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Home The accident Forever ours, forever His

Forever ours, forever His

A couple weeks ago Pat and I were interviewed for an article in Rexburg Standard Journal. It was published in the LDS living insert that comes in the paper once a month. We loved the layout with different pictures of Pres and thought it was very well written. They retold our story and taught how powerful a blog can be, we are still in awe to see how far the blog really did travel. If you want to take a look at the article click here They told me tomorrow they'll have a photo gallery up of the pictures they used.

And thank you for the hundreds of Birthday wishes today on my phone and Facebook. I had a wonderful day, mainly because Pat spoiled me. I'd post it now, but have procrastinated finishing my homework long enough :)
// Labels: The accident
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35 comments:

  1. StacyOctober 13, 2010 at 11:07 PM

    Beautiful article!! I'm glad you had such a wonderful birthday, you deserve it!!

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  2. Lindsey R.October 13, 2010 at 11:08 PM

    The article was really good. I had no idea that your blog had spread so far; that's amazing that it is reaching out to so many people. It is truly inspiring to hear stories of people who have been baptized or are investigating the church after reading your blog. Clearly the same spirit that inspires what is written is inspiring those that read it. You are an amazing family!!!

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  3. Lindsey R.October 13, 2010 at 11:10 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

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  4. AnonymousOctober 13, 2010 at 11:19 PM

    You guys have inspired many, in so many different ways. Preslee knew exactly what her purpose was here on this earth. You're one amazing family. Thank you for sharing your lives and your beautiful daughter with all of us.
    Happy Birthday Sidd! You keep me going girl! I admire you so much. I think you are truly the most amazing mother, friend, sister and daughter! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives! Love ya!!

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  5. AnonymousOctober 13, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    i just read your post and the article that was written... i am amazed every time i log onto your blog at the courage and strength that you and pat have. i will never be able to express to you how greatful i am to you for sharing this with the world. you have taught me so much and you have brought the gospel back into my life and i just cannot believe how blessed i am. and it is all because of you and pat and sweet little preslee. thank you so much.
    all my love and prayers
    Connie Hobbs

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  6. GarnerfamOctober 14, 2010 at 12:12 AM

    Hello. Like most people on here, you don't know me. I have been following your blog since the beggining of August. I have read almost all of it and still read every single one you post. I think you both are just fascinating! And such examples of how to live our lives. You inspire me every day. I literally can't wait until your next post is updated.
    Back in August you stated two things you would have done differently. Video and journal. I take pictures all the time! I love pictures of my children. But since I read that, I now record them and I started a blog!! I love it. It is the journal of our little ones lives! It's exciting for me. Thank you! I don't think I would have done that without you. Thank you for being who you are!! And being such an example to me and the world. I hope one day I will get the chance to meet Preslee!
    Happy Birthday!
    Kristine :)

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  7. AmishkaOctober 14, 2010 at 12:34 AM

    I'm glad you had a Happy Birthday and I read the article it was beautifully written..

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  8. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 1:09 AM

    Thank you for posting this. I can't wait to see the wonderful pictures that are posted of Preslee. Happy birthday, keep on keeping on....I know how hard those dark days can be, however I know and can testify that Preslee was promised that You and Pat would be ok, and could deal with her leaving so soon, so her sweet body left in peace with this assurance.

    You may not ever know why it had to be so soon, but she did, what a great and valiant spirit she is.

    If you knew of the days and nights I have thought about her and you both and wonder why I can't get my life to be like the examples of all 3 of you. I believe I am scared to face my faults, my sins, but Preslee was fearless, so if she can be, then why can't I?? I wish I had that answer, but unfortunately I don't, and I don't know when I ever will.

    Keep being examples, and when you feel sad, lonely, aching for her, know that Preslee has brought an awareness to me a wake up call if you will, to help me remember the sweet words of a hymn I love "I am a Child of God"

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  9. AudraOctober 14, 2010 at 7:56 AM

    What a wonderful article - thank you for sharing your family on this blog. Your faith continues to touch my heart.

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  10. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 8:04 AM

    I would like to say thank you and let you know the article from LDS LIFE was perfect. I am very touched by the spirit that lives within you and NieNie. I believe with all my heart that the Lord is working through the both of you. He will not leave you and will give you strength when you need it most. You are bringing many many people to know Him! What a blessing.

