Have you ever been completely at a loss for words? Have you ever had to share something with someone and watched as they were shocked speechless? We seem to be experiencing a lot of both lately.
While my blog was “down,” so many of you asked if everything was okay around here. I know–I never really answered.
The truth is that no… it’s not all okay.
There isn’t an easy or pretty way to say it. And, honestly, my thinking is so muddled right now that I really shouldn’t try. But because I’ve invited you into my life, because you’ve shown such love and care through the bad and the good thus far, because many of you already were or have become true friends, because so many of you know the rest of my family outside of John, the boys and me, and because nothing I say from here on out will make much sense without knowing where it’s stemming from, you need to know the truth.
So I’ll let my mom tell it…. because the words are hers to tell. And she’s much more gracious than I’d like to be.
Pray for us. Pray for him. Pray for a miracle.
Shari says:
Ashleigh: Like I told your Mom, somehow I knew something was amiss. I have been praying and I want you to know I continue to pray and yes, for a miracle! A similar incident happened to me five years ago. God is the builder of all ruins and the healer in all situations. God healed our marriage. I hope that’s an encouragement. I love your family and will keep you close to my heart.
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Rebekah says:
Ashleigh,
Miracles do happen, and Brian & I are proof of that. I know we would have been in a different place by now if it hadn't been for the love & prayers of our friends and family. God has a plan, though we don't yet know what it will be.
I'll be praying for your family.
~Rebekah
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Linds says:
I read your Mom’s blog yesterday Ashleigh, and as I said to her, I have been praying, and will continue to do so, for all of you. Miracles do happen.
I am sending a hug to you.
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Heather says:
I have been and will continue to pray…forgive the cyber-stalking please (oh yeah, like multiple times a day trying to “see” if you are “okay”)…my concern and love for your family overwhelms my thoughts and prayers.
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
Ashleigh,
Please know I am sending love and prayers. God is good, even now, in the midst of the hardest days. Cling to Him.
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Whitney says:
I will be praying for your entire family. You and your mom are both so inspirational to many of us that don’t even really know you. But I know that so many (including myself) care so much about your family. Your mother has shown her grace and Godliness in a way that I have never seen in my life. What an lady she must be! And she is lucky to have children to support and love her as you do. I will pray for you all and hope that everything works out for the best.
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January 25th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Dan & Kate Ambrose says:
Ashleigh, I am so sorry. I will be praying for everyone involved. The Lord can create beauty even out of the worst of ashes, and I trust that He will.
*hugs*
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January 25th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Katie @ Heart Gone Walking says:
Oh, Ashleigh, I’m so sorry. You’re right; there are no words. Please know I will be praying for peace and strength and redemption for your whole family. Thanks for sharing with us.
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January 25th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Katie says:
Praying for your family, and your parents especially.
Blessings,
Katie
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January 25th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Jen says:
Oh my gosh. Talk about left field! The Lord does bring restoration… Adam and I are a classic example.
You’re all in my prayers.
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January 25th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Anonymous says:
Ashleigh,
I don’t know if this will help, but I know the pain you’re going through, in a small way. God will be with you through this, I know. He has been with me. Please don’t loose faith in His everlasting love for you and your family. Know that you are being prayed for.
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January 25th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Amethyst says:
Ashleigh, my heart is breaking for you. May God give you light in the darkness of this trial…
a song that has encouraged me:
“And even though I’m walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him . Who’s love will comfort me
And when my hope is gone And I’ve been wounded in the battle. He is all the strength that I will ever need. He will carry me.”
He Will Carry Me -by Mark Schultz
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January 25th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Mishel says:
I love you so much, my sweet girl. Thank you for not only being a blessing as a daughter, but as a friend. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Love,
Mama
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January 25th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Miranda says:
Ashleigh,
I’m so sorry to hear what’s happened. I’ll be praying like crazy that God will work a miracle. May He give you peace and shelter you in His perfect love. Don’t give up hope – with God all things are possible.
With all my love and prayers, and a big transatlantic cyber-hug,
Miranda
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January 25th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Mod Girl says:
I will pray for your family.
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January 25th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Chantel says:
Oh Ash… I don’t know what to say. I’ve typed, deleted, typed deleted, yet nothing really tells you what I wish I could tell you.Instead I sit here with tears in my eyes and an aching heart.
Love you bunches…and more, and praying that He will be strong to save.
::::HUGS::::
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January 25th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Arlene says:
Oh, Ashleigh, my heart hurts for you and your sweet family… I’ve only just “met” you and in just the past week we have been given several reasons to pray for each other. Thank you for your prayers for me and my family, despite your own hardship… now is my time to return the favor.
Just remember, when you can’t find the words to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t have the words (Rom. 8:26). *hugs*
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January 25th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Cindy says:
There are no words that I may say that will bring your heart much comfort. But rejoice that He has your mama and her family in the palm of His hands.
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January 25th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Erin says:
How I ached when I read that.
Prayers . . .
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January 25th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Anonymous says:
Praying for you all, Ashleigh!
Morgan
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January 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Anonymous says:
Oh Ashleigh,
I’ve prayed for you and your family and will continue to! As many others have said, I’m not quite sure what to write, but I wish I could encourage you- even just a little through this heart-breaking time. I’ve been through the same thing. I’ve seen my Mom in agony and been angry with my Dad. But God can heal and they are working through many things- and they are still together- 35 years this August. And they give the glory to God. It is earth shattering and makes you evaluate almost everything. But God became bigger to me through all of it. He is our foundation, our surety and our Rock. I pray you feel His comfort and love in a special way right now. I pray the same thing for your dear Mama.
