i've been reading your blog for awhile, but this is my first comment.
i am the mom of two kiddos, one 5 yr old boy, and an almost 2 yr. old girl. my little girl threw an enormous amount of tantrums today and pushed pretty much every one of my buttons. i love and adore her, but by the time that bedtime was close, i found myself counting down the minutes. i was just worn out. when my husband walked in the door well after she was asleep, i said jokingly, "if she wakes up, she's allllll yours!"
i just want to thank you for posting, even on these hard days when you are missing your sweet baby girl. i am so, so sorry for your loss and am amazed at the strength and grace that you both have handled this difficult time. thank you for your example of not only an eternal perspective, but reminding me of what is in front of me today, even if some days i am worn out.
I too want to thank you, you are really quite amazing. You are beautiful as is Preslee.. what a lucky little girl to have such special parents. What a sweet reunion you have to look forward to, in the meantime, we will continue to pray for you and your family. Much love.
I've been following your blog for quite some time...I don't know how you do it...but I often tell my patients this very thing...that some days are just gonna be worse than others. And on those days you think of your little one and just that be 'one of those days'. Blessings to you as you continue to live the 'new normal' and to look forward to the birth of your little boy. Debbie
I peak in on your blog every now and then- -one of my friends shared your experience with me and I was (am) deeply touched. I don't know if you realize what an impact you're having on people around the world. I admire your strength and am ever-amazed at your optimism. Preslee was a beautiful little girl. Your soon-to-come little boy will no doubt bring a bit of Preslee into the world with him.
I have been reading for a while, and want to say that you inspire me, though I know you've heard it time and again. I am blessed with 9 children, we've been through some trauma, and have been thankful, grateful, and prayerful about having come through them without the loss of a child. You make me remember to hug my children tightly, and never take their presence for granted. Blessings to you all, you are in my prayers.
I don't know any new words of inspiration. I'm just so sorry that your arms are not full with little Miss JoJo right now. I'm so sorry for your loss and for the pain you feel. My prayers are with you.
I read your blog all the time but don't really leave comments because I usually can't think of the "right" thing to say. I just wish I could give you a hug, hold on tight and not have to say anything because I wouldn't have to. My daughter fell asleep a little earlier tonight than she usually does and I found myself going over there just looking at her, kissing her and holding her hand a few times already because I'm missing her so much. She has been asleep for only two hours. I can't imagine how much you are missing your little angel and how hard it must be for you to have to wait much longer to get to kiss her again. I pray for all three of you.... I hope you can get some good rest tonight and I really hope tomorrow will be one of the better days. You make me be a better mom, because I try to treasure every moment that I have with my sweet Kaylee. I also love this saying: "One way to have a piece of Heaven in your home is to have someone from your home in Heaven". I really do pray that you can feel that piece of Heaven in your home tonight and every night...
I cannot imagine how u must feel some days if not every day! U r right some days r better than others and that is even for those who have not lost a child! I think of u and ur story often, and it reminds me to not let my kids get to me and how precious they r and that I am just in charge of them on Earth and they may b taken at any time! I feel for u and ur hubby and I am glad to hear (read) that u will b having a little boy soon! That will b a special day! Have a good week! I hope u found peace today!
It's a totally different perspective just looking at those little hands. Oftentimes I find myself staring at parts of my little boy (his hands, cheeks, dimples). I know he'll grow up and I never want to forget him just how he is. Thank you for the reminder at how precious those moments and memories are.
You and yours are in our prayers. I always find inspiration in your story and in visiting your blog. So, thank you again for your sweet thoughts.
She sure is sweet! And those little hands are precious! Hang in there Ashley, Heavenly Father is mindful of you! I hope today is one of those better days!
We hold your precious family in our hearts and minds everyday. Your perfect Preslee has changed my life forever...I am a different person, a better mother and I'm forever grateful to her and to you for sharing your story with such grace and strength. You are never far from my thoughts.
I think of you so often. I pray for you and hope you can still get through your most difficult days. EXTRA hugs and love coming your way!!! Keep your chin up girlie!
I have been reading your blog for a long time, but have never written, but the pics today just touched my heart. Thank you for sharing, your heart, your journey, your precious baby girl. The love you have for Preslee is so evident and so inspiring. I know the days are hard, I know there are some harder than others but know she is there. Know that she is sending you love just as you always are to her.
Your strength is incredible but remember, strength is not the power to always stand up through the hard times, it is the ability to fall to your knees and the strength stand back up once you have let yourself truly 'feel'.
