Monday, March 31, 2014

Prayers for my mom

Goodness, where do I start?

I struggled with whether or not to write anything about this.  Sometimes personal matters are just that: personal.  
Sometimes family matters need to stay between families.

But this is so much more than that.  And as my bloggy friends know, blogging is an outlet. 
--Taylor Swift writes songs--
--Miley shaves her head--
--I retreat to my bloggy--


My mother was seriously injured in a freak accident.  The perky tan little lady that I call "mom" was vacationing in Cabo San Lucas and lounging by the pool with her friend on their first day of their vacation.  Somewhere along the lines, someone left a hot tub cover unclipped on the 3rd floor of the resort.  The wind caught the cover and blew it hard enough into my mom's head that it snapped her neck in 2 places.

She was rushed to the hospital and received emergency surgery as she was far too critical to transport back to the states.  However, we now have her back in the states and I write my little bloggy post from a mini-recliner in an ICU room listening to pumps of the breathing tube, and beeps from her heart monitor. 



She's now a quadriplegic.  
Suffering from paralysis in all four limbs.
DEEEEEEEEEP BREATH.

She can move her feet and wiggle some fingers.  We are fortunate that she's such a healthy person (does it get more healthy than ultra marathoners?).  However even she's having difficulties keeping her lungs strong and her body relaxed. 

My mom is the world's sweetest, happiest person.  If anyone ever has anything to say about mom, it's always, "She's the happiest person I've ever met!"  This isn't fair that she was injured simply by laying by the pool.  None of this is fair. 

My mom runs as her form of therapy
She's an ultramarathon runner
An avid Yogi
And a health fanatic

Her life will forever be different and my heart breaks for her.

Please send your prayers and good thoughts to my sweet little mom.  She needs them more than anything right now.





37 comments

  1. Sending prayers of protection and strength for your family. I am so so sorry to hear this but know that we bloggers support you and we are praying!

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  2. Stay strong, love you. xo

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  3. Thinking of you, your mom, and your entire family! Please let me know if there's anything we can do and know that you have a huge network of people through your blog that will be here to listen, support you, and try to brighten your day in any way we can!

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  4. Reading your blog really touched my heart! Ashley, you are a strong and positive young woman. The love and support of many helps build your strength which helps you, your family, and most importantly, your Mom. We are part of your team and praying for your mom and family.
    All our love, Truby, Jeff, and Adrienne

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  5. Praying without ceasing for you, your precious mama, and your family. I always turn to Isaiah 41:10 when I am in a time of deep sadness, grief, or despair. Praying this over your family + Mom today. Xx.

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  6. Chelsea Brown11:35 AM

    Oh my goodness, I don't even know what to say. I am so, unbelievably sorry for this tragic accident. I always remember hearing stories about your mom and how much running she did - all the while thinking she was nuts! I took up marathon running about two years ago and I cannot tell you how much it has changed my life. It serves not just as a form of exercise but a way to clear your mind, relieve stress, and so much more. I could not imagine having that taken away from me and I cannot imagine what your mother is going through right now. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers and never give up hope that she will return to the amazing runner, yogi, and person that she was.

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  7. Ashley, I am so so sorry to hear that this happened. I can't even imagine where your head is at with all of this and I am sending my best your way. If you need someone to talk to, know that I'm here for you <3

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  8. so, so sorry to hear about your mom! She sounds like a strong lady and has all the support from you :)

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  9. I don't comment very often and this is indeed a very personal post but my heart broke as well when I read about that unfortunate accident. Life can be very fragile.
    Sending you all my prayers and best thoughts and wishing all the strength possible for you and your mother <3

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  10. Oh my goodness. That is crazy! I'm so so sorry to hear about this :( she's definitely inb my prayers, girl.

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  11. Sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers.

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  12. Anonymous2:10 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and your family.

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  13. Oh, Crayola. I am so sorry. Accidents like this are never "fair", but it's especially unfair that something like this happened to a wonderful person like your mom. I've never met her, but I assume she is much like you: bubbly, quirky, fun, and adorable. I will keep you in my most positive thoughts at all times. If anyone can make it through this, it's you guys. There's a long road ahead, but you will never travel it alone. All my love to you and your mama!!

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  14. I'll be praying for your mom to be surrounded with love and warmth and that she will heal from this.

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  15. Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry! Talk about a freak accident, I can't imagine what your family is going through but please know I will be praying for you guys during this time.

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  16. Ashley,
    Keep your head up and don't lose faith. I can't imagine all the changes and struggles that will come your way, but it's important to stay strong. If you ever need any help don't be afraid to ask. We are all here for you!

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  17. This was heartbreaking to read. I'm so sorry for you and your family. You're in my thoughts and prayers, try to stay strong!

