In respect of Ashley's continued healing please do not copy/print any blog pictures.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sunday, August 29, 2010

ASHLEY'S VERSE OF THE DAY!
"Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."
Isaiah 55:13 (NIV)


Powerful Jesus, that is what I need You to be today. Powerful Jesus. I see the shadow on my life and often I fear that it will overtake me. You have promised that in You, with You, all things are possible. Show me where to move today Jesus, so that I position myself in Your Sonlight. Give me the discipline to study Your words so that my life will be for Your renown and an everlasting sign to others of life in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Hi Everyone!

Prayers are needed for Ashley to be approved to start her therapy sessions this coming week so that she will continue her walk with the Lord in getting stronger and stronger everyday and proclaim victory!! Also please pray that she continues to work hard to regain all her motor planning, stay strong so we can someday hear her laugh and talk out loud, walk with a strong balance, eat pizza, W
hataburgers and her favorite wing stop!

I would also request prayers for me as I will be returning to my work on Monday. May the Lord give me strength, knowledge, courage and memory so that I can get up to date with my department one day at a time. Thank you to all the staff at
ECISD for your cooperation and support for my family during this change in our lives. Pray for David and Adrian to continue to be strong in caring for Ashley at home as we are still adjusting and for Alyssa, who has probably been the strongest one in our family. Stay focused in school, set your goals and reach them!

Also as all the students have returned to school, we wish all the students, staff and parents a blessed and successful school year. May the Lord protect each one of you and keep all bad spirits away, and for families to pray together everyday for our children to be protected and be aware of their surroundings. Stand strong in your faith! God is Good All the Time!! Trust in Him!!!


As the John Keller family proclaimed during his victorious recovery: PUSH! Pray Until Something Happens!



Thank you love you all,


The
Olivarez Family

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Ashley's Verse of the Day

"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2 (NIV)Dear Lord, thank You for being all we need and so much more! Grow my vision of You Lord to see past my limited knowledge. Open my mind to see beyond my reality. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Hello Everyone!

Friday Morning (8/20/10)came around and we were all packed and just cleaning and gathering the last items together. Dr. Currie came in early in the morning with his White tail deer tie to remind Ashley of the deer we have in South Texas. If I didn't mentioned it before Dr. Currie has a big collection of ties and wears a different one everyday to interact with his patients. He wished us the very best and wished many blessings for Ashley. We got the last discharge paperwork from our nurse and we then we off to Ashley's going home party with another chocolate cake and more gifts. There was mixed emotions for all of us. We took pictures and gave hugs and said our goodbyes. We told them we will be back in November for Ashley's follow up appointment.

After leaving the hospital the first place we took Ashley was the San Fernando Cathedral Church downtown. She looked around and immediately her eyes were drawn to Jesus on the cross at a distance. We took her around the cathedral and prayed and gave lots of thanks. We then went to the River Center Mall because she had nodded yes when previously asked if she wanted to go there. She did very well in her wheelchair and with the people. On Saturday we went to Morgan's Wonderland outside of San Antonio. One of Ashley's therapist had informed me about this new amusement park that was specially for families with special needs loved ones. This park just opened this past April and it is beautiful. I highly recommend it to families everywhere! Everything families need to enjoy a special day with their loved ones is here and very accessible.

We first went to the Fishing Wharf where Adrian and Alyssa had a lot of fun. Adrian even got a big cat fish. We took Ashley on the train ride that takes you around the whole park. Then we went inside the gym where there was a group playing drums with other families. We participated and Ashley enjoyed the music and hitting the drum and making noise with the hand instruments. We then ate and then took Ashley to the water area. There she was able to feel different pressures of water go through her fingers and move objects in the water activities. This was very good stimulation for her. We then sat at a theater where we enjoyed the talent of many young boys and girls singing and dancing for the visitors. The park was closing at 8p.m. but we left at 3p.m. because we didn't want to travel late with Ashley. She did very well on the road.

