Still Runing
Ash is running another sprint. Perhaps we should call this one a marathon. It is supposed to last for 4 hours. I don't about you, but I have never sprinted for 4 hours! Anyway, if her blood gas at 1:00 comes back with good results then they will remove the breathing tube and she will attempt to breathe on her own for the first time in 11 days. Its a BIG step toward getting her home. Then the goal will be to get her breathing without the support of any oxygen, but we will tackle that another day.
On another note, Dave is running a marathon of his own this morning. He has been on the phone for a very long time trying to figure out how to fly here next weekend, land, fly me home for Allie's birthday, then get my return flight to land here in Omaha before his leaves to take him back home to the kids. Lots and lots of juggling looking for flights that will work and fares that we can afford. All of this being planned as long as Ashley Kate has a good week and is stable enough for me to feel safe leaving her. Oh, how I hope these things will fall into place for Allie's sake! She and I worked for weeks on the details of this very special birthday. We wanted it to be amazing since I missed it last year. We have had so much fun counting down the days. She is growing up so fast and although I am sad to see that she is not really a little girl anymore I am so very proud to watch her as she becomes a young lady. It truly has been planned to be a magical birthday celebration.
I had to giggle at her requests when we asked her what she would like to receive for her birthday. In one breath she convinced me that she was grown up now and that she needed more" grown up" bedding for her room. With much sadness in my heart I allowed her to choose a more grown up style for her room. Next she asked for a chandelier to hang over her bed because she is SO grown up now. We found the sweetest chandelier that will give just the right amount of light for her to read by at night. In her next breath what she requested caused a smile to spread so wide across my heart that I couldn't help but giggle. Even though she has convinced us that she is "grown" she still thought she needed a new doll. Such a sweet combination for my heart to hold on to. SO grown up, but yet still young enough to long for a doll. I love this "little" girl and missing out on this 10th birthday would break both of our hearts.
We will be sure and let you all know how Ash does and if she is breathing on her own by this afternoon. Her daddy and I are cheering for her to cross that finish line and receive the prize. I sure hope she does. Trish
posted by Ashley @ 10:35 AM
38 Comments:
How many more birthdays will you miss ....... I feel so bad for your other children.
Praying for all to go well and for the plans to fall into place for Allies birthday. Especially for Ashley to continue healing and be able to go home soon.
Laurie in Ca.
Go Ash Go! Go Ash Go! She is the toughest little pickle I have ever seen!!!
I second Wendy! Go Ashley!!!!
And I hope all works out for you to be with Allie for her birthday. How exciting for her that she gets big girl bedding and a chandalier!!! Praying for you guys!!!
Trish,
For those parents who have never had to even imagine the choices we as parents with a chronically ill child face, I say..God Bless You, I hope you know how lucky and blessed you are.
For those of us who do understand the difficult choices you are facing, I say....
You are doing an amazing job!
Keep up the good work, and continue to have faith, be strong and follow your heart.
I hope you are able to get home for Allie's party. However if you can't, I know you will make sure it is still a day she will never forget, that's just the kind of mom you are.
Blessings,
Tammy
Go Ashley...Thank you Father God for your continued blessings and everyone's huge faith, we will all have the faith that Ashley will be off the vent today (according to your will).
I am praying that the marathon finishes well! Also praying for the details to work out for you to be home for Allie's b-day! I look forward to good news this afternoon.!
Love,
Angela
Praying you are all winners today in everything that needs to be done.
Still praying here and hoping that Ashley will be able to get off the vent. I will also pray that next weekend turns out okay and is as magical as your sweet daughter wants it to be. God Bless. Leigh Ann
GO ASHLEY GO!!! Cheering from Oklahoma too! lol. Most of all we are praying! Praying for Our Good Lord to help little Ashley win this marathon/sprint the doc's seem to think she should race in! ;o) I pray she comes out in FIRST PLACE!
That is the sweetest request for a birthday present! Made me smile too! I really don't think our children ever grow up completely!! They may leave their toys behind but in our hearts they will always be our babies. :o)))
I am praying for Dave to work this flight arrangement out for you all. I know if anyone can do it Dave can! ;o)
I have a question for you Trish. I hope that it is not inappropriate. I was wondering if Ashley Kate's sickness will subside somewhat the older she gets? Have the doctors said anything about this? I understand that she is a transplant baby and will always need medication, but what about the other problems she has? I hope you don't mind me asking this.
