Blog Update

I know this thing has been a big mess. Completely random posts at completely random times. I intend to get back into blogging with the coming year. I do not only write/think about death even though it may seem like it from this blog. I have been writing a lot of poetry this year, and more so lately. That has been part of my reason for letting this go to waste.

I am alive and well and graduating from college in 2 weeks! I have many plans for the future so stay tuned.

One last note:  Don't take your life or loved ones for granted. Cherish the days you have on this Earth and the people you have them will.

| c.l.s | 2013

Happy Birthday Ashley

I got this picture off Ashley's Facebook. Her Mom shared it on her page and it's just a beautiful picture.  Seeing her face and really looking at this picture, just made me want to write something about the beautiful person she was and continues to be in Heaven.

     

     I met Ashley through sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. I always thought she was so pretty. She was always such a sweet person as well. When I learned that she battling cancer, my heart went out to her. During the time that I spent around Ashley and was graced with her presence, I became amazed. That girl was amazing. She had a heart kinder that most ever encounter. Ashley was 100 percent a fighter. This girl lived life and didn't let cancer bring her down. It was impossible to have a bad attitude with her around. Her kindness was contagious. She always did such a good job with whatever she was doing. Her sweets were some of the most delicious around. You are really missing out if you never got the chance to experience them.

     

     I was never super good friends with Ashley, and we didn't really hang out or anything like that. Every time that I was around her though, she was just so nice to me. There is one moment that really sticks out when I think of Ashley. It was during Relay for Life 2011. Our sorority set up a booth, like most organizations in town. Ashley was mostly in charge of ours. Our theme was 'Curing cancer one CUPCAKE at a time.' We usually take shifts for selling the cupcakes and such. That night I spent pretty much the entire night at the stand selling. A lot of the time, I ran it almost by myself. Of course, there were others that helped at points and some volunteered to help but I was more than content selling them. I didn't want to leave the stand. I stayed there and didn't give my shift up. I actually stayed until we took everything down. If I remember correctly it was around 11 p.m. or midnight when we finished. I had one of the best times that night. I felt so accomplished. I also felt very proud. Ashley complimented me a few times on how good of a job I was doing, and honestly, it was the highlight of that night for me. I felt like I had made her proud. I don't know why I felt like that or why her being proud of me was even important to me, but it was and it's a memory that I'll always have. I never told anyone that or even told her. It has been something that has just stuck with me. I've decided to share that moment today since it's her birthday. Sadly, Ashley will never know the impact she has had on me, but the rest of you will. Maybe she is able to read this from Heaven. I sure hope she can. 

     Ashley was loved by so, so many people. The magnitude of people is just crazy to even think about. She impacted so many. I sure hope she knows how much of a blessing she was in the lives of so many. I wish I understood why people are taken from this Earth so soon, especially the good ones. I do believe that everything happens for a reason though, and she is no longer in pain. She has, once and for all, kicked cancer's ass. I'm sure she makes a beautiful angel. 

Big News!

     I have been working on something for the past week and I'm super excited because I just "released" it today... well technically yesterday since it is now past midnight. The name of my big news is 'Our Extraordinary Love'! I have created an e-mail, Facebook, and Blogger account. This all came about when I was having lunch with my Aunt on Mar 16, 2013. We were celebrating her birthday. This idea came out of nowhere and I told her... "how awesome would it be if I could travel the world, learning about people's love stories - real love stories, and share them with the rest of the world. that would be the ultimate job." It all spurred from there. Since then I have been working on this in every spare moment I get. 

     I graduate from college in December and have had no idea what I wanted to do with my life... until now. I think this would be super awesome. Granted, I have no idea how much this will take off or how I'm even going to do it, but I'm running with it and doing the best I can right now. I obviously can't afford to do the traveling part at the moment. So, in the mean time, I just want to get these love stories and share them on the blog and Facebook. Once things get up and going then I want to start a 'couple of the month' or something of that nature. I think that would be cool. Someone could get their love story featured for the world, hopefully, to see. My whole life, the only thing I have been sure of is my love for love. I've always felt like it was my passion, but I was always like "how can your passion be love... that doesn't even make sense." So I've just let it be and expressed myself by poetry, writing, buying little heart and love decor, taking pictures of anything that resembled love and hearts, etc. Like I mentioned earlier... when someone asked me what my dream job was, I couldn't give them an answer because I never had anything that I just felt so strongly / passionately about. My answer was always, "I just want to be rich." This [Our Extraordinary Love :-P] is something I feel strongly about. I don't care if someone doesn't like my idea. I don't care if people think it is stupid. I don't care if it doesn't make me rich. To me, it is important and it matters. 

