Ashley's Story

She will leave fingerprints all over your heart

10/15/2007

Goodnight from.......Texas

Some things you just don't ever get used to. I don't think I will ever get used to the empty space next to me in my bed when I lay down at night. Trish and I are best friends and we end every day by sharing what each of us did that day. It just doesn't seem right for Trish and Ash to not be here. I miss my girls and I know that they miss us. I now end my day by calling and catching us with Trish on her and Ashley's day, but it just isn't the same on the phone 700 miles apart. Today we spent some time trying to figure out the how and when we will be able to make the trip to Omaha. It is quite a challenge to work out the schedule. So far the best idea we have it to go during the week, but that poses its own set of problems. We will get if figured out and hopefully pretty soon. Trish tells me that Ashley had a little bit better day today, and those types of reports always make it a little bit easier for me. It is difficult to be here so far away and not be there to comfort my baby gherkin. So I am so grateful for the good reports.

We received a box of goodies at the house today from "a cheerful giver" and it was such a blessing to the kids and I to open the box. It was a great surprise and another page in Ashley's Story that I am glad I got to learn from. It is amazing how such a small token of kindness from a complete stranger can teach me and my kids such important life lessons. I would like to say Thank You to "a cheerful giver." I pray you will be blessed as much as you blessed us.

I am looking forward to getting the webcams set up so we can "be there" with Trish and Ashley and the can "be here" with us. I am looking forward to our nighttime routine being somewhat what it should be. I know that Trish is also looking forward to "tucking" the kids to bed even if it is done through a webcam. She should be getting it soon and we are all excited.

I was out of town working this weekend so I was not able to see the journal entries. I was so very touched this morning when I was catching up and I saw over 100 comments on one of the posts. I know there are so many of you out there praying for Ashley and the rest of our family. So much so that sometimes I can actually feel your prayers. Thank you so much for being there for our Gherkin and our family. You prayers mean more to us than anything money could ever buy. We are blessed by each one of you. Thank You!!

Goodnight,

DAVE

22 Comments:

At 10:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for your family, Dave. And we sure love your gerkin.

 
At 10:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oops, gherkin. Sorry.

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

Jackie and I are continuing to pray!

 
At 10:54 PM , Blogger Holly said...

Tears...I'm so glad that y'all are feeling the prayers. I love that they are palpable like that! Lord, bless this family with the desires of their hearts...heal Ashley, Father. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 
At 10:55 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave, I often comment on Trish's posts that I am praying for her and Ashley but I wanted you to know that I never forget you and the other two children in my prayers. I am certain that you are just as exhausted from this trial and that often being far away from it has it's own burdens. I pray that God will provide for your own unique needs. And I encourage you with the love of Christ...you too are being prayed for fervently.

 
At 11:06 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave,
It is great to hear your needs and concerns and feelings - so we may pray for you as well. Thanks for sharing all that is going on at home. Perhaps someday down the road you could give some other Dads some lessons on things you've learned from having to juggle all the daily things that Trish has always done so well around the house. :)
Marlain

 
At 11:08 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lifting you in prayer Dave as you lead your family through this difficult battle. Like in 2 Chronicles 20 continue to give the Lord praise and worship even when you are overwhelmed. May you be encouraged and empowered by Him.
Lou Ann

 
At 12:21 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave,
I just wanted to say thank you for being an example of what a man of God and a loving husband and father are. Although I don't know you personally, from following Ashley's story you have given me a standard for the man I will someday marry. It is so easy to lower my standards for guys I let enter my life, but you have reminded me that there are real men of God out there and not to compromise until I find someone who will treat me/love me/and care for me the way you do for your family.
Just another example of how her story is touching and changing peoples lives. Thank you for sharing who you are with us.
Love and prayers from a college student in Illinois!

 
At 6:18 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. You have given us a very special gift as well. The message above is so beautiful. How great to make someone elses life better just by sharing your story. The best gift of all. Thank YOU!
Praying,
Heidi in CT

 
At 6:48 AM , Blogger KimberlyDi said...

I work with my husband. We carpool. We spend almost every hour of every day together. He is my partner.

I wouldn't know how to be me anymore without him by my side. We have truly become one. I understand how much you miss that side of you that is at that hospital. And how much you miss that little girl.

Praying for strength for your whole family. God Bless.

