Mercies

They truly are new every morning. I just love knowing that. God was faithful and delivered us traveling mercies today. We have just arrived home, given meds to Ash, and settled her in with toys all around because she shows NO signs of being as tired as Nan and I are after today. How thankful I am to have made it there and back safely. I tell you after traveling that road between Longview and Dallas for many, many months of Ashley's life I think I could do it with my eyes closed. Oh yeah, I believe I have! Honestly it is amazing to me how smoothly it always goes. I never want to take for granted that it is His protective hand that guides us time and time again on such busy highways. Today was a very long day, but I would gladly travel the highways of Texas a thousand times over as long as it meant that we would be coming home at the end of the day.

Ash did remarkably well today. I would have to say that this was her best chemo day so far. The first hour of the infusion was the most difficult as she adjusted to the feeling of the medicine going in. She shook, screamed, sweat, and disrupted the entire floor, but eventually she began to settle and finally fell asleep. After resting the next hour she woke to play on and off throughout the day. I took some very sweet pictures but I have no idea how to get them on to the computer that I am currently using. I hope that Dave might have some time tomorrow before leaving for his conference to help me. I would love for you all to see how good she is looking. I am really proud of how well she did today. She is such a little fighter.

If you ever need a good dose of perspective or if you are having a tough time counting your blessings I would encourage you to take a walk through the halls of a pediatric oncology floor. We were definitely not the minority today. Our Ashley was surrounded by many, many other little ones struggling in their own fights to beat a disease called cancer. One thing I learned today is that you truly can be a princess without any hair. It doesn't really matter. I saw several beautiful, tiny princesses wearing pink and invinsible crowns today. My heart melted as I watched them cry, hurt, struggle not to get sick, and cling to their mommies just as my Ashley clings on to me. How beautiful they all were. These precious children know what life is all about. They are not dying with cancer, they have figured out how to live with cancer. They made me proud. As I watched my Ashley laugh and giggle at her toys and books I felt so blessed to be her mom. Even though she was weak and feeling yucky she still managed to enjoy as much of her day as she could. I love this little one and I pray that I could only become as brave as my daughter. How blessed we are to have her to love.

I just wanted to touch base and let you all know how our day went. We did make it home to grandma's house safely and I am now going to go take a little "nap" as I listen to my sweet Ashley Kate bang on her piano into the wee morning hours. Silly girl doesn't even know she is supposed to be sleeping. Thank you for loving her today. Thank you for praying her through another tough one. Thank you for caring enough to read her journal. Good night and God Bless you all. Trish