Throughout Ashley’s life we have often found ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. We have had to make more gut wrenching decisions in the last two years than I ever imagined I would make in a lifetime. I can see that my wife is alone in a small little room 700 miles away having to make yet another decision. This time concerning the future of the public side of Ashley’s Story. I support the decision she made to step away from the Blog, however, I don’t feel we can stop Ashley’s Story. Trish doesn’t have a selfish bone in her body, but I do. I am selfish because I don’t want to lose even one of your prayers for our Gherkin. I believe with everything in me that God has spared my daughters life on more than one occasion because of your prayers. Because I am selfish, I am not willing to give that up. I will continue to write Ashley’s Story while Trish takes some time off. It won’t be as well written and it probably won’t be as enjoyable to read as Trish has many talents that I don’t have, but I will do whatever I can to keep you informed because I know a little pickle who needs your prayers and support.
Ashley will be in surgery tomorrow morning at 10:30. She is no longer on any amount of feedings. Her bowel could not tolerate them yet. We will be starting over, again. A sixth attempt at placing a G-J tube will be made with the hope that it might work for her. If you still feel led to pray we would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for your understanding and I especially thank you for your prayers for Ashley.
DAVE
100 Comments:
Dave- our prayers don't stop. Regardless. Grace to all of you, in His name. There is no other.
I second Kelli's eloquent response.
Much love to you all.
I would never stop praying for Ashley or your whole family. Being the parent of a chronically ill child I know all too well how bad it hurts to watch our little ones go thru all of this.
Anita
Our family will be on our knees lifting yours up! Thank you SO much for the update and for letting us know how best to lift you up in prayer! May each of you feel the very arms of God wrap around you during this time - esp. tomorrow. Sunshine
Praying for Ashley and your whole family. You are all amazing. Praying for peace in all your lives.
Dave, we will be praying here for your little pickle and for your family as they struggle with the choices you have to make.
Dave,
Selfishly, I am so glad you are going to be writing updates. I have truly grown to love the little pickle! You guys are an amazing family!
Regardless, I would never stop praying for the little squirt! As well as all of you!
Hugs and prayers!
Tamara
Continuing to pray for Ashley no matter what decisions needed to be made, no problem here. Prayers for her surgery tomorrow morning. Thank you for being such a sweet husband and father in protecting them. Your continued updates will be greatly read by all of us out here, and I hope comments will improve on respect and support for Ashley, Trish and your family. Love to Trish tonight and to you and the kids at home.
Love, Laurie in Ca.
Dave - spoken like a true man and a good husband. I am glad to see you protecting and supporting your wife like you do. I am glad you will still post. I like keeping up on how Ashley is doing and praying for her.
Prayers going up now! Thank you for posting. I am getting chills as I see how God works in her life.
Dave, I understand Trish's need to step away from the journal. And, I am so glad that you are willing to continue on in her place for now. I log on at least once each day to see how Ashley is doing. I will continue to pray for your family. I would really miss updates, so I'm glad you'll still be posting them for us.
Please do be "selfish"! We love your posts and we will treasure any update we get on little Ash. She is a real life miracle and I am a Christian again due to her. Not that this blog is about me! But I have returned to praying to God due to her. Love, Jen
I will be in prayer.
Your daughter & wife have had a lifelong impact on me.
One of the first things I do each day when I turn on my computer is "check on Ashley". I'm glad you are continuing the updates. I will continue to pray for Ashley and your family.
Jill
Dear Ashley, Trish , Dave and family, Know that I would NEVER stop praying for you all. Please lets ALL collectively pray tomarrow at 10:30 am so that this time her feeding tube WILL work.
Sent with a great big huge cyber-hug!
Tanya
You caught me Dave! See, here I am checking on this blog when I know Trish said she would quit it. I am so smitten with little Ashley! YES, I will join you all in prayer tomorrow 10:30 am central time.
I promise that the prayers will continue.
Thank you.
Amanda
Sounds like a great plan, and I want to thank you for continuing Ashley's story, even though I would have continued praying either way. I can't imagine how much stress you are under right now, Trish, and pray for you as you come to my mind. I will be lifting your whole family in prayer and am always so inspired by each one of you.
