A few days ago my dad told me he updated their blog. I didn't check it until this morning. As I read his post I felt so grateful for my parents. They spent a lot of time with Preslee, they watched her everyday while I went to school. It's always nice to visit the cemetery and see someone has beat us out there and left some flowers-which is usually my dad. I felt my dad's post explained what Pat and I have learned since July 9th. We have realized, the more we learn, the less we know. It's amazing to see how much Pres taught not only Patrick and I, but our entire extended family. It's been over four months since I've seen her running around, and I find myself missing her more and more each day. It's definitely been the toughest month since the accident for me and Patrick, and I thank my Heavenly Father every single day that I still have Pat by my side.
I felt my dad's post was sweet and everything he writes about is so true. So I thought I'd share. Click here to read the post. Thanks Dad, I love ya.
These picture were taken about ten days before the accident, she looks so big!
Thanks for guiding me to your parents blog! And thanks for all you teach me! I love the pictures! Love ya
ReplyDeleteWow! Your dad's post almost brought me to tears. It encourages me to visit the Temple more often with my husband to do the Lords work. This gospel we have is an amazing one, isn't it? I know I will strive to do better, for Preslee and for all those standing beside her in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteYour dad's post was wonderful. He expressed himself so well and it's so true how the main goal in this life is to become like our Heavenly Father and return to be in His presence. The pictures are very cute, love you and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can see how you turned out to be the wonderful person you are. Your Dad sounds so sweet, as is your Mom, I am sure :) I was brought to tears by your Dad's words. I can feel his love for Preslee with every word! These pictures are simply adorable! You will continually be in my thoughts & prayers!
ReplyDeleteWith Love~
Shannon Mueller
That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I want to be there to see your dad give Preslee Grandpa hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am overwhelmed by the Spirit I feel every time I read your blog Ashley. I only know you through reading this blog and I am so amazed by your testimony and courage. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, you have strengthened my testimony so much and have helped me to have courage on days I am struggling.
ReplyDeleteThat was a really sweet post. Thanks for letting us read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I pray for you and Pat daily. I appreciate your transparency - it has helped me as I've encouraged friends who have lost loved ones. My heart hurts for you still, expecially when I see pictures; I can't imagine the ache you feel. May God continue to give you strength through the tough days and encourage you with little things.
ReplyDeleteAshley, you might not remember me, my sisters and I used to babysit you and your brother when you were little...
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to tell you that I can't ever get through your blog posts without bawling--you are so strong, courageous, and you, pat, and little preslee have made such a huge impact on our lives. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us and making us all want to be better people.
We love you!
Oh Ash your Dad is one of the sweetest men I know. Thanks for sharing his words. As Thanksgiving is approaching, I want you and Pat to know I am thankful for Preslee and what a good example she has been to all of us, as well as you and Pat.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well too:)
I LOVE seeing pictures of that gorgeous little girl! Keep them coming....we love to see you smiling together.
ReplyDeleteI loved your dad's testimony. Please know that you are loved by so many. I think about you and your family every single day. I can promise you that it does get better. The hard days are still hard, but they become a lot less frequent. She's close. She'll always be close to help you do hard things.
Loves,
Tiff Rich
Thanks for sharing your dad's post. It is beautiful. I love the pictures, she is such a beautiful baby. I feel like I miss her too even though I never knew her. I'm so sorry things have been so rough, you are still in my prayers, and throughout the day when I think of you I send you invisible hugs. I hope they reach you in a time of need.
ReplyDeleteLove Alaina
What a great post. You guys have touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteHi, just stopping by to let you know there is a little something-something waiting for you over at my blog today!
thank you for letting us read your Dad's post. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI think of your family several times throughout the day. My daughter is Preslees age so I often find myself in tears wondering how it is that you are surviving this trial. I wish I could offer stone kind of help or guidance to make this time easier on your family. You are an incredible person and Preslee was wise in choosing you as her mother and patrick as her father.
ReplyDeleteYour family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending comfort your way. (((hugs)))
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of respect for your dad. He is so sweet. I remember in the hospital how he always had words of comfort for us. What a great dad you have. Thanks for letting us read his post. It brought me to tears as I felt of his love for your sweet little girl. They sure had a connection didn't they? We miss that little girl so much. I can't believe how big she looks in this picture! She seriously had a growth spurt that last month. Man, I miss her so bad. We love you guys so much and miss ya! We've been thinking about you. Hope you're doing well.
