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

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010







The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
—Psalm 27:1

Hello friends, parents, family & loves ones for Ashley,

After much prayer and thought we have decided to seek your help in assisting the open investigation on Ashley's accident. As you all may already know or have heard, Ashley did not act on her own when she had her accident. We have learned through blood work that she had an illegal substance in her system causing her to go into a state of mind to harm herself. We have been informed as to when, where, and who gave this illegal substance to her. The Edinburg School District Police Department with the help of the Edinburg City Police Department have opened up and active investigation and is working with us in bringing forward this person or persons so we may file criminal charges. At this time we are asking for your help with any information in regards to this investigation or any illegal activity going on in our schools. All your personal information will be highly confidential.

You need to be Ashley's voice and speak out for her now that she can not speak for herself yet! By you staying quiet, it will only be a matter time before this happens again to someone very close to you. Look around you, who will be next? We need to work together to get reed of this trash in our schools. Enough is Enough about everybody knows and everybody is doing it!! The ECISD is a DRUG FREE school zone with ZERO TOLERANCE and we must keep it that way! We are very blessed to have our Ashley here with us today. Unfortunately it is not the same for other families who have experienced the loss of their loved one in the same situation. What family is next? Parents please encourage and support your student in calling in with any information helping with this investigation. Please understand that we were once parents that thought that our kids were untouchable with these illegal substances in schools. Please we need your help. WE PRAY THAT YOU MAY NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THIS.

Please call Investigator Johnny Rodriguez at the ECISD Police Department at 380-8930 or 289-2572. You can also call crime stoppers. If your information leads to any arrest, you will be given a monetary award through crimes stoppers. For more information on crime stoppers please call the ECISD Police Department. Last but not least, to the person or persons who gave Ashley this illegal substance the day of May 19th at school, Ashley turned to you when she needed a friend with words of encouragement and support but you were no friend all you did was give her poison. I don't know how you could ever be a friend to anyone. You have no heart, no faith, and for sure no love for yourself or anyone else. Understand that even if you move from school to school, town to town, state to state. You may even change your hair color, change your name to avoid the people that are already looking at you and know what you are and what you have done. Even if justice is not served to the extreme that we want for you to serve here on earth, your day of justice will come when you face our Lord. You cannot hide from him no matter where you go or who you know. Your only salvation of mercy is come forward and ask for forgiveness until then this will haunt you for the rest of your life. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL.

The Olivarez Family

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE FOR THE SICK


St. Jude, you who are faithful, humble, and meek, bless all those afflicted with sickness.  Heal our bodies, and give us the strength Jesus had as He carried the cross.  Soothe our minds, and bring knowledge of the truth, that God's immeasurable love for us never ends.  Touch our souls with your peace.  St. Jude, I long for healing.  You witnessed Jesus lay His hands on many who were sick.  Bring to Him my prayer, that He may give me health, so that I may love and serve Him ever faithfully.
AMEN.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Hello everyone,
We have received more blessings during the past several weeks! We had asked for prayers for Ashley to be approved for a home provider and I had mentioned how I wished she could be going all week to therapy, rather than just three days out of the week. Well, you all prayed for our Ashley and our prayers have been answered! On Wednesday the 15th a case worker came to our house to meet Ashley and take an evaluation. By Friday, she called us to tell us that Ashley had been approved for a home provider. Everything fell into place! Then on Monday the 20th, Ashley started going all week long to therapy for the next three weeks. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!
I am excited to see her continued progress as she will have intense therapy all week. Ashley also had an eye doctor's appt. on Thursday and it's unexplainable but after several exams and procedures, David was told that she did not need to wear her eyeglasses. Her vision was fine!! She was only prescribed eye drops for the dryness that she is experiencing. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7.

We all continue to work with her at home to assist in her talking and eating. Sometimes she will say words and when you ask her to repeat them she won't. It's as if she is giving you one chance to hear her and that's it! I know a lot has to do with motor planning and re-thinking what and how to do things. Throughout the day and night, her schedule requires someone to assist her in everything. She needs guidance, repeated commands and lots of rest, with everything she is needing to do. After work, we spend time together walking inside and outside of the house assisting her with every turn and step she takes. We had her try out her new three wheel bike outside. The first time was kinda rough but then we tried it again. We had to slow her down because she almost had us running along the side with her. David had to modify the bike so she would be more comfortable. When the neighbors waved and praised her she picks up her hand and waves and smiles. We are still working her on swallowing. We have tried feeding her her favorite foods and she chews very well but then stops and holds it.