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  11. Cassidee GarnerOctober 14, 2010 at 8:26 AM

    I got a chance to read ur story in the paper! Happy Late Birthday! Cassidee

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  12. CharOctober 14, 2010 at 8:42 AM

    Hi Ashley, thank you so much for continuing to share your story. You have inspired me to be a better person, mother and wife. Thank you so much for your words of strength and true emotion. I am so extremely sorry for your loss. Sending comforting thoughts your way. Warmest regards.

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  13. BrookeOctober 14, 2010 at 8:48 AM

    What an amazing article! I just shared it on facebook since I know many others would enjoy reading it and learning about your blog. I so look forward to each update. I am one of the "strangers" that so appreciates you sharing your thoughts and feelings and testimony with us. Although I didn't learn of your blog until after Preslee went to be with Jesus again, I have greatly benefited from reading it. I will continue to tell as many people as I can about your blog. You are doing such a wonderful thing. Thank you so much for that. I am not very good at expressing things but I just want you to know how much this blog means to me and although I don't know you and your family, I think of you often.

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  14. VanessaOctober 14, 2010 at 8:59 AM

    Beautiful article!

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  15. bryan and meganOctober 14, 2010 at 9:36 AM

    What an amazing article. Your strenght and courage continue to amaze me!! I look forward to reading updates on your blog. I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, for being and example to me, and to so many other people. I stive daily to be a better person, wife, and mother.

    Love,
    Megan

    P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :)

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  16. SummerOctober 14, 2010 at 9:44 AM

    I am constantly in awe of your strenght. I'm glad you had a great day!

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  17. The SullengersOctober 14, 2010 at 10:09 AM

    What a nice article - my dad is sending it to us in the mail, so it will be nice to have a copy! Can't wait to hear about your birthday!

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  18. JennaOctober 14, 2010 at 10:51 AM

    Chase and I just read the article, it's really beautiful. You two have been an amazing example to us. We love you guys!

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  19. RosalieOctober 14, 2010 at 11:29 AM

    What a beautiful article! Very well written for sure! I hope you had a GREAT birthday! Be safe!

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  20. staceyOctober 14, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    i read your story today and as i was reading i was sobbing, my heart aches for you for the loss of your little girl! I also have an 18 month old daughter who is my entire world and i can not imagine my life without her in it! Children are the most precious gifts someone can have and i am truly so sorry that your beautiful little Preslee passed away! YOu and your husband will be in my thoughts and prayers as you try to mend your broken hearts!

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  21. Ryan and GeAnnaOctober 14, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    What a beautifully written article. Thank you so much for sharing your experinces with the world. I love to read your blog. It has really made me try to be a better mother to my son. I hold him a little tighter every night and try to cherish every moment I have with him.

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  22. KatherineOctober 14, 2010 at 12:21 PM

    I'm a high school friend of Lindsey Marlor. I found your blog a few days after the accident from seeing it on Lindsey's blog. I've been following you ever since. I'm truly and utterly amazed at your incredible spirit! It's amazing! I have a 3 year old daughter and 18 month old son and my heart breaks for you and your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you on a daily basis. But I also want to thank you... after reading your post and video about the hurried child you did for school, I definitely have changed my to do list every day, involving much more play time with my kids. Thank you for reminding me how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.

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  23. Our FamilyOctober 14, 2010 at 1:19 PM

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY ASHLEY..and that article was priceless and perfect. Hang in there! you are always in our thoughts and prayers. katie

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  24. The Leeds FamilyOctober 14, 2010 at 2:16 PM

    Once again, I am in tears as I have just read your post and the article. What a beautiful tribute to you, your husband and sweet Preslee. I check your blog every few days to see how you are doing, to seek inspiration and to feel your strength and faith. Back in July after the funeral you posted about the mothers who are overwhelmed at the end of the day and ready for the kids to get into bed to be grateful for them. I really think about this EVERYDAY!! When I feel my patience wearing thin, I think back to this post and it instantly snaps me out of it and to cherish my 3 little girls. I've said it before, but Preslee and your family has rebuilt my testimony and has helped me to live each day to the fullest and to realize what "my work" is. Thank you so much. My life has been forever changed. Thank you Preslee...and Sullengers!! :)

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  25. Tiffany AnnOctober 14, 2010 at 2:17 PM

    I found your blog through a friend of mine, I had no idea who you were, or your story, so I began to read. I want you to know I have felt the spirit so strong every time I have sat down to read your words. You are an inspiration to me and to all those around you! You are brave, and strong, and powerful, and loving, and truly amazing! Everyday I think about you...a woman I have never met who my heart aches for. I am so proud of the words you write, and your actions. You are the Supermom I hope to be. I hug my children tighter each night, and look at my world so differently since the week ago I found your blog. You have made me appreciate all I have, and made me feel so deeply for you and your family and your sweet daughter! I know you will see her again, and I hope each day is easier than the last. I want you to know that a total stranger in Utah loves you, and considers you a true hero!
    -Tiffany
    Thank you for every post!