Driving up into Edinburg was exciting for me. The first thing I noticed when turning right on Monte Cristo from 281 was the new Fine Arts Auditorium at Edinburg North High School. I said WOW it looks great, the students are going to enjoy it!! Driving up to my house was exciting as well. Our fence was decorated with colored ribbons and balloons and there were welcome back Ashley signs that were made by Ashley's friend Samantha Cantu. Thank you!!

We saw my mom at the drive way and my sister came out excited and emotional to see Ashley back home. They had prepared dinner for us and rearranged Ashley's room after painting it. Thank you My Lord for bringing us all together back home safely.

On Sunday we went to mass at the San Juan Shrine. After the mass we walked the stations of the cross and had Ashley walk a little as well. David and Ashley sat down to rest and talk to a man who told David his story of how the Lord saved him from getting killed. I noticed another man had driven up in his truck and walked to our area and said, "Good afternoon" in Spanish and walked up to Ashley and place his right hand on her head and started praying over her and then walked away into the Shrine. I asked David did he know who that man was and he said NO! I said well that was odd!! As I was done praying at the station, I noticed him coming out of the Shrine and I told David should I go ask who he is or does he know us or why he did that? David said no just let it be, the Lord is here with us. I stayed dazed as to what drew him to my Ashley when Alyssa was the one sitting on the wheelchair. Maybe he was one of Our Lord's Angles? Well if your reading this, Thank you for your prayer on Sunday for Ashley and please continue to pray over her. May the Lord Bless You!

On Monday and David left with Ashley to Milestones and I left to take Alyssa to her first day of school. I then met up with them at Milestones. Ashley was already in an observation with one of the therapists. We were given a tour of the facility and met the therapists. They are so excited and eager to get started with Ashley. We took our time explaining and asking and answering questions just so that they could get to know Ashley. We then left to the parking lot and unfortunately David's truck did not want to start up. God only knows why he sent us in two vehicles. So we left his truck their and took Ashley home to rest and eat.

Later David and Adrian went to fix and bring back the truck. I went to get our wheelchair access parking tags at the County. The clerk who attended us was very nice and understanding that Ashley was not there to sign. I noticed the tags were good for four years and I told the clerk, God willing my daughter will not need these tags that long and she said, "Amen" I hope daughter gets better."

On Tuesday we started working on unpacking and washing and settled in around the house. David came across a box of all our home videos and started showing them to Ashley to see what reaction or response this would bring. Well let me tell you hearing her laugh was awesome! You all need to take the time and watch your home family videos and see your blessings through out the years! We laughed a lot. We found some really cute moments when the kids were small. Wow, how the years go by!
We had a very good evening at home.

On Wednesday we took her to her follow up appointment with Dr. Palacios. As we got out of the car at her clinic, I held Ashley's hand and said "Ready? Let's go!" She then walked in front of me and lead the way. This was different because we usually walk along her side or towards the front guiding her. Well I figured I would see where she would take me. Well she walked straight up to the entrance door and I asked Ashley are you sure this is the right door and she looked at the names on the door and nodded yes! Thank You Lord Jesus Christ. We Trust in You!

After signing her in, we turned to take a seat and I was wondering if we would run into someone we know. Well sure enough the Lord brought me to see my sister in Christ, Sylvia
Requenez (who stayed with Ashley at home while we were at the benefit bar-b-q). She was so happy and we hugged so tight and she hugged Ashley and loudly praised the Lord for his beautiful work on Ashley. Ashley became emotional and happy as well. After Ashley's vitals were taken and the nurse escorted us to a room. We were greeted by Dr. Palacios and her staff with big smiles at the nurses station. Dr. Palacios told Ashley with a big surprised smile "Look at you- your walking!" The last time Ashley was in Dr. Palacios office was back in June before we left to San Antonio and Ashley was brought in through the back entrance on an ambulance bed with several machines. She is in your hands my Lord, Do your will with her!