I have a niece who has battled encephalitis among many other things since birth. It seems that her "issues" have subsided somewhat since she is older now, although she will never be able to walk or talk as she is missing part of her brain. I know that they are not the same as Ashley's....
May God Bless you all! Always thinking of you and praying for you all!
~Okla
I am so glad to hear that the tube may come up today. After reading your last post I was praying for the dr.s' and nurses' wisdom. I can't wait to check back later for an update.
Cheering Ashely on from Longview! We know you can do it Ash, if anyone can, you can. Praying it goes well and that you can find the flights you want.
Hi Trish - I am so glad that things seem to be going better for Ashley. We are still lifting her up in prayer...
I cannot wait to hear all about Allie's b-day party....I have no doubt that God will work everything out and it will be wonderful....
God has blessed you with a wonderful family and two loving children who understand their sister's struggles and want the best for her...
In Christ-
Amy and Kyle
Go Ashley go! :) We are cheering and praying here in SC!!!
That strong, determined spirit of Ashley's sure is a blessing when enduring such challenges as today's marathon sprint. Thank you Lord for way you have created her.
Praying for all the plans to fall into place just right for Allie's birthday. Let me know if I can do anything - a ride to or from the airport, etc. Lou Ann
To "anonymous," who wrote the first comment above...
Don't you hear the heartache in Trish's voice that she can't be home in Texas planning Allie's party? I am trying to figure out why you would have posted a comment like that when it's obvious how hard this is for her to be away. And don't feel bad for her other children, not even for a second. Through Dave & Trish's incredible love for their children, their children get a glimpse of their Heavenly Father's love. Blake & Allie are learning to make the most of every moment together as a family, and are learning through their parents how to really live, and really love. They are learning that life's circumstances sometime bring hard times, but that Jesus is with them every step of the way.
So anonymous, don't feel bad for Blake, Allie, & Ashley. They are so blessed to have parents who are helping them learn how to put their feet on a pathway that leads to God.
I think the real troopers in all of this are Allison and Blake who essentially haven't had a mother available for them in almost three years. They are very special children and should be recognized as such.
"I think the real troopers in all of this are Allison and Blake who essentially haven't had a mother available for them in almost three years. They are very special children and should be recognized as such."
I personally think that this comment is highly unecesary. Do you, anonymous, honestly think that this family wants their little girl and sister to be sick? Do you think they like spending time apart from each other? Do you think that their mother wouldn't rather be at home with her family as a whole, rather than in seperate places in the country? TO me, it sounds like you do not have children, and could never fathom the sacrifices you sometimes have to make for them. You are right in one aspect, that these children are special. All of them. Can't you hear the pain and sadness in the writing that this mother would much rather have all three of her kids together at her home to celebrate this special birthday? Instead of posting anonymously such hurtful things, why don't you use your real name, and write encouragement to this woman, who has so bravely put her story out there for others to read.
I can only hope that you, anonymous, never have to deal with heartbreak in regards to your kids, and that no one leaves mean and hurtful comments for you to read.
This afternoon, I'm praying for y'all :o) from sunny (although still a LITTLE chilly!) California (I'm actually sitting outside!!)
I see you already have an offer to help with some of the traveling "logistics" for this weekend, but I should be available to help as well :o)
Know that those who truly know you, and know your heart are praying extra hard for you as you are forced to "sift through" some not very kind comments. I cried as soon as I read that first one...some people just don't understand, and never will...
Take care.
Amanda
Praying for you all still.
I am so sorry that during this time, someone could post something so mean.
As others have said, your children are all truely blessed to have you as parents. I have been through a lot, and know that all three of your children will be stronger, and also have a compassionate spirit toward others.
Thinking of you all,
krista
You cannot know the obstacles this family faces unless you have walked in their shoes. You should only be lifting them up in prayer. Prayer for ultimate healing, prayer for wisdom, and prayer for strength. I have found my way here through Especially Heather, and only then about 2 weeks ago. Your story is an encouragement to multitudes. Continuing to pray from Montana..