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  18. My heart breaks for you girl:(....Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family Ashley! I am so sorry that this happened to such an amazing women.

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  19. Anonymous3:35 PM

    So heartbreaking to hear this terrible news. Terry, please be strong and you can make it. Prayers to you, John, and your family!

    Chihping

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  20. Anonymous4:02 PM

    Your mom is an amazing person. We must be strong for her. Thank you for posting this, I had no idea.
    Kathy D'Onofrio

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  21. I am deeply saddened to hear about Terry's accident. I have such fond memories of running with her at WS training runs and seeing her at various ultra events. Please pass on my love and warm thoughts. I will most certainly be offering my most heart felt prayers for her.

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  22. Anonymous4:41 PM

    Your mom is an icon of strength and happiness. I pray for a miracle!
    MJ

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  23. I am heartbroken to hear of this tragic accident. Terry is a super star on the trails and her bright smile and wonderful energy are always wonderful to be around. I have chatted with her and John at many ultras and had the honor of climbing up to the top of Squaw with her at the 2011 Western States. There she was with her headband and two swinging snowballs atop her head. My prayers to Terry, John and your entire family.

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  24. So very sorry to hear about this tragic accident. Terry, John and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  25. Anonymous7:19 PM

    Ashley, your Mother is a Saint. Yes, the happiest, sweetest, kindest person I have ever met. Hearing the news about this tragic accident just made me sick to my stomach. Life is not fair, and when such awful things like this happen to such a wonderful person, it makes us wonder why. Your sweet Mother is in my prayers as are you, John, and the rest of your family. Sincerely, Jack Meyer.

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  26. Anonymous7:47 PM

    Hello Ashley, last year I was training for my next race because I was just like you a running fanatic! I was in the shape of my life and worked out very hard. I was so happy and then while cutting down a tree a limb fell down on my paralyzing me last August. I am super bummed about it, but my faith has brought me through this. I started a Facebook page for Para's and quad's and I would love for you to join us. It is called "Spinal Cord Injury Peer Group USA". Please join. Where are you now? I was at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA and I am home now in North Carolina. I am on Facebook as well if you want to find me to just talk. My name is Jay Erwin. Another great running friend Jennifer Nichols told me about you.

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  27. Anonymous7:52 PM

    Prayers for your mom, you and your family. I pray for wisdom for the doctors and those attending to her needs.

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  28. I heard the horrible news today on Gordys Facebook page. I can't tell you how sorry I am. Please know that your Mom is in my thoughts and prayers and I pray for strength for you and John in the coming days. Life can be so unfair and it can change in a heart beat. Take care of yourself. Kelly Ridgway

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  29. Anonymous11:24 PM

    what a tragic accident. healing thoughts going your mom's way.

    - a fellow runner from the Netherlands

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  30. Gordy sent this on to us, will definitely keep your mom, Terry, in my prayers. Which hospital is she in in Reno? I am so glad she was able to get back home where her support system can actively let her know how much she is held up. There is a wonderful site called Caring Bridge, which allows you, and she when she may be ready to connect to her friends, family and supporters to stay updated about her improvements, and a place for folks to communicate to her.

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  31. Anonymous12:12 PM

    My prayers go to you and your family. I met your mom during the Western States 100 in 2007...she was responsible for me making the cutoff at the top of Devil's Thumb as she discouraged me for taking a dip in the creek at the bottom. She was responsible for my fourth finish... I'm heartbroken to learn of her accident.

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  32. Anonymous3:17 PM

    Your mom and dad have been an inspiration to all of us out there on and off the trail. We'll lift you all in prayer on our daily runs. Be strong and keep smiling.

    The entire Team Diablo bunch

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  33. Oh my word. I am so sorry I'm just now catching up on this! How horrifying and heart breaking! I mean... a hot tub cover? WHAT?! I am sooooooo sorry! I am so glad the updates have been positive but I will still definitely pray my heart out for her (and your whole family!)

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  34. my ultra friend Chihping's post made me land on your blog. sending all positive vibes to you, your mom and your family. that is what ultra runners do when hitting the lowest point. ultra runners also know it will come to end and there will be second wind. stay strong and positive.

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  35. Marjie (dragus) schoen2:47 PM

    I have known your mom since I was about 10 years old (or even younger)...she is just as you say...the happiest person E-V-E-R. If I remember correctly, she was in a bad accident right out of high school. She was a fighter back then, and I'm sure that spirit is still with in her! thinking of her and sending prayers from California - Marjie (Dragus) Schoen mas2011@aol.com

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  36. Aww, I'm so sorry Ashley. My prayers go out for your momma and your family. :-(

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  37. oh my goodness, Ashley!! I am seriously SO sorry to read this!!! My heart aches for you and your family but I am glad she is doing better! I am a firm believer that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers!!! xoxoxo

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