He Opens and Closes

Ashley and I are making the 14 hour drive to Omaha, but I haven't decided when we are going to leave. Tonight we received word that our request for a flight was denied. I'm really ok with that answer. Obviously it is easier to make the hour and a half flight out there as opposed to driving, but I'm not the best passenger in the air anyway. It takes an awful lot of prayer to get me through the flight and each time we land I am amazed that we made it safely. I know it sounds ridiculous, but thats the way I am. Flying is not easy for me. Tonight I am just thinking that this time God closed the door on the flight and He must have a reason for it. We have been SO blessed to have our previous 3 flights to Omaha approved and I just can't be anything but grateful for the provision He made in those instances. This trip will take longer, but perhaps we will be better for it.

Blake is playing soccer for his school during his off season(it only lasts about 3 weeks, but to him it might as well be an eternity). He is an excellent soccer player but gave it up two years ago in order to seriously pursue his dream of becoming a baseball player. His first game is Monday at 4:30 and I can't bring myself to miss it. I will already be missing a game on Thursday so missing the one on Monday is causing me a little stress. I would like to attend the game and leave for Omaha towards the end of it. In this case we will be driving non stop throughout the night in order to make it to Omaha in time for Ashely's CT scan. I realize it will be difficult, but when you have three kids you have to make time and sacrifices for all three of them. Blake would completely understand me not attending, but I also know that he has had to "understand" an awful lot over the last two years. If there is any way possible I can make this work then I am going to try. I am really hoping to move her appointment back a couple of hours if at all possible. If its not then we will pull in front of the hospital right around 8:00a.m. in time to check her in at 8:30. Again I believe that God is capable of opening this door and allowing me to make the game and make the appointment in time. We'll have to see how it works out.

Speaking of opening doors, we are already working on getting Ashely involved with the hippotherapy that one of our readers suggested(thanks Wendy). I was going to wait to write about the opportunity once I returned from Omaha since I have to get the ok from her transplant team regarding immunity issues before beginning. Our therapist actually brought the application and consents over Wednesday for me to take to Omaha. She really believes this could help with Ash's mobility. After she left on Wednesday Blake looked at me and said, " There is NO way dad is going to let you put Ash on a horse!" I think we can convince him of it, but Blake is absolutely against it. He thinks it is too dangerous. I just love the way he looks out for and protects his little sisters. I am praying that this might be one of those doors God is opening up for Ash and that He will be able to use this therapy to bring about some changes in her life.

I'm still trying to convince Dave that I can make the trip to Omaha in one shot. He isn't thrilled with the idea of us driving all night, but his mom offered to come with me and help out with the driving. I'm thinking of it as an adventure. Ash will be comfortably sleeping for the majority of it and she won't put up a fuss. She is the best traveler! Strap her in next to her stuffed Blue and allow her to watch an episode or two until she drifts off and we will be good to go. I really can pull this off(I think!).

The best thing about returning to Omaha is visiting with old friends. I already have the baby gifts packed for those expecting, the thank you for being so great gifts packed for those who never fail to put a smile on my face, and the gifts I picked up just because it made me think of you. I really am looking forward to catching up with the girls(Ash's nurses) again. God opened lots of doors for us as we were searching for the right transplant center and He actually closed a few before we headed off in the wrong direction. The path that led us to Omaha and the people He placed in our lives while there continue to bless me everyday. He knew that He had organs, the right organs, waiting for our gherkin and I am so thankful for His guidance and wisdom. She might not be with us if we had gone the through the wrong door.

Thank you for loving us and our sweet Ashely Kate. Thank you for your kind words and your encouragements. Thank you for your friendship and your prayers. Good night my friends. Trish