I haven't really been able to sleep, I've been doing a lot of thinking. It's been a rough week, I've had finals, Pat's worked quite a bit. I've been more emotional than I thought I would. There's been a few times up on campus when I couldn't stop the tears... We love you monkey, and though we'll be spending your 2nd Birthday differently than I would have ever expected, I can't wait for tonight. I can't help but think of 300 parents receiving those bags in such a difficult time in their lives. I know how much they'll be appreciated.
My sis-in-law surprised us with this video, she updated it for tonight, but I thought I'd share the shorter version! (Click the link below) Thanks Alisha, it means the world to us!
Patrick and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Preslee! I will be praying for you on this very special day and I also pray that the merciful Lord provide you both with comfort and peace. From strangers in Texas, we hope that you feel the love that we all have for your family.
Love, the Paul Family
I've been thinking about you all week, knowing what a difficult week this must be for you all. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the life of someone who touched so many others. Love and hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you ever since I began following your story, but I wilil say extra prayers today!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Sweet Preslee!
Love and prayers,
Christina Gomez
What a beautiful video and tribute. Thank you for sharing. I know we've never met, but your little girl has touched my heart from the moment I heard her story. She is never forgotten...holding you close in thought and prayer today.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee!
Julie from Indiana
Happy birthday Preslee!
ReplyDeleteI pray that the Lord's tenderest mercies shower down upon you, especially today.
Your little girl has touched my life deeply!
~Eliza from Georgia
I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all the time and wish your beautiful angel a happy birthday. You are doing such a great thing for the parents and families down at primary's they will be so grateful for what your doing for them. We also hope you guys are able to have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThe Green family
Love you guys. I'm so sad we wont be able to be there tonight. Take lots of great pictures--happy Birthday Pres!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Not only to sweet Preslee, but to you guys too. What a wonderful thing you are doing in honor of your little lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Preslee! What a special day this is for you. I hope that you are blessed with peace on this special day. I'm sure there is the biggest celebration going on today in heaven. She is such a special and choice spirit...just like her parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you today more than ever!
ReplyDeleteI marvel at what amazing people you are! Happy Birthday to Little Pres! She is a special girl and your experience helped me thru so much! You are choice people in my book! Good luck today and tonight! Our thoughts and love are with you!
ReplyDeleteHannah French! (old Winger's buddy!)
You have never met me, but I have been following your story....I have been thinking about you all week long (I am Alyssa Woolf's cousin, Elaine). I too have a little girl turning 2 this week on December 18 and since hearing your story I can't help but feel so blessed everyday for having time to raise my little girls (they are 4 and almost 2). You have helped me in so many ways to be a better person and a better, more patient mother. I know that there isn't anything that anyone can say to make the pain better, but you are so strong and I look up to you so much. Preslee was such a lucky little girl! Thinking about you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee. We are praying for your family on this special day. The
ReplyDeleteChristensens
Thinking about you and Pat today. I hope your day is filled with the good memories today and you feel her precious love.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Happy Birthday beautiful Preslee!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee. I can't imagine how difficult this day is for your family. Please know the lives your blog has changed. Everyone who has followed your blog (to many to even count) are better people because your family and sweet, sweet Preslee. We have a family in our ward who are aware of your story. They have coming to church regularly and are in the process of preparing to be sealed in the temple. They have a 1 year old daughter. Thank you Sullenger family. I am sorry for the pain you have gone through. There is no worse pain, I hope it can bring you some comfort to know the MANY lives who have been touch and changed for an eternity.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing video. I know Preslee is so happy with the way you are celebrating her birthday. She will forever be with you and I am glad you receive those tender mercies when times are difficult. Happy Birthday to her and you guys.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video of your little angel! You have been in my thoughts all week and I pray that Heavenly Father will bring comfort to you and your family on this difficult day. Thanks for your great example and especially for the huge project you are undertaking this evening. What a blessed girl Preslee is to have such amazing parents!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, from Washington
I have been thinking about your family all week, knowing that today is Preslee's birthday. While I know that this day will be bittersweet for you, I hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating Preslee's legacy. I have no doubt that she is proud of you and all the good you've done on her behalf.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Preslee! Though you're not here with you mom and dad now, we know that you'll have them in the eternities.
Thank you for changing our lives and helping us remember the true meaning of Christmas ... and life.
~ Terrah, Tyler & Miles Harper :)
The other day we were talking about hero's "a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength;". Who do you admire, who has really changed and better the lives of people? Patrick, Ashley and Preslee I thought of your family, and can't think of a better example. Your story is a story of unconditional love, it couldn't require a greater amount of strength and courage. Your nobility to the gospel far exceeds anyone else I know. Your story has changed the lives of thousands of people for the better. I am a better Mom, a stronger member of our church, and a more valiant missionary because of your story. I have been able to share your story with family and friends who are not of our faith or with those who have been struggling. I have seen a total change in their attitude towards the gospel. Doors have been opened that I thought never would. Thank you. I think of you often and always have a prayer in my heart for your happiness. You all are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis special day will bless the lives of many families as they receive the bags Ashley has prepared for them. Happy Birthday Preslee. Thank you for sharing your story.