     Love is such an important thing. I really do believe it is the foundation of happiness. You must love yourself and realize you are worth something extraordinary. You deserve to be loved in the most extraordinary way and that is what this is all about. I want to take these stories / pictures / videos and let the world see them. I want people to know that real love exists. It's still out there. People don't have to settle because they don't think they are worthy. People don't have to settle because they don't think there is such a love out there. In today's society, all we ever hear about is the negative side of things. Very rarely do we hear of those uplifting stories. It's sad that we get caught up in the drama and that's what people want to hear about and watch. I admit, I am guilty of that as well. I just want to bring some happiness into this world. I'm hoping that by hearing and sharing these stories, people will see that love needs to be nurtured. I want people to see that there are real people out there that go through trials and triumphs, and have stuck it out and are happy together. I realize I'm just one person with a dream; however, I am quite determined. I hope to inspire you to love more and then I hope you inspire someone else to love more and it just keeps on spreading like wildfire. Live an extraordinary life and not just a mediocre one. Out of all those sperm, you were the one that got 1st place. Don't waste your life. Do something extraordinary. Love in an extraordinary way.

If you have an extraordinary love story that you want to share... or you know someone that has one then please e-mail me at ourextraordinarylove@gmail.com.

*Disclaimer: If you send me your story, I will assume that I have permission to share it

You can also check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ourextraordinarylove.

and the Blogger page at http://ourextraordinarylove.blogspot.com/.

Little boy gives $1,000 to his neighbor

Note:  This photo came from the article. 

This article touched my heart. I like to read the news and stay updated with things going on in the world. Most of the stuff I read is bad or about negative things going on. So when I run across something like this, I melt. I think it is just precious.

This 8 year old boy, Wyatt Erber, won $1,000 by doing a scavenger hunt. He already knew that if he won, he wanted to give the money to his neighbor, 2 year old Cara Kielty, to go towards helping with her cancer treatments. Cara is Wyatt's neighbor and Wyatt played with her brother, Connor, a lot. Wyatt understands what cancer is and "his heart sank" when he found out Cara had cancer.

I think this is beyond precious that an 8 year old boy can do such a big act of kindness. We can learn a lot from Wyatt. A thousand dollars is a lot of money, especially for a young child. He didn't even give a second thought to where he wanted that money to go. He just wanted to help Cara.

My prayers go to Cara and her family. I hope she gets the treatments needed and lives a long, happy life. My heart goes to Wyatt for being such a caring person.

Just remember, if an 8 year old child can do something like this, then anyone can open their hearts and stop being so greedy and/or hateful. Share a little love.

Source:  http://gma.yahoo.com/illinois-boy-wins-1-000-donates-money-neighbor-193745824--abc-news-wellness.html

Prayers for Kaytryn

Yesterday I was notified that one of my sorority sisters had been in a car wreck and was being life-flighted to Vanderbilt. Kaytryn is my Alpha Gam grandlittle aka grandkiddo. We didn't know each other very well, but I have spent some time around her. She is so sweet.

She was by herself when she wrecked. She went to turn onto a road and another car couldn't avoid it and hit her. I was told that she is suffering with brain damage, a broken femur, pelvis, & sternum, and she has a punctured lung. I was also notified that she was put on life support this morning. It breaks my heart to hear such news. My heart goes out to her and her family. I really hope that she pulls through. She is so young and has so much life ahead of her. All we can do is pray and hope for the best. Miracles can happen and I hope Kaytryn receives one.

This is just another example that life is so short. You never know what could happen to you or anyone you know and love. Cherish everyone and let them know that they are loved. Don't ever wait or assume someone knows. Make sure to tell them. Also be nice to people... a simple smile or kind word could brighten a person's day.

If you read this, please pray for Kaytryn and her family. She needs all that she can get.

Source:  West Kentucky Star, Kentucky State Police



UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 6:02 p.m.
My little just texted me and told me that Kaytryn isn't getting any worse... She did clinch her fist, which is a good sign. However, she is still on life support. Please say a prayer for her. Thanks.

UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 7:44 p.m.
They're going to reset her broken bones tomorrow. She's stable enough to handle the surgery so hopefully everything goes according to plan.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 10:34 a.m.
We have a good update. She moved around last night in her sleep, and she moved her arm during her bath. She also bent her knee some too. She's going into surgery around noon today. The doctors are trying to promote movement in her eyes. The swelling in her brain has gone down. Tomorrow they will do an MRI and be able to determine how bad her brain damage is.  She is still on life support, feeding tube, breathing tube, and has multiple IV's. She also has something in her brain. So please continue to pray. She needs them all.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 6:42 p.m.
Kaytryn's family has posted a website to keep everyone updated on how she is doing:
Caring Bridge.
I will continue to post here as well. I failed to mention in the beginning that Kaytryn is in a coma and has been since the accident. There is still no word on how the surgery went. I will wait for an update. Keep praying.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 3:45 PM, CDT

[Prayers for Kaytryn


Friends,


Speaking for the entire Parrish family, your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt every moment. Many of you know, our beautiful Kaytryn was in a car accident Monday afternoon. She was life flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital and is suffering from severe brain trauma, a crushed pelvis, broken femur, and a punctured lung. She is currently in a coma and has not been conscious since the accident.


Today is a crucial day, the doctors have just taken her back to the surgery room to repair her pelvis and femur. Her vital signs are currently stable and an MRI will be done on Thursday to determine the extent of the damage.


Right now, prayer should be lifted to God for healing to her brain, pupil dilation, signs of improvement, a smooth surgical procedure, and a positive MRI report.


We have had so many friends and family reach out to us over the last few days, and we are so appreciative of all your support. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. There are so many people asking if there is anything they can do to help. We would just ask that you continue to lift Kaytryn up in prayer and ask God to put his healing hands on her. There is no better medicine than the power of prayer.


Matthew 21:12 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will recieve, if you have faith.]

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:38 p.m.
The surgery went well. The doctor repaired her pelvis and femur. I think I may have been wrong about the broken sternum. Again, I am getting information from friends and now the family's website. Her brain also remained stable during the surgery. Tomorrow is the day for the MRI and the results should be in Friday for that. They have been trying to dilate her eyes, but she isn't responding to it. Pray for her recovery.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 8:07 PM, CDT

[Out of Surgery


Praise the Lord! Kaytryn is out of surgery, everything went well! The doctor was able to repair her pelvis and femur. They don't anticipate any future surgeries to repair broken bones. Her brain remained stable throughout the surgery.


We have overcome another hurdle, keep up the praying. We enjoy reading all your messages, they are keeping our spirits up during this very difficult time. Please continue to pray for healing of her brain.


"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121: 1-8]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 4:00 p.m.
Kaytryn was suppose to undergo many tests to determine her situation and how bad her brain damage is. I have yet to hear anything further really. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 10:45 AM, CDT

[Important Request


Today will be a crucial day for Kaytryn and family. She will be undergoing multiple tests to determine her situation. It will be a very emotional day for the family. We ask for expressions of support to be limited to well wishes and prayers. We will continue to post updates. We respectfully ask that hospital visitation be limited to immediate family members and clergy.


Thank you for your continued prayers and support.]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 5:25 p.m.
I still don't have much information except that the results came in and her status is pretty much the same as it has been. We just have to keep praying and hopefully we'll see improvements.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 9:14 PM, CDT

[More Prayers Needed


We received the test results this afternoon. They were not what we were hoping for, but we are all still firm believers in God's miracles. Please keep the prayers and well wishes coming - they are truly inspirational to us. As requested earlier, please express support through well wishes and prayers. We respectfully continue to ask that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.


Again, thank you for your continued support and prayers. We will continue to post updates as they develop.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 3:10 p.m.
Still no change :(

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 3:10 PM, CDT

[Kaytryn has been surrounded by thirty five of her family members as she continues to recover from her surgeries. There has been little change in her condition and her neurological functions have remained the same; however, on this holy weekend, we are reminded of the divine acts that The Lord is capable of performing. Please continue to pray for her recovery and for strength for her family. We truly appreciate all of the love, support, generosity, and kindness that has been shared with our family during this difficult time.