Love, prayers -- and thanks!
Martha
Trish, Dave, Ashely, Blake and Allie... How wonderful a blessing it has been for my family to be able to pray for your little pickle. I consider it an honor to be able to share in your life with her and to be thankful that someone would love a child that has so many obstacles, so unconditionaly. Christ calls us to have love for all and do unto the little children as unto HIM.. How anyone can sit in judgement or ridacule you for your decisions for Ashely care, is heeping hot coals of judgment on thier heads. When I read that Trish had held that mask on her face ALL DAY - I considered it a sacrafice of love on Trish's part. To love Ash SO much that she would stand there, hour after hour, enduring fatigue, emotional strain and a certain amount of fear to make sure that Ash had what she needed - is remarkable. I am selfish too though and HATE to not know every minute what is going on with Ash, but I COMPLETLY understand the desire to 'limit' the blog. I have to say how uplifting it is to see a man stand up for his wife and to do all he can to protect her. You are truely remarkable as well.... You are truley helpmates to one another. :) I have to share with you that my son ask's me every morning - 1st thing of the day - he makes me fire up the computer so he can pray for her daily needs.... the cool thing is he is only 9. :) God hears childrens prayers!!! God be with you both and my the Lords arms wrap you in thier firm, loving grip and bring healing to dear little pickle pants. :)
Much love - The Freebergs
We will be praying for Ashley and all of you!
Ashley and your family will always be in my prayers. I pray for that little girl several times a day. My heart goes out to Trish, but know you are loved by so very many people. Thank you Dave for keeping us updated while Trish needs a break. Be strong Trish, we love you.
Still praying. Thanks for updating and sharing. I check several times a day for updates. May God wrap His arms around you all in a very special way tonight and tomorrow as you face another surgery for Ashley.
Thanks for the update! We love you guys and will keep praying.
I'm praying irrespective of posts - He knows the details.
I will for sure be checking on Ash and praying constantly. Even though I understand Trish's need to step away I would NEVER stop praying for Ashley. I am so glad that you are stepping in and keeping us all informed. ~Chan~
I would never stop praying for your little pickle. She is a constant on our family prayer list. Thank you for updating, but please know that it is not necessary if you don't feel like it. God knows what we're praying for even if we don't.
Because He lives, we CAN face tomorrow (especially around 10:30).
God Bless!
Pam, Rome, Georgia
Continuing in prayer for sweet Ashley. There was no question of stopping. Prayers for each of your beautiful children & Trish & you.
Always in Him,
Julie
Dave, Thanks so much for your post and continuing to update on Ashley..In light of all that is going on, you taking the time to think of all of us means so much. Even if we all came to an empty post, we would all continue to pray for Ashley and your whole family. Your..Our.. little pickle is loved by so many,as is Trish.Praying for guided hands during Ashleys surgery tomorrow, praying for peace and comfort for Trish and your family as you wait for her to come out.May God embrace you all tightly in his loving arms and soothe away the fear and the pain in your hearts.Trish, We will miss your updates but know you are not forgotten and you are in our prayers.Rest well sweet mommy. God Bless..Karen.
Prayers are going up on your family's behalf in Central IL.
Thank you for letting us know
her situation. God please wrap your arms of love around this family and give them peace tonight.
We are praying.
Know we will continue praying for your family with or without a blog to follow. However, it is nice to know specifically the current needs so that we can address each one......so thank you Dave. My children do not go to sleep at night without praying for your sweet pickle...nor do I. Praying...(=
I will continue to lift Ashley up in prayer to the Father. I also feel (actually, I am sure)that the nurse posting on this site was absolutely unprofessional. I appreciate she has apologized publically as well, but that should be reported to her supervisors. That was totally unethical and unwise. Just had to get that off my chest. In His Grace, Laurie
Your family is always in our prayers and hearts. God willing tomorrow things will look up after surgery. gwen
We are praying for all of you! It is a blessing for us to pray for your family.
God bless,
Lori and family
Praying.
Dear Dave, thank you so very much for the post. I "second" what the others have said....with or without the blog, prayers will still flood Heaven on your behalf.