Her progress is visible everyday. Later Wednesday evening at home she had a big smile when she saw herself in the mirror wearing her black seniors 2010 t-shirt from
ENHS. We turn on the music and she moves her head with the beat and enjoys dancing with mom and dad. She sits very comfortable in the leaving room rocking chair with one leg bent up and rocking back and fourth looking at her brother and sister play a game on t.v. Her speech and swallowing of foods is still very minimal but i know she will be talking and eating all kinds of foods really soon. I told her earlier today "Ashley, you need to go to school." She looked at me and then i said "oh yea, you graduated! Your done with high school!" and she smiled. Then I said "but you still need college! Do you want to go to college?" She nodded yes! Then I asked her "Where? STC... UTPA... or UTSA?" She nodded yes to UTPA! So Everyone these are our prayers. For Ashley to recover 110%, as the Lord needs her to be so she can independently speak her testimony and help others through his grace who have lost their faith and need to be found.

Thank you to all the staff at Christus Santa Rosa Children's Rehab. We miss you so much and love you all dearly. You all are a very big part in our lives and our prayers are with you and the love you give everyday through our Lord. I truly believe there are angels by your side everyday!


Thank you all for all your continued prayers. Please continue to Praise our Lord! Amen!


Lourdes
Olivarez,
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

No doubt by now, everyone has heard that Ashley is coming home! All of you have been so generous and compassionate during the last few months and without your love and prayers, we would not have made it through this.

Once we get back to the Valley, we ask that you give Ashley a little time to adjust to her new routines and schedules before coming to see her at home. We will continue to update through the blog and let you know when she is settled in and ready for visitors. Her new routines will include coming and going to rehab and doctors visits and may take a little extra energy to accomplish these new tasks and we don't want to overwhelm her. In the meantime, please continue to leave Ashley encouraging words in the comment section of the Blog. Ashley loves to hear from you!


We know she will be so excited to see everyone once again!


Thank you for your understanding.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thursday, August 19, 2010 - UPDATE

YOUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!

THIS WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Dear Lord, When hard times come, I will not be afraid. I trust in
Your loving care to provide for my family and me. Take my
burden, Lord, and replace my worry with peace.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thank you all so much for your URGENT PRAYERS for Ashley while having the MRI today. We left the hospital around 12:45p.m. and returned about 4:30p.m. The whole procedure took about two hours and was done to examine three areas. The first was the upper spine area for the initial liquid found in her spine. The second was for the neck area that initially showed tightness and the third was the brain area for the cyst that was of major concern. She did very well lying very still throughout all two first runs but on the third one for the head, she started moving, possibly from wanting to reposition herself, so the technician had to stop the test and check on her because she was shaking her legs.

I was standing in the room with her praying the rosary and approached her and talked to her to calm her down. I told Ashley this was the last of the tests and to try not to move and we would be done really fast. I asked her to smile if she understood and if she was okay to continue and she looked up at me and smiled. The technician proceeded to start again.

I am very proud of Ashley because she did not have to be sedated and was strong throughout the long and very very loud exam!! Even the driver of the ambulance said that it took very long and that she did very well. When I came out of the room and met up with David, Adrian and Alyssa who were also praying the rosary in the waiting area, I hugged David and told him she did very well, was very strong and that I knew that the Lord was taking care of her and that she was going to be okay. I said, I know the Lord will be sending us home. By the time we got back to her room Santa Rosa Hospital, we had missed the initial scheduled time for her going home party.

Everything and everyone was at a stand still not knowing whether we were leaving or not. We waited in the room and about 6:30p.m. Dr. Currie came in to give us the results. He walked in and said, "okay let me turn off your t.v.", and pulled up a chair and sat down and I said, "do we need to step outside to talk" and he said, "Oh NO I've got great NEWS pull up a chair and I want Ashley to hear this too!!"

