I love...

...the way they love her! It blesses my soul. How thankful I am for Blake and Allison and the way they love their baby sister.

I love to see Ash cuddled up on Allie's lap or on her hip. Al loves to take Ash everywhere in the house and has learned how to maneuver her very well.

I love to see Ash sitting in the middle of Blake's bed while he cleans his room. He just wants to hang out with her and it is the sweetest thing.

I love to over hear their conversations with her. Allie is constantly comforting Ash and making sure she is ok. Each time Blake walks into the room I hear him say, "Well, Hi baby pickle."

They love having her home. As parents Dave and I have often wondered what the time spent away from home would do to Blake and Allie's relationship with Ash. There were times that I worried we had been gone far too long for them to stay connected. It really is two completely different worlds. The world for Dave, Blake, and Al at home was so far from where the world Ash and I lived in was. It never failed to bless my heart to see her light up the minute they would arrive for a visit or to see the smiles spread across their faces once they walked into her room. This weekend Dave and I enjoyed watching the children together and seeing just how well they have re-connected with Ashley Kate.

Blake offered to "baby-sit" Ash on Saturday so Dave and I could spend some time visiting with each other. When I went to check on them Ashley Kate was asleep sitting up next to Blake on his bed and he was humming to her and patting her. Her little head kept drooping to the side as her eyelids closed tightly. As I stood at the door and watched he carefully positioned his pillows and gently laid her back. Next he tucked her under a blanket all the while being careful not to wake her. I was amazed that this tough, athletic, twelve year old boy could be so gentle. When he noticed me watching he explained how very tired she was and that he would stay next to her on the bed so she could nap. A while later I went back to see him resting next to her. He sure loves that baby.

Allie loves to sing and read to Ashley Kate. Dave and I spent some time with Blake in the batting cage out back on Sunday afternoon and I came in to see Ash with her big sister laying on the couch reading books together. Ashley Kate had her book laid across her face being silly. Allie assured me they were fine and that when they were done reading she would bring her out back with us. Our girls looked so beautiful to me in that moment. My heart was so blessed.

I love the way they love her. They love her with the love of Christ. Looking past the outside and focusing on the inside. Loving who she is, not what she can do. They no longer see the ostomy bags or the feeding tubes and pumps. Her scars don't bother them. She is their sister and they love her just the way she is. If only I could remember to see everyone the way they see Ashley Kate. Loving people for who they are inside and not focusing on the imperfections or the attachments they may have on their outsides. Never passing by without a heartfelt greeting or a touch. Just being the hands, the arms, the feet of Jesus for those He brings into my life. I'm learning so much from my children these days. I love them for loving Him, for loving her, and for loving me.