My Grandparents

My grandparents

I wouldn't be the person I am today... if not for my incredible family. I was blessed with 2 amazing parents, who each had 2 amazing parents of their own... also known as my grandparents.

These are the people who built the foundation. These are the people who helped me grow into the "me" you all know today. These are the people who've loved and supported me every single day of my life.

But yesterday... my world was shaken.

On their way to Christmas dinner, my dad's parents --my Gran and Granddad-- were in a terrible car accident. When another car pulled out in front of them, my grandparents' car was sent rolling through the woods. Later, they had to be cut-out of the car... which was wrapped around a tree.

The rest of my family spent Christmas day at the hospital... just waiting to hear something. Today, my grandparents are still in ICU.

But as you already know, I was here at Lucky Dog, working on Christmas day. And since my grandparents live more than 4 hours away from me... I wasn't able to be there with my family.

For most of the day, I was paralyzed by fear and helplessness. I worked; I cried; I paced; I cried; then I worked, paced, and cried some more. My heart was truly broken... because I couldn't be there for the people who have always been there for me.

My granddad and I

So, today, I thought I'd write a special post about my grandparents... who are two of the most inspiring, wonderful people I've ever known.

In their hometown, my grandparents are nothing-short of local celebrities. My grandfather, Coach Owen, is admired by every single person he's ever taught, coached, or even met. In the high school gym, there's a large mural on the wall... of my grandfather. A few years ago, his former players compiled a book of letters and sentiments for him called The Tom Owen Story, which included some special words written about my granddad by his friend, Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. And the town even dedicated a day to him: Tom Owen Day.

My Gran and I

My grandmother has been named "Woman of the Year" in their town. In the many years she worked as an elementary school teacher, she managed to inspire every student she ever taught. My Gran also volunteers for several different charitable causes, like Meals on Wheels. This woman never meets a stranger, and honestly, she seems to know every person in town.

My grandparents have always been special to me, but I guess I never realized just how many others felt the same about them... until I went to college at the University of Alabama. When I'd meet someone from my grandparents' hometown, they'd excitedly say, "Hold on... you mean to tell me that you're Coach Owen's granddaughter?! Mrs. Owen is your grandmother?! No way!!! Are you serious?!!"

Apparently, that info alone made me insanely cool to these people.

A dress Gran bought me

But in the eyes of my grandparents... I'm the one who hung the moon. I was their first grandchild, and I was the first little girl in the family. To them, I'm pretty much the best thing ever.

My grandmother couldn't wait to buy dresses for her first granddaughter... but as a kid, I was quite the tomboy... who wanted nothing to do with her frilly gifts. I'm also pretty sure that I was a total pain-in-the-ass... at least 70% of the time.

But honestly, to my grandparents, none of that really mattered. I was their Ashley-Cakes, and to them, I've always been perfect.

I've been so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents in my life. Since the day I was born, I've had amazing role models; I've had advisors; I've had coaches; I've had cheerleaders.

I have a family who would do anything for me. I have a family who's done everything possible to grant my wishes... to encourage my dreams... to support my decisions. I have a family who loves me no matter what I do... or don't do. I have a family who has been there for me... every single day of my life.

Yesterday, I nearly lost two of them. On Christmas day, two of the most important people in my life were almost taken from me.

And suddenly, I had just one Christmas wish... for God: Please don't take my family.

I guess He heard me. They're still here.

I love you, Gran and Granddad. I'm so sorry that you're hurting... I'm so sorry that I can't be there with you. I'm thinking of you every second and praying you'll both be okay.

Thank you for everything you've done --and continue to do-- for me. Please stick around for many more years. I need you.
Love,
Ash

If anyone would like to donate in honor of my grandparents, please click the link below:
http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html