 
At 6:55 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave, What a nice post, straight from the heart, with so much love and concern shown for all your family.Thanks for the post and know we will continue to pray for all of your precious family. Hoping Trish and Ashley had a calm night with plenty of rest. God bless..Karen

 
At 7:14 AM , Blogger Dawn said...

Praying for you, Blake, and Allie too. I know this has to be incredibly hard on all of you. And praying the webcam is up and running very soon. What a blessing to be able to connect this way!
d:)

 
At 7:24 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the college student from Illinois: Thank you - you have tremendously blessed the heart of Dave's mom - He is a very special, God loving and family loving man and we're very, very proud of him and his family! I pray you follow the lead of Christ and fall in love with that special one that God has chosen for you!

 
At 7:25 AM , Blogger Elizabeth S said...

Still praying...

 
At 7:26 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

After just looking at my last comment I realize it may be confusing. I am Dave's mom, Ashley's Grandma

 
At 7:51 AM , Blogger Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Dave,

It is really good to hear from you and I can see where Trish draws so much of her strength from (besides the Lord of course). You guys are a beautiful team of love with Ashley sandwiched in the middle. I am praying your schedule falls into place so you can make the trip. And the webcams will be such a blessing for you all. They sure will close the 700 mile gap for you. You are a wonderful example of being the spiritual leader of your house, and I can see you make your mother proud too:) My prayers continue for all of you in this trying time and I hope you will all be able to be together for the most wonderful Holiday Season ever! God Bless you mightily as you "Hold down the fort" until Trish and Ashley can be back home with you.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

 
At 8:14 AM , Blogger Gretchen said...

Dave, as is often the case when I read entries by Trish, I am the one who comes away blessed. It's my privilege to "know" you all.

Lord, thank You for this family and their abiding faith and love for each other and for You. This is what marriage should be. I pray that You would bless and protect this marriage and family throughout all the trials of Ashley's illness and the physical distance from one another. I pray that You would miraculously, supernaturally, heal this baby Gherkin, as that is the desire of ALL our hearts. We desire Your will for this family, though, Father, no matter what, and I know that's what they desire, too. I ask that you would comfort and give your peace to Allie and Blake, FAther. Help them to know that they are never forgotten, always important--always loved. Thank You for the compassion You have taught and are teaching them. Thank You for each person in this family, Father. You have knit this family together, as You have knit us all together in our mothers' wombs. The illness and hardship of this fallen world is no match for You. Almighty God, as I sit here and hope and pray for this family, I am overwhelmed by Your grace, Your mercy, and Your faithful teaching to all of us. You have used a terrible situation to grow Your people. I will never be able to thank You enough for that. I end this prayer by saying, simply--thank You. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

 
At 8:40 AM , Blogger KM said...

Hoping your family here at home in Texas knows that you are covered in prayers as well. You, Blake, Allie, and g'parents. WE know it is a struggle for you as well...not having Mom at home, not being able to see, touch, and smell this precious baby.

Your blog has blessed me...in my daily walk, renewed my prayerlife, and helped me in general. Thank your whole family for allowing your lives to be on display...and for inviting us (as much as possible) to walk this journey with you.

Kristi in Texas

 
At 9:11 AM , Blogger Amy T said...

Dave, your family has been such a blessing to us, I'm glad we can be at least a small blessing to you. Praying this separation is very temporary and that Trish and Ashley are soon on their way back home where they belong. Praying for you all.

 
At 9:30 AM , Blogger Sunshine said...

How sweet! We are praying for each and everyone of you! Sunshine

 
At 9:31 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

when people wonder why you and trish continue to fight for your daughter's life, it is so apparent to me that there is so much we don't know. can't know. the mirror is foggy now. we can't see clearly. but when we are "face to face" with our Heavenly Father, the fog will clear and we will have the answers. so you continue to trust and have faith and FIGHT for precious ashley's life. God IS in control. you and trish are His instruments. each day there is but more evidence on this blogsite of people whose lives are changed by by having shared in your struggle. you are truly a Godly husband and father and i know that even when you feel weak, He makes you strong. how proud your mom must be! have a restful night. continuing to pray, jan431

 
At 1:36 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been praying for cute little Ashley's family, and I'm glad to know that the prayers are reaching you. I hope that your family is physically united again soon. In the meantime I will continue praying for you.
Amanda from Myrtle Beach

 

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