He explained the results of each area. He said between him and the doctor who reads the exams, it could not be explained or determined why or how the liquid in the spine had been decreased from the Edinburg CT Scan and the San Antonio CT scan to almost nothing. This was not an area of concern anymore!

The tightness in the neck area came back showing as normal. No more tightness was there which may have been initial swelling.
And the cyst was nothing of a concern. It was mis-interpreted for a cyst and was not a cyst. We were good to go home!

I told him I had sent out an urgent prayer request with all our family and friends before the exam that we had been praying the rosary during the exam and he said "Well your prayers are the answer to these great results that were medically unexplainable." He further told us that Ashley's medical condition will improve in time with lots of work, love and care. Dr. Currie is a man of strong faith, knowledge, dedication and compassion for his patients. He told us to continue doing what we were all doing for Ashley through our faith. After hearing this great news, I raised my arms up high and with a high voice said, "Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for answering our prayers!" We were so excited that we continued packing, cleaning and Ashley's medical schedule. The staff started coming in to find out the news and how they could help and what did we need. They kept telling Ashley she will be greatly missed and how proud they are and to keep up the good work!! Also her going home party was rescheduled for Friday Morning.

On another note: Wow! What great news Ashley's blog has gone international! People are praying for her all over the United States and now in other countries as well. Thank you LORD!!


Thanks for all your hard work and love for Ashley.

The girls had a GREAT Birthday on Monday the 16th. They had a party with cake and gifts. Ashley's door was decorated and it was wonderful to see Ashley sing along the birthday song. Thank you to all the family and friends that called, texted and commented on the blog page to wish them a happy birthday. Special thanks to Ashley's friends that texted her at exactly 12:00am on the 16th. Yes 12:00am! She was excited we couldn't get her to go to sleep. Attached are some birthday pictures.

Please continue specifically praying for:
1. For her cough to clear up.
2. For her to be able to swallow her food more continuously so that her G-Tube can be removed.
3. For her to be able to eat more food without getting nauseated.
4. For her speech for communication be stronger, louder and clearer.
5. For her walking to be more independent and safe
6. For her body tremors to decrease and clear up
7. For her to someday soon be able to tell her powerful testimony and help others.
8. Live an independent, confident life praising the Lord!
9. Feel comfortable at home because when asked if she wanted to go home, she would answer No!
10. For all the ill children here at the hospital, who give me strength just with their smile as I see them down the hall way in their wheel chairs or other equipment.

STOP!! Look around you!! We are so blessed!! Love and give to a needing hand!!

We will keep you updated as we get Ashley home and help her feel comfortable, safe and very much needed rest at home, take her to church, to her new outpatient therapist at Milestones and doctors appointments next week. Thank you for your continued prayers. We pray for you all as well everyday!

Lourdes Olivarez
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!
FAITH, HOPE & LOVE

Thursday, August 19, 2010

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED

A CT Scan this morning showed something that is causing concern with the Doctors and Ashley is being transported to have an MRI done this afternoon. Please begin to pray specifically for wisdom and discernment for the medical teams and perfect working order of the equipment and machinery.

Thank you God that you have exposed this possible threat to Ashley's well-being so that it may be dealt with and taken care of immediately. We ask you Father, that you would go before the medical team and make known to them what needs to be done. We thank you that Ashley is the apple of your eye and that you have her in your hands. Please send Angels to comfort the family during this anxious time. We pray peace over the entire situation. Amen.

We will post updates as we get them.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Friday, August 13, 2010

Ashley’s Verse of the Day

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Dear Lord, please hold me up today. Give me strength. Help me to lean on You. I am tired and weak and need Your strength today to face these hard situations and the pain in my heart. Draw me closer to You in the midst of this. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Friday, August 13, 2010

 

Hello Everyone!

Just to update you on the Lord's continued work of blessings for Ashley. Ashley had a very good weekend!

