Heartbroken...

Two months ago, my sister-in-law, Cindy, called me and said that Ashley was graduating from LPN school and she thought it would be an awesome surprise if I could come and surprise her.  While I wanted to, of course, I wasn't quite sure how I would pull it off as I only had a few days to make it happen and they live in Upstate New York.  Well, it was meant to happen because I pulled it off.  From getting Ethan covered to the ultimate surprise to Ashley AND Jennifer.  {I will have to write that post up sometime since it really was a lot of fun :)}

I got to be there when my niece, Ashley, was pinned as a LPN.  Talk about tears filled with pride and joy!  I have loved Cindy's girls from the moment I met them.  I went from Ms. Kristen to Aunt Kristen and loved it.  I have watched the girls grow into beautiful young ladies from the inside out.  I am blessed to be their Aunt and blessed to have shared in this special occasion. 



Ashley called me a few weeks ago and shared with me that I was going to be a Great Aunt.  She was expecting a baby with her boyfriend, Jake.  I love that she felt safe in telling me.  Even though she an adult and 22 years old, she is not married and I am sure lots of "kids" out there would still feel nervous to announce an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, but she knew that she could tell me without judgement.  Unconditional love.

Ashley and Jake- two young adults in love and about to have a baby.

Something went wrong, so very wrong.  For reasons only Jake knows, he took his own life last week.  Ashley is, understandably, crushed.  I am crushed and heartbroken for her.  I just want to wrap my arms around her, hold her, and make this pain go away.  I want her to understand that this was not her fault.  I know that will take time. 

Cindy and Emily (sister) drove with Ash to Kansas City so she could see him and be there for his funeral.  I know that this has to be the most difficult thing that she has ever faced and she is going to need prayers.  Lots of them.  Thank you for offering them up for my sweet Ashley.

Also, please pray for Jake's family.  Jake was about to be a father, but he was already a son, grandson, nephew, Uncle, and brother.  Hearts are broken without understanding. 

Jake will be honored at his funeral tomorrow with full military honors as he was a soldier for our country and served overseas.  May he be have peace.



I never met Jake, but I love him because Ashley loves him and because he is forever part of our family with the new life they created.  My heart is absolutely broken because someone I love is in tremendous heartache and pain.  I just want to take it away...