A Good Rest

I'm writing this from Ashlee's bedside using her fancy new laptop. She is sleeping peacefully at the moment. Today was a nice day of rest for her. I even got a smile out of her earlier when I told her more "embarrassing" pictures of Mitch were coming her way soon. I've learned to treasure every smile and laugh.

Last Sunday, the Knights of Columbus brought the traveling Our Lady of Fatima statue to the house. It is keeping watch over her from the end of her bed. It really is something to behold. We truly hope that miracles can still happen. It is difficult not to have your faith tested at a time like this. I have to still believe in God, even though I don't understand his purpose in this. Right now I just pray that we all can survive this ordeal and that Ashlee doesn't suffer needlessly.

I have to admit I sort of enjoy this time of day with her. It is quiet. All of the guests have left, everyone has gone to bed and it is just her and I. I can just watch her sleep. I find that it is a time where I can reflect and be thankful that we have survived another day. I pray that she will rest easy through the night and be able to build up a little bit of strength. It would be especially wonderful if we could tempt her appetite and have her eat some breakfast. Beyond a couple of sips of juice today, she had no nourishment by mouth. Of course she is still receiving her IV "food".

Carlee, Ashlee's sister wanted me to say Hello to everyone. She thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. They mean so much to our family right now. Judy went through a stack of letters and cards tonight from people who have never met Ash personally. It is very touching to us that so many strangers care.

I'm going to end this here. I didn't sleep at all last night, so perhaps I can get a couple of hours in tonight.

Much love to all!

~Heather

Bad News

Ashlee took a turn for the worse last night. Her entire family came to be with her. Judy, Mitch, Tina and I kept a vigil by her bedside all night. She is a fighter, she has a strong heart and she is young. She is hanging on, but she is in a great deal of pain. Judy did start administering small doses of morphine to help control her pain. This in and of itself took a heroic amount of strength on Judy's part. I have no words to comfort her and I can only be there to support the choices that she makes.

So I ask that you please pray Ashlee. Please pray for Judy to find the strength to do what must be done. Please pray for the rest of us as we struggle to understand why something like this could happen to someone so young and wonderful.

Ashlee has rallied in the past, so we don't count her out yet. However, we are aware that her cancer is terminal. We know that some time in the future we will have to face this.

I will update more later if possible.

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to our blog! Hopefully this is the first of many entries. Since Ashlee isn't really able to e-mail or post on Myspace and Facebook anymore, I thought I would provide a little window into her world.

Last Friday was a pretty good day. She was able to get out of bed via her hoya lift. She even sat in her reclining wheelchair for a few hours. During which, her cousin Michelle came over and gave her a modified "Victoria Beckham" cut. She is now known as Ashlee "Posh" Koerner. She then moved to the couch where she was able to eat pizza (Pepperoni and Black Olives...ewww) and "cuddle" with Mitch. While, the pain in her head and back was evident, she was in no hurry to get back into bed.

On Saturday, her appetite came knocking bright and early. She woke her mom up at 6 a.m. with a request for Mac and Cheese. Now if that isn't Ashlee, I don't know what is! By Sunday afternoon, she was still going strong. Barbecue, doughnuts and coffee were just a few of her requests. It is so nice to see her eating again. We scramble to fufill any request and try anything to tempt her appetite.

Unfortunately, on Sunday we had to break the news to her about her beloved cat, Sassy. During her stay in the hospital, he had to be put to sleep. She was understandably upset, but did eventually decide that a kitten might be nice. Hopefully sometime this week, a new addition to the Koerner family will arrive.

The visitors continue to stop by. The family also continues to be thankful for all of the food people bring! I know Ashlee has enjoyed the variety of things to eat.

If you would like to send a donation, the mailing address for the Bank of Elwood is on the main page. Please send them c/o the Ashlee Koerner Fund.

We continue to celebrate every good day she has. Her sense of humor is still evident. No matter how she is feeling she is still Ashlee. Please continue to keep her and the family in your prayers.

So please stop by and see her. You may want to wear pants though, the kitty may have claws!