She is in Gods hands and on his time and he knows how he needs to heal her. Thank you to Father Richard who has been visiting Ashley throughout her progress. Your special words to Ashley were very comforting to us. Thank you to all the good friends we have seen through out our return. Thank you for your patience and giving us time to adjust at home. Your prayers and kind words are very encouraging to us. It is wonderful to know that Ashley is not forgotten and continues to be loved and prayed upon by so many. When her friends text her a message on her phone I read it out to her and text them back. Thank you all for keeping Ashley in your hearts and prayers. I am happy to hear how Ashley has motivated and changed the way of thinking for so many of our young loved ones. Already she is making a change and she has not even gotten started! The Lord has a plan for her. Please share her story and blog page with others.

We were excited to receive a phone video from John Keller and he also came to visit Ashley again this past Friday. He was very excited to see her new progress from the last time he saw her which was back in June. John's first words when I re-introduced Ashley to John were, "Is that Ashley, Is that Her? She looks so Good!" and with very confident and motivating words John also said, "Oh don't worry, Ashley is going to be just fine! The Lord is taking care of me and He is doing the same for Ashley!". Please read his book about his great Miracle: John Keller - A Miracle- On the Road to Recovery A True Story or visit his blog page as well: http://www.johnkellersmiracle.com/.

You must visit his blog page and read all the prayers for different people in very difficult situations but yet have strong faith. Ashley's story is in there as well so her prayers have spread throughout. The past is slowly fading away and our hearts are not feeling so much pain. We look forward to the future because the Lord is healing our Ashley and he has blessed us so much.

To all her dear friends; take care of yourself and your loved ones. Do not stay quiet always protect yourself and your friends. Stay close to your parents and focused in School and follow the Lord for he will bring you many blessings. Praise Him and ask Him everyday to protect you. Always help someone and give to the needy. There is so many good things for you in this world and the Lord is always there next to you. All you need is FAITH.
Thank you,
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have a Great Day!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Meet some of the fabulous people that worked with Ashley in San Antonio!
We love you guys and miss you!












Ashley's Verse of the Week

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Dear Lord, enable us this day to throw off self-doubts and fear so that we may obey You, serve You and live out our purpose for You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to do all that You have called and equipped us to do. Forgive us for being content with sitting in the waiting room when You've called us to come out. Ignite in us a passion to live our faith loudly. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Hello everyone,

Sorry I had not updated Ashley's blog page. I had been feeling a mixture of feelings and emotionally tired. It seems with each day that goes by things for us at home seem to be settling in little by little. Trying to get into somewhat of a routine for all of us has been challenging.

Ashley has been doing very well health wise. Praise the Lord! No medical concerns! No word yet on the home provider. We are now waiting for a case representative to come do a home visit and meet Ashley to determine the amount of hours she will need a home provider. We pray to hear from them soon.

Well, David was able to fix everything around the house that needed fixing. He is such a great handy man. Has always been good with his hands and is determined to fix anything around the house. The front door got painted and it looks beautiful. David and Adrian did an Awesome job! Anyone need their doors painted? Ashley gave them a thumbs up! He also got the treadmill fixed and ready for Ashley's indoor walking. The yard has not been treated yet but possibly soon.

We were able to get Ashley an exercising bike for half the price and we got her an in door basketball hoop set, floor exercising mat, exercising ball, soccer ball, ankle and wrist weights and an outside three wheel Swchin bike. These are all items that she was using in San Antonio. Even though she uses or will be using all these items at Milestones, David wanted to continue the workouts at home. We now need to get her educational flash cards, basic memory games and hand exercising objects. Ashley loves hugs and kisses and is very ticklish. I like to tickle her because I can really get her to laugh. David says she has been doing very well at Milestones and that everyone is very nice, helpful and show a lot of care and motivation towards Ashley. There is NO reason why Ashley shouldn't make a full recovery. She has what the "enemy doesn't have". She is young, beautiful, strong, loved by many faithful family members, loved by many friends, loved by many many wonderful people in Edinburg, the Valley, San Antonio, Mexico etc..

As a cheerleader she cheered on her team and entertained large groups of fans and now you the fans cheer her on with your prayers. She worked hard to win in competitions and helped her team succeed whether it was in Pony softball, band, cross country, basketball, tennis, cheer leading or track and she gave it her all and left it on the field!! She will recover 110% and will be an instrument of God. Her beautiful road to a miraculous recovery is all on the Lord's time. We all have to stand strong in our faith. We may not understand why things happen to "good people" but remember with "God in our hearts" nothing is impossible. Bad spirits may be around us but "they are nothing" when they come upon God's people. We are always loved and protected by our King.

Ashley has enjoyed visits on different days from her good friends and family members. Thank you all for the gifts, calling first and being patient to visit and keeping Ashley company. As Ashley is progressing she will appreciate your kind words, jokes and just showing your love and support during her time of healing. On Sundays we have been going to mass at the San Juan Shrine. She enjoys sitting between me and David as she listens to the readings and beautiful music. After going up to receive communion we sit and bow our heads and pray and give thanks to our Lord for all the many blessings we have everyday. This past Sunday after mass we got home and everyone changed into their Dallas Cowboys jerseys even Ashley! We all enjoyed watching the game with Ashley's Godparent's and Godsister Israel, Diana and Kasie Mata. As Ashley sat relaxed up against Kasie, Diana started a game of "simon says" and Ashley was able to follow the commands. We had fun and laughed a lot even though the Cowboys didn't win! Well maybe next game.

