Some days seem to hurt more than others. Sundays are hard,walking past the nursery and seeing all the toddlers. As I see other little girls her age, and notice how long their hair has grown, or how well they are beginning to talk, I can't help but wonder how long Preslee's hair would be or if she would have finally quit signing and spoke a few words.
Yesterday a lady and three girls drove 3 hours from Cache Valley to drop off supplies for the PAY IT FORWARD project. They had enough supplies to load up my back seat and a big box that we put in the trunk. There were so many items. When I got home I took a step back and looked at the supplies, it was a humbling experience. This carload came from one ward in Utah. On one of the boxes was with Preslee's picture and had a large pink bow. I realized Preslee has affected people in Utah. As I looked at the PayPal info I saw a donation from England. It honestly blows my mind how far Preslee's story has traveled. We have had hundreds of people donate. The majority of which are strangers. Nobody had to, but they did. Thank you.
As I see the supplies growing, I can't help think of the future families it's going to help. I know how grateful they'll be. Yesterday I thought, if the accident had never happened, none of this would exist. 200 (maybe more) tote bags would never be delivered to PCMC. Baptisms wouldn't have taken place. (We keep learning of more) The world really would be different. All because of one little girl.
So today, instead of focusing on how hard the Holidays have been or will be, I'm just going to thank my Heavenly Father for allowing Preslee to be part of our family. Even though she's gone, we still seem to be learning lessons from her. I'll also thank Him for all of your support. The 17th is quickly approaching, thank you for helping us give something meaningful back.
Thanks Ashley I needed that perspective today. I'm struggling with missing Gabe so much as I know you are with Preslee and it helps so much to get some perspective rather than focus on the hurt. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLove Amy
Ash...you continue to be an inspiration EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! Sometimes when I want to be angry at my situation, I think of you and ask myself how I think you'd handle it...would you complain??!! NO...and I pick myself up and keep going.
ReplyDeleteIt's so amazing how much good has come from such a tragedy. There is no doubt your sweet Preslee continues to touch so many and the Lord uses you and Pat as His instruments. Preslee, I'm sure is so proud of the way you've handled yourselves thus far.
We went to see Rapunzel yesterday and I couldn't help but notice so many similarities between Rapunzel and our little angels. You'll just have to see it to see what I'm talking about! But...I can honestly say I cried probably more than most.
How did you like Harry Potter? Can't wait for the next one to come out.
Take care Ash...you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Loves,
Tif
(Jack's mom)
It truly is amazing how much your sweet angel has done for so many people. She has been such a blessing to so many of us. it's no wonder the scriptures teach us to become like little children- we have so much to learn from them. love you sidd
ReplyDeleteAsh! You seriously are the most amazing woman I have ever known! You are so positive. This post was so wonderful. Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see that people are coming together from all over to donate to a cause. And something near and dear to me and you guys especially! It's amazing and humbling to see all the donations and that you were immediately able to withdraw your original number and do 4 times the amount, if it won't end up being so much more! People are just so great!
ReplyDeleteSo I am guessing you had the same lesson in R.S. that we did. . .a very heartfelt gratitude lesson that reminded me how I need to take the time and make the effort to have gratitude in all things, especially in adversity. Thanks for your example chica, keep on keepin on.
ReplyDeleteLots of Love from MN!
Inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteI love that this post refers back to when you were wondering about what work Preslee had finished on Earth and now you had work left to do.
Maybe her work wasn't finished, and her going with Heavenly Father finished her work, which was to have this impact and service all over the world. What an amazing thing!
Thank you for this perspective, Ashley. I'm so glad that things are coming together for your wonderful service project. Preslee has touched many hearts, and your kindness through this project will only bless more lives.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately your little angle leaving this earth has made it possible for you to share your strength and testimony widely with others. I would not know you, or be able to have read your amazing words of wisdom. I am constantly watching for your posts for a little inspiration. I am so grateful to have met you, and please know that you have given me something that I have been looking for. I am honored to have collected items in Preslees name for other families who will be in need. You are doing something amazing with your tragedy. THANK YOU!
