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On Turning 13

It is hard for me to believe that Ashley will be a 13 year old in less than two weeks. Right now I am trying to plan her 13th birthday, not exactly sure if we want to do a big party now since she will get a big party when she turns 16. Ashley has told me that she just wants money for her birthday...lots of money.  She is saving money so that she can go to camp at Sea World; swim with the dolphins. For years we have talked about going to Sea World's Discovery Cove but that cost $199 and this is with a Florida Resident Discount.  When Ashley's Make A Wish was granted back in 2003, swimming with the dolphins was the first thing she asked for, the second thing was a horse for the back yard.  Her wish ended up being a Disney Cruise, which we completely enjoyed. One of these days I hope to grant Ashley's wish of swimming with the dolphins.

One of Ashley's goals before she celebrated her 13th birthday was to reach the 5 foot mark.  This weekend we measured her height and discovered that she not only reached 5 feet but she passed it.  This made Ashley so happy that she held her head higher for the rest of the day.  Ashley wants to be 5'7" tall, I hope that she is able to reach that height but with a dad who is only 5'9" and a mom who is only 5'5" I am not sure she will be able to. Her brother is almost 6 foot so there is still hope for Ashley. (Brad just turned 15).

As I think about Ashley turning 13, I can't help but smile as I  look back at where she has been and where she will go.  God has a plan for her and discovering what that plan is has been and will to continue to be a celebration of Ashley's life.

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