Well there is another Ashley that just entered our lives.
My husband amazes me.
He has this gift (he is not so sure it is a gift...)
He is able to walk up to anyone, anytime, and start up a conversation.
A couple weeks ago he met Ashley.
This is Ashley summer 2011.
She is an 8th grader now. The same age as my Sam.
Anyway back to the story...
I had the flu so Josh stayed home in the morning to help with the kids and missed his normal workout.
That afternoon when all the kids were back home Josh decided to hit the gym...
and that is where Ashley comes into the picture.
Josh noticed that Ashley had no hair and he walked up to her and asked her if she had cancer and what type.... they started talking... I am sure at this point she was wondering what kind of a crazy person my hubby was... I would have been. :)
So he leaves but he stops at the desk (everyone knows Josh at BG Fitness) and left his card asking them to please give it to Ashley's parents he would like to connect with them.
They pass on his info and the dad contacts Josh.
Josh explains that he is not sure why but he feels God has had their paths cross and that he would like Ashley to be the person "Clippers for a Cause" supports this year.
Clippers for a Cause is Josh's way of trying to raise awareness of cancer while raising funds for people who are currently going through cancer. He has done it the last number of years... the boys basically shave their heads & girls donate to locks of love... and they donate $20 to do it. People can also pray if they don't want a haircut... and they can donate different amounts of money.
Her is the next part of Ashley's story...
July 4th 2011 She is out with her family to visit her grandparents in BG. She isn't feeling good and can't seem to kick the flu... finally they decide to head to the clinic in BG... after two minutes.. TWO MINUTES the Dr. comes back with some serious news. Her WBC count is over 200,000. Ashley was diagnosed with leukemia and needed to started treatment immediately at Dornbecher's childrens Hospital in Portland.
As a family they decided they would stay here until her treatment was done.... they were moving from Mississippi to Texas when the diagnosis came. She is in her 3rd phase of treatment at this time.
She may quite possibly be one of the strongest people I have ever met.
After Josh started communication with the parents he asked them if Ashley would consider coming to our school and talking with the kids about her journey and how it has changed her life.
Last Friday she came.
I cried.
Ashley and Josh both were nervous but they went through a series of questions that he gave her beforehand.
The comment that stood out the most is how she never takes the little things for granted anymore. She said that she used to dread waking up to go to school... and now when she gets up at 6am and knows she can go to school it is the best feeling ever. She said that playing with her sisters is a blessing, she appreciates her parents and her family so much.
She was a blessing to our school on Friday.
After she was done talking (and all the parents were in tears)
The 7 & 8th grade girls huddled around her talking and getting to know her. Asking all kinds of questions and building friendships.
Emily founder of Celebrate Me Foundation was there and was able to talk with the family & was able to give them information about the foundation.
I truly believe that God orchestrated all of this.
Ashley is amazing and inspiring.
You know how I was complaining about the flu last week???
I apologize. I am thankful I got the flu.
It allowed my husband to go to the gym in the afternoon and meet Ashley.
Please join me in praying for Ashley... pray for her family and for her healing.
Please also pray for this Friday when we will host "Clippers for a Cause"
I don't know where God is going to have this story go...
But I know this, it is going somewhere... already the 8th grade girls are talking about events they can invite Ashley to and they were all wanting to know if she was on fb or if they could have her email info. I know that these kids (and us adults) are forever changed from meeting her.
I don't know how much money will be raised on Friday, but I know that Ashley and her parents just got a whole bunch of prayer warriors praying for them as they walk this journey.
I am thankful for my husband and his uncanny way of communicating with people.
I am thankful for the flu.
Lord instead of complaining, help me to look for ways to serve You by serving others. Amen.
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