With Love,
The Perriton's
Utah
LOVE YOU ASH! I am so glad i get to come help out tonight, hope you feel lots of love on this very special day... see you tonight!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful video....I couldn't help but let the tears roll.....from one mommy missing her baby to another.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESLEE!
ReplyDeleteI want to wish you all a Happy Birthday, and what you have put together is amazing. Preslee is so proud I'm sure. What a great birthday present! You don't know me but your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd Birthday to Preslee! What an amazing way to celebrate and remember her beautiful life. I know she will be smiling down on you both, so proud of her amazing parents. :) Those tote bags are going to help so many parents. Parents like mine, who also have had to go through struggles with my younger sister at Primary's. Good luck with your project and thank you, so much!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful video!! Im so sorry you are spending her second birthday with out her... we did that not long ago with our sweet kael. Its so very hard I just wish I could give you a hug! Youve done an amaizing with this pay it forward project. Way to go!! Much love little preslee on your birthday!!
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with you and your family today as they have been all week. I'm so incredibly sorry that you can't spend Preslee's birthday with her in person, but I know she will be with you all day in spirit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet video. You have such great memories of her, I dont even know you guys and I love that little girl so much! Im so sorry for your loss every single day. I dont know how you do it, your so strong. Happy Birthday little angel girl
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee! What a sweet video to celebrate her life. We will say extra prayers that today you will be blessed with peace and comfort. I know that Preslee is looking down on you and so thrilled with how her birthday is being spent.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to sweet Preslee! My thoughts and prayers will be with you guys today.
ReplyDeleteCassie
(Ann Clark's friend)
You are all so amazing in what you are doing to honor your sweet daughter on her birthday! The world needs more people like you in it. I have followed your story and will continue for as long as you post it. You WILL be blessed for the way you are handling this enourmous test! Many lives are blessed through this story, and I truly hope that brings you peace. Thank you for reminding me to love all the LITTLE moments with my children!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday sweet girl. Watching the video brought out a lot of emotion in me, I am trying to wipe the tears away now. She is so incredible and I am so blessed to hear her story and be touched by her spirit. I look forward to reading about the basket delivery! What a great way to honor her day
ReplyDeleteA beautiful video about a beautiful girl! You are all in our thoughts and prayers today.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing video ... so sweet !! Happy Birthday Preslee. I can't even imagine all the blessings you are receiving for the great service you're giving to other families on your sweet little girls Birthday. You have touched my life for good along with many others and that is why I keep coming back to read more of your messages you leave. It gives me motivation to be a better person. Thanks for your wonderful examples and good luck with your project tonight !!
ReplyDeleteNatalie Wheeler -- Blackfoot, ID
Happy Birthday, Preslee. That video was so cute and she was such a beautiful little girl! We think and pray for your family often!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you today. I wish I could be in Rexburg to help out and witness the Miracle of Preslee's life first hand. What an amazing little life. Happy Birthday Preslee!
ReplyDelete"Fear thou not; for i I AM with thee: be not dismayed; for I AM thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 41:10
"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."
D&C 24:8
That video was just beautiful. What a gorgeous little girl Preslee is. Happy 2nd Birthday to your sweet baby girl. Your strength is amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteThat video is so precious! Happy Birthday, Preslee!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and we hope that you can feel some peace and happiness today. It's such a wonderful thing you are doing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee!
ReplyDeleteGiving to others on your own Birthday. What a special little girl you are even when you are so far away...
I pray for your mommy and dad all the time, especially today on a such a special day....what a wonderful people you are P&A for helping all these strangers. You truly are angels...
Happy birthday sweet Preslee!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to an adorable little girl. Thank you for continuing to share your story with us. We are very touched by your strength. We will be thinking about you tonight as your project moves forward.
ReplyDeleteLove to all from the Andersons in Oregon
thank you for sharing preslee's story. i have learned so much from your family. happy birthday.
ReplyDeletemy heart just breaks for you and your family. i can only imagine the pain you are all in. i am praying for you and sending sweet preslee beautiful birthday wishes.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee! That's a great video! She is such a cutie pie!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing miracle you pulled off tonight. We love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Many hands definitely made light work as 300 bags were put together in about 20 minutes. Wow. Take special care of each other tonight! Such a sweet culmination of your work and selflessness, but still so very tender.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Preslee Jo! Thank you for teaching me so much about life and about the Plan of Salvation. Your parents are amazing! Thank you Ashley and Pat for sharing your story with the world. Preslee has blessed and inspired so many lives. My thoughts and prayers have been with you during this hard time. Thank you for serving others!
ReplyDelete-Britney Ringel
Thinking of you guys tonight! May you be able to go through the day and be able to reflect on Preslee's life. How blessed she and you both are to have each other. I know the gift baskets will be very appreciated. Hope today goes well. I know Preslee is with you in spirit and is so proud! I loved the video.