On Monday night I was reunited with a warm welcome by my Sisters in Christ at our Monday night Faith Sharing Meeting. It felt very good to see you all again. Thank you for your strong prayers and faith. You all encourage me to keep moving forward so I decided to do this update.

Thank you all for your continued prayers May God Bless each one of you. Do good by your neighbor and receive many blessings.


Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Ashley's Verse of the Week
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

Dear Lord, I know You created me to shine for You. I know that You gave me unique talents and abilities, with dreams to match. Help me to remember my dreams and to trust You to fulfill them in Your timing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Hello everyone!

Thank you for your continued prayers. Ashley started her therapy sessions on Tuesday (8-24-10) of this week and I started work on Monday (08-23-10). Being at home has been a big adjustment for all of us. We are still trying to settle in and now with me away from the house all day, David and Adrian are caring for Ashley.

Adrian will soon need to start looking for work to help us financially (Please Pray). David is doing all the care for Ashley and Adrian helps him as well and keeps up with the house as much as he can. She has no home nurse since she no longer has the trache (thank you God) and we learned how to give her medications and feedings so we were told she may not qualify for a home nurse to care for her. We are in the process of applying for a home provider so please pray that she gets approved.

Returning to work has been a roller coaster of emotional feelings for me. It is very hard to kiss Ashley every morning then leave the house then get to work and put it all behind me so that I can function at work. It has been good seeing everyone and I appreciate the hugs and words of encouragement but sometimes I feel I need to be at home with Ashley. She is like having a new baby again.

You want to be there for all the first time moments. At the beginning we waited for her to open her big beautiful brown eyes (Thank you God!). Then we loved it when she started moving her legs and arms. Then it was beautiful to see her yawn so gracefully. Then she started turning her head and following us. Then she started following commands by taking deep breaths for the nurse and putting her lips together to give kisses. Then she started smiling and making noises with her voice. Then we heard her laugh this was awesome! Then she started saying yes, no, mom, dad very clearly. Taking her first steps and walking. I rush home during lunch to see her, eat then tell her I have to leave again and that I will see her after work. She looks at me and nods her head okay.

It has been hard for David to get Ashley up and ready for therapy every morning without me. We did everything together in San Antonio and helped each other so we could get her dressed and us dressed as well. David said she did well at her therapy sessions. It will take time for Ashley and the Therapist to get acquainted and move forward with her progress. I wish she could be going all week long like in San Antonio rather than three days out of the week. We trust in the Lord and his plan. Ashley sleeps very well at night. We are still working on getting her to swallow and talk more. Its seems that since she found out we were coming back home she started talking less and swallowing less also.

Some late afternoons we take her outside to walk in the driveway. I have her walk fast to get her legs moving as they were doing in San Antonio. I am showing her how to bounce the basketball outside and she tries to follow it with her hands to keep it bouncing while she bends her knees as well. She holds the basketball with both her hands and gives it a light release throw to her sister. We had her kicking the ball also. She enjoys watching her favorite movies because we can hear her laugh out loud. Alyssa gets her up to start dancing. She moves her feet side to side and her shoulders up and down.

Unfortunately David has had to work on several things around the house as well. Two of the toilets were leaking, and the treadmill that he was going to have Ashley use for walking broke down. We were looking into getting her an exercising bike for in doors but the one that was on clearance was out of stock. Plus he and Adrian are trying to paint the front door because it really needed painting. The white had turned to black and was peeling off. Plus he wants to see how he can treat our yard because it is full of stickers. I had taken Ashley to walk on the grass to get her legs to adjust and balance on uneven ground but the stickers were getting on her shoes and socks so we had to go back to the drive way.

While I'm in the kitchen and she sits in the living room, I call out to Ashley to raise her hands so I can see her. Even though I can see her from the kitchen, I do this to get her to exercise her arms on her own and she raises them up high. I miss my Ashley so much but I know that the Lord is re-creating her to where he needs her to be.

When God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to received something better.

Ashley is a child of God. He gave her breathe not just once but twice. As a human being and as her mother I hurt and cry everyday for my Ashley. I know that it wasn't her calling yet and the Lord has big plans for her. We will not let any "bad spirits" come between our family. The Lord is watching over all of us and everything we do in our life time on earth. We will all have to answer to him someday. So be good to one another, protect your families, pray and live the LORD'S way everyday and praise HIM for everything that you have because HE has blessed us.

Thank you love you all,

Lourdes Olivarez,

God Bless and Have a Great Day!