12.26.2011

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

95 comments:

  1. Many prayers for your grandparents, as well as you & the rest of your family. I think we knew you had an awesome family, as you are such an angel.God bless all, prayers will continue to go up from this fellow Mississippian. <3

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  2. sending positive thoughts your way today.
    lisa villa

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  3. I'm sending prayers for your grandparents. I'm sure they know how much you love them, and how much you want to be with them. Blessings to you, Ashley, for all you do.

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  4. Ashley,
    This is very sad news, for all you have done and continue to do, this certainly did not need to happen. Prayers coming your way, please keep us posted on their condition, and hang in there.

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  5. Sending prayers and positive energy their way and hope for good news soon

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  6. So sweet, I only hope happiness for you and your family... God Bless <3

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  7. this brought tears to my eyes :( will be praying that they will make a complete recovery.

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  8. my heart hurts for you my dear girl.hope they will soon be mended and home with their loved ones.

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  9. What an awesome story Ashley,my prayers are with your family. God bless you for all you do!!! You are an amazing girl and I only know you through Lucky dog resue

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  10. God bless you and God help your grandparents heal and recover from this terrible accident...my prayers are with you all. thank you for all your work with the puppies.

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  11. May God keep and heal your wonderful grandparents.

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  12. That was beautiful. Made me think of my maternal grandparents, who have both passed away. They were my cheerleaders, the ones who always had my back no matter what, and the ones who inspired me to become who I am today. The very ending, "I need you," is still something I say when I speak to/of my grandparents.

    I can only imagine how you are feeling now. Your grandparents sound like amazing people and it's so wonderful that they are still with you today. I hope you continue to enjoy more years with them. Please keep us updated as we all care about you and your family.

    I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts/prayers. <3

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  13. my prayers go out to you and your family. :)

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  14. I will pray for that your Grand parents make a full recovery.

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  15. So Sorry Ash, my Grandparents died when I was little so I knew little about them. Hope and Pray for a full recovery for the both of them. Keep us posted! Thanks! <3 <3 <3

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  16. Sorry to hear this Ashley. I will pray for their full recovery. God Bless you.

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  17. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  18. You are indeed blessed to have two such amazing people in your life and my family and I are praying for them and we feel blessed for you in the world!!
    You make us feel proud to be able to have you you in our lives!!

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  19. So sorry to hear this Ashley. Will be praying they make a full recovery. God knows the good you do all the time, he will help. Keep us posted.

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  20. What a tough thing to go through. I will be praying for you and them as well, that they will come through this and things will better then before.

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  21. Here's wishing for a speedy recovery to both of them!

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  22. My prayers are with u and your entire family. Thanks for sharing with us how important your grandparents are not just to u but to everyone around them. I know it must have been hard on u not to be able to go yesterday.

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  23. je pense a vous et a vos grands parents soyez courageuse je vais faire une petite priere de france pour eux

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  24. Ashley, for everything you do for pets--its your turn now. I hope your Grandparents continue to heal with God's blessings and love.

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  25. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. This is the season for miracles....Believe they will be okay!

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  26. wonderful story ashley..will be praying for them ok? i never knew my grandparents they were dead before i was born , except one ..she died when i was ten...so? bless you for having them and bless them for being who they are to you..=)

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  27. Our prayers are with your family.We are praying for a speedy recovery

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  28. So sorry to hear about your grandparents. I will pray for them and pray that God will keep you strong. God Bless

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  29. Prayers for a full and speedy recovery for your Grandparents Ashley<3

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  30. Non religious am I but sending positive Taoist(Daoist) thoughts their way. I am usually a very good read of people be it in person or even through photographs and they seem to me to be awesome kind and thoughtful people(much like yourself) and I wish them a speedy and full recovery.

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  31. I have always loved your writing and never more than today. You have shared your deepest self with the world through your writing and your loving acts. I am so sorry your Grand Parents have been injured and I pray for a speedy recovery and the eased hearts of your whole family and all who love them and yourself.

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  32. Sending thoughts and prayers for the recovery of your grandparents...

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  33. MY PRAYERS ARE ON THE WAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THEY TRULY RAISED AN AMAZING WOMAN WHEN THEY RAISED YOU. YOU ARE MY HEROINE AS I'M SURE YOU ARE TO THEM AND THEY ARE TO YOU. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS CONSTANTLY. <3<3<3

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  34. such a beautiful family. ashley, thank you for sharing ! i pray your most amazing grandparents are soon out of the hospital & enjoying life again. God bless.

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  35. That is such a wonderful tribute to your Grandparents. I'm sure they will love reading it when they get out of the hospital. I wish them a speedy recovery and hope they get to go home soon. Thanks for sharing this great story.

