Since Ashtyn was diagnosed with cancer at the end of January, we have received many messages on the website and Facebook  Many times we have heard phrases such as, “I don’t know you.” “We have never met.” “I just came across your blog.” “You don’t remember me Ashtyn, but I knew you when you were young.” “Although I haven’t seen you in years Suzanne, I want you to know I am thinking and praying for you and your family.” “I can’t stop thinking about you and Ashtyn.”

“Ashtyn, we haven’t met, but I found your Facebook page by chance. I have read about you and your family, and shared your story with my family.” Angela

“Ashtyn, you don’t know me, but a few days ago I came upon your story. I read some of the entries, cried, read some more and cried more. Ever since then I haven’t been able to get you off my mind.” Stormy

“After seeing your daughter’s name I had to read her story. (I have an Ashtyn too.) Add us to the list of your growing army. Sending more love and prayers your way.” Brooke

“You don’t know me, but I love and care deeply for you and your family. God Bless you, angel girl.” Gigi

“Even though I haven’t met her and don’t anticipate that I ever will, I have felt such love and compassion and sincere prayer for her. It’s been a blessing for me. I have experienced deeper spiritual joy and awareness. Hang in there, Ashtyn! You are amazing!” Brenda

“I have been reading your story everyday for the past month. I think it is about time I wrote a comment. We have never met and I don’t think we ever will. But I’m praying for you! Get well soon Ashtyn!” J.J.

“So many of your brothers and sisters that you’ve not yet met on this earth are rooting for you.” Swann

“Ashtyn, though we are strangers, I want you to know how happy I am for you! You keep being YOU! You are strong. You can do this! Enjoy your time at home sweet girl.” Tara

But are we really strangers? No one in Ashtyn’s Army knows all the members, but I just don’t believe any of us are strangers. At least to me it doesn’t feel like we are. We all have similar feelings of love for this young girl. We all have been inspired and uplifted in some way. We all feel heavy in our hearts when she struggles and overjoyed in her triumphs. We all want the best for her. If you have read all the blog posts from the time Ashtyn was diagnosed with cancer, you know as much as I know. You don’t know any less than I do and are walking beside us every step of the way. Many people feel they know Ashtyn though they have never met her. We too feel a connection to you. When I receive a message from a “stranger” I don’t feel it is from a stranger at all. I feel it is from a friend who cares for and loves my daughter. How can I not love you back?

I have wondered on several occasions why Ashtyn has touched so many hearts. I don’t know for sure but one thing I do know, it’s not me. I can write a blog all day but no one will care unless their hearts are touched. I believe the Spirit is touching hearts because of Ashtyn’s spirit. She needs you and maybe you can benefit from her as well. It really is remarkable and such an amazing feeling to have a literal connection to hundreds of people. You are not strangers to me.

So you know what we should do? Once Ashtyn has triumphed over cancer and the war is over, we need to have a party. We need to gather together, meet face to face, and celebrate what Ashtyn has accomplished through the help and prayers of her Army. It will only be fitting to celebrate a war that has been won with the Army that got us there. We will gather as non-strangers and Ashtyn will be able to see with her own eyes the hundreds of people that rallied around her. She will be able to see those that lifted her up for months and gave her the strength and power to accomplish what she wouldn’t have been able to do alone. A victorious party is what we will look forward to.

Now for the update: Ashtyn and I continue to not be able to sleep at night and are exhausted during the day. It is unfortunate because we are not awake when everyone else is. I was tired during the day and hardly effective around my house. Ashtyn slept the entire time her siblings were at school, however she was awake the rest of the evening. Even though it would be ideal to be on the same day schedule as everyone else, Ashtyn and I do enjoy the peacefulness of the night. I am sure that is the reason we got into this predicament in the first place. The hospital is very quiet and peaceful at night. Ashtyn preferred sleeping through the chaos of the day and enjoyed the nights when she would not be bombarded by people. Tomorrow we have to wake up and go to the hospital for a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy at noon, so hopefully we will start our transition to being on a day schedule.

Ashtyn seems to have a lot of cravings for different kinds of food. She always craves pickles and salt and vinegar chips. Other cravings that are on the list include a grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwich with a pickle from Melty Way. She has asked for a Nutella crape cupcake from The Sweet Toothfairy. Before going back to the hospital she really wants to go to Olive Garden and Bonsai Japanese steak house, where they cook all the food in front of you. Tomorrow she is already looking forward to having a vegetarian subway sandwich with a bag of salt and vinegar chips. I am so grateful she has an appetite and cravings. She is too. Getting a lot of nutrition will help her during the next round of chemo.

FROM ASHTYN: “Today I was thinking about Disneyland and had a feeling I will be able to go. I thought about eating the big pickles and hard scooped ice cream you get on Main Street. I thought about going on rides like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Matterhorn. I pictured going to the Golden Horseshoe comedy show with the chili bread bowl. We will go to Cars Land and get another pickle that they sell at the entrance. I won’t be able to go on the Grizzly River Run because it would get my broviac line wet or Screamin because the seatbelt will hurt where the line is. That’s OK  I pictured walking early morning to Disneyland and going through the entrance. It would be so cool. I really need to have an absolute neutrophil count of 1000 to go to Disneyland. Yesterday I was still at zero. All I really want right now is to go before I return to the hospital. That is my main goal. Please pray that I will be able to get my white blood cells up. I really hope it will go up within a week and a half. I am worried because I think I will have to go back to the hospital in about 2 1/2 weeks.