It’s amazing how much a simple sentence can impact one person. Every single day was a struggle the first year or so after burying Preslee. Each morning before getting out of bed, I would remind myself, just like the day before, I could survive another day without my daughter. I told myself, “I can do hard things,” over and over again when grief consumed me, or I felt all was lost.
I guess you could say it has become our family motto and we’ve continued to repeat it over the past six months as we brought home the twins, lost a job, and had some issues with Pat’s schooling.
I decided I wanted a reminder in our home, so I asked the amazing Miss Audrey Sue to design a printable. She went above and beyond and created four to choose from, and I love the simplicity of her design. After receiving e-mails sharing how the same phrase helped others get through difficult times, I thought many of you might enjoy the printable as well, so I thought I’d share.
(Use the box at the bottom to download and print)
Check out more of Miss Audrey Sue’s amazing work {here}
Very nice prints...and very good advice to ourselves. We can all do hard things. I was puzzled when people would tell me I was strong because I thought of myself as anything BUT strong. But sometimes in our lives we HAVE to be strong....because it is the ONLY choice we have. We know we must never give up trying and never give up doing those things that will bless our lives and the lives of others. You have done that Ashley...you have never given up...even in your darkest hours, you never gave up. You continue to make valiant and wise choices. You have typed the wisest and most profound words on your blog and you have shown that in having faith and trust in the Lord, miracles can and do happen, even when you may have thought they didn't. I love you, my friend, and I've never even met you. I feel this way because you radiate love in all you do. You brightened my day today. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I especially need this reminder right now so it will be going on my mantel today!
ReplyDeleteThose are really cute. Can't wait to get in a house and decorate again! It's driving me mad.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have been wanting to get one of these for some time now as it's our motto as well around here. Bless you for this today. I really needed this!! Going up today! (Maybe in every room in the house.)
ReplyDeleteThanks! One of my favorite quotes for sure.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog from reading your story in the Ensign. My heart is touched by your sweet little angel. You were right that she will touch many, many lives. Thank you for sharing your story and your strength.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm going put one up in our home AND my classroom!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for these. This is my motto too. I have a daughter who was born with micropthalmia (one of her eyes stopped developing half way through my pregnancy so it is half the size of the other). I tell her (and myself) daily that we can do hard things. I'm going to hang this print in her room.
ReplyDeleteI just read your daughter's story and have tears running down my face. I'm sorry for your heartache. As a mother, I can only imagine what you go through daily. Thank you for sharing your story and testimony.