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  36. I lift your Grandparents up high to the Lord and pray for their healing and his will for them and for you!! God knows best what we need and he has a plan for everything! So, keep the faith that they and you, are in God's hands and whatever God's will is, is what should happen! And things always work out for the best, whether we know now what it is, or we see it much later, down the road! Just know you are in the best hands EVER! God's!!!!! God Bless you and your parents and your Grandparents!!!!! In Christian Love

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  37. praying for your grandparents ashley. im so sorry.

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  38. PRAYING FOR YOU ASHLEY IM SO SORRY YOU FAMILY

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  39. Your posts often make me cry; this is the first time it wasn't animal-related. I am praying so fervently for your grandparents' safe recovery.
    -
    The fact that you didn't abandon the animals in your care, even in such a time of tremendous personal distress and upheaval, tells me even more what an exceptional, exalted human being you are, Ashley. Blessings to you, as always.

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  40. My thought are with you and your grandparents.. Mad me think of my grandma... never knew either grandfather...

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  41. praying for a speedy recover and that all gets and stays well.................much love ash

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  42. Ashley, I am on here everyday, and I have always wondered about your family, but this is not what and how I wanted to hear about. I am so sorry and My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish I was there to help out while you go thru this, and help with the animals. I am so sorry may the Lord Bless and Help them. Thank you for the update,

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  43. dear dear Ash...this made me cry...I am so sorry this terrible accident happened and I pray your grandparents will recover from this ordeal.
    I spend most of my time crying for hurting animals and usually don't have any tears left for humans...but this really touched my heart.
    Please stay strong and god bless you and your family <3 <3 <3

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  44. Ashley, many prayers for you and your grandparents. What a beautiful tribute you wrote to them. I bet that the 70% of the time you think you were a pain in the a**, well, you probably were, but I know family and I know they loved you anyway!
    You are one awesome lady yourself, my dear.

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  45. They know where your heart is Ashley~ You hang in there. I will continue everyday to pray for their recovery. ~~GOD BLESS~

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  46. I'm praying for your grandparents, Ashley, and also a prayer for you to help you have the strength to make it through this terrible time. May God Bless You and may He keep your grandparents around a little longer for you. We all need and cherish our grandparents. As you said, they made you who you are today.
    Kimberly W. Minnesota

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  47. I'm laying here with tears in my eyes knowing the pain your going through. I lost my Mother to cancer and while I had 6 months to get adjusted to the knowledge that I would spend the rest of my life without her it didnt help. Keep positive and always remember the love they have shown your whole life.

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  48. So sorry your grandparents are going thru this right now.... praying for you and all of your family. This is so beautiful, hope you can be there with them soon.

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  49. I am praying for then, sending positive thoughts! God bless you and all your family. Riccardo Naman from Brazil.

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  50. They will be in my prayers. You will be in my prayers as well.

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  51. So very very sorry that this has happened! I can't imagine the heartache you are going through! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! May your grandparents have a complete and quick recovery!!

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  52. Ashley sending our best to your family and grandparents. So sorry to hear they were in the terrifying accident but it sounds as if they are going to pull thru sending healing thoughts their way and to you! Lisa@HFL

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  53. i am gerald e strong jr
    i have dog recued he has mel nurition and very under weight he was a choclate lab and we name him harvey he doing much better now and we spaded and he is gaining more weight i very happy to help harvey to become a nicedog ,we also have dog it a cocker spanial his name is buddy we got him from bradford pa spca he is doing so much better, WE LOVE ARE DOGGIE WE SPOILE THEM THEY LOVE IT HERE
    LOOK UNDER MY FACEBOOK PROFILE SEE BOTH OF THEM

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  54. What a wonderful tribute to your amazing grandparents! No wonder they're so proud of you! I will be thinking of them and hoping for a complete recovery very soon.

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  55. Your grandparents & your entire family are in my thoughts & prayers!

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  56. I am so sorry to hear about this horrible accident...so glad your grandparents are both in ICU...I will keep them both in my prayers...and, you too. May God continue to bless you and your family.

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  57. Ashley, I am praying for your grandparents, your family and you. For a full recovery for your grandparents. I also pray that someone special will come into your life that you can fully trust to take over your duties with the dogs while you take a break. It is so hard to leave our animals, but you deserve to see your family. May someone come into your life to allow you to do that with peace of mind. And God Bless you for all the love and devotion you give to the dogs.

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  58. Ashley~ even if you haven't told us about your family we all knew they had to be amazing. They passed it down to you!... Im sure they know that if you could have been there you would have, but you are...in THEIR HEARTS, and that's really what matters!

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  59. Ashley,
    I was so touched reading your story about your grandparents. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you pray for your grandparents recovery following their car accident. It's so apparent how proud you've made your family.
    A check will be sent in your grandparent's honor and then I will go on the computer to advocate for the many dogs and cats needing pur help on your Pet Patdons page.
    May everyone's prayers for your grandparents help in their recovery.
    Carol

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  60. This is heartbreaking. I am praying for all of you.

