From Ashtyn:
GUYS. I can’t believe I actually made it to 18!!
I never could have imagined the literal hell that 17 would bring. But my gosh, I couldn’t be any more grateful than I am right now.
I never could have imagined the literal hell that 17 would bring. But my gosh, I couldn’t be any more grateful than I am right now.
I moved to Seattle from Salt Lake City in the beginning of March, not knowing when or if I would ever come home. I already knew cancer too well, I knew my circumstances were not good. My mom reminded me of a marathon and how the hardest part is the last few miles when each painful step makes you want to cry and the finish line seems to only get farther from you. I don’t think I could comprehend the magnitude of the miracles that were ahead of me or the amount of encouragement I’d get from the sidelines.
Tonight, I am thankful. I have more scars and bruises on my body than I can count, I can’t walk on my own, my face is beat up, I have neuropathy, and I weigh 30 pounds more than I was before because of steroids and IV fluids, but I’m ALIVE. I’ll be able to look at my scars for the rest of my life and be proud of the body I have. I’ll be able to walk again, and when I do I’m going to look down at my steps with gratitude I never would have had, had I not gone so long relying on other people to get me everywhere. My neuropathy will fade one day and the weight will come off and I will be grateful to feel myself again.
Thank you for getting me here. Thank you for your support and prayers. I know that I am alive today because of it. Because of you and the grace of God, I got to celebrate my 18th birthday... OUT of the hospital. What a freaking MIRACLE!!❤️
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” -Ephesians 2:8
