In Loving Memory

Name: Ashley Crawford Thompson
Age when diagnosed: 25 years old
Date diagnosed: February 15, 2008
Diagnosis: MFH sarcoma *aggressive (malignant fibrohistiocytoma)
Treatment: Initially 2 groin surgeries/ radiation; 2 lung surgeries, 7 different types of chemotherapy treatment (last 3 years)
To heaven: October 24, 2011
Parents: Kent & Retzy Thompson

"Ashley was the daughter every parent hopes for...loving and caring from childhood she was the joy in our lives...the gift of a lifetime. She was president of her high school class of 2001, and graduated from Xavier University in 2005 with a degree in Communication/ Public Relations. Her strength and courage, determination and resilience during this battle was amazing. True to family and friends with heart and soul to the end, she pushed herself to be there for everyone she loved. As parents we were so very proud of the way she accepted and admired the differences in others and loved unconditionally...Ashley inspired everyone to believe in themselves and strive to make a difference. Her favorite quote was from Gandhi : Be the change you wish to see in the world.~ Ashley's spirit lives on in all of us." ~ Kent & Retzy Thompson

Ashley is the daughter of my favorite teacher. (I'm pretty sure I was her favorite student too! LOL) Miss Crawford (as I knew her) was my 4th grade teacher and an amazing teacher. I have so many fond memories of her and being in her class. I never met Ashley but can only imagine what a wonderful mother Retzy was to her. Luckily I am still in touch with this wonderful teacher and person who made such a huge impact on my life. My heart aches for her at the loss of her child. I'll continue to lift Retzy and her husband Kent up in my nightly prayers. Ashley watch over your mom and dad. I know you were their angel on earth and continue to be their angel in heaven.

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Happy New Year!

The holidays found us at home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We found it to be different as normally we are surrounded by family. Many times prior to the holidays we discussed packing up and going home but financially it just didn't make sense to make the trip. We made the best of it cooking at home and making our own family traditions.

The last three years have been tough for us physically, emotionally and financially so we welcomed 2012 with open arms. We look forward to having our family all in one place again, recovering from the move and getting situated in our new surroundings.

We are thankful for so many things this year. The main thing being that none of us or our family members suffered any life threatening illness this year. We're all here, healthy and enjoying life!