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January 25th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
lady jane says:
I've been praying for a while concerning your mother's absence although I had no idea the circumstances.
I'm praying <><
Much love,
Jane
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Chelsea says:
I’m so sorry to hear about this Ashleigh…all I can do is send my good and loving thoughts your family’s way.
I just went through this, I prayed and prayed (which I don’t do…ever) for God to fix it and make me feel better inside, and the way he did that wasn’t by sending my husband back to me. It was by sending me someone I had lost years ago.
I am thinking about you, your mom and brother, and your dad. If you need anything, please let me know. My blog has gone private since you’ve been gone, but shoot me an email if you need to.
Love, Love,
Chelsea
ck.nelson@hotmail.com
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Debbie says:
I am sorry to hear this; I will be praying for you.
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Mrs Pea says:
Praying Ashleigh, for all of you.
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Karsten says:
Ashleigh, I don’t know what to say…I can’t imagine….but I am praying for you and your family.
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:57 am
bessieviola says:
Praying for you and your family. Hold your boys tight and be well.
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January 26th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Melanie says:
I am so sorry. I will be praying for your family. My marriage almost ended a year ago, but God DOES give beauty for ashes and he DOES repair things that are broken. Even when we can’t see any possible way. Hang in there.
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January 26th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Jodi says:
Praying for you and your family!
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January 26th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Danielle says:
Ashleigh…like your mom’s blog, I know you only through here and by what I know in reading about you. I’m so sorry this has happened. We are praying for you and your entire family.
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January 26th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Melissa Searle says:
Hi Sweety, long time no hear. :) Thanks for the comment you left on my blog the other day, it was a great suprise to hear from you!
I am so sorry for the grief that your family, esp your mum is going through now… no fun at all. :( I will be thinking of you guys and praying for you…. may the peace of God comfort you all like no other can. Take comfort in knowing that God still answers prayer, :) And that he really cares and understands. :)
xoxo
melissa
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January 26th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Gretchen Louise Acheson says:
HUGS. Continuing to pray for all of you, Ash…
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January 26th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
Oh, Ash… I had no idea. I mean, I knew something was amiss, but I had no idea how close to home it was. ::hugs:: I am praying for you all, dear one… please let me know if there is anything at all we can do.
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January 26th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Mrs. Julie Fink says:
With love and so many prayers, Mrs. Fink
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January 26th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Anonymous says:
My heart is breaking for you.I’m sorry your mom is going through this.I’ll be praying for all of you…for a miracle!
May His peace surround all of you during this time.
(((Hugs)))
Sarah
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January 26th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Anonymous says:
My heart is breaking for you.I’m sorry your mom is going through this.I’ll be praying for all of you…for a miracle!
May His peace surround all of you during this time.
(((Hugs)))
Sarah
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January 26th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Kristi says:
I just read your mom’s blog a few minutes ago. I came to give you a hug, a word of encouragment, and a promise of prayer.
God is good, Ashleigh. Even in times like these. Look for His hand, Ashleigh. He’s working.
(((hugs)))
~Kristi
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January 26th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Elizabeth says:
Ashleigh, dear one, I don’t know what to say – but I want you to know that I’m thinking of you and praying for you … may our precious Jesus hold you close to His heart. *Hug!*
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January 27th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Johanna says:
Ashleigh, you probably don’t know who I am. . . but I have read your blog often enough to know that you and your family are endeared to many whose lives you’ve touched.
Please know I’ll be praying very hard for your family.
*squeeze*
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January 27th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Katie says:
Ash-
Praying for grace, healing and restoration. God IS good, and big and great in faithfulness.
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
mel says:
You are all in my daily prayers…
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January 27th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
LeAnna says:
All we have need of His hand has provided. He is faithful, and each morning new mercies we will see. Praying for the healing, and restoration that only Jesus can bring.
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January 27th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Megan says:
HUGS and many prayers, sweet friend.
-Meg
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January 27th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Mrs. Taft says:
*hugs* I’m so sorry. I’ll be praying.
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January 28th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Allison says:
I do not know either of you but I do know this we serve an awesome God who still does miracles. I cannot imagine what your family is going through at this time but God is still who He says He is and I will be praying for all of you. God bless Allison, NC
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January 28th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Christine says:
I’m so sorry, Ashleigh. I’m praying for God to restore their marriage and comfort all of you.
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January 28th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Leah says:
Oh Ashleigh, I am so sorry and I am praying.
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January 28th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Cassandra says:
Been praying for you, Ashleigh. :)
Cassandra
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January 29th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Ginger says:
I have wanted to comment on your blog all week but tonight I am doing so. I have been praying for you and your family daily!!
Ginger~
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January 31st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Shannon @ Rocks In My Dryer says:
Ashleigh, I just left a comment at your mom’s blog–I know your heart must be hurting so much. I will be praying for your sweet family. Press on, friend.
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January 31st, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Courtney says:
Hi Ashleigh, I was trying to reach your blog for sometime and then today I tried again as I was beginning to think you deleted it. I am so sorry that you are going through a rough time right now, but please know that I will prayer for you and your family!
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February 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Heart & Home » Packin’ it Up says:
[...] but that’s a topic for another day…) My mom is moving. After almost a year of All The Mess, it’s time. So she’s heading out into the wild blue yonder [...]
October 12th, 2009 at 9:01 am