ReplyDeleteMy heart still aches for you and your family. I know you are missing little Preslee something fierce right now, and I will saying extra fervent prayers for you and Patrick fo that you may get through this.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful what you are doing for other families in Preslee's honor. I was thinking the other day that wouldn't it be nice to put a custom tag on the baskets/totes with Preslee's photo on it saying "Preslee made this gift possible". Please think about it. Little Preslee continues to fulfill her mission here, and I can only imagine that she is smiling mightily down on you, saying "That's MY mommy doing that!".
You and your family and friends have done such an honor to her memory by helping these other families in their time of need. I hopw this becomes a world wide effort, and that you can get this charity going in hospitals all over the US. All of your new blogging friends can help you - just put the word out there.
I will continue to keep all of your family in my prayers.
I am amazed at your strength. Your story has touched my heart & makes my heart ache. I cannot imagine living through this heart breaking experienced. You are doing so much good. Preslee is smiling from on high. What amazing parents!!! Thank you for your example. I'm praying for you today & hope you feel the many prayers of people all over the world that are aware of you heart ache.
ReplyDeleteI too send a heartfelt THANK YOU for showing the importance of enternal families!! I only wish you the most intense amount of LOVE from above-- both Preslee's and our Father in Heaven. Your family truly are such amazing examples and have blessed many with your story. Happiest of all birthdays to your sweet baby!!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and extra love to you and Patrick. Your Preslee is such a sweet little angel. I pray for you everyday that God will help carry your pain. You are truly an amazing
ReplyDeletecouple to share your journey with us. We hold you up in thought and prayer. Your little angel will be singing with the choir of angels this Christmas. Much love to you from
The Fox Family
Happy Birthday sweet angel Preslee!!
ReplyDeleteI hope last night was an incredible experience--I SO wanted to be there and feel the spirit in the air. Hope the cards made it there in time.
Wishing you peace and love on this special day. You have TRULY honored your daughter today. I told my dad what I was part of and it nearly brought him to tears. He said to tell you how amazing he thinks you are.
Love from South Weber!!!
-Melissa
Even though I have never met you I feel like you are a dear friend from following your blog since June. I have also been thinking of you this week everytime I look at my 20 month old. I can't imagine what this week could hold for you, but what you have done with the pay it forward is just inspiring. You are inspiring to so many people & I hope you find some peace this holiday season knowing how many lives you,Pat & your sweet Preslee have touched. God Bless Ashley!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Sweet Preslee! I hope everything is well with u pat and ash! Know You can relax and do worry about school! (Travis Garner's Sister)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday sweet preslee,
ReplyDeletewe know her birthday will bring heartache and pain but all we can hope for is that you know because of your little girl and your family you have brought great joy to so many people, you have put others need ahead of yours and you have help other people see there is good really good that comes out of some of are hardest trails we may have to go through in life, and with faith and prayer we all can come out of it with a better knowledge and strength as you have shown all of us. i pray that you have peace and love at this time and know we thank you for letting us all be apart of your little girls life....
What a cute video-- happy brithday to your sweet little Preslee! May you have peace and comfort on this day. I can't wait to see pictures from the pay if forward event-- and how many lives you will be blessing. You are a great example to me.
ReplyDeleteBrigitte from UT
Happy Birthday beautiful little angel. You have worked your magic and touch soooo many in your tiny time on earth. You have AMAZING parents...but I guess you already knew that!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Ash and Patrick. Sending lots of hugs and TONS of prayers your way.
Loves,
Tif
(Jack's mom)
I have also been thinking about you a lot this week. When I woke up Friday morning, my first thoughts were of you, Patrick and little Preslee. You are so strong Ashlee. I hope the day went better that you thought it would. What a sweet present that was for Preslee on her birthday, and for our Savior. I'm sure they are very proud of you and what you are making of Preslee's passing. I spent most of Friday with my daughters, making blankets for Primary Children's in Preslee's honor.
ReplyDeleteI loved the video and the Spirit I felt. I couldn't stop the tears.
Thanks for your faith and strength. I'm sure at times you think don't feel strong, but looking from the outside in, you are amazingly and miraculously STRONG!
Happy Birthday sweet little girl.
ReplyDeleteYou are on our minds! Dying to hear how Friday went...do you have photos??????????/
ReplyDeletehappy birthday preslee...being at pay it forward was a most sweet, special and almost sacred event for me...the spirit was strong and i learned again from you pat and ashley! we love you! jared and katie sommer family
ReplyDeletei was directed to your blog by someone that found my blog (http://holybfpbatman.blogspot.com). i'm so sorry for your loss. i recently (oct '10) loss my 4.5 mo old baby boy to SIDS, and have been trying to adjust to life without him. losing a child is so unnatural and i'm sorry that you also had to experience this pain. ♥
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about "Pay It Forward!"
ReplyDeleteWishing both of you a Merry Christmas and praying for both of you that there will be peace and comfort in your lives.