Ya know what's neat? My son, Kyle, is 5 years old and we talk daily of Ashley...as he always wants to know what is going on. What others intend to hurt - God turns it into good because we love Him. My son and I were talking today about Ashley and I shared with him that we may not know for a while how "baby Ashley" is doing. He asked why. I told him that some people had said some ugly things that hurt her mommy's feelings. He asked why again. I told him that I didn't know but sometimes people say hurtful things without thinking about how it will make the other person feel. I explained how important it is to only speak kind words to others and to always think about what he is going to say before he says it because his words could hurt someone else's feelings. God used the hurtful words said to Trish to allow me to teach my 5 year old son a very, very valuable lesson. That is just ONE example of how God has used this blog to change the lives of others!
Thank you for sharing all - the good, the bad, and the ugly! Just as God's love for you is unconditional...so is ours!
We will continue to pray for your sweet baby and family - and await any news you feel led to share.
I will be praying continuously - especially at 10:30...
Remind Trish how very much she is loved and how very much she is being used. However, as others have said, we will fill in the gap while she needs a much needed break.
In Christ,
Amy
Thanks so much for updating us. I understand completely Trish's need to hold her own thoughts privately. I do hope she has time to step back and find some peace, and that she won't be gone for forever. I've always been amazed at how she is able to accept comments but not ever respond within the comments herself, and rarely does she respond in her next post. I've always thought that surely took a great amount of restraint, and have admired her for that ability.
I'll continue to check in on her and keep her in my prayers! If I make it to Omaha any time soon, I'll try to poke my head in and give her five minutes of friendly company with an Oklahoma accent. :-)
Brenda
Thank you for the update, it is so important that we know what and when we need to pray for Ashley. You and your family are loved by many and I believe we are the stretcher bearers for you during this time. May Trish find a renewed strength in the days ahead and I pray that God will send that someone very special to be with her tomorrow as Ashley goes into surgery. We will be waiting to hear good news ... with great results. May God Bless you as you take care of your family. Continued prayers for Ashley and her precious family!
Dave,
Our prayers would have gone on, but your letters will definately help us focus our efforts. Surgery tomorrow, bowel trouble it is. Expect a miracle.
You don't know me but I check this blog at least once a day and pray for Ashley all the time! She is such a precious angel! May your family be blessed today...tomorrow...and always with all of the prayers being sent up for you. And Trish please remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (a para-phrase version)!
Love in Christ,
Elizabeth
Praying, praying, and praying.
Beth
Praying and loving you all more than ever tonight! Remember - a mom/grandma's prayers and love never stops!!!! Father, I lift Ashley up to you right now, in the precious name of Jesus, asking that you surround her with your healing hands tomorrow morning and guide the hands of each and every person who is caring for her during the surgery. Father, I trust you, as always to do the very best for Ashley. I also ask you, dear Father to protect Trish as she waits for Ashley to return after the surgery and keep her peaceful as only You can. I pray you give them both a good, restful night's sleep to be able to get through tomorrow with ease. Father I pray for Dave, Blake, Allie and Nan tonight and thank you for keeping them all safe in your arms. Thank you for caring for all our children/grandchildren today and every day. I love you with all my heart, Lord. Thank you. In Jesus Name - Amen! Love and Hugs to all -Grandma
Prayers going up for Ashley in Virginia!
Thank you so much for letting us know the ways to send up prayers for little Ashley. May God be with her tomorrow, and everyday.
I am also still praying for you Dave, and Trish and the other kids, too. Hang in there!
Praying for you, for Trish, and for Ashley as she goes through surgery again. :)
Prayers for Ash from Tulsa! What a wonderful family!
Dave,
I really do appreciate your continued posting. I would have continued to pray for Ashley Kate without it, but I do love the updates. Your website has led me to care very much about your famliy. I will be praying for the successful placement of the tube.
Michelle Forgey
We are praying! We were already praying for Ashley before this post..and of course for all of you. I will pray at 10:30am also and all night for little Ashley!! Never will I stop praying for ya'll!!!! It is very good to know what is going on though so that I can pray specifically. I have been following this blog since it started and I feel like I know ya'll. Thank you very much for the update Dave. I know this is hard for all of you. Praying for Peace and for little Ashley!!!
