Gifts

In the last hour or so Ash has begun to move her right arm just a little bit. I am so very thankful to see even the slightest movement from her. I have been waiting all day, so I feel as though I have just received a gift. Each and every day that I have been given with Ashley has been a gift. I did nothing to earn or deserve such a wonderful present, but how blessed I feel to be the recipient of this tiny, special package. If you ask me, the most wonderful gifts are those that catch us by surprise. When I am not expecting to receive anything but it just shows up. How my heart smiles when this happens.(Especially when Dave shows up with a cherry limeade from Sonic!) The day that we were called and told that Ashley had been born was one of the best gifts I have ever been given. I was caught completely by surprise! I remember calling Dave at his office and telling him she was finally here. "Who?" he replied. "Our baby!" I said.

Although we had been praying for this child for many years I never really knew for sure if God would give us another one. I could have never imagined what a gift He had prepared for us to receive. She is more wonderful than I had ever dreamed. How was I to know that the gifts would not end? Throughout her life I have watched as the Father has given us gift, after gift, after gift. Each breath that she takes is a gift. Each smile that she shares has been a gift. Each time He brings her through is a gift. The joy she gives to us is a gift. Her ability to keep fighting time and time again is a gift. Her transplant was a gift. They are never ending.

Tonight I am thankful for each and every gift I have been given by the Father. Ashley's life and her struggles have made me so aware of how blessed by His gifts we truly are. As we approach the holiday season I sit and think about the incredible love of God. Jesus was a gift! His willingness to give His life for me was a gift! His love for me is a gift!