When I wrote that comment I was not intending to be hurtful....I just made an honest statement. I am also a Christian and believe that Our Heavenly Father is in control of the whole situation. All Christians do not see things the same but it doesn't make us any less of a Christian. I spent a lot of time reading about Ashley and how she has been sick since birth. My concern is how much pain will she be expected to endure? How many times will she be sent to surgery? It's very apparent how much her family loves her.....how could you not love such a sweet child. I was never questioning her mothers love for her the only question I have is how much will be enough? Is all of the pain that she must endure what God really wants for her or is man(medicine)just getting in the way?
My mother sent a prayer request to me, today, that she received from someone else. That prayer request was for your sweet little Ashley, with the link to your site.
I've been browsing through, looking at pictures, reading, and falling in love with your little darling and all of you.
If I'm reading everything correctly, you and your family adopted Ashley, in spite of her health problems, and have completely made her your own. I have to say I think you're truly amazing, and I'm sure God will bless you abundantly. I know I pray that for you.
I've recently started a blog, and am going to be posting prayer requests and praise reports, and allowing others to post their requests and reports in comments. I'm going to be doing up a post with a link to Ashley's site soon, and wanted to let you know, so you can check it out if you'd like.
Hugs & Blessings!
Bambi
Praying that the sprint trial goes well and the tube will be removed. I will also be praying that all the flight details will work out so that you will be able to get home for the very special birthday party!
Go Ashley, go!!!!
xxxooogretchen
I loved hearing about Allie's birthday. How precious. I pray you'll be able to be there for it. But if not, she knows how much you love her, and she loves Ashley! She will never be a self-centered child, growing up in your loving home. Praise God for that! Hang in there and don't let the critics get you down.
So many feel so much passion about this situation. I will say that Trish and Dave have made themselves open for those of us that choose to join on their journey. It is OK to disagree just don't bother logging in. To be honest at that point it is no longer your business. They have become our family. Please do not do this to our family. I think if you are so bored in life that you have to add negativity to an already difficult situation you are pathetic. Please just find a blog that you agree 100% with. If you can't write your own. Then sit back and let others criticize you.
we are STILL praying for you in central IL. It is obvious to all of us that you are surrendered to God both with Ashley and with your children at home. Your faith is amazing and God has and will continue to hold Ashley's hand as she goes through this sprint and on to the next. One thing for sure is that your children at home are well cared for and know what real love is. They have been shown how to love like God loves..and that is what we are cammanded as Christians. To love each other as Christ has loved us, laying down His life for us. I would guess we all fall short of that, but we keep trying and we keep on praying that God will surround your hearts with wisdom and peace. (and He delights to bring us what brings us joy!)..keep us posted on Allie's party!
I am sorry if "Anonymous" feels villified by us commentors, when maybe she was trying to be sincere. Maybe she is hurting for Ashley and doesn't quite come across the way she intends. I'm sure at times you and Dave feel bad for your other children, too. But you have (repeatedly) made the right choice, and without hesitation. Your children are learning such love from you. And they are learning, even you never verbalize it, that if one of them were to become sick and require even a year of your time, far away from home and others, you'd be there for that child in a heartbeat. No questions asked. As another commentor observed, that is our Lord's love you are demonstrating. The Good Shepherd Who left the other 99 to draw the little sheep back into the flock, whatever it took.
We love you and are praying for all of your precious lambs, the ones still in the home fold, and the little one who has, without trying to, gotten out on a cliff and needs help. And when she's back in the fold, all can rejoice and give thanks to the Perfect Shepherd who teaches us and cares for us each individually and without reservation.
Anonymous, you are a coward and worse, a sh^%. Feel bad for your own kids. I do, because you are not a nice person. We never asked for the pain of loving, desperately, an unwell child. They are poked and prodded, on top of not feeling well, on a daily basis. Their days are spent cooped in a hospital in which they are not in control, and mommy and daddy have to bite past tears to say things like, "I know it hurts but the doctors need the blood to helpyou get better." Or, "You have to walk even though you are carrying 15 extra pounds of water because this is the only way to get rid of it." I am sorry to use Trish's blog to call you out, but you are a crap. You are a crap. You are a crap. I am trying to sign off, but I will not be a coward. My name is Micki, and I am Nick's mom. Nick died after nearly 8 years of medical care. You cannot criticize Trish and family without offending us all. I will say to you what I say to my children, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
Anonymous, If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. You have no right to question anything this family has gone through until you've walked a mile in their shoes. As fellow Christians we should lifting each other in our times of need and struggles, not tearing each other down.