God Bless you all!
No if about it...we are praying tonight...tomorrow and every day Ashley and you all need our prayer. We're praying!
Love you all much in Jesus,
Holly
Ashley remains in my prayers, new posts or not. Please let us know how she is doing occasionally. Praying for her healing.
I will pray for her health no matter what. She will always be in our hearts because of the story you have already shared with us.
I am a long time lurker, busting out of that role to say that I, too, will be sending many prayers for sweet Ashley's surgery tomorrow - and for your family as you wait it out again. Bless you guys...
Take care of yourself Trish. Take heart in knowing how much you are admired for your strength and your unwavering faith. I will miss your "voice" but I understand your need to "step away".
Thank you Dave. And Thank you Trish for letting Your little Ash into our hearts. We will be with you tomorrow. And will continue to pray for you everyday!!! All our love!
-Dawn
Praying for Ashley and your family is in my daily prayers and has been for over a year now. I love you all so much.
Your family has touched my life in more ways than you will ever know.
I have thought of you'all all day.
Hugs,
Cheryl
Prayers being said for Ashley & your family.
Have been praying for your little pickle and will continue doing so!!!
Praying for you all. Thanks, Dave.
Thanks, Trish, for all you've shared. Praying for you tonight, and for that little one as she goes into surgery, again.
Thank you Dave! We will pray for you and Ashley no matter what!! God has worked many miracles and made us all better people through the life of your daughter and your entire family. Thank-you for the update!! We will be praying for Ashley and the surgery tomorrow as well as for you, Trish, Blake, and Allie. Bless you all!!
Dave- My prayers would never stop because there was no blog to read. Your family is part of my everyday thought life. Your wife's writings has changed my attitude and my whole being spiritually, as a wife and mother, too. If you choose to continue the blog, I am happy, but also understand when a break is needed. Please do not worry about eloquence and all that. We love you as you are. I am continuing to pray; that Trish finds comfort and peace in our Lord Jesus and I will pray for Ash's surgery tomorrow.
Take care!
Shari
.....To think that you would continue so we can read about your precious one.....is so selfless. I appreciate you, Dave and your family as the impact they have made on me in tremendous.
......praying.......
While Ashley's condition is a major concern and topic of lots of prayer, I am very concerned for Trish. We love all of you, as much as you can love a stanger, yet family in the Lord, and will continue to pray earnestly for all. Trish, I feel as though there is a great gulf fixed between Omaha and Des moines, and I just can't cross it right now. My heart is with you, holding your hand and praying with you during tomorrow's surgery. Please know that if i could be there, I would. Fortunately, prayers aren't stopped by miles or circumstances. "Father, I pray for Trish tonight, that you would give her YOUR strength to face the pain, heartache, and demands that accompany Ashleys condition. May YOUR peace flood her soul and bring healing to her heart and mind. May you fill her with YOUR joy in the midst of these circumstances. May she feel YOUR arms, and the arms of the praying saints wrapped tightly around her. May she sleep in peace. Please give Ashley an extra measure of your strength for tomorrow's surgery. Give the doctors wisdom, and steady hands. May they be well rested and have clarity of mind. May your hands and your heart guide them. Please allow this surgery to bring about the desired results for Ashleys progress. Please allow Ashley to have a speedy recovery, and please, Lord, cause her to stop the vomiting. We pray for a good night's rest for all of the immediate family. Please fill their hearts with your peace tonight. Amen.
We have been continuously praying for you. Ashley and Trish are never far from our thoughts. You have an amazing family. I am learning from you how to be a better mother. Trish, you are an a beautiful, loving christian mother.Be proud, Be strong and most of all be her Mommy. Who she loves the best.
Erika
I will continue praying for your whole family.
Mary from Monterey CA
Dave, I'm grateful that you've chosen to continue the blog during this time until Trish is able to take it up again. I know that it can certainly be a release for her to write and am glad, for her sake, that she is planning to continue to do so--just in a different format from this blog.