You are beautiful and so strong! I admire the inner strength you and your husband have. What beautiful and priceless pictures. You truly are an inspiration and light to those hard times in life, that we all can get through.
im always thinking of you and your husband and praying that you guys have peace at this time, words cant say what you are going through but please know we keep you both in are prayers and this last week i put you guys on the prayer list i know we have never meet but you have been a inspiration to me and sometimes a little more prayers can help... im sorry for all your pain you have to go through....
I was at Primary CHildren hospital today and everytime I walk through those doors I get chills thinking of our favorite family EVER!!! There was a little boy coming out in a wagon and in the wagon was a blnket with your note "I CAN DO HARD THINGS" Paul, Tayson and I stopped right in our tracks and Tayson goes..... MONKEY!!!! I think we read your blog way tooo much for him to be that on top of things... I dont ever want to have to imagine what you and Pat go through everyday, but remember that you have paid it foward and there is a liitle boy out there tonight with his "monkey-Blanket" as my kids call them... Love you!
Ash, words can not express how much I love and admire you, Preslee and Pat. I think about you daily, my thoughts are often turned to Preslee and her sweet spirit. Kaleigh reminds me a lot of Preslee. I don't know if it's the fact that they both have blue eyes and blonde hair and they're exactly 6 months apart, but it's something. My heart aches for you. I know I don't understand the pain and heart ache that you and Pat have been through and continue to go through, but I pray for you often. I know I would be lost without Kaleigh.. the thought of not having her here for even one second brings tears to my eyes. Ash, I'm proud to call you my friend. You have strengthened my testimony in so many ways. You've helped me be a better mother and a better person. I think the world of you guys and I want to thank you for everything that you and your sweet daughter have done for me and my family. Love ya Ash!!
you are always in my thoughts and prayers. . . . i never even heard of your wonderful family until preslee's accident and i think you are such a strong woman.
Your strength is amazing to me. You help me remember how important our gifts are that we are given in life and to appreciate every minute of them. I know this little baby will be a blessing to you and your family. We think of you often and we keep you in our prayers. Hopefully these very hard days will become less often, although I know the memories of her will never fade. I hope it gets easier.
May your heartache & longing be lessened, your burden lifted. You are in the minds & hearts of so many people. I pray for you to be both showered with God's grace & strength to help you keep going.
My Heart goes to you two.I've never met you and I can't even remember how I was connected to your blog but it was when Preslee was in the hospital! I think you have brought so much happiness and peace to families around the world and I think that is amazing! Heavenly Father has Blessed your family and it looks like you have a wonderful blessing on the way! I love reading your blog and look forward to more post! Much Love
Now that I had my baby girl in January I think you are stronger than ever! You really don't know how much you love your kids until you have one. I admire you so much and Im praying for yoU!!
I've been thinking of Preslee so much more lately, since my daughter will be 18 months soon. When she is at my feet constantly throwing tantrums, I remember you and how you would love to see a tantrum in your home. You help me and you don't even know it. You are truly amazing Ashlee. I find myself finding more joy in the hard times I have with my 5 daughters, knowing that anything could happen at any moment. I want to live with no regrets as a mother. Thinking of you helps me. I've also been wondering how opposite, but at the same time the same, life in the spirit world is. You, counting down the days until your sweet boy arrives and Preslee, is she just the opposite? Knowing he has to go and have this experience on Earth but hating the thought of her brother leaving? Maybe we experience loss on both sides but know it's all for the best and let Father's plan happen. I am so grateful this gospel can help us all through it. Not to mention people like you......
Still always in my thoughts. Inspired by your strength. Sending warm thoughts from very sunny California.
ReplyDeletePraying for you to have all the peace and comfort possible tonight. Stay strong and remember Preslee's happy.
ReplyDeletei've been reading your blog for awhile, but this is my first comment.
ReplyDeletei am the mom of two kiddos, one 5 yr old boy, and an almost 2 yr. old girl. my little girl threw an enormous amount of tantrums today and pushed pretty much every one of my buttons. i love and adore her, but by the time that bedtime was close, i found myself counting down the minutes. i was just worn out. when my husband walked in the door well after she was asleep, i said jokingly, "if she wakes up, she's allllll yours!"
i just want to thank you for posting, even on these hard days when you are missing your sweet baby girl. i am so, so sorry for your loss and am amazed at the strength and grace that you both have handled this difficult time. thank you for your example of not only an eternal perspective, but reminding me of what is in front of me today, even if some days i am worn out.
you two are amazing, and i am grateful for you.
with love,
lynsey
I too want to thank you, you are really quite amazing. You are beautiful as is Preslee.. what a lucky little girl to have such special parents.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet reunion you have to look forward to, in the meantime, we will continue to pray for you and your family.
