Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I HUGGED AN AMAZING MOM

This is one of those days that changed me. I had no idea when I got up today that I would go to bed with a new appreciation of all that we take for granted.  Long before I blogged, I read blogs.  One that I have read for years and many times asked you to stop by and PRAY, is Ashley's Story. Maybe you have seen her facebook page.  Her blog page begins with the words, She will leave fingerprints all over your heart and she has.  She is a little girl that I fell in love with through the pages on my computer screen. Her Mom is a lady that I had been in awe of.  Period...How could one person do all she did? Go days with no sleep and when she did it was in a chair, fight battle after battle, rebound again and again from setback after setback and bad news, put her heart into words and write Ashley's story, and never seem to lose heart or hope.  She is a wife, a mom to three, an advocate for her little angel, a daughter, a sister, a friend, but what I saw in her face today was just a Mom that wanted more than anything for her baby to live.  The last few months have been really rough for Ashley. After three plus years, she had organ rejection.  The last few months have been horrible to put it mildly.  She has been back in Omaha,Ne at the transplant center and ultimately had to have the organ removed a few weeks ago.. (you can read her story)
Nothing has gone right and with every procedure there have been multiple complications.  I will just leave it at that.  Ashley is very critical.  Over the weekend I realized that they had air transported her back to a hospital in my city.  Her family lives in a town about an hour away. 
Through the years I have sent Trish cards (how easy), prayed and asked others to pray, but we had never even talked.  On Saturday I called the hospital and had no idea if I would be able to get thru to her.  I did...and just told her that I wanted to serve her any way I could..if it was nothing more than food or a diet coke.  Ashley's alarms began to go off and we had to hang up.  Let me interject, I am not a hospital person....it just creeps me out, the smell when I walk in actually makes me sick...any hospital, then walking the halls and seeing people with their doors open and alone breaks my heart.  I have spent a lot of time with family members in the hospital, so it's not like I cannot do it, I just normally choose not to.  And anytime I have been in the hospital, all I could think about was getting out.  I have a staph phobia and it has been rampant in hospitals here.  I just don't want you to think I am a regular hospital visitor.  BUT today, I knew I had to go. Sometimes you JUST KNOW that you are supposed to do something.  I stopped by a local bakery and picked up some yummy treats..and packaged a little gift box, which was such a little thing...Because of my business I live in a store.  I wanted to think of something that would really meet a need but I had no clue.  I am actually embarrassed that I took something so trivial.  I had no idea that I would actually get to see Ashley but I made my way up to the PICU and ask if they could give something to Trish.  When they said I could go in the room, I almost panicked.  What if I could not stop crying?  They had me gown up, another panic, what if I had a hot flash?  The moment I saw Trish I felt like I had known her all my life.  I walked in while there were some problems and several people working on her...She was as beautiful, vent and all, as all her pictures on the blog. Trish was being the Mom I had always envisioned that she was, speaking so lovingly to Ashley, telling her how brave she was, constantly  checking her, watching the monitors, visiting with me...being kind to all those that were taking care of her..I thought of all the little things I whine and complain about, how little things can upset me, how I have 4 healthy little's and a healthy family.  How we come and go, plan trips, watch too much TV, sleep in great beds with great sheets every night, and many days our biggest decision  is where we will go to eat.  God, help me NEVER
again take normal ordinary days for granted.
I met a real HERO today.  A MOM holding on to hope when things look really bad.  A MOM thankful for a couch to sleep on as she has only had a chair in the other hospital for weeks.  A Mom that has watched her little love go into the OR so many times in the last few weeks, that I have lost count.  A Mom that has had to sign consent forms that I am not sure I could sign. A MOM so concerned about how this is affecting her other two children. I saw courage in action and transparency in a new friend that has lots of questions and few answers.  We visited for several hours, shared stories, shared our faith and when I left I knew I did not go to the hospital today for Trish, but I went for me.  I walked out of that hospital, got in my car and asked God to put the picture of that hospital room in my face every time I complained about anything or took one blessing for granted.  I ask him to change me...So thank you Trish for letting me see your life, see your little girl (there are even bigger fingerprints on my heart tonight) thank you for sharing your heart and your hurt.  I hope in the days to come I can be God's hand extended to you.  I don't have any answers and all the same questions you do, so you will never hear any neatly packaged spiritual words from me. 
As you read this post, say a special prayer for Ashley and her amazing MOM.

42 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm praying! I've been touched as you have by your visit with Ashley and Trish. How miraculous that you were able to spend the time reaching out yet, they also reached out and touched you too. I will keep praying for precious Ashley.

I♥thesecrazykids said...

