Last year, just around this time we were planning a wish party for a little girls whose organs were expected to fail within weeks. They had one last thing to try.......it put her in remission and her leukemia came back and they tried the next last thing. As you add the hard work and, perhaps, stress of fundraising to training for half-marathon or marathon always remember that you are literally saving lives. Your accomplishment when you cross the finish line of your event is at an entirely different level. Best post, ever........from Ashleys mom. Holy cow, our summer is coming to an end. Even though our summer was shortened due to our stay at RMH, we have had some great times. We have made the most of our time together, have appreciated every minute and made great memories. Not so long ago we thought this summer would be one of grief not joy. Speaking of joy-Ashley had an awesome time at camp while we took that time to give 100% of our attention to the little girls. We did something fun everyday with them and even enjoyed a stay at a water park. Ashley has spent yesterday and today getting acquainted at Sandburg. Thank you Bailey!! Today I was sitting in orientation and walking around some of the same halls I walked and I was trying not to cry. I wasnt emotional because I am sad my baby is growing up or because I am nervous for her. I was crying because I am so happy she gets to experience high school. I do not know what will happen next week. I dont know if the Leukemia will come back and I dont know if the transplant will fail. I do know that I told my 14 year old a few months ago that she was probably not going to live and now she is actually getting to start high school. It is a HUGE accomplishment. This evening we were all getting stuff ready and Brian looked at me and said, Can you believe this? While his voice cracked we both said we were so happy to have arrived at this day. These are the things that are important in our house, these are the things we try to focus on. We try to keep broken pipes and messy houses and head aches behind our joy of life. As for how she will handle all day at school, Im not sure. I do know that Sandburg has been nothing but awesome. They have communicated with Dr. Margolis and have offered to do so many things for her. Her fashion teacher (yes Tricia she has a fashion class!) has already offered to come to our house and help her if she cant make it to class. They have explained to her that one day she can go to school in the morning and if the next day she wants stay after for a club she can come to school in the afternoon. Brian thinks she is going to make it all day. I know that her experience is going to be nothing short of awesome. As for her attitude she is a mighty fighter. LeAnn called me the day camp ended and told me I should be proud of her (which I am). You see, the bone marrow team and I were hesitant to let her do the high ropes course at camp and apparently Ashley had other plans. In the end we all decided she could get unhooked from her fluids and try the course. We didnt think she would make it past the stairs. LeAnn sent Dr. Joe (a very loved resident) on the course with her. By the way, Dr. Joe is afraid of heights. He apparently thought she would stop at the stairs too. Well Ashley made it past the stairs and past the first level and past the second. She went all the way to the top! I know in her head she was thinking Ill show you guys! and Dr. Joe was probably thinking Help me! That is the reason Brian thinks she will make it all day. When she sets her mind to something and everyone keeps talking about lower expectations she just shows us all up. Love my girl. The whole family is rooting for her to have a great day. Emily made a wish in her wish jar that we would all feel better from our colds and that Ashley would have fun in high school. She didnt wish for a trip to the toy store or some candy. I am proud of my entire family for keeping things in perspective. What is important in our house is health and fun! Thanks for the well wishes and prayers! I know tomorrow after school in between getting Ashleys IV dressing changed and me coaching Abbys cheer squad (I know right!) I will be updating and telling you how much fun she had! Love, Jen
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 12:56:14 +0000