Much love.
I've been following your blog for quite some time...I don't know how you do it...but I often tell my patients this very thing...that some days are just gonna be worse than others. And on those days you think of your little one and just that be 'one of those days'.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you as you continue to live the 'new normal' and to look forward to the birth of your little boy.
Debbie
I peak in on your blog every now and then- -one of my friends shared your experience with me and I was (am) deeply touched. I don't know if you realize what an impact you're having on people around the world. I admire your strength and am ever-amazed at your optimism. Preslee was a beautiful little girl. Your soon-to-come little boy will no doubt bring a bit of Preslee into the world with him.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading for a while, and want to say that you inspire me, though I know you've heard it time and again. I am blessed with 9 children, we've been through some trauma, and have been thankful, grateful, and prayerful about having come through them without the loss of a child. You make me remember to hug my children tightly, and never take their presence for granted. Blessings to you all, you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI don't know any new words of inspiration. I'm just so sorry that your arms are not full with little Miss JoJo right now. I'm so sorry for your loss and for the pain you feel. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog all the time but don't really leave comments because I usually can't think of the "right" thing to say. I just wish I could give you a hug, hold on tight and not have to say anything because I wouldn't have to.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter fell asleep a little earlier tonight than she usually does and I found myself going over there just looking at her, kissing her and holding her hand a few times already because I'm missing her so much. She has been asleep for only two hours. I can't imagine how much you are missing your little angel and how hard it must be for you to have to wait much longer to get to kiss her again.
I pray for all three of you.... I hope you can get some good rest tonight and I really hope tomorrow will be one of the better days.
You make me be a better mom, because I try to treasure every moment that I have with my sweet Kaylee.
I also love this saying:
"One way to have a piece of Heaven in your home is to have someone from your home in Heaven".
I really do pray that you can feel that piece of Heaven in your home tonight and every night...
I cannot imagine how u must feel some days if not every day! U r right some days r better than others and that is even for those who have not lost a child! I think of u and ur story often, and it reminds me to not let my kids get to me and how precious they r and that I am just in charge of them on Earth and they may b taken at any time! I feel for u and ur hubby and I am glad to hear (read) that u will b having a little boy soon! That will b a special day! Have a good week! I hope u found peace today!
ReplyDeleteIt's a totally different perspective just looking at those little hands. Oftentimes I find myself staring at parts of my little boy (his hands, cheeks, dimples). I know he'll grow up and I never want to forget him just how he is. Thank you for the reminder at how precious those moments and memories are.
ReplyDeleteYou and yours are in our prayers. I always find inspiration in your story and in visiting your blog. So, thank you again for your sweet thoughts.
I'm with you! Tonight has been horendous.. I hate going to bed fine and then sobbing before I can go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteSending a big hug
Love Amy
Praying for you more today Ashley.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today. I hope you feel her near you today. She loves her mommy and daddy so much. The love never ends......
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen the top photo. It's very cute. :)
ReplyDeleteWe miss her too. Love you!
She sure is sweet! And those little hands are precious! Hang in there Ashley, Heavenly Father is mindful of you! I hope today is one of those better days!
ReplyDeleteWe hold your precious family in our hearts and minds everyday. Your perfect Preslee has changed my life forever...I am a different person, a better mother and I'm forever grateful to her and to you for sharing your story with such grace and strength. You are never far from my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think of you so often. I pray for you and hope you can still get through your most difficult days. EXTRA hugs and love coming your way!!! Keep your chin up girlie!
ReplyDeleteI have no words, but I can tell you that I know for the most part about that longing and heartache. You are amazing Ash! Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Tif - Jack's mom
I have been reading your blog for a long time, but have never written, but the pics today just touched my heart. Thank you for sharing, your heart, your journey, your precious baby girl. The love you have for Preslee is so evident and so inspiring. I know the days are hard, I know there are some harder than others but know she is there. Know that she is sending you love just as you always are to her.
ReplyDeleteYour strength is incredible but remember, strength is not the power to always stand up through the hard times, it is the ability to fall to your knees and the strength stand back up once you have let yourself truly 'feel'.
One day, one step, one moment at a time, Hugs.
We are thinking about you today. You are wonderful, Ashley. I really appreciate your candor because it makes me think and realize how blessed I am.