Love Jamie and Linsy
I know you don't know me at all but I kind of stumbled onto your blog and it has really touched my heart. Three and a half years ago we said goodbye to our Gavin. I love your idea of compiling a book to help your future children get to know your Preslee. Earlier this year our daughter was born and I have really struggled knowing that she won't have a chance to get to know her big brother in this life. But I think I'll use your idea and compile a book about him for her. Thank you for your blog. Your family is definitely in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing person you are and what an amazing familiy you have! I wanted you to know I was deeply touched by yours and your Dad's Messages today. I've faithfully followed you blog eversince the accident. I bawled like a baby cause it hit so close to home where I have 4 little kids and the youngest is 15 1/2 mnths old. It helped remind me of what's important in life and sometimes we forget that. I've truly been blessed and grow from reading your blogs. Thanks for sharing and even though I didn't ever know you or your sweet little girl personally, I can feel the strong little spirit your little girl has ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou cross my mind all the time and I have a feeling that you always will. May Heavenly Father continue providing for you, Ashley.
ReplyDeletePreslee is loved, even by complete strangers such as myself. She is continuing to teach the true meaning of eternal love...
Big hugs to you.
I have been following your story and I just think you are incredible. Our little girl passed away last year and I remember for some reason the 4th month after was incredibly difficul, I think everything that you have gone through really sinks in once the shock of it all wears off. I know that your family and your words have touched so many hearts and I am thankful you are able to share them so freely. Your family is always in my prayers and I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteI was reading in the Ensign today (Conference Edition) and came upon a talk by Bishop Richard C. Edgley, "Faith- the choice is yours". The whole time I was reading it I was thinking of you. I felt impressed to tell you (even though I don't know you) that I feel you are a huge example of someone who has chosen Faith. I read your blog quite often and am blessed by the truth you testify about. Thank you for your blog that teaches me.
ReplyDeleteHi. My name is Jan Taylor. We lost our son, Luke, last November. Someone steered me toward your blog and it is beautiful. If you ever need to read or just know that someone has been or is where you are, please read my blog, brianandjansboys.blogspot.com. Thanks for your strength. Preslee is a beautiful girl and remember she is yours for eternity, and that is way better than the 80 years you may have had on earth. It is just hard to get to the eternity part!
ReplyDeleteJan
,
ReplyDeleteI have been procrastinating with leaving a comment usually because I can't begin to put into words the feelings I have felt since first reading your blog eight weeks ago. I stumbled across it on accident and it has literally changed my life. The way I look at life, the ways I want to be better, and the manner in which our Heavenly Father loves us. I have an eighteen month old daughter who is my whole world and I pray that I can be the kind of mom that you are to preslee. I hug my daughter a little tighter since meeting you. I think of you on a daily basis and have used your life experiences to help me in my hard things. I can't even begin to imagine all that you continue to go through but I want you to know that your strength and faith are noticed by so many. I am sure that our father in heaven is so proud of you. You have taken a tragedy and helped bring our savior into so many's lives. Thank you for helping me find him again. Its been awhile and I am better because of reading your blog. I pray for you and your family daily. I am so sorry for your loss and know that you will be so blessed for all the good that you do for your little girl, your husband, and for so many others including me somebody that you have never met but I feel like I know you and preslee. She is an amazing spirit who hopefully I can meet in the next life. I hope things become easier and that thank you ashley for being who you are.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI'm a random follower who found your blog off Nienie's blog. I think of you and your family often. I don't know if you heard this song, but it came on the radio when I was driving home from work one day and I immediately thought of Preslee. I will continue to pray for you.
Best Wishes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM
To see a picture of Preslee so close makes me want to just reach and hold her...I can't imagine what it must do to you.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers.
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ReplyDeleteI always have thought what amazing people You, Patrick and Preslee are but now I see it runs in the family. Thank you for shareing this experience with everyone. What a blessing your whole family is to people you don't even know. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAshely & Pat,
ReplyDeleteI just feel the need to thank you! Today was a day that my baby wouldn't stop crying, screaming, and was almost to the point where i needed to lay her down in her crib, come downstairs and blog. :) THen I started reading your blog and didn't stop for an hour. Thank you for helping my frustrations seem so small. Thank you for snapping me back and helping me realize that the days like this I need to enjoy and remember. To love her no matter how hard and long she screams! So thank you, thank you for being an inspiration to so many people every where! You truly are amazing people...
I was sent to your blog after reading on my friends how much it changed her life. I guess I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I cried and cried and cried for you. I look at your daughters eyes and see my daughter. I'm sure every mother looks at your baby girl and just aches to hug you. I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life over a stranger haha. Crazy I know. But I'm LDS as well and find myself wavering away. Your blog has changed that. Thank you for helping me. Thanks to you and your darling little girl.
ReplyDelete