YOU for helping the rest of us feel the spirit, and know without a doubt that this church must be true. I hope you and Patrick are doing well! And I hope you are blessed with another little angel soon! Good luck, my prayers are with you!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteLike many other people who have commented, you don't know me. A friend told me about your blog and I have been so touched. My husband and I have a 2 year old girl and a 9 month old girl and I can not imagine going through this trial. Thank goodness for eternal families! You are truly inspiring. Ya'll are in our prayers!
Karris
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our son Ethan to a tragic accident about 2 months (June 2010) before Preslee went to be with the Lord. Knowing that Ethan is with Jesus, and is in a far better place than he could ever be...well, that's the most comforting thing ever. Though it's still very hard day to day, I am thankful for my family's faith in the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless your family, and comfort your hearts. :o)
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