We will continue to post updates when available. We continue to respectfully request that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 11:00 p.m.
She has a fever and high blood pressure tonight. Please pray that she starts to recover.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 10:26 PM, CDT

[Important Prayer Request


Kaytryn has a fever and her blood pressure is elevated. We ask you to please pray for God to lower her fever and pressure.


Kelly and Mark want everyone to know how appreciative and helpful all of your kind words and prayers have been. The outpouring of love and support that you all have shared for Kaytryn is giving them the strength to make it though this difficult time.]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 1:00 p.m.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 12:04 PM, CDT

[Renewed Hope


Today's post comes to us directly from Kelly and Mark.


Praise be to our Father. This morning we prayed for hope in our despair. From the moment we walked into her room, we have been met with encouragement and hope. The doctors were terrific and encouraging today. They are being aggressive and honest. She is sitting up in a chair now. While we wait for change, the doctor reminded us that this is a long slow race and to be still and wait. Praise God today for hope. HE is alive. HE reigns forever. We love you all so dearly and can never say thank you enough for your prayers and support.


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:28-31]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.
Kaytryn's fever and blood pressure went down. The reason for these two is because she caught pneumonia. They are treating her with antibiotics, but she is still not responsive.
Please keep this sweet girl in your prayers, as well as her family.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 5:44 PM, CDT

[We are very grateful for the response to our prayer request last night. Kaytryn's blood pressure and temperature normalized as of 3:00 a.m. this morning. We have been informed that the cause of the spike is pneumonia, which is common for patients in Kaytryn's situation. She is currently being treated with antibiotics. While Kaytryn has not yet been responsive, the hospital is aggressively working with her through physical and occupational therapy.


Kaytryn has yet to regain her consciousness; therefore, we continue to ask all to pray for God to restore Kaytryn's brain function.]

UPDATE   Monday, April 9, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.
It breaks my heart to write this. Kaytryn passed away yesterday. I was sitting in church yesterday morning and had the urge to check my phone. I saw where I had an email update from the Caring Bridge site. (I signed up for emails whenever there was a new journal entry posted on her condition.) Of course, I had to read it. So I read it and immediately my heart broke. I started bawling in the middle of church. I cried for the rest of service. I couldn't stop crying. The second I would be able to dry my eyes, the tears would start pouring again. I hate that Kaytryn was taken from us. It is so sad and tragic. I honestly thought she would pull through. Part of me just kept thinking that she has to make it. I wish I could have gotten to know her more. You never know when something tragic will happen.

I ask that you please pray for her family and friends. Kaytryn touched the lives of many. Please pray for her parents. I could not imagine losing a child. She may no longer be on this Earth with us, but she is in a better place and no longer hurting.

R.I.P. Kaytryn. You are dearly missed by many.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012 10:26 AM, CDT

[With broken and heavy hearts, we want to inform our dear friends and family that, on this holy day, the Lord has chosen to bring Kaytryn home to paradise. Kaytryn is, and will always be, a blessing to our family, and we are thankful for the precious time God gave us with her. Thank you for the prayers and support you have given us through this difficult time. We ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer, especially Mark and Kelly.


"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." John 14: 1-4


"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise."" Luke 23: 42-43


Definition of paradise from the Greek translation: Place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection.]

Memorials & Funeral Arrangements
Monday, April 9, 2012 - 11:16 p.m.
Tonight we had a memorial for Kaytryn here in Murray. There were many beautiful words said and tears shed. Paige's note to Kaytryn broke my heart. The loss of a life is so sad. I feel that God always has a plan and although we may not understand, there is a reason. As I have already probably said, it is important to cherish each moment you have in life. Tomorrow is not promised. Learn from every lesson in life that you are given. I continue to send my thoughts and prayers to Kaytryn's family and loved ones. I pray that each person has understanding. I will be attending the visitation in Louisville and/or possibly the funeral.

Please just continue to pray for the Parrish's family and friends.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012 3:38 PM, CDT

Family & Friends,


Visitation for our sweet Kaytryn will be Wednesday: 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm at Northeast Christian Church on Brownsboro Road, Prospect, KY.


Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at Northeast Christian Church, with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Kaytryn Dianna Parrish Memorial Fund - PO Box 402, Sellersburg, IN 47172.

Rest In Peace Kaytryn Dianna Parrish ♥