Ashley, Trish, and the rest of the family are in my prayers! I would love to send cards or do anything I can to help. I'd love if you could email me with an address that they're having cards sent to. My email is bcgood83@yahoo.com.

Nancy's Notes said...

What a touching story, I will keep precious Ashley, Trish and their family in my prayers.

Nancy

Kathleen said...

What an inspiring story. I wonder how many like-stories are playing out beneath my nose, yet un-noticed?

God bless mothers like Ashley's. They're a rare breed that inspire the rest of us.

Kathleen

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

That was beautiful, I will pray for them. You are a wonderful friend to go visit.
~Michelle

Justabeachkat said...

What a beautifully written from the heart post Teresa! My heart ached as I read about this sweet child and her amazing Mom. I will stop now and pray for them both and all who love them.

Hugs,
Kat

Lynn said...

All I could think about as I read your post was: I AM JEALOUS! That may sound crazy, but I have followed little Ashley's story for a long time and would LOVE the opportunity to meet her and her family. My husband works in Metairie, LA and I have even contemplated driving to Shreveport for that purpose. I am glad YOU got to meet her! Thank you for sharing the experience with the rest of us who have come to love this precious little girl. I am not certain if Trish really understands just how many lives she has touched through her story. I know she has certainly impacted mine! Lynn

Amber Dawn said...

Wow...that story broke my heart. You are so right. Each moment of life is such a blessing and I am so glad God not only touched their family by your visit but your own heart. Thank you for sharing this...

SusanD said...

My heart aches for Trish. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and their life. Will def add them to my prayers. Blessings, SusanD

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

How great it is that you got to spend some time with Trish. I've been there in that hospital searching for hope. I can tell you that your visit meant the world to her. That little Ashley is just precious. My heart and prayers are with both her and her dear mama. We truly need to count our blessings.

God bless and have a marvelous day!!!

Beth E. said...

What a touching post, Teresa! You are right. We do take our lives for granted. The past month has shown me how life can change in an instant.

I understand what you mean about hospitals. I know how exhausting it was to stay with my brother for three weeks, while he was in ICU. I can't imagine what precious little Ashley, Trish and the rest of the family have endured.

I will be praying for this precious family. Trish is an amazing mom!

billypandnikkysmom said...

I have been following Her story for a little while now...I know that it took courage for you to go there & know that Trish will always remember what you did. No matter how small or trivial you think it, you took time out of your day to make someone elses day better! My prayers goout to Ashley & Trish and their family....Thank you for sharing your day with us! God Bless....

Anonymous said...

Oh, my! Your post has certainly touched me! I'm praying for this sweet little one and her brave mother! Oh, you're so right about how we take so much in our lives for granted!
Bless you, Teresa, for sharing a little part of their story with us.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Holly said...

Oh I have been praying and will continue...praying for will's family, too.

Thank you for being a light and having such a huge heart to pray, friend. you make a difference in this world!!

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Teresa, What a touching story...I will pray for Ashley. What a beautiful little girl. I read some of her posts and I'm just heartbroken. What a blessing to get to meet her mom...what a wonderful mother...

Thanks for checking out my table. No, I'm definitly not contemporary. I know it's really in right now, but I gravitate towards curvy things, not straight lines. lol...Are you going to market in Sept? I am. I'm hoping to get ideas and find some samples I can take with me. I might order a few Christmas things, if there is anything left.

So you might go see the mouse soon? How fun!

Larri said...

What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing. Buzzing By...Happy Thursday! :o) Larri at Seams Inspired

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Wow you did meet an hero today, for sure!
kim

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Teresa, I definitely will pray for little Ashley and her amazing Mom... God does give us strength and courage during the tough times. That amazing Mom is showing us (the weak) how God is working in her life--to help her through all of this. Life can be SO hard---but we must hang onto our faith during times like this.

YOU have had your share of hard times --around you this year. Seems like there is hurt all around you these days. Glad your cute little spark of joy can be there for others. God Bless YOU too.

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I will keep Ashley and her Mom in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda... said...

WOW. I came here to post what follows at the end but got so involved in reading your story and the other comments that I am just about speechless. Bless you for what you are doing and my prayers are with Ashley and her mom. I will continue to follow up with you. Thanks for this endearing post.
===================================

Hi! I am a new blogger following you from Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop and hope you will follow me back. I've enjoyed browsing your site. Have a great day.

http://Lindalovesblog.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I'll be writing a special prayer in my prayer journal today. I've read Ashley's page before and it breaks my heart for their family. You are an amazing woman for going out of your way to show that mother that strangers really do care and are praying for them. Thanks for sharing this. I've had a bad couple of nights with my little one (she's one). She's not sleeping well, whiney, etc. and I have been so frustrated and sleep deprived which causes for lousy days for all of us. My baby is happy and healthy though. I need to appreciate that. Thanks again.

