Dad's Here

The first image of my morning. Nothing blesses my heart more than to see my husband love on our children. Dave needed to be close to Ash. He needed to see her. He is right where he wants to be. Next to the gherkin.



Yeah! Daddy's are good for building Amtrykes. We have been waiting all week for him to get here so she could get back on her bike. It took minutes what would have taken me months if not years. Now if we could find a crescent wrench in this hospital the bike would be good to go.



Ash sat up, had her hair washed and dried, and watched her daddy build her bike. There were moments that were tough, but she has to adjust to the pain and start getting her strength back if we are gonna win this fight. She was out of bed for an entire HOUR! I'm so proud of her. She never ceases to amaze me.

They are addressing pain management issues. Trying to get her to a comfortable place so that she might find relief. Its a nasty game, with lots of side effects, but one that must be played. Allowing her to suffer is not an option. As badly as I want her awake and coherent and communicating I can't watch her miserable 24hours a day. Lots of things being considered. For now the amounts and length of time between doses is being tweaked. She remains on dilloted and lortab.

Things are better with Dave here. We have found hope. We are concentrating on the 50% chance of regrowth and recovery of her bowel. We haven't seen any signs of graft survival yet, but we aren't giving up. Today is a day for a miracle.

I asked today's surgeon if he were praying for our daughter too and he turned back looked us in the eyes and said "every night". My heart was more than blessed. I think our baby can do this. Its not going to be easy. Its not. Its going to be the hardest thing she's ever done. Much harder than anything I've ever been through. Still she can win her life back. She can. She has too.

We discussed lots of options. Lots of things, scenarios, and outcomes. At this time no one knows how this plays out. I take that back. God has written the end to her story, He just hasn't told us yet. Again, Ashley's best shot at living and growing up will be for this bowel to heal. Outside of that our lives and hers will drastically be changed.

For today we are grateful. Even through the pain, the fear, and all the tears our tiny girl is here. Her eyes are open and she is living life to the best of her ability in her current circumstance. Hug your babies today, hold your children close, take the time to visit with them and get into their worlds. All the grass cutting, garage cleaning, errand running, and paper work CAN WAIT. It just can.

Love you all so very much for loving our daughter, for praying for her, for following her story, and walking this journey along side of us. Thank you. A million times thank you.