Obviously, this blog has touched many lives including mine--what a blessing it has been! I'm really glad that you see the importance of keeping us updated so we can pray very specifically, as we can now for Ashley's procedure on Wednesday morning.
Thank you again for standing in this gap. Love and prayers for you all!
Always praying in Oklahoma...My Sunday school class (4-8-year-old) would NEVER let it stop. We do Ashley Updates every Sunday. Whether it is a praise for a great week or much needed prayers for her.
To Trish, sometimes to step away is good for the soul. Just know that the prayers and good wishes are still coming for you whether you post an update or not. My SS kids and I have grown to love Ashley and you both in the time I have shared with them Ash's story. This Sunday morning we are going to send up an extra blessings request for you.
Dawn
Praying for continued strength for your family. May God be with and guide the team who will operate on Ashley. Peace be still and know that I am GOD!
Thank you so very much Dave for continuing to keep us updated. Know that you all are always, always in my prayers. God Bless.
Praying for Ashley today and also for Trish. Trish, I am so sorry you are still in the hospital with Ashley and that it looks like TX is so far away for now. That hurts so badly, I know. I am praying hard you can make it home for the holidays.
Thank you for giving of yourself, even if you think it's for selfish reasons. Our family loves yours and truly looks forward to seeing the testimony and glory to God that Ashley's story brings about in this life. We will be praying, as always, and now with a little direction, though God's already knows! Thank you again.
In Jesus' Precious Name,
TM in WV
What a difficult situation you are in. God's will, it will be done. Is prayer saving Ashely? Or is God using Ashley to bring so many to our knees in prayer?
Regardless, I will be praying for Ashley's surgery. And there were tears in my eyes upon reading this blog this morning. Thank you for letting us know how she's doing. Let Trish know that she is missed too.
Dave and Trish,
Of course we will still pray. I wasn't about to stop :) My prayers are going up that this morning's surgery will be successful and Ash will be ready for feeds again soon. Thank you for letting us know how to pray.
I will be praying today.
Praying for all of you!
Dave thank you so much for keeping us updated!
I'm setting the timer now so we can stop school and start praying at 10:30!
May God give you a miracle today!
Thank you Dave. I respect Trish's decision, but I have to admit I was going to miss updates on Ash. And don't worry. No one is going to stop praying for your family.
Prayers will continue to be lifted whether there are regular updates or not. I count it a privelage that I can go before the Father and pray for your sweet Ashely and your family.
-Cari in Arkansas
Our prayers will continue for your family and your sweet Ash.
Praying this morning for an excellent surgery for Ashley and the peace that passes all understanding for Trish and for your family. May you feel wrapped up in Gods perfect love this morning.
Love, Laurie in Ca.
Our prayers continue as well. Will pray during her surgery.
YES we still feel led to pray!! and yes...regardless of postings...i will continue to come to my computer and refresh this page...just in case. hehe. and her picture will be there staring at me and i will pray and pray...for you all!! God bless...and restore!!
christy
Thank you, Dave. We appreciate the specific prayer requests... We will pray. I'm praying for Trish, too. I wish I were close enough to give her hug.
You are all in our PRayers everyday regardless of the beautiful things that Trish shares with us. Tell her she is loved and Ashley will continue to be lifted up to our Father. Thank you for your willingness to give us the updates. We are all selfish in the fact that we have adopted little pickle into our families as well and we have to check this website several times to hear about her hurts, and her smiles!
Praying even more for Ashley and her family right now. Denise
Dave and Trish,
I don't believe you see just how wonderful an example you set in every aspect of your lives. It has to be amazing to have a marriage so strong that it shows through words on a computer screen. I have been learning so much just from the two of you. Your family is not short on blessings by any means. All three of your children are just bursting with God's love. Even though Ashley does not form the words, you can see a deep understanding of God in her eyes. I believe that is why she is so ornery, she KNOWS that she is in the hands of The Almighty. She can see it just in the family that God CHOSE for her. There is no doubt that I will be praying for all of you! It would be foolish of me to cease praying for a lack of updates. Praying Always!!!
