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Table Talk: Ashley's Story

Table Talk: Ashley's Story

Hey Dandlelions! 

I am super excited to share this new series of Blogs we are launchingArticulating why we do what we do and the intention behind choosing the name Dandle can be a challenge. We want people to know we are more than a place you visit on vacation or to “treat yourself.” We are here to provide a place of peace when it feels like that’s the last word you would use to describe your life. While that could mean life is stressful or overwhelming, seasons full of joy and adventure often require a pause too.  Sharing why our beloved clients choose to take a moment to breathe with us feels like the best way to express our “why.” I hope you enjoy this monthly edition I’ve lovingly named Table Talk: Client stories from the spa room.  

Introducing, Ashley! 

We met Ashley when she came in for a headspa service after a sleepless night in PICU with her youngest. That’s all it took to become addicted to Makaila’s fairy fingers. She books a facial or headspa when she finds herself in need of a mini-retreat. She’s a wife, mamma of three, outdoor enthusiast (who’s currently crushing her age bracket in races), and the textbook definition of “granola.” On top of moming, wifing, and training, she also works full-time, so the fact that Dandle gets space on her calendar is an honor!   

Ashley’s Story 

"I was married very young, had my oldest two back-to-back, and found myself as a single mom before my daughter’s first birthday.  I met my now husband 10 years ago and we haven’t looked back. In my adult life, I have fallen in love with the outdoors, mountain biking, hiking, and triathlons, and really enjoy bringing the whole family along on the adventures. We still do a lot of these things - but our life looks a lot different these days than I had imagined when I married Daniel.  

2 years ago, after much debate, conversation, and barely trying, we found ourselves pregnant! I felt like God had such a sense of humor given that I'd be raising two preteens with a baby on the way. At our 20-week scan, we found out that our baby boy had multiple problems - some life-threatening. We were told to expect a stillbirth and that he likely wouldn’t make it to term. The following months became a testament of faith. I knew in my heart that Gideon would be ok. Slowly, with prayer, we started watching miracles unfold. Not only did he make it to 40 weeks, he was born with very few complications and none of them life-threatening. I, however, had several complications and almost lost my life. I kept thinking, “really, this is how I go?”    

Gideon proceeded to spend 5 weeks in NICU. He came home stable and on a feeding tube, but 2 weeks later, he stopped breathing. Time stood still as Daniel and I gave him rescue breaths while we awaited EMS. Gideon then spent another grueling 6 weeks in PICU, where he received a tracheostomy and finally came home on a ventilator.  

This past year has been the hardest year of our lives. Navigating two big kiddos, maintaining a healthy marriage, and raising a medically complex baby is unimaginably difficult. I am happily pouring myself into everyone at home and thankful to be deep in motherhood, but I keep saying that I am in an in-between space. In between who I was and the life I imagined we would have when we found out we were pregnant. We have been working so hard to help Gideon flourish and he has made so much progress. Everything is exponentially better a year later, and we have so much hope for the future. He truly is a miracle. I am excited to see life unfold in this new era we’re in and am anxiously awaiting to adventure again as a family of 5.  

I certainly could not have made it through without my ultimate Comforter – Jesus. My biggest hope is that someone can read our story and see it as a testament of faith and that God can do so much more than we could ever ask or imagine. If you’re facing a situation that seems hopeless, remember there is another side. You will get to the other side eventually. So don't forget to take notes along the way. Writing down the miracles and goodness we've experienced these last couple of years has been monumental. You will look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come!" 

You can read more about Gideon’s story here: https://danielandashleymain.wixsite.com/the-gideon-story/blog

Thank you, Ashley! Thanks for letting us be a safe space, Ashley! What a privilege it is to pamper someone who spends so much time pouring out. You’re the reason we show up at the spa!  

Cherrio 

PS. If you’re a regular reading this and want to share your story, we’d love to hear from you! Simply reply to this email and we will connect with you