Natalie’s Baptism
Godfather Jason with Natalie
The baptism was right after the regular Mass time and so we went early to attend the Mass as well. Ashleigh once again showed her spirit during the Communion. She likes to participate in Communion and when she gets Communion at home they usually give her just a quarter of the wafer. In church they gave her the whole thing so my wife and I were holding our breath that she did not choke. Then came the wine. Now, my wife is very concerned about Ashleigh getting exposed to germs of any kind so the thought of drinking from the community cup, especially in winter, was out of the question. But, true to Ashleigh’s nature, she just reached up and grabbed the chalice and took a drink. I thought her Mom was first going to slug me for letting her do it and then faint.
Poppy (Hank) with Natalie
We had a fun outing recently as we attended little Natalie’s baptism. There was a party after and Ashleigh had a very good time. Natalie slept through the beginning of the ceremony but woke up just in time for her blessing. She looked very pretty and was perfectly behaved. No surprise as she is always smiling.
The church we go to is quite old and not very wheelchair accessible. The aisles are very narrow and there was not anywhere to park a wheelchair without blocking the aisle. Because of that Ashleigh received home visits from the church.
Ashleigh and Celeste (Natalie’s Mom)
A friend from church said things are better now as they have recently made a space for a wheelchair by removing part of a pew. While we did fit Ashleigh’s chair into the space by turning sideways, it is still very tight and she could not see the baptism very well, if at all. We will probably stay with the home visits.
My name is Nicole. My boyfriend of nearly three years was hit by a car in September. His brain injuries are almost identical to Ashleigh’s. Currently, he is in Brain Injury Rehab…however insurance will only pay for 2 monthes, then he will be released. Ashleigh and my boyfriend Chris..show us how precious life really is and how miracles DO happen. I just find it so frustrating that my baby may not get the care he deserves or needs because of money. Your family is very inspirational to me. I can not thank you enough…you’ve helped me understand so much more.
Hi, my daughter was in a car accident almost 3 years ago. You may have already tried these things but this has really help Brooke with her recovery. Vital stem for her swallowing and to strenghten her vocal muscles and bioness for her left leg and hand. We have a site on caringbridge.com her name is Brooke Walker.
We will remember Ashleigh in our prayers.
God Bless,
Tracy
My brtoher in-law been in an accident and now in ICU figthing for his life. My family and i can’t thank you enough for the wealth of information yor provided us and showing us there is hope. I hope Ashleigh continues to show progress and pray for her and my borther-in-law’s recovery.
Thank you
I found your blog by accident. Admire your courage and wish Ash all the best in her rehabilitation process!
Ernie,
I came by your blog and was very touched by Ashleigh’s story. I wanted to share with Ashleigh
Friends Of Joni. I thought she would enjoy the encouragement of listening to her broadcasts. Here is the site for Ashleigh.
http://www.joniandfriendsradio.org/
She has a book which I think Ashleigh will be encouraged by as well. It’s her story, although not a brain injury she suffered a spinal cord injury and has been paralyzed from the neck down for many years. In some ways Ashleigh will be able to realte to Joni. Throughout Joni’s life she has held on to one thing, the only person who could hear her when she was not able to speak, that is Jesus. Her story is remarkable as well as how God has worked in her life. I will be praying for you and your family and that the Lord will do the same for Ashleigh.
-Jennifer
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
I too stumbled across this site by accident, but I feel blessed for having done so.
May God bless your daughter for her inspiration and may God continue to bless you for being such a loving parent and sharing your daughter's triumphs with the entire world via the internet.
Please continue to keep us updated about Ashleigh. She will be in my prayers too as she continues to recover.
I would like to thank you and your family for sharing Ashleigh's story. I pray for you and your family and want to let you know that my son-in-law is in a coma as of 1:00 a.m. this morning. Seeing your sight and the video has inspired me to make sure that he has an air pressure mattress and that only positive words are spoken in the room. Hope your daughter continues to heal and may GOD BLESS YOU ALL.