Power of a Praying...

..."Blogging" community. THANK YOU!!! We did get a few hours of sleep sometime early this morning. Ash stopped screaming around 3 or 4, and I let her sleep until 10:00 this morning. When I began to wake her up she kept her eyes tightly closed, but shared one of the sweetest smiles I have ever seen. Once I picked her up she began to clap her hands. I couldn't help but smile just knowing we were starting out with a new and better day. Your prayers to the Father have been heard and as always He is faithful.

Her infection looks awful this morning, but she seems to be coping with it much better. One area of the skin around the button has opened up and is bleeding. She continues to experience a great amount of discomfort while I am working around her button. The slightest movement of her feeding tube causes her to scream and cry HUGE tears, but once I had cleaned and dressed the area, connected a new extension, and had her feeds up and running she was consolable and began to play. She is actually able to sit up quite well this morning which tells me either she is learning to tolerate her pain or it is beginning to heal. I have not gotten the go ahead from Omaha about starting the new antibiotic just yet, but I have called them and they are checking with our transplant pharmacist.

We did proceed with her physical therapy this morning and she did great. As I watch her become stronger and stronger with each session my heart becomes more and more grateful. I truly believe that for the first time in her life she is beginning to look "healthy". I can't explain how very good that feels. I know that Ash may never be what some may consider healthy, or normal for her age, but if they only knew how far she had come. This sweet baby girl has fought so very hard to survive, and when I look at her today I am overcome with gratitude. God has a plan for her and it is so much more than what I can even comprehend.

I borrowed the title of this post from the author Stormie Omartin. She has written a series of books called "The Power of a Praying _________". There are no words to adequately describe how precious you are to this family. Once again this "community" has stepped up to fill the gap for us. If only I could express the way I feel inside when I know that so many of you are praying for our sweet Ashley Kate. She is evidence that our prayers for others do make a difference. You have taught me so very much about the value of the words, "I'm praying for you". Tears are falling as I try to express to you how very much you are loved.

I wanted you to see the picture above so you would know what a difference you have made this week. She is smiling again(as long as we don't mess with the button), and it is because you care. Take care today. Trish