Fetal Echo {Our Trisomy 18 Baby}
I Choose Joy! {Our Trisomy 18 Baby}
As you know, the last month and a half has been filled with a lot of ups and downs. And a lot of doctor apts. From our initial worries that something was wrong with our baby, to diagnosing and testing, it has been a really difficult last several weeks in many ways. But we have also been so blessed.
I might be doing totally fine until I drive past a cemetery (or 3 (stupid detours) on the way to drop my son off at preschool) and I suddenly get so overwhelmed with the thought of having to pay for a funeral for our little sweet angel that I lose it.
There are ups and downs. But most of the time, I am ok. Most of the time, I am fine.
I hope no one ever feels that they have to walk on egg shells around me. I don't mind talking about our baby and I also don't mind hearing about your pregnancy, your story, your babies or other news either. But if I don't bring it up every time I talk to you, please don't be offended.
I still have a daughter in 1st grade and a son in preschool. I am still a mom and a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. I am still the exact same person I was a month ago in so many ways. Just in a slightly differently place in my life at the moment. Yes, I will forever be changed, but I am still Ashley!
At the end of the day, it all comes down to a choice. A choice I make every day to wake up and find joy in today.
I could easily hide in my closet all day, every day. I don't think many people would blame me. But what would that accomplish...really?!
I have a family, I have two amazing children and a wonderful husband. I have a blog, I have hobbies, I have laundry to do and floors to sweep. I can hide in my closet and ignore life, or I can make peace with where I am at and find joy in my every day life!
It all boils down to a choice. Yes, I may have hard days and no it will not always be easy. Trials are never easy. But I can still choose to find joy and happiness.
I Choose Joy!
Here are all the posts in this series about our family's journey:
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Your positive attitude is exactly how we should all be traveling through life Ashley! Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Ashley Phipps
Oh thank you so much Sharon!! And thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers!!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative
Oh, Ashley, I am instantly brought to tears reading your story. I am quickly brought back to having doctors giving me bad news. While my son does not have Trisomy 18 he has another rare genetic syndrome and is almost 18. This is heartache like no other. I choose Joy too - then and everyday of my life. Be strong as you travel through the rest of this journey - you are not alone! My thoughts and
Ashley Phipps
Thank you so much for sharing your story Susan. I truly appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers! They mean so much to us!
Carrie
My daughter's umbilical cord burst during birth, and we were supposed to lose her. She was supposed to be vegetative. We chose to love her each and every moment of her life, no matter how long that life might be. We wanted her to know she was loved, and everyone in our lives took those cues and loved her with their whole hearts. Today she is five. You'd never know of her rocky
Ashley Phipps
Oh Carrie thank you so much for sharing your story with me! And your kind words of inspiration! I am so happy that your daughter is doing so well! What a blessing and a miracle!
Doreen Grose
You are an amazing individual, Ashley! Choosing joy is a hard thing to do when life throws you curve balls. You are the epitome of grace, my dear! Much love and prayers going your way.
Ashley Phipps
🙂 Thank you for your kind sweet words Doreen! You are so kind.
Level 1 Homemaker
You are such an inspiration!
Ashley Phipps
Oh thank you so much!
Japolina
You are amazing! Hugs to you
Ashley Phipps
Thank you!
Jenna, SAS Interiors
You are such a strong and amazing person, Ashley. I think about you often and even though we're miles and miles away, I'm always here for you. Continually sending prayers your way. xo Jenna
Ashley Phipps
Oh thank you Jenna! you are so sweet and I truly appreciate your kind thoughts and your prayers! Our friendship means so much to us...even with all the miles in between us!!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse
Very inspiring post, I feel humbled and uplifted.
Ashley Phipps
Thank you so much
eab1313
I just bought a little sign that I hung up in our house...."find the good" I love that you are doing that, even though it's so hard. Blessings today.
Ashley Phipps
What a wonderful sign to have in your home! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
Katy
I just came across your site today from Pinterest and I know it was providence. <br /><br />We lost our son Robert at 22 weeks on August 21, 2008. If I can leave you anything it's Hope in that even through the pain, God really can work good for those of us who love him. Five years later, how God has used me through our loss is nothing short of a miracle. He will absolutely use you and your
Ashley Phipps
Thank you so much for stopping by Katy and for sharing your touching story! And thank you so much for sharing your hope with me! It is so wonderful to "meet" others who have been through similar experinces! Thank you so much for stopping by!
DulceShani
Hi Ashley, just wanted to encourage you! Stay prayerful and know that GOD has the final say! My daughter Mylah has Trisomy 18 and will be 19 months this month. I will keep you in my prayers! Sending our love, thoughts, and prayers! I have a blog also mylahsjourney.blogspot.com if you wish to read about my experiences. Keeping you lifted up in prayer!!!!
Ashley Phipps
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind sweet words!! I am so happy for you and your story! Thanks for sharing! And I will definitely check out your blog! Thank you! And thanks so much for the prayers! They mean so much to us!
Nicole
Late to tha party here, but your words about Choosing Joy make me think of a blog by a wonderful woman and her struggle through cancer. She even makes Choose Joy bracelets. http://www.lilblueboo.com<br /><br />I love your post. It's really inspirational to just about every situation.