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  61. Prayers being sent out for your grandparents and also to you and your family.

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  62. Oh sweet girl, my heart aches for you. I totally understand your incredible bond with your family. I am praying for their quick recovery. Hang in there. God is good.

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  63. Prayers are being said for your grandparents. Tweeted and Facebooked to get more prayers

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  64. I'm praying that your wonderful grandparents make a full and speedy recovery. May God bless you.

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  65. Ashley, first; I'm sorry to hear about your grandparents. I hope they will both be OK. I'm also sorry that you had to be alone when that happened, and worried about them without anybody to give you a hug.
    Secondly, that photo of you with the dress has gotta be my favorite photo of you EVER. You are such a beautiful little (but kickass) Barbie, that it's hard to think of you as a tomboy, but I totally relate to those feelings of "how am I s'posed to climb a tree in THIS"?

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  66. No wonder your family is so proud of you. What an angel you are! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers too. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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  67. Prayers for your gran and granddad. They sound like terrific people. Your're lucky to have them in your life.

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  68. I am so sorry that you weren't able to be with your family during such a scary time. Your grandparents know you are with them even when you can't be there physically. I will pray for their recovery. The pictures in your post show the happiness they radiated. Their smiles are so bright and happy. I hope you do get to go visit even for a short time soon. The doctors are who they need now. They will need you more when they have to work hard to regain their strength.

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  69. Sending prayers for you & your family.....^i^ ~<3~

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  70. Dear Ashley,
    I'm sorry to hear about your grandparents. I can definitely see where you get your lovely looks from-- your grandmother! Both your grandmother and grandfather are beautiful people, inside and out. How lucky you are to be so loved. Please let us know when you hear anything.

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  71. Ashley, what a beautiful story you've written. Your grandparents are physically beautiful and I'm sure that the outer beauty pales compared to the inner. I am praying for their complete recovery. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

    Linda Dalton

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  72. Sorry to hear about your grandparents. I hope they get better really soon.

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  73. Dear Ashley:

    I am so sorry to read about your Grandparents. I did see the post that Chris Hoard had put up. I am always on Pet Pardons and have recently visited your blog. Grandparents are special and just continue to have positive thoughts - continue to pray and I will bet dollars to donuts they will come out of this ok. You have a BEAUTIFUL family. I admire all that you do for our furry buddies out there. I can't thank you enough. I'm in Southern California and an advocate for animals. After the first of the year I will make a donation. I promise! We always give to so many charities at Christmas but we also need to catch up a little. I do not work so my husband is the only one employed. I'm chronically ill - I envy you in many ways. I really do. I wish my health were better so I could take in more animals. Your Grandparents will understand why you weren't there I am sure. Give yourself a pat on the back because what you are doing is a very loving thing - a gift if you will. I think you are pretty special - Hang in there, take care of yourself as well. I will continue to check back and see how your grandparents are coming along. I'm a grandparent to a 18 and 17 yr old.(Brandi and Chris) I also have a Shih Tzu (adopted), a Ragdoll cat and a beautiful Tortie I adopted. Better days ahead :-) Sincerely, Kathy

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  74. You've been in our prayers and thoughts since we heard the news. I wish I could be there and help with the pups so you could go be with them.

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  75. Ashley, I'm so terrbly sorry about all of this. I'm also praying for your grandparents to pull through and to get back to you and your family. It always seem slike the worst things happent to the best people and it is so horrifically unfair. But prayers are going out to your grandparents and to you for helping you find the strength to hang in there and be strong - and most of all please don't give up hope.

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  76. I too am sorry to hear this Ashley and my best wishes and prayers go out to them. My first thought however when I read this was "what does she mean she had to work rather than driving a short 4 hours to be with ".... 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."

    From this readers view Ashley your priorities are waaaaaay out of order. Dogs before your human family? Certainly you could have called in the troops (Vet, other pet vendors you use, friends) to pitch in and help while you were gone. What am I missing other than 'Ashley Cakes' appears to be a self absorbed, spoiled girl. Unbelieveable.

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  77. My heart and prayers go out to you and ur family...ans dont mind peoples ignorance. Unless they can fill ur shoes and understand that sometimes keeping busy helps us during difficult times. Sometimes people that are mean and insensitive are miserable beings that feel the need to be mean to others so that their pathetic existance may mean something.

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  78. Anonymous @ 6:21pm,

    You should be ashamed of yourself. How dare you call me self absorbed and spoiled!!! How dare you come to this post I wrote from my heart and have the nerve to say something so unnecessary and hateful!!!!

    It's amazing that someone could be "self-absorbed" because they upheld their promises to creatures who cannot feed or care for themselves. It's amazing that someone who gives everything to others, and takes nothing for herself, could be deemed "spoiled."