She was visited on Friday by her Science TAKS tutor Mrs. Cindy Torres along with her husband and son Mark. During the weekend she was visited again by her Aunt, Uncle & cousins ( the Chavez Family) & her Godparents Israel & Diana & Kasie Mata and The Huerta Family as well. She had a surprise visit by her track partner, Jenyse Vasquez and mom, Mari.

Jenyse ran with Ashley in track this past season and they were both team mates in the 4x4 relay team which qualified for Regionals this past May. Good Luck to Jenyse Vasquez and all the girls and boys in their upcoming season in Cross Country and Track. Remember you never know when Ashley is going to be watching you all from the stands!

In the pictures you also see Ashley with her Occupational Therapist - James Moody. What can we say Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! As you can see by the friendly smile and warm hug Ashley is very loved and cared for by all the therapist here!!! Ashley continues to meet weekly goals with the therapist in all areas. During Wednesday's conference meeting we discussed the continued strong cough Ashley has been experiencing on and off. The ttudy exam of reflex in stomach came back 95% normal thank you Lord! The blinking of eyes and the possibility of double vision has cleared up. Her voice is heard a little louder at times when selecting drinks, foods, etc. During her own selected leg stretching she counted up to ten then started counting backwards to one. I heard her do some singing over the weekend and remembers her phone number to her cell phone in English and Spanish! They have started to bring her a lunch tray so she can start eating soft foods. She clapped along as we sang Happy Birthday to another patient celebrating her birthday.

Talking about birthdays, Send in your BIRTHDAY WISHES TO ASHLEY & HER SISTER ALYSSA as they both celebrate their Blessed Birthdays on Monday August 16th. Ashley will be turning 18 and Alyssa 11. Thank you Lord above for the wonderful blessings you give us everyday and especially to be celebrating our daughters birthdays together again. Also Lord thank you for Blessing me and David with 25 years of marriage at the end of this past July. Even though David and I kind of forgot or put it off, we thank you for your strength and blessing in keeping our family together through all the good and tough times. You have always been there! Thank you our LORD thank you!

We are praying to be home soon! Please keep praying for our Ashley's strong recovery and healing so that she may someday be able to share her testimony with so many that need to hear her!! Love one another, forgive and forget, help your neighbor, give to the needy, praise the LORD our KING!!!

Thank you all!

Love,
Lourdes Olivarez

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Friday, August 6, 2010

Ashley's Verse of the Day!

"But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers for them in the desert!" Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NLT)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making life beautiful and creative. Thank You for placing a bit of Your creativity in me so that I can enjoy You more. Help me to shake off the negative thoughts about my own lack and be open to whatever new thing You long to do in me and through me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Hello everyone,

Thank you all who submitted pictures for Ashley's prayer blanket! I hear it was a great response! I can't wait for Ashley to see it. Thank you to Robert & Diana Olivarez and Deidra, Brittany and Joana Casas who visited Ashley on Monday. She enjoyed your visit and laughs.

During Wednesday's Conference meeting a lot was discussed and reviewed. It was decided to start Ashley on a medication to help her be more attentive and so she is not so distracted with everything around her. In ST- she worked on naming family and friends in pictures and did very well. Her swallowing is improving little by little. She is able to sing and recite the alphabet and count numbers. She has been a little more verbal with us. In OT, Ashley continues to work on upper strengthing and extension of the arms and shoulders and her release of objects with fingers has improved. In PT, she continues to do well in climbing additional stairs and is working on strengthing trunk by crawling on all fours and sitting on a large bouncy ball. Looks like a lot of fun because she started bouncing on it. Walking continues to strenghten, while held only by the back of her gate belt. Dr. Currie has not decided a discharge date as of yet. Possibly another two weeks because plans are in progress for outpatient therapy at Milestones in McAllen. We have heard a lot of good things about Milestones and look forward to meeting and working with them.

