The Power of Music

THE POWER OF SONG…

Aunt Kristi

       The journey with our sweet Ashtyn has been 13 days I think. (I may be off a day due to the fact that my brain is mush). January 30, 2013 that day our lives came to a hault. We cried, we prayed, we gathered as a family, we hugged each other and tried to put on the brave face for Ashy. It seemed like I held my breath for four days until we had the somewhat official diagnosis. AUL Leukemia was what we were told, I immediately went to Google. What is that, how do you treat it, and how long does it take? I was feeling helpless. I could only do so much for my sweet sweet niece. Since I have no control over this nasty cancer, I began to rack my brain for things that I could do to help.  It has been amazing to see people crawl out of the woodwork in support of Ashtyn. I immediately began requesting lime green ribbon (Ashtyns Favorite Color) donations with the help of friends and family and our first PROJECT ASHTYN ARMY was started. Our goal is to bring a little bit of sunshine into Ashtyns and her family’s life even if is for a moment. SHHHHH it is a secret.

       As her aunt I have tried to do what I can to make her smile and laugh during this difficult time. She is on my mind a lot of the day. Also her siblings Chandler, Morgan, Ethan have been on my mind. It seems that cancer affects the whole family in one way or another. That saying “It takes a village” is no joke, the Hosenfeld Family and the Poulsen Family and countless friends and neighbors have step up to the plate to help where they can. We all have special talents and gifts and each play a special role in easing the burden. When a family is united there is no telling what miracles can occur. It is such a blessing (and sometimes a curse – wink, wink ) to be so close to our family. 

       Fast forward to February 12, 2013 and Ashtyn is 9 days in on her 10 day chemo treatment plan. WOW! It is amazing how life continues on. The first day was frozen in time and now we are moving forward, trying our best to tend to our regular daily tasks and still take care of this family that needs our love and support.

       I am sure by now this far into my post your are wondering why the title “The Power of Song” well since that day as I have been driving in my car several songs have stood out to me and seem to light the fire in me to help Ash keep fighting this fight. The first song that stood out to me once this journey began was the song “Catch My Breath” by Kelley Clarkson. In the song it says Catch My Breath, No one can hold me back, I ain’t got time for that, catch my breath, won’t let em get me down, its all so simple now… I love this song and it says to me that we need to not let these trials hold us down, we may need a minute to catch our breath but then we get right back in the game. The next song that stood out to me was a song by Rascal Flatts called “Stand” one of the lines in the song says  “You get mad, you get strong Wipe your hands, shake it off Then you stand, then you stand”  This is perfect. Ashtyn’s uncle Jared wrote her a song about getting mad at the cancer but also finding joy and happiness in knowing that she will fight and not let it win. That this is her body and to fight. This song builds me and helps me to be strong for Ashtyn and to be stong for her family and all those that are suffering with her through this trial.

I love my family, I love Ashtyn and I am proud to be a part of her army.

Below are the lyrics to these two songs.

Catch My Breath – Kelley Clarkson

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJT5dC3DJo4

I don't wanna be left behind
Distance was a friend of mine
Catching breath in a web of lies
I've spent most of my life
Riding waves, playing acrobat
Shadowboxing the other half
Learning how to react
I've spent most of my time

Catching my breath, letting it go, turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know, this is my life, I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back,

I ain't got time for that
Catch my breath, won't let them get me down,

it's all so simple now

Addicted to the love I found
Heavy heart, now a weightless cloud
Making time for the ones that count
I'll spend the rest of my time
Laughing hard with the windows down
Leaving footprints all over town
Keeping faith kinda comes around
I'll spent the rest of my life

Catching my breath, letting it go,

turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know, this is my life,

I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back,

I ain't got time for that
Catch my breath, won't let them get me down,

it's all so simple now

You helped me see
The beauty in everything

Catching my breath, letting it go, turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know, this is my life,

I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catching my breath, letting it go,

turning my cheek for the sake of this show
Now that you know, this is my life,

I won't be told what's supposed to be right

Catch my breath!

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back,

I ain't got time for that
Catch my breath, won't let them get me down,

it's all so simple now (it's all so simple now!)

Catching my breath, letting it go,

turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know, this is my life,

I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back,

I ain't got time for that
Catch my breath, won't let them get me down,

it's all so simple now

Rascal Flatts – Stand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT10h5vqmZs 

You feel like a candle in a hurricane

Just like a picture with a broken frame

Alone and helpless, like you've lost your fight

But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

‘Cause when push comes to shove You taste what you're made of You might bend ‘til you break

‘Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up Decide you've had enough

You get mad, you get strong Wipe your hands, shake it off Then you stand, then you stand

Life's like a novel with the end ripped out

The edge of a canyon with only one way down

Take what you're given before it's gone

And start holdin' on, keep holdin' on
‘Cause when push comes to shove You taste what you're made of You might bend ‘til you break

‘Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up Decide you've had enough

You get mad, you get strong Wipe your hands, shake it off Then you stand, yeah, then you stand

Every time you get up And get back in the race One more small piece of you Starts to fall into place, yeah

‘Cause when push comes to shove You taste what you're made of You might bend ‘til you break

‘Cause it's all you can take
Yeah, then you stand Yeah, baby Woo hoo, woo hoo Woo hoo, woo hoo Then you stand, yeah yeah

Beauty Among Imperfections

Last night Joe and I were talking about this unfair, imperfect world we live in.

