Morning Report

It is now daytime but I think for Ashley and myself we will try and sleep as though it is not. We are so, so sleepy this morning. She had her last episode of nausea around 5:30a.m. She is now sleeping soundly and doesn't even flinch when the docs or nurses come into poke around on her. As I stayed awake last night listening to her breathing and trying to jump at the first sign of trouble many thoughts ran through my mind. Even though the road we are on seems so tough at times I can't help but to marvel at how blessed we have been. All night long I watched and listened to the children on this floor. Some of them have never ever been out of the hospital. Many of them have not only their transplant issues but several others as well. When I see how incredible the miracle of Ashley is I can't help but to count my blessings. Ashley is beautiful and smart, and as she grows up she will be able to do many things that so many others around us today will never be able to do. I believe God has allowed me to be here at this time and place for many reasons.

My heart has been so burden with a ministry opportunity this last 11 days since Ashley's transplant. I watch so many families come and go on a daily basis and I know the strain and burden they feel. Until Ash was born I never realized or even gave a thought to the many people who are going through a daily battle in the hospital. We are literally living out of waiting rooms. Sometimes the people sleep on couches and chairs, sometimes on the floor, and sometimes not at all. The families of these sick children eat at a cafeteria 3 meals a day. They are spending so much of their money in vending machines trying to survive some of the roughest days they will ever experience. I am excited about what I feel God has layed on my heart. How wonderful it would be to bring a basket of chips or a tray of sandwiches into a waiting room with a short note letting the families know that someone is praying for them. Just a cooler full of cold drinks could lift a small burden from their hearts. I know the Lord is teaching me lessons daily through Ashley's life, and I look forward to bringing her home so we can start using her life to serve Him by serving others. I know it may seem silly to some but once you have lived it you would really understand. I know Blake and Al and Ash will learn so much from serving these families. I can't wait to get started.

I think my Ashley looks good today. Her color is beautiful. After such a rough night her bowel is moving things through and her tummy is much softer than the last 2 days. She does not have a temp this morning and her WBC are starting to trend down. I can feel His presence and I know He is working. One moment at a time is what I will tackle today. I am learning how quickly things can change in her little body. I am thankful for your faithfullness to Him and to my family. Your prayers and words of encouragement are lifting us up here in Omaha today. I am going to go lay down and sleep now. Thanks for loving us.