Guest guest Posted February 27, 2004 Report Share Posted February 27, 2004 In a message dated 2/27/2004 10:41:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, JustLeahB@... writes: " why is your daughter your hero " and although I didnt win.... reflecting deeply into my heart and memories of Ashton has given me a deeper since of gratitude for having her in my life, and although she is a fierec pain in my butt at times, I wouldn't change that pain for any amount of money.... So the entry is below..... leah :-) WOW Leah!!!!! That was beautiful!!!! And *I* think you should have won!!!!!! Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2004 Report Share Posted February 27, 2004 Leah-- Oh my.... I'm now sitting at my computer in my jammies with tears running down my cheeks... Carole mom to Nicolas and (9 and 3 next week) JustLeahB@... wrote: >I am posting this because several people have asked me and gail is the main nag :-) just kidding.... I entered a contest to win tickets to a concert and the topic was " why is your daughter your hero " and although I didnt win.... reflecting deeply into my heart and memories of Ashton has given me a deeper since of gratitude for having her in my life, and although she is a fierec pain in my butt at times, I wouldn't change that pain for any amount of money.... So the entry is below..... leah :-) > >Dear Robin, >When I sat down to write this email explaining why my daughter Ashton is my >hero, I felt tears starting to slide down my cheeks, this overwhelming lump >forming in the pit of my stomach, and my heart beating faster because of the >pride I have in my daughter. So, I guess before I start my official " 150 words >or less statement " I will explain some background details so you can truly >understand the phenonimal impact Ashton has had on my life. I was a mere 18 >years old, basically still a child myself trying to find my own mark in the >world when Ashton was born. Ashton's birth was typical in many ways, but the >truly remarkable difference was that she was born with Down Syndrome ( for >those who don't know what that is, think of Corky on the show Life Goes On). I >was shocked, hurt, overwhelmed and frightened beyond the sky when the Dr. told >me of this news. How had this beautiful baby- a gift from God, something that >had grown inside of me came out tarnished and imperfect? I was fiercely angry >at God and at Ashton because I thought my life was over at that very moment. >Twelve years later, I look back and laugh at my stupidity. Ashton is my hero >because of her undying strength to overcome pain from society (teasing of >classmates, rejection from her father, and ugly stares from strangers). Ashton >is my hero because of her perserverance towards being alive and celebrating the >differences (she has had 20 surgeries and overcome various medical problems). >Ashton is my hero because of her unconditional acceptance of all people, >red,yellow, black or white they are all wonderful in Ashtons sight. Ashton is >my hero because of her simplistic views on life in such a " have to have " world. >She doesn't have to have all the material things in life, in all actuality she >is happier with a basket full of socks to dangle or a piece of paper to tear >into strips. Ashton is my hero because she has truly shown me that it's okay to >be who you are, be happy within your heart, and defy what the rest of society >thinks you should be. Ashton is my hero because of the love she gives me, the >challenges she endures, the laughter in her heart and the shine in her eyes. >She has truly inspired me to be compassionate, empathetic and non judgemental >towards others and because of her, I feel I am a much better person. Usually >the adults are supposed to be the mentors and role models, but in our case, >Ashton was my role model the very minute the doctors laid her in my arms and I >thank my daughter from the bottom of my heart for making me see who I can truly >be-myself, just as she is herself-Ashton. >Warmly, >Leah Baker-Scheib > > > >-------------------------------------------------- >Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and photos of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other information by including them. Don't forget, messages are a permanent record of the archives for our list. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ >-------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2004 Report Share Posted February 27, 2004 What a beautiful letter!!!! You should have won the contest in my opinion. HUGS...Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2004 Report Share Posted February 28, 2004 In a message dated 2/27/2004 10:41:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, JustLeahB@... writes: > I am posting this because several people have asked me and gail is the main > nag :-) Hi Leah, You should have won! Thanks for posting your entry. Charlyne Mom to Zeb 11 DS/OCD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2004 Report Share Posted February 28, 2004 Oh Leah, Thank you for sharing your beautiful inspirational thoughts on Ashton I know in return in your daughters eyes she appreciates you for being her mom on allowing her to be herself and involving her into the society that she belongs to. Yep, when you found out you were pregnant there were going to be some changes. Baby was born. Yep, definitely new changes. Then certain words came into the picture that were used everyday like Chromosomes, Cardio testing, test for this and that, disability, etc.. Then along came more new words, inclusion, law, and advocacy, etc. Yep, you became a vital part in your childs world, her key-person, case mgr., etc., her everything to keep her going, she may be just a wee bit different and see how she has a heart of gold and has won your heart. You accepted what can not be changed as she is an individual who will one day shout " I can " ! As a parent I understand how precious Ashton has turned your life around on what many, meaning " the society " are losing out. You've let go of the chain that kept adding chain after chain, walked through life, the harder it had gotten and finally now you have let go. You've chosen to live the present and keeping your chin up and have made a world of difference for her now and in the future. As a Dr. Welsh told a group of us parents today " Change your frame, change your attitude " . Due to the love you have for your daughter, you are able to help someone else face a challenge. Eh, don't mind me, thought it was a wonderful letter you had shared. Ok, so you did not win but it was the thought that counted and this was just a peddling little challenge compared to what you've been through. Hugs! Irma,15,Ds/ASD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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