Why does the smoker seem so healthy? Or the person who eats McDonalds's everyday and still have that tiny tummy? I do realize that sometimes those people do suffer consequences of choices. But what about those of us who didn't make negative or harmful decisions?

Like Our Asthyn. She has done nothing wrong. That's what makes it hard sometimes to not ask "why her?"
We however are asking the wrong question. The right question is Lord, what will ye have me learn?

Our world is very imperfect, there are accidents, inversions, inequality, leukemia, thorns, weeds.
But think about all the beauty that comes through these imperfections.....roses, mountains, relationships, working for change and growth, LOVE.

Love, such a beautiful and eternal word. I am very very much imperfect but someone loved me enough to promise himself to me eternally. My family forgives me quickly. And most importantly my Savoir took upon him all of my imperfections, pains, hurts and worries so that he could "succor" me and everyone. (Alma 7:12)

He loves us all, HE LOVES ASHTYN. I know each of us would take this away from her in a second if we could. But that would be unfair, she has a journey to complete that the Lord has laid out for her. Ashtyn will learn more in this short time about her Savior and His love for her and about eternal truths that it may take us years to comprehend.

So Ashtyn, take your time. Listen, its not going to come all at once and it may not come completely until this is just a memory but I promise the Lord is teaching you, loving you, and preparing you. This is your journey. This is your mountain to climb, and as you climb try to see beauty in the small things. Small flowers, small animals and newly growing tree. When you reach the top there will be a great beauty to behold!

Read more about Ashtyn here.
ashtynstriumph.com

Sifting Through All the Emotions

Have you ever thought about he power of words? How many times have you heard a certain word and began to cry, or smile or laugh?

This weekend has been filled with many powerful words.

Sick, Hospital, Treatment, Diagnosis, Leukemia, Doctors, Fear, CT scan. 

But there have been even more POWERFUL words spoken. 

Family, Support, Prayers, Thoughts, Savior, Journey, Plans, LOVE, Fast, Priesthood, Peace, Answers, Tender Mercies, Trust. 

and ASHTYN! A girl who inspires us with her smile, her sweetness, her laughter, her testimony. 

Sometimes the most powerful words are expressed through song. As I was getting ready for church on a very quiet Sunday morning I turned on Pandora and was comforted and filled with the spirit. 

This is why I love Pandora, she always seems to know exactly what is needed to be heard! 

this song was directly followed by...

So with the thought of these 2 songs we were off to church....I am lucky to have many church service missionaries in my ward (perks of living downtown!) during Relief Society 2 sweet sisters who work on genealogy shared something that the head of their department has taught them. 

Whenever we do temple work for anyone who has gone before us, we give them the POWER to become ministering Angels to us! 

Ashtyn has done temple work for a few people who have passed on, and because of that these people can now be part of her Army as her ministering Angels! 

As Trisha, Ashtyn and I had a movie night, laughed, talked about boys and cuddled. I couldn't help but think Ashy doesn't realize just how much she has and will continue to touch and inspire all the people around her, even the ones that are just getting to know her through this journey she is on. And that's okay she doesn't have to realize. I am just grateful to know her.

Her diagnosis update: Her CT scan showed no cancer other than in her bone marrow. They are diagnosing it as "undifferentiated leukemia", she basically has no specific type. The doctors are working on a Treatment Plan for her that may include a Bone Marrow Transplant. 

Continue your prayers and thoughts and Faith.

Ashtyn's Words

Thank you for showing me and our family how incredible people are in this world. it's been amazing to see Ashtyn's name everywhere on Facebook, texts, etc.
this blog has already had views in Australia, Germany, and India!!! ASHTYN'S ARMY spans the globe!!

She will also be writing her own thoughts to share so add ashtynstriumph.com to your reading list!

We love you Ashtyn!

Our Awesome Ashtyn!

Hey Blogger World!!! 

Our sweet Ashtyn was diagnosed yesterday with Leukemia, right now the tests are not definitive on which Leukemia so they have started to treat for ALL and will continue to monitor. 

Ashtyn is sweet, kind, funny, an incredible friend, and a light in this world. She loves Justin Bieber (who doesn't?), disneyland, painting nails, cruises and laughing....to know her is a blessig.

At the end of this first post I must inform you that you are now officially a part of ASHTYN'S ARMY!  Congrats! 
 You are a lucky person to be able to be part of this AMAZING young woman's life, so whether you know you personally or you will get to know her through her story (which can also be read here) remember the affect we can have by doing the simplest things. 

Taken by Alisa Hosenfeld Hyer (Ashtyn's Aunt)

As part of the Army there are some things you'll get to do.
1.Think positively, we got this! 
2. Pray, pray always! God is listening to all of our prayers, so pray for her, pray for her   family, pray for every child and family going through this.
3. Send as many texts, Facebook messages, emails, cards as you can!!

That is all for now but please share this with all, lets make this the biggest army this world has seen!