ReplyDeleteThank you for ... being you.
You are beautiful and so strong! I admire the inner strength you and your husband have. What beautiful and priceless pictures. You truly are an inspiration and light to those hard times in life, that we all can get through.
ReplyDeleteone minute, one hour, one day at a time..
I'm always thinking of you and I'm sorry for your pain. I'm sending warm wishes and thoughts you way from Ohio.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jenni
:( Thinking of you guys! Love you!
ReplyDeleteim always thinking of you and your husband and praying that you guys have peace at this time, words cant say what you are going through but please know we keep you both in are prayers and this last week i put you guys on the prayer list i know we have never meet but you have been a inspiration to me and sometimes a little more prayers can help... im sorry for all your pain you have to go through....
ReplyDeleteI was at Primary CHildren hospital today and everytime I walk through those doors I get chills thinking of our favorite family EVER!!! There was a little boy coming out in a wagon and in the wagon was a blnket with your note "I CAN DO HARD THINGS" Paul, Tayson and I stopped right in our tracks and Tayson goes..... MONKEY!!!! I think we read your blog way tooo much for him to be that on top of things...
ReplyDeleteI dont ever want to have to imagine what you and Pat go through everyday, but remember that you have paid it foward and there is a liitle boy out there tonight with his "monkey-Blanket" as my kids call them... Love you!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAsh, words can not express how much I love and admire you, Preslee and Pat. I think about you daily, my thoughts are often turned to Preslee and her sweet spirit. Kaleigh reminds me a lot of Preslee. I don't know if it's the fact that they both have blue eyes and blonde hair and they're exactly 6 months apart, but it's something. My heart aches for you. I know I don't understand the pain and heart ache that you and Pat have been through and continue to go through, but I pray for you often. I know I would be lost without Kaleigh.. the thought of not having her here for even one second brings tears to my eyes. Ash, I'm proud to call you my friend. You have strengthened my testimony in so many ways. You've helped me be a better mother and a better person. I think the world of you guys and I want to thank you for everything that you and your sweet daughter have done for me and my family. Love ya Ash!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for you. May your sweet memories help you through the hardest days.
ReplyDeleteyou are always in my thoughts and prayers. . . . i never even heard of your wonderful family until preslee's accident and i think you are such a strong woman.
ReplyDeletewe love you ash. you truly are amazing! those little hands are precious.. i'm so glad you have these pictures to cherish!
ReplyDeleteYour strength is amazing to me. You help me remember how important our gifts are that we are given in life and to appreciate every minute of them. I know this little baby will be a blessing to you and your family. We think of you often and we keep you in our prayers. Hopefully these very hard days will become less often, although I know the memories of her will never fade. I hope it gets easier.
ReplyDeleteMay your heartache & longing be lessened, your burden lifted. You are in the minds & hearts of so many people. I pray for you to be both showered with God's grace & strength to help you keep going.
ReplyDeleteMy Heart goes to you two.I've never met you and I can't even remember how I was connected to your blog but it was when Preslee was in the hospital!
ReplyDeleteI think you have brought so much happiness and peace to families around the world and I think that is amazing! Heavenly Father has Blessed your family and it looks like you have a wonderful blessing on the way! I love reading your blog and look forward to more post!
Much Love
your strength is something that amazes me everyday. I know Preslee is near you.
ReplyDeleteNow that I had my baby girl in January I think you are stronger than ever! You really don't know how much you love your kids until you have one. I admire you so much and Im praying for yoU!!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of Preslee so much more lately, since my daughter will be 18 months soon. When she is at my feet constantly throwing tantrums, I remember you and how you would love to see a tantrum in your home. You help me and you don't even know it. You are truly amazing Ashlee. I find myself finding more joy in the hard times I have with my 5 daughters, knowing that anything could happen at any moment. I want to live with no regrets as a mother. Thinking of you helps me.
ReplyDeleteI've also been wondering how opposite, but at the same time the same, life in the spirit world is. You, counting down the days until your sweet boy arrives and Preslee, is she just the opposite? Knowing he has to go and have this experience on Earth but hating the thought of her brother leaving? Maybe we experience loss on both sides but know it's all for the best and let Father's plan happen.
I am so grateful this gospel can help us all through it. Not to mention people like you......
I tell you everytime that your sweet pictures make me cry & make me want to cherish my life a lil more everyday! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDeleteI tell you everytime that your sweet pictures make me cry & make me want to cherish my life a lil more everyday! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDelete