Ashley's Story

She will leave fingerprints all over your heart

9/26/2007

Thinking Positive...Again

I love the newness I feel each morning. It seems as though the troubles of yesterday fade away for a moment as I begin to concentrate on all that could happen today. She could turn around today. She could breathe easier today. She could make lots and lots of urine today. She could rest well today. She could begin to heal from this setback today. She could smile today. It is full of possibility and I am clinging to all that she could do today.

After a very long and difficult night I pulled back her blankets this morning and I was thrilled to see that her distended tummy is smaller. It is softer and she is not guarded or grunting when I touch it. I am so happy. Her bowel is moving. Although she is doing what they like to call "dumping" (which basically means putting out too much through her ostomy) it is finally moving. That is a huge answer to prayer. I don't know about you, but I prayed with every breath last night that it might "wake up" and start to move. It is putting out a very dark, almost black fluid but it is putting out fluid. That is progress! I just know this is why her tummy is softer and smaller. She looks to be much more comfortable and my hope is that she might feel good enough to want me to hold her today. I miss her so much.

Her breathing is still very labored. The fluid on her chest is heavy and that makes it hard to breathe deep enough to maintain her oxygen. She continues to require about 2 liters of support, but if her kidneys will kick in to high gear then I believe she could breathe without it today. I told you I am feeling positive this morning.

Wouldn't it be amazing if she turned the corner and we were home soon. To be home in time for Blake's birthday would bless our hearts so very much. It could happen.

The team has not rounded yet this morning, but I wanted you to know that her bowel is doing SOMETHING and I know it is a result of much prayer. I just couldn't wait to share it with you.

I have so much on my heart today that I want to share, but I will wait until I have a quiet moment to compose my thoughts. More than anything I just wanted you to know how grateful I am for your continuous prayers. It is changing her life and making a difference in our family. Thank you. Trish

27 Comments:

At 10:42 AM , Blogger Wendy said...

Trish, I've been compulsively checking your blog this morning waiting to hear an update - I am so relieved and grateful that Ashley is doing better this morning. I also want to say, I continue to admire your faithfulness and hope; it is so inspiring to watch someone like you who is facing so many challenges but who continues to lift their eyes to God and trust in Him. I am continuing to pray for God to heal Ashley; to allow her comfort and for her to find her smile again. Will be thinking of you all day today. Thanks for posting this morning.

 
At 10:42 AM , Blogger Fiffer said...

Praise God! I was checking your site so much this morning hoping to hear some good news. So many times during the night when I would roll over my thoughts were with Ashley...and you. I am SO thankful that she is more comfortable this morning and things are moving inside her. Definitely sounds like progress and we will keep praying -- and believing -- for her healing. Take care -- I hope you are getting some sleep here and there. YOU need to stay well for her, so rest when you can.

Love, Martha

 
At 10:45 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

YAY!

This does sound like really positive news! Just knowing her discomfort has been alleviated somewhat is so good to hear.

I'll pray that her kidneys kick in and her sats climb, unassisted! :-)

Brenda in N E

 
At 10:46 AM , Blogger Lisa@UnexpectedJourney said...

So happy to hear of the tiny bit of progress! Praying that she is rounding the corner and is on her way towards getting back home!

 
At 10:46 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think I am wearing out the refresh button on my computer, I am so thankful, I was awake alot last night, my girls were restless, and I took that as God's way to keep me up and praying. I believe this will be a good day for Ashley. We will continue to pray. Hang in there and stay strong!

 
At 10:50 AM , Blogger cindy/barron said...

Trish, i am glad Ashley is feeling better this am. Praying for a good day and that you are able to hold the GHRERKIN i know this would make you feel so good. God is an awesome GOD and is working miracles in Ashleys body as i type. Will be checking in every little bit to see what docs say. Love in Christ your sister

 
At 10:54 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for the improvement! we are all still praying for Ashley's complete recovery. She has come so far in 1 year since transplant. I can only imagine how far she can and will come in the next year.
Denise

 
At 10:57 AM , Blogger KimberlyDi said...

Amen. Tears in my eyes over the good news. May she be over the worst and headed for recovery.

 
At 11:01 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that I have been following your family's journey these last few days and praying for you all. I am thankful for the good news in the update and hopeful that it will continue and be improved upon

 
At 11:05 AM , Blogger Alicia said...

Yay! I'm praying much for all of you and getting everyone I talk to to do the same.