Katie Krinkleberry :) said...

Teresa, your posts are so beautiful! I will absolutely pray for Ashely. You are a lovely writer, and I am thankful for you and your posts.
God bless you my sister in Christ!!
-Katie

Anonymous said...

Hey there,

I'm your newest follower from Buzz on by Thursday. What a touching story, I will keep Ashley and her mom in my prayers. Please come by anytime you get a moment for a visit.

Thanks,

Marie
The Things We Find Inside

Faythe said...

What a wonderful story to share. You are a very thoughtful person Teresa, if anyone does not know by now. A gift yourself! I am sending my prayers and positive thoughts for Ashely & her family. My God guide them and give them the strength they need each day.
*healing hugs* Faythe @GMT

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm so glad you did. I needed this reminder today! I will be following you now and will be checking out Ashley's story.

So humbling to think of what we needlessly worry about being so trivial in comparison to what some others suffer through every day without complaint.

The Old Parsonage said...

Teresa I can hardly see to type - what a story of courage and hope.

I hold you all in my prayers!
Leann

Joan Davis (Jo) said...

I have no words...just a prayer lifted up for Ashley and her mom.

Thank you for sharing.

Living for Him, Joan

Weezer said...

They have gone into my prayer box. I pray that there is nothing but peace in the days ahead for both of them, for the family, in whatever form God sees it to be. Oh, how seeing that little thing laying in that bed brought me back to my days at the Children's Hospital. How I love those kids!
And how I love the hospital environment. That's where I'm meant to be and where I felt my ministry was.
You are a brave lady to step out of your comfort zone to touch the hearts of Trish and Ashley.
I stopped by to say I was glad I had seen you at Java's Follow Friday and then found this.
Blessings, dear friend. You've experienced much sadness in recent weeks.
Weezer

Purple Cow said...

Inspirational story. Sending Ashley lots of love.

I found you from Java's blog hop. Glad I did. You seem like a really nice person.

Have a good weekend.

http://australianinathens.blogspot.com

Ria @ Life as a Wife! said...

What a sweet, sweet post! Thanks for linking up @ Life as a Wife and Fabulous Fridays. What a lovely blog you have :) Just beautiful! Enjoy your weekend!

Vicki said...

I've been following Ashley's story for a few months now ever since I came across the link on another blog (maybe yours). I am so amazed at her mom and the faith she displays in every single post, especially when circumstances are at their worst. I am so thrilled you got to meet her and the two of you were able to minister to each other. Isn't God awesome? Thanks for listening to His nudge that you visit the hospital, and for sharing the story with us.

Kim said...

Oh, my goodness. I am so touched and on the verge of tears. What a moving post. I will pray for this family.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Keeping her and her family in my prayers.

Suzanne said...

I followed Ashley's journey earlier this summer and then must have let my own trivial issues get in the way.
Thank you for this beautiful post about a beautiful family. I too will take away from this that life is so precious...all life, and that no matter how bad it sometimes seems, there is someone hurting more and would gladly trade problems with you.

This has been such a blessing to me today, I am going to print it out to remind me every day!

Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement to me, also. They mean the world!

Becca Ross said...

I will. Thanks for linking up.

Becca

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

This is a sad situation. Many are praying for this child and her family. Having worked in hospitals for many years, they do not really bother me...as long as I can be of some use. The joy of seeing someone you love appear in the doorway at visiting time..would be reason enough to make one go..
You sound like the most caring of people.
Mona

Karen said...

Oh, my...I have no words to add except thanks for introducing me to this hero and her little one...they will be in my prayers...

Birdie Pearl said...

Thank you for opening my heart to this precious girl and he rcourageous mother. I know your visit was a blessing to them.

Julie H said...

Oh my goodness! I am just doing some blog hopping and I'm speechless.

1 Funky Woman said...

This has brought tears to my eyes! I am so in awe of you that you went in despite all your fears. For you were being called and it turns out you both helped each other! This is definitely food for thought and not taking things for granted, thank you!

I just wanted you to know that I am now giving everyone 5 possible chances to win on my giveaway! Check out my blog today!

Megan

Unknown said...

Love your blog! Following you from Follow Friday.....would love to have you follow back!
http://funfritzfamily.blogspot.com

SM said...

I am praying for this little precious girl.

Following via blog hop! Check out my kid-friendly giveaways.

Nice to meet you and have a nice day!