I have always found myself looking ahead and planning for the future. Change has never been a fear of mine. When things don’t end up how they were envisioned, I adapt. Naturally I look at Ashtyn’s health the same way. I don’t know the future, though I can’t help but think about it. It doesn’t matter what I think will happen, however I can’t help but look … Read More →
Today I was woken up by a phone call from a reporter for Fox 13 News Utah. From 11:45 am to 1 pm Canyonview Elementary School had plans to tie lime green ribbons around the school to show their support for Ashtyn. The news channel was covering the story and the reporter wanted to interview me before heading to the school. She hoped that Ashtyn … Read More →
The doctors came to Ashtyn’s room this morning, as they always do, to discuss the plan of the day. What are the concerns? How is her status? What changes need to be made? Everyone was pleased with how well she is doing and noticed her huge improvement. No changes were made. Stay the course. For eleven days the oncologists have cultured all possible blood, urine, … Read More →
I suppose Ashtyn and I are getting into a routine, though it is an unpredictable, unplanned routine that we take minute by minute. Nausea and pain is constantly on our minds. “Where’s the barf bag?” is a question she commonly asks. It’s like her security blanket, whether she is going to throw up into it or not. When Ashtyn does throw up she likes me … Read More →
Saturday night… I mean Sunday morning I went to bed at 6 am, after a busy night helping Ashtyn. At 7:00 am I woke up to about 10 different medical staff surrounding Ashtyn’s bed moving very quickly. I could sense there was worry in the air. As I watched the organized commotion, I gathered that her blood pressure was low and they were doing all … Read More →
Wednesday night was awful. Ashtyn went to bed around midnight. I turned the lights off close to 2:30 am, and at 4:30 am Ashtyn woke up and the only thing she could whisper was, “Mom, lay with me.” Sometimes she likes me to lay in her bed and other times she doesn’t I asked her, as I often do, how much pain she was in on … Read More →
There are no words that can explain the spirit those men brought to Ashtyn’s room. There is no way I can explain the power that was there. I believe Vocal Point came to the hospital today for Ashtyn. They might have lifted other children and families as well, but they were sent for Ashtyn. I am so grateful I pushed through the thought of “I’m too tired to go to church” and went. It was a blessing that I knew Cheri and that she encouraged them to go to Ashtyn’s room at the time they did. I’m grateful that no medical staff stopped 12+ people as they walked through the locked doors and past several nurse’s stations to Ashtyn’s room. I feel watched over that Ashtyn had a nurse who was compassionate enough to recognize the benefits outweighed the risk of having so many at her bedside. … Read More →
FROM ASHTYN: I was at school and didn’t feel well. I felt like collapsing so I called my mom to pick me up. She came in and I told her I needed to go to the doctor. We went to the Holladay Instacare. I was really scared because I have always hated getting poked with shots. They poked me five times trying to get some … Read More →
From the moment I felt a bone marrow transplant was likely, I have always thought it would be Chandler who would be the donor. Chandler sometimes has an intense personality that pushes Ashtyn’s buttons. Ashtyn has a completely different dramatic personality at times that pushes Chandler’s buttons. There are moments when love is felt for one another but the majority of the time they drive each other crazy. I know that if any of my kids need to connect, it is Ashtyn and Chandler. They are 19 months apart and are now learning that their bond is much stronger than they thought. … Read More →
OK Ashtyn’s Army, we are all fortifying our battlefields and preparing for war! I can feel it! Ashtyn’s Army is increasing in number, strengthening in faith, and rallying in service. Comments are being heard, prayers are being offered, hearts are being touched, love is being poured out, visits are adding strength, efforts are gathering, children are being taught, adults are growing, friends and family are uniting, … Read More →