My kids are long past 2 years old so this may be a really dumb question, but can Ashley chew gum? I don't imagine her swallowing gum would be a good thing, but there are some studies revealing that chewing gum helps the colon wake up and begin working after surgery/trauma.
My husband has colon cancer, and he really had trouble getting his bowels to "wake" back up after his 1st surgery. Right after that surgery, there were some studies showing that chewing gum helps the bowels wake up and speeds up recovery.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/38115.php
Continuing to check in and pray.
We love you guys, and hurt when you hurt. The last few mornings I've started my day off with tears in my eyes and extra prayers on behalf of your sweet family. Our prayers will be constant no matter what, but thank you so much for your willingness to keep us posted on how little Ashley is doing! And Trish, thank you once again for your example. It means more than you'll probably ever know.
It is now 10:25 and I going to pray! This will be a success and the begining of our little pickles road home. God will be with her.
PRAYING!
Praying for Ashley
Praying for Trish, I can't image how hard it is for her. To watch your little girl go through all of this and then to be so far from home. Praying that Trish find comfort and peace.
I've been praying all morning and will not stop - I love you all - Grandma
I am SO glad to hear that you will keep the journal going! Your family has carved a special place in my heart these last few months. You would be in my prayers even without the updates, but it's so much better to know more specifically how to lift you up. Tell your sweet wife how much she is loved and supported by many of us she won't meet this side of Heaven. God is doing great things through your little pickle. To Him be the glory!
Thank you for the update. I'm praying through my tears.
Dave - I continue to lift up your "little gherkin" and your entire family. It is not selfish to write to continue asking for a covering of prayer, a blessing of fellowship. It was not selfish of Trish to decide she needed a break.
Still, like so many others, my prayers will flow with or without updates. Ashley has become such a huge part of my silent utterings to God throughout my day. A quiet stretch of time here would never change that.
Peace to you, and may the blessings of God shower you today. May the great Physician lay His hands upon Ashley and heal her wounds.
Prayers and hugs..
Baby Ashley and the rest of your family will always be in my prayers. I pray that she will get through all these, completely be healed. And for strength and comfort to Trish and to you Dave. Thank you so much for the update. -Jocelyn
I am so glad you will continue to tell us Ashley's story. That little girl has stolen my heart! I hope Trish knows that the majority of people are praying and pulling for your family. I'm sorry a few bad apples have spoiled it. It just means we need to pray harder!
Dave,
I just really wanted you to know that I would pray no matter what and have been!!!! It's very nice to hear how Ashley is doing...or how everyone is. I know that you have a very busy schedule and it must really be difficult for you to post at times...but i want you to know that every post you are able to make is greatly appreciated!! I would really miss hearing about a family....a little tiny girl....that i have grown to love as i do my own family!
Regardless please know I will pray in either case....Praying for Ashley to get better, praying for Trish to find comfort and peace of mind and heart, Praying for the strength for all of you to continue to endure what is going on in your lives right now. Praying for peace and for you all to be reunited as a family soon. My heart goes out to all of you. I too have been in your shoes so I know what you are going through. It's not easy at all. I admire the love that you and Trish have for each other. Ya'll are awesome parents too! Keep up the good work and let us hear from you at your convenience...thank you so much and God Bless you all!
I will always pray for your angel, and thank you so much for keeping us up to date on how she is doing. Bless you. -Amy
Man life is hard, I have been away for several days and came back to find Trish gone. I hope she only takes a short break and recupes and comes back with her gift of writing.
I learned a long time ago that I no longer care what people's opinions are unless I ask for them. People judge and never fail to take things out of the context they were meant to be.
The Lord knows however and I know he is proud of the job Trish does with Ashley. I would be the same way.
Trish you need to keep writing and being real, this is why we come here.
I will never stop praying for Ashley or Trish in sharing your heart.
Thanks Dave for keeping us filled in.
I am so glad you are going to continue to share Ashley's fight with us. She always has our prayers like many others have said. You and your family are always in my thoughts daily!
thanks so much dave for updating all of us who love ashley and your entire family. it is with such joy that i read the updates. i am sorry for the ups and downs of life in a hospital. but ashley, as a whole, seems to be going in the right direction - which is out the door! many prayers from this faithful checker
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