The Lord has a plan for Ashley and he is opening doors for her because of all your prayers, love and support that you give unconditionally. Today Thursday we had another blessed day. Ashley continued to do well and work hard in all her sessions. We were blessed by a great friendly visit from Heidi and her mom Sharon and brother Chris from Uvalde. Heidi is Ashley's friend who was also receiving rehab here with Ashley. Wow she looks Awesome!! She is walking and talking and eating all on her own. Thank you Lord for your continued love and beautiful work on our girls. You bless us everyday with every hug and kiss we share with our loved ones. Please continue your prayers and praying the rosary for our Ashley. We will be home soon!

We have met another mom and with daughter from Brownsville and another mom with daughter from Mission. We ask for your prayers for them as well.

Thank you and we love you all very much!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

REMINDER

Today is the last day to turn in your pictures for Ashley's prayer blanket with Juvi Juarez. Also, today is the prayer meeting at the skate park on Jackson & Sprague @ 6:30pm (Edinburg). Don't forget to bring OFF for mosquitoes.

For more information, you can call Juvi Juarez @Mobile:9563305199 or email jjbjj5@yahoo.com

Lets surprise Ashley by the time she goes home with the blanket! She will love to see you on it!

Monday, August 2, 2010 Photos





























Ashley's Verse of the Day!

"But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
Dear Lord, Your promises are a gift to me. You've given them to sustain me, to provide hope and peace while I'm in a pit. Help me to trust in all Your promises until You bring me out. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Monday, August 2, 2010 VIdeo

Monday, August 2, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

Ashley had a great weekend that was full of surprise visits! On Saturday her dear friend Christopher Granando from ENHS and his parents surprised her. Christopher is also the friend that made the "promise walk" from the Edinburg Children's Hospital to the San Juan Shrine back in June. On Sunday she had a surprise visit from Mrs. Mimi Romero and daughter Grace. Mrs. Romero works at B.L.Garza Middle School (Ashley's former middle school) and Grace attends Norma Linda Trevino Elementary. Ashley later took pictures with her brother Adrian, Dad & Mom. Later that afternoon she was visited by her dear friend Aj Huerta from EHS and his family, Adolfo, Mryna & Ty. That evening she was visited by her Olivarez Grandparents David & Elva & uncle Davis & cousins Davis Jr. & Juliet & friend. Ashley was very excited and happy to see everyone. Also thank you to the Donato Salinas Jr. family and her Uncle Andy & Aunt Roni & family for visiting during the week.

Ashley shows stronger legs when walking as you can see on the separate post of video from Thursday. She was walking "SiSi" a Shih Tzu therapy dog. In the back you can see Ashley's doctors, Dr. Currie on left and on right Dr. Colbert. Her speech is still quiet. On Saturday Dr. Moe came to examine her vocal cords with a scope cam and said everything looked good. No signs of paralization. It may just take time for her to work her vocal cords and strengthen them again and for her strong cough to clear. Her swallow of liquids and small soft food bites continue to improve. During Mass she is very attentive to the Priest and the persons doing the readings. She also joins in to hold hands during the Lord's Prayer and takes communion very well. We have started talking to her about going home and she told us "I want to Go Home".

Ashley's vail bed was removed a week ago and has been sleeping very well at night. She is also using her head to answer "yes" and "no." She follows commands very well when asked to close her and/or squeeze our hand. She can also hold an object in her hands for a long time and she is able to put on her shoes during therapy. Last night while watching a movie, I loved to watch and hear her and her dad laugh out loud. Ashley is so AWESOME and she glows everyday and it's because the LORD is there beside her. He shows us that we are going to be just fine. Live in the present not the past or future!

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Please do not stop! We ask you to love one another and hug and kiss your children everyday. Put the Lord first in your lives for He is our leader every morning when we open our eyes. Everything we have is because He allows us to have it. Live and learn from us! Be strong and positive in everything you do. Take care of the hungry, poor & the sick for they are the Lord's people. Give without expecting anything in return for you will receive many blessings from our KING!

Love you all very much!