| Flame (continued) | Waxahachie Daily Light | October 7, 2001 |
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| Paul said the Web
site evolved into a major information source connecting families around
the world. "It actually became too much for me to maintain," Paul said, noting that an Internet firm in Florida is now running the site. "Are you sleeping, or are you still resting?" Paul asks, prompting Ashley to open her eyes and give a typical teen-age glare. "Dad!" she exclaims, and Paul reaches down and gives her a playful tickle as they both begin to chuckle. "Love is an overwhelming thing," Paul said. "I don't know how to respond to all of the people that have been so kind and so generous through their prayers and support. There are so many people in this community that genuinely love Ashley and want to know what they can do to help. I'm at a loss for words trying to explain how good that makes us feel. It's just an incredible thing." Leaning back on the sofa, Paul brings his hand to his head and begins rubbing his brow. "I wish this would have never happened," he said. "If I could have one wish, that would be it. I would do anything that would have kept her from going through all of this. "I would gladly trade places with her and take all of her suffering so she could just be a kid." Closing his eyes as he thought of the words to say, the eternal optimist in him sought to find good from the bad. "As horrible as this has been for her, we have seen some good come out of it," he said. "She has been a source of inspiration and courage for so many people. So many people have told us that because of her, they have found the courage to overcome |
difficult things in her life. "Still," he said, rubbing his eyes with his hand. "Even with the good, if I could make that wish, I wish she could have been spared all this so she could just be a normal kid. I wish I could just malke it all go away and she could have her beautiful, long hair back." "It's OK, dad," Ashley said, reaching up and tapping her dad on the arm. "I don't miss my hair that much." With the uncertainties ahead, the O'Rears are determined to win in Ashley's battle with cancer. In fact, Ashley already has plans to attend Texas A&M University after she graduates from Waxahachie High School. "I don't know what I'm going to study yet, so don't ask," she said, giving me that coy smile that leaves you wondering if she's annoyed, or just having fun with you. "I've got it narrowed down to three things," she said, giving a glance up at the ceiling as she recites the list. "I'm either going to study acting, modeling, or specialize in working with children." A member of the drama class at WHS, Ashley said she enjoys performing in plays with her classmates. Susan also noted Ashley was also named "Miss Spirit" during a recent Miss Teen contest in Houston. "I also like working with kids. I think it would be pretty special to help out other kids who are going through tough times in their lives," she said. "But when I figure out what I'm going to be, I'll let you know," she said, as the smile slowly crossed her face, leaving no doubt that she was enjoying the moment. As for the immediate future, the family said there is only the |
certainty of today. Ashley is scheduled to return to Children's Medical Center in Dallas in eight weeks for another MRI. "The best case scenario is the MRI shows the tumor is shrinking and the chemotherapy is working," Paul said. "Beyond that, the doctors have told us they are just taking her treatment one step at a time. They said there were other options, but we are all hoping this is the one that works." With the doctors closely monitoring her progress, Paul, Susan and Justin are doing their part by supplying round-the-clock love and prayers -- and unyielding faith. "We're going to beat this," Susan said. "Aren't we, Ashley." Pulling herself up on the sofa, Ashley tilts her head to the side, looks over at her mom and smiles. "I'd rather be in school," she said with a grin. "I told you, I'm going to go to A&M. I've got to beat it so I can graduate high school first." "Does this mean you're going to try out for the Cherokee Charmers (drill team) next year?" Paul asks, as Ashley gives another look, this time there's no mistaking her intent. "Dad!" she said in an annoyed teen-age tone. "What? I just thought you'd look cute in those Charmer outfits," her dad responds, as the room erupts in laughter. "See what I mean?" Susan said. "You can't let cancer stop you from living. It's tough. It's difficult, and I wouldn't wish what we're going through on anyone. But you have to keep on going, and that includes being able to laugh." |
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