Trish & Dave, We are praying for you precious family in the Chicagoland area. Stay strong! We are here to hold up your arms when you aren't able.
To anonymous.
You stated... "I was never questioning her mothers love for her the only question I have is how much will be enough? Is all of the pain that she must endure what God really wants for her or is man(medicine)just getting in the way?"
My question to you would be if you are not questioning a mothers love are you then questioning Gods plan? The almighty has the power to take Ashely whenever he wants reqardless of any steps that "man" takes. In his wisdom he has choosen to continue to spare her life and allow Trish and Dave to share her amazing story with us. I for one have been touched so many times by this little ones fight. God uses many ways to touch us all and I have been touched by Ash. I say a prayer every time I check her blog and that is probably more prayers than I have said in a long, long time. God is using Ash and I thank him everyday for giving her another.
Becky in North Carolina
PS - I tried to sign in but couldn't but I did sign my name.
I am not sure who anonymous is...but...
I have never walked a mile in the Adams shoes but my heart sure walks with them! Ashley, Allie and Blake have a place in my heart as do you and Dave, Trish! You guys are amazing parents and I hope and pray my children feel the love I give them the way your children feel your love. You show it in so many ways and you are truly inspirational. I pray your heart be filled tonight with the Holy Spirit and can forget how humans say things they shouldn't...Love, Tamara in TN.
I think as admirable as it is to defend those comments it is very unnecessary. Trish is very aware that Ashley's struggles serve a purpose. One we may never know or understand. But I do not believe that one of them would be to incite Christians to attack each other.
This family can only do the best they can with God's guidance. They are not perfect, none of us are. I have no doubt that if they could find a way to reconcile everyones needs they would do it, but that is not God's will at this time.
All of this seems to take so much time away from praying for Ashley & family! One comment has received more attention than some of Trish's posts. Is it really worth the time and effort? Although there are some good comments too.
Still praying.....
anonymous is someone who is a coward, She could NEVER EVER walk where you are and have been..
I have been where you are Trish, My oldest son was given the last rites at 9 months old! He is FINE now and to this day , doctors can't explain why! My nephew was born with his heart valves Backwards.. He is 8 yrs. old now. I sat for HOURS in intensive care nursery.. My sweet little niece was born needing a liver transplant or she would not have lived to see her first birthday, her liver transplant came on Easter Sunday, almost 5 years ago now!! I am NOT a Cristian however Miricals happen every minute of every day!
Every day brings a New beginning, a re birth of strength, and hope. Do not in any way feel Sorry for the other children! Mommy is right where she needs to be and if it were one of the other children she would be there as well!
How dare you Judge anyone for being with their sick child.... Where would you be? Do you have children?
Your God lead's you on a path, and right now Trish's Path is with Ashley...
Trish and Dave, I still have candles lit, sending Prayers and healing energy's to all of you especially Ashley. And I am sending out a special prayer to anonymous , that she may find some compassion and understanding from her God..and may she NEVER have to go through anything like this....
Brightest Blessings to ALL...
I check on you every day... I was so pleased to see your supporters acting like "mama bears" defending you against anonymous. We all care about you and Ashley...
I hope you can let the less kind comments roll off your back and know that you are doing all you can to love your children.
I read about Ahsley but never post. I have prayed for her, though. Still, I feel bad for her family too -- and yet, she is teaching her other children a valuable lesson in the process. Love has no end. They love Ashley, a child they didn't even give birth to, as Christ loved us. Her children are not neglected. They are taking turn with a father and a mother who appear to love them very much. I admire Trish's faith, although I don't entirely understand it. If Ashley were my child, I would no doubt be fighting for his life as hard as Trish is fighting for Ashley's. In the end, Trish's children have learned that love has no bounds. To me, it would be more detrimental for her other 2 children for Trish and her husband to give up and leave Ashley on her own. Can you even imagine how blessed this child is to have two people love her so much?
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