I look forward to reading your blog every Sunday-- it is so uplifting and helps strengthen me each week! Thank you for living close to the spirit and Heavenly Father-- Preslee was a beautiful little girl and is busy continuing his work through you! Thank you so much. Today in Sacrament meeting, a sad story-- on Thanksgiving morning, a couple in our ward lost their granddaughter, who was four, to an asthma attack (they think). She passed away in the early morning in her sleep-- but she was her parents only child. I am giving them your blog address, hoping they can find strength and some comfort through your story and trial. Thank you for sharing-- You are loved by many!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou! You are an amazing person. I learned about your story through a facebook post from a friend shortly after the accident and i have been following your blog ever since. I have sat and cried many times while I have read your blog. I can't help but think "what if I lost my little girl" (she's going be 3 in january) and I know I can't honestly say how it would affect me and I can't even imagine how it would be and what you have gone through. I think I would just want to crawl in a hole and never come out. But you are such an amazing person to be so strong and share your story and pay it forward. Preslee has definitley touched many lives, But in many ways YOU haave touched many lives. You didn't have to post a lot of the things you did and you didn't have to share your testimony. But you did and YOUR TESTIMONY HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES. and so I just want to Thankyou for your testimony and for the way you have shared your story with the world. It truly has helped my testimony grow. Thankyou
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashley for your strength. I can never read your posts without crying. I admire your strength, and yes what a blessing to have Preslee be a part of your family. She is beyond special! I hope you have happy holidays, and continue to be strengthened. You are such an example to me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I have been following your blog for some time now. I just wanted to let you know how inspirational you are. You have made me truly appreciate being a mother to my 20 month old little girl who means everything to me. I am a newer member to our great church (baptized in 2009)and you have really helped me think about and appreciate eternal families. I hope it is so re-assuring for you to know that you will be with your little Preslee again someday. I wish everyone in this world could know, love, & experience the amazing blessings our great church provides! Happy Holidays & congratulations on the pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! Your blog is really inspiring. Your attitude is such an example to all of us. xo
ReplyDeleteWhenever I need inspiration, I go to your blog. Your little Preslee definately made a difference in this world. You have also! The way you have carried yourself and continued to express your faith has been such a blessing in the lives of so many! I know that it is so hard and so aching, yet you have managed to look for the good, do good and have complete faith in our Heavenly Father. Thank you for your example of faith and for your strength. May the Lord continue to bless you! We are so happy for you and your upcoming addition! Thank you again for your faith and for expressing your sweet testimony to so many. It has indeed touched our lives and we are always rooting for you!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom a mom in Southern Utah
Yours strength and faith continue to amaze me!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new baby!! Hope everything works out for you!!
You have my prayers and admiration. The measure of a man or woman is not what they achieve in terms of material wealth, but how they deal with life and life's hard times. You are an example of a woman who has had her share of hardships but you are not letting your grief stand in the way of doing something worthwhile and special to honor your little Preslee. She must be so proud of her parents right now. I know from your blog that you have a great deal of faith and trust in Heavenly Father. He will not leave you in your hour of need. He has already placed earthly angels in your life to help you but there are many on the other side, including Preslee, who are on your side, pulling for you, and hoping you will continue doing wonderful things with your life and making a difference. I will think of you this next month, especially on December 17th. Mary from SLC
ReplyDeleteI want to Thank You! I don't even remember how I came across your blog but I did, and i've cried for you and your family. I want you to know that a post you did not to long ago in regards to things you needed at the hospital has recently come in handy for our family. Our cousin and her 2 daughter's were in a car accident in Logan, Ut on black Friday. Her youngest daughter had to be life lighted to PCMC. We were all in shock, not knowing what we could to do help, (because as you know the waiting is horrible), Then I remembered your post and came back to find out things you said helped you. So we ran to the store and were able to pick things up and take to the hospital. The items you wouldn't think would help, have helped a ton. We are still in the waiting game, but things are improving. I'm so thankful to you for sharing your story of your beautiful daughter. I'm thankful to her for the gift she has brought so many. The bag's you are making are a blessing for any family that has to be at the hospital when their live's are turned upside down. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAgain "each life that touches our's for good reflects thine own great mercy Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love" Each time I read your blog (which I check each day) I think of this hymn. You are truly an inspiration to me and to so many others. You have blessed my life for good and for that I'm eternally grateful.
ReplyDeletethank you, ashley.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, so eloquent for being so young, i love reading your posts, you are so very inspiring! So excited to hear the grand totals and to hear about your experience delivering it :) Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe lord works in marvelous ways to bring about the salvation of many souls. I am sure that in the pre-existance Preslee knew exactly what was going to happen here on earth, as did you and Patrick. And all of you decided that you would come to earth and do everything that the Lord asked you to.
ReplyDeleteNot only has Preslee effected the lives of so many people, but so have you! You are the mother of one of the sweetest spirits. I am sure Heavenly Father wouldn't entrust such as sweet spirit to a mother who isn't such a strong spirit herself. I think of Preslee often, but I also think of you! I think of your great example and how well you are enduring this trial. It gives me, (and many others) hope. Without your testimony and example, I am sure not as many people would have been touched by all of this. It is like you and Preslee are working together to bring people closer to Christ. And it is definitely working!! Thank you so much for your great example. I pray for you often. :)
I know that you do not know me but I have followed your blog for a couple of months now....Your family is so amazing and my soul has truly been touched by your writings. I could not say thank you enough.
ReplyDeleteI read 2 other blogs that situation is similar to yours.
I thought you might find it comforting to read another's words too.
http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/
http://thisandthataboutthebowmans.blogspot.com/
PS. Congrats on your new bundle coming in June!