[Blog entry created by Mark Bonnema]
Ashley as "Just Jeanette" |
I watched for weeks as Ashley spent hours practicing,
studying her score, and traveling daily to rehearsals. Finally
all of her hard work was coming to fruition and it was the week of the
performance. What happened but her voice began to betray her and threaten to ruin
all she had worked for! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, Ashley
could barely speak. Of course, Ashley
did not give up, did not fret, nor become despondent.
Rather, she kept her spirits about her and regained her lost voice with the use of tea, cough drops, rest, oral antibiotics, and steroids (prescription) in time to sing performances on both Saturday and Sunday.
Just Jeanette and Nelson Deadly |
This weekend Ashley accomplished a lifelong dream of hers. She
sang a role in an opera. I am very happy
and pleased for her. I certainly hope this is the first of many operatic roles
she has the joy of mastering and sharing with the world.
Sometimes realizing a dream comes at a price. While Ashley
works to accomplish her dreams and realize her hopes, CF is working equally as
hard in her life and body. It never takes a day off. It constantly holds the
threat of infection, fatigue, and pulmonary bleeding over her head. With the
opera done and a dream realized, Ashley must now turn her attention to coping
with CF and dealing with her body’s ailments. This morning Ashley goes to the
hospital to have a PICC line inserted. IV antibiotics will follow sometime
early this week. An infection is beginning to brew. It is not fair that Ashley
needs to pay such a price just to pursue her dreams. I wish it were not so. I
am so very proud of you Ashley, you worked hard and with a great deal of
determination and persistence, you accomplished a dream.
What dreams are you
pursuing? Are you willing to pay the price?
A special thank you to JoAnn Lambertz for the great photos used for today's blog!
*Ashley had asked that you all wear purple today to show the world your connection to CF. Please share with us a photo of yourself and loved ones sporting their "purple pride." You can either tag Ashley on Facebook, or send an email to ashleyballoubonnema@gmail.com. *
It was an amazing performance Ashley! God gave you a beautiful voice. Just remember Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Amanda