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  26. BrianneOctober 14, 2010 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks for being so brave & faithful to share your life with us. I look forward to the day when I can thank Preslee for what she taught me as a mother. Thank you for what YOU have taught me as a patent!

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  27. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 3:23 PM

    I didn't know your blog had spread that far! I found you from my friend on facebook. She was stricken with grief for you and I could not help but read your story and cry with you. I have always been so touched by your story and still am! I too await posts from you as they always brighten my day and help me to feel the spirit. I thank you both for that. I am with Brianne, above my comment. I look forward to the day I can thank Preslee for teaching me to be a great mother to my future children, and I thank you and Pat now for teaching me to live everyday to it's fullest! I have never been one to write in my journal. But after reading your posts about what you would have done differently and hearing your words about journaling, pictures and video recording everything, I have strived ever since to write daily in my journal and take pictures of every moment.
    Keep up the amazing work. You are both so strong! I hope someday I can gain the amount of strength and knowledge that you guys have.
    Your whole family sure is special in God's eyes with all the work and trials you have been given. :) Keep your chin up, you are doing great.

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  28. ZoeyOctober 14, 2010 at 6:27 PM

    Oh, the article was perfect! It is a great reminder to write down our experiences and to share testimonies with others. Thank you for sharing!

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  29. MJOctober 14, 2010 at 10:38 PM

    Yes, that article was beautifully written. I always grab tissues when I see you have posted--you constantly are an example to me! I loved the pics they had in the article-except those ones in the hospital hit too close and I sobbed. I just love you guys and although this is HARD, you are touching soooo many people. I wish our paths didn't have to cross at PCMC, but am grateful they did. I think of you guys every single day.

    I am glad you had a great birthday--you deserve it! You are so beautiful and such a light (a YOUNG light that is!!) ;) (I am MUCH older!) Hayley

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  30. KateOctober 15, 2010 at 7:21 AM

    I've also been one of those random people following your story through your blog from NJ. I found your blog through CJane's facebook post and have been checking your blog nearly daily since. I have definately cried many, many times for you. I think your readers are all still with you because they care so much and want to see how your doing, wishing you well. Always.

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  31. TaraOctober 15, 2010 at 11:08 AM

    Happy Belated Birthday, it sounds like you had a great day. I am sure sweet little Preslee is smiling down on her amazing mother!

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  32. Pattersonfamilyof4October 16, 2010 at 10:47 AM

    I first heard about your beautiful daughter from my sister who lives in Blackfoot and today, through a friend, found your blog. You have such an amazing testimony and spirit that has touched my heart so much this morning. My heart ached when I heard the story the first time and I couldn't imagine what I would feel if I lost my child. You and your husband, no all your family, are an inspiration to be a better person. Thank you for sharing something so personal and so touching.
    Abby

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  33. GinaOctober 18, 2010 at 9:17 AM

    You have a way of simplifying the Gospel even for me, someone who was born and raised in the Church. Your spirit is so strong. It has reached me all the way to Texas. I cry every time I read your posts. Such an amazing young woman at such a young age. Yes, you are young! I can attribute sweet Preslee's amazingness to you and Pat for your awesome example.

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  34. Amber BradleyOctober 21, 2010 at 11:29 AM

    That article was beautiful! So true! I am glad you keep writing! Thanks for inspiring me!

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  35. AnonymousOctober 28, 2010 at 12:07 AM

    dear sullengers just chcking in to see how you are? `i wish you a happy birthday Ash. i hop it was blessed with peace loved ones & i agree cafe rio makes everything better. still amazed by your strength. I AM GOING TO CHECK MY KIDS SCHEDULES AND SEE HOW MANY OF US COULD COME & HELP PAY IT FORWARD 4 PRESLEE BIRTHDAY. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME FOR US. WE WILL BE IN TOUCH. HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE DURING CACHE'S VACATION FOR CHRISTMAS. LOVE U ALL WE WILL BE IN TOUCH

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Hi, we're the Sullengers! Life turned upside down for us in 2010 when we lost our daughter in an accidental drowning. Since then, we've documented our highs (life with all five of our kids) and our lows (struggles with grief) but amongst everthing we've experienced, we know as long as we hold on to one another we can get through anything that comes our way. Read More. . .

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