    I cannot leave these dogs at the drop-of-a-hat. This car accident happened on Christmas day. Do you think people were lining up to work for me on Christmas day? To give up time with their own families??? Was I just supposed to abandon all responsibility and say, screw the dogs?! THAT would be selfish.

    You are rude, hateful, and terrible. And heartless. Go back to your misery. You're just a lame-ass jerk with nothing better to do.

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  79. You pathetic waste of life. How dare you write something like that? Yeah, you are big and bad hiding behind an anonymous tag line.

    Tell us who you are. We all want to know the name of this scum. Of course you won't tell us because it is obvious you are too much of a low life, waste of good air, shouldn't even allowed to be considered human to actually reveal yourself. You are PATHETIC!

    My name is Dana Smith and I live in MS. If you feel the uncontrollably urge to bash someone who is going through Hell right now, send me a message. I will be more than happy to "discuss" it with you.

    You are the one who is unbelievable and needs someone to teach you a few very important life lessons that obviously no one every taught you.

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  80. Ashley,
    Please don't allow the ignorant ass with the senseless remarks of hate and jealousy take your focus off your wonderful grandparents. There is a little thing called Karma that will take care of such a waste of space. You are a good person with a huge heart and we are lucky to have a person such as yourself in our world. May God bless you and your family. I pray for a speedy recovery for your grandparents. ♥

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  81. I know that negative comments will always be around. I deal with them on nearly every post.

    However, I feel that a heartfelt post about my grandparents' near-fatal car accident... and their continued suffering (especially my Gran, who has taken a turn for the worse), is NOT the place for anyone to post ANY negativity. That crosses a line.

    My entire family is devastated beyond words. Right now, my family (including me) needs and deserves only positive thoughts, well wishes, and many prayers.

    And that's why... this particular negative comment on this particular post pissed me off to a degree I cannot describe.

    Negativity needs to go somewhere else. Not here. Not this post. Not when it comes to a life-or-death situation for my family.

    That is not okay.

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  82. Ashley, I am so sorry to hear about your Grandparents. This is the first I've heard of this. My heart goes out to your family & they will be in my prayers & at my Mom's prayer group. You are a beautiful person, inside & out & don't let these ignorant ..... get to you. You are loved & special <3

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  83. Who do you think is going to be capable to fill her shoes while she goes to see them? Who are you to attack her when she is obviously grieving and heart broken? It takes a special person to do rescue. They give up thier whole life to save animals. You miss alot of birthdays, graduations, holidays are very short visits. Not everyone can do it. I thank God for the ones that can. The animals wouldn't have a chance without these people. Do you really think her Grandparents would expect her to walk out on the animals after she commited to take care of them no matter what? I know mine sure wouldn't. How about you get off your selfish butt and go take care of the dogs so she can go? Too spoiled to get your hands dirty? Shame on you! Praying for you Ashley.

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  84. So Sorry about your Grand Parents. I will have them in my prayers.

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  85. As far as ANONYMOUS goes. Pay them no mind. And don't RESPOND to them. Just THRIVE on the Remarks made back to them. They are not with any words at all.

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  86. Beautifully written.. my thoughts and prayers go out to your family

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  87. My thoughts are with you and your family, hoping that your Grandparents recover soon. They must be very proud of you and I'm sure that as much as your family missed you on Christmas Day, they are proud, supportive and extremely happy that they have such a wonderful, giving daughter/grand-daughter.

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  88. Me and my daughter are thinking about and praying for your grandparents. I know that they will be ok. And as for the low life scumbag who dared to bash you, especially during such a stressful and painful time in your life.........SHAME ON YOU! GO PUT ON A STRAIGHT JACKET AND SIT IN A PADDED CELL WHERE YOU BELONG! God will deal with you. I love you Ashley! Hang in there and keep on keeping on!

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  89. Ashley...Although we have never met...I feel as if we are friends..bound by our love for animals.
    I know first hand how important grandparents are. Mine raised me and I miss them every day...
    Positive thoughts going out to your grandparents and to you Ashley...I know they must be so proud of you and all you do for animals.

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  90. I'm sending you & your family all the positive energy I can!! Your grandparents sound like amazing people who are loved & cared about by many, many people who will ALL help your family get through this incredibly difficult time

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  91. Your grandparents and your family are in my prayers. I'm so sad about this for everyone involved. Grandparents are so special, and your grandparents really hung the moon. The universe is very powerful so there is hope.

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  92. Ashley,
    My thoughts and prayers are with your family and you....and all that is important right now is that you take care of yourself and those you love, whether they are human or fur faces! The way you choose to express that is always up to you. The only selfish person was anonymous...obviously he/she has never known what it is to love anyone or anything unconditionally!

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  93. I think your parents and your grandparents are truly lucky to have you as their daughter and granddaughter. You turned out to be good and loving person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  94. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.

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