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Home Ashley Cannon Cruiz grief Holidays Ledger Patrick Preslee videos Six

Six

Dear Preslee,

Every year I expect this to be easier, but it never is. I was doing great until I started writing this post, and now… I honestly don’t know what to say.

Six. It was six years ago that you were placed in my arms. I had no idea the future that awaited us, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Looking back, life with you was incredibly happy. There was no grief, little pain, and just new mom type of worries.

Sixth Birthday

Not long ago I was talking to your dad about a friend’s little six year old girl. I told Pat, “I can’t believe she has one that old.” Then it hit me, I should too.

Yesterday, while walking down the toy isle in Target, I heard a voice ask, “Are you Ashley?” A sweet lady then  introduced herself and explained she was the first EMT responder to arrive after the Calls pulled you out of canal. And ironically, just yesterday, she clicked on a link while on FB that took her to our blog to read about the blanket we had made. We had a sweet conversation, and I’m still amazed the impact you’ve had on so many after all these years.

 Sixth Birthday
(Decorating 12/11/14)

Though today hurts, we choose to celebrate. We choose to celebrate all that you are, and I hope there’s a way to teach your brothers who you truly are. And even though the last four and a half years have been down right hard, I’d choose it over and over again. The short 18 months we had together was worth it in every way.

We love you Monkey, Happy Birthday. We’re officially four Birthdays closer to seeing you again!

Love,
       Mom

P.S. The real reason the tears began to fall last night was because I watched this slideshow. I haven’t watched it in a couple of years. The song gets me every time. Thank you Alisha and Molly!

// Labels: Ashley, Cannon, Cruiz, grief, Holidays, Ledger, Patrick, Preslee, videos
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11 comments:

  1. Ashley ZieglerDecember 17, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Happy Birthday Preslee! What a wonderful family to love her. You guys are so amazing.

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  2. TeraDecember 17, 2014 at 8:30 AM

    You're such a wonderful person, with a wonderful little family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. :)

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  3. UnknownDecember 17, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today and that Preslee continues to have an influence for good on me, a complete stranger. Bless you and your sweet family.

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  4. UnknownDecember 17, 2014 at 10:38 AM

    Happy Birthday Preslee! <3

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  5. Auntie EMDecember 17, 2014 at 12:14 PM

    I love how you state that as hard as it is to go though those hard days....it was so worth it and you wouldn't want to have missed those 18 months. I guess that is the price we pay for loving someone and giving our heart away to them. When they go on to the next life, they take a part of us to heaven with them....so they are forever part of us. She was and is a darling girl....your girl forever. Happy Birthday Sweet Preslee!! Thinking of you today Ashley.

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  6. UnknownDecember 17, 2014 at 12:22 PM

    Happy birthday sweet angel. You and your family truly are impacting others without even understanding the length of the reach. It is ever reaching, your life, your love, your impact. What a sweet video and beautiful song! Hearing the joy in your voice Ashley is so wonderful. I pray you find the same joy with your boys, and I'm sure you do. All my love to each of you on this bittersweet day. I hope you celebrate all the good and all the love today!

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  7. TriciaDecember 17, 2014 at 1:08 PM

    Happy Birthday dear sweet Preslee! Hugs to you Mama. I admire your courage and strength.

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  8. glendaDecember 17, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    Happy Birthday P!!!

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  9. Trisha LarsonDecember 17, 2014 at 9:15 PM

    Happy Birthday sweet Preslee! I will always remember your birthday as you share it with my sweet rainbow.

    Hugs,
    Trisha

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  10. UnknownDecember 18, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    She is gorgeous...I can't get over those deep blue eyes and infectious smile of hers. Happy birthday little angel. Sending you guys lots of love. I love how you put it as "We’re officially four Birthdays closer to seeing you again!".

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  11. Ashley and EthanJanuary 11, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    When it's your child, I don't suppose it will ever get any easier. Remember calli lehmans mom when we stopped by to visit her before the reunion? I'm sure it means so much to know that people don't forget. Preslee is not forgotten.

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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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