Happy Birthday Ash!

As most of you know, our sweet little niece, Ashley Peterson , Tim's younger sister's daughter was called home on March 20th of this last year while held in her mother's arms. Today is Ashley's birthday, October 14th.

I remember when she was born. We got the call that Em was in labor, and Tim was worried all day. I even walked in on him kneeling in prayer for Ashley's safe arrival.

Then I remember the first picture I saw of her, in her family's Christmas card. I'd never seen a baby with such perfect skin, it was like porcelain, blushed in perfect places. Emily always had at least one bracelet (that she made) on Ash, and a coordinating bow in her hair.

As a toddler, I remember how excited she would get about certain things. I remember seeing her get excited. Her whole body would shake, her fingers stiffen and spread while her eyes get big, it was so infectious! She was absolutely head over heels for Uncle Chris. I remember him taking her to the park and how much she trusted him and would call him "Uncle Cwis".

She was always a bit reserved the first day when we'd get in town, then I loved how she'd always warm up in the end. Every time. When she would get shy, she clung to her parents who welcomed her closeness each time. Then we would try to get her to laugh, and she would look out of the corner of her sparkling eyes and then her whole face would light up. She didn't make us work hard to make her smile.

On our trip to Utah, the trip before the diagnosis, we stopped in to see Emily and Paul's new home. Ashley was so excited to have us there, and we were the Uncle/Aunt that she knew the least. She was so friendly and accompanied the tour. She'd prepared a special note for us to take home with a drawing in it. This was true to her character, as Paul noted at the funeral "Ashley always left people with more than they came with". And Emily said that the neighborhood friends would come over and she'd get treats out to share with them. I remember feeling so deeply grateful that Ashley was so warm and accepting of us, though we lived in a different state (all the other siblings were in Utah, and much of Paul's family are also there).

I remember the day of the diagnosis, I remember I was standing in front of the clothes dryer when Tim's oldest brother, Dave called. We immediately made plans to drive to Utah. Grandma Calton arranged for family pictures. There was a calmness in the air on that day when we took those pictures. It was like you could feel the strength of this 5 year-old's spirit. It was like she was leading us all. We were all there for her, and yet she was the champion pulling through with flying colors. She was mild and sweet, and a bit tired.

I was amazed at how consistent her character was through it all. Not just for a 5 year-old, but for anyone. Hers is a valiant spirit, the noblest of the nobles. Her diagnosis brought much attention, and many watched her over the last year of her life. And she continued loving others.

Even in her last few months, Ashley was serving others. The tumor had grown on her right side of her brain, and she walked with a slight limp. She taught herself how to be a "lefty" and continued drawing pictures for others. While her gymnastic teacher once praised her and said "She's buff!" her spirit was even stronger, and she transitioned from more physical activities to more crafts. She spent hours making little ironed bead projects. She made at least eight for our boys.

When we were preparing for our move to China, I gathered all the bead projects, and distributed them throughout the different baskets in our house. If any of you have been to my home, I have a ton of medium sterilite white plastic baskets. At least 10 of them separate the boys toys, at least 5 separate things in our office, 4 for crafts, 2 for recipe books, canned food, laundry supplies, etc. I made sure to put her crafts in some of these baskets, randomly. They will always be there. I have a few dispersed in the kids toy baskets.

They (the boys) sometimes will look to see if they got a basket with a present from Ashley in it. I just want them to always have glimpses of Ashley in their life. I want them to know that she will always be there. She is their cousin cheering for them on the other side. Just as she remained consistent in loving people before and after her diagnosis, she carries that attribute with her into the eternities. It is our honor to magnify Ashley's life by following her example:

Always leave people with more than they came with.

So while we continue to find our hidden bead treasures throughout the house, I am sure that we will see many Ashley treasures/influences in our lives when we look for them.

Until we meet again, dear sweet Ashley.