I think "30" is a great number. It is the number of years my sweet niece, Ashley Roberts, has been with us. I'll never forget those little dimples. This sweet face has resilience that many people will never have the ability to achieve. No matter how she may feel, she always manages to smile. Ashley has struggled for years with Severe Aplastic Anemia. This disorder causes her much pain and the need for continual blood transfusions. Yet, she never complains, (well at least not to her Aunt Sarah). There are many things I love about Ashley. She is so caring. She attempts to keep her cousin, Gid, on the straight and narrow. She is a dreamer, but she lives with the reality that at any moment her dreams may be put on hold. She loves her family, especially her nephews, Landon and Logan. Ashley is a giver. She relates to others. She keeps her spirits and energy high in spite of the medical complications she faces on a daily basis. We were talking tonight about Gideon and the fact he is NOT a morning person. Ashley shared with me a conversation she and Gid had recently. Gid said something like, "Ashley, you are so happy when you get up. I think you take a nap during the day just so you can wake up happy all over again." Ash replied, "Gid, when I can wake up and move without my body in pain, it is a GOOD day." What an attitude! So many of us would complain relentlessly if we were in the same situation. I wish I could say I have always been as positive about things that I faced in my life. But, Ashley is a better woman than I.
I love you, Ashley Helena! I do think you are amazing! Enjoy your 30th year in life! I wish you all the health and happiness possible, and I hope that it is multiplied 10xs more.
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