 
At 11:09 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Seems as though everyone has been checking the site alot anticipating an update. Us too! I am so elated to hear how God has worked in Ashley's little body overnight! What a thrill! We are looking forward to more positive news as the day progresses. When the day is done, may even the most sceptical people look and say, "That was a work of God"

 
At 11:10 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My class at LeTourneau lifted Ashley up today. I will continue to pray and pray with my classes.

Thank you, Lord, for every tiny miracle you make happen. Thank You for answering our prayers. THANK YOU!

Trish - you give to us by sharing your story. Because of you - God has convicted my heart of so many things. I bathe my son in prayer every day. God is using YOU!!

We will continue to lift you guys up in prayer.... Our verse in one of my classes is Psalms 46:10..."Be still and know that I am God..." Remember to try and do that.

Love in Christ,
Amy

 
At 11:21 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just want you to know we are following all your posts and you are in our prayers continually. I wish I could be of some help - I will try soon. My heart breaks to see and hear of Ashley's struggles. We love you all and are lifting you in prayer, Lou Ann

 
At 11:32 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! Music to our ears. I pray today gets better and better. I don't know when I've ever missed someone so much, whom I had never even met! We want her back, too!
Praying and praising our God who hears.

 
At 11:40 AM , Blogger Paige said...

What wonderful news that there is some progress! My thoughts and prayers remain with you all. I continue to pray for divine healing for Ashley. I will check back soon. Love and hugs!

 
At 11:48 AM , Blogger Sunshine said...

Trish - this is what I feel like you, Ashley, and Dave are doing right now - Psalm 92:2

...to proclaim your (God's) love in the morning and your (God's)
faithfulness at night...

Much love and prayers - Sunshine

 
At 11:50 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen what great news. I love the joy in your words. It truely makes me smile I am praying for all that you have mentioned. ~Chan~

 
At 11:56 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

So grateful for the good news about Ashley this morning, and continuing to pray, always...we love you all!

 
At 12:02 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for baby steps. Each little step forward is something to rejoice about. Even in the darkest times you amaze me - even when I know you are feeling broken and defeated, your faith shines and you continue to trust God.

Thank you for posting this morning. Praying for more baby step today!!

Love, Jule White

 
At 12:20 PM , Blogger Sarah said...

Every step in the right direction is a step toward going home! I am so glad to see your newest post--and although today isn't what you hoped it would be, it's still an anniversary to be celebrated! I hope your day just improves hour by hour--tell that precious baby that she is loved from afar, and prayed for fervently :)

 
At 12:30 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for all of His blessings that are poured out on you every day! Your fresh perspective each mornings encourages me and helps me stay positive in so many ways! We will continue to pray for those little kidneys to start working!

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentation 3:22-23

 
At 12:48 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have never posted before, but have been reading your journal entries for over 6 months, rejoicing over the goodness that the past months have brought to you and your beautiful family. I found this site through someone that told me about it.
I have continued to pray for this setback, and last night was up numerous times because I know that the Lord woke me up to pray for Ashley. I believed with all of my heart that she was going to turn the corner today, even if it was small progress. No weapon formed against her life or your familys WILL PROSPER in Jesus name! I am standing strong in the gap for dear Ashley and you and your family. I can only imagine the amount of other people that are too.
You have no idea how much your family is loved out her in cyberland. So so much. We cry tears right along with you. When you are weak, we are strong and rally around you even when you don't even know it.
May you feel renewed strength today and may today, just like you said, bring fresh new miracles from our dear Lord. May you see them at every turn today.
Cheryl (Ohio)
cherlilly12@yahoo.com

 
At 12:49 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praising the Lord the bowel has "awakened". That is such good news! You are amazing! I will look forward to another update! Keep looking up and stay strong! He is there to carry you through it all.
Still praying!
Shari

 
At 1:07 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy dances for some poo!

 
At 1:28 PM , Blogger Sunny Day Tag Girl said...

As I bowed my head to pray for your sweet Ashley my two and a half year old, Mollie, walked in and asked if I was sleeping...I told her no I was praying and asked if she wanted to pray with me. Together we offered up the sweetest prayer I have ever heard. When we had wispered Amen she said "there now she is all better."

 
At 1:51 PM , Blogger Melissa De Mers said...

amazing news this morning...thanks to an amazing Saviour we have...

thinking and praying for Ashley today!

Melissa

 
At 4:26 PM , Blogger Amy T said...

Wonderful news. Each morning is a new day. Glad Ashley showed some improvement during the night. Still praying!

 

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