When we first moved to Vera I was 5 years old, my Sister Chelsea was born shortly after we moved and then right after that I met Jacqui Lewis. Those are the major events that happened to me at the age of 5.
Jacqui and I became best of friends. I stayed at her house more than I stayed at mine. At her house we played in the hay loft, watched the baby chicks, played in the apple orchard and ran from her brother Stewart. The picture above is in terrible condition but it is one of my favorites. I am wearing her old Cheer-leading uniform and she is wearing the new one. We would go to the football games and stand at the fence and watch the cheerleaders.
Above is a picture of us at one of my Birthday Parties. I'm with the jewelery box and she is in the red blue striped sweater. Aren't we adorable?
In first grade I fell from a apple tree and tore the ligaments in my ankle. They had to haul me back to the house in a red wagon and I was on crutches for a month. We built forts in my backyard, we had sleepovers that lasted weeks at a time. We walked down the road to Sharon Lay's house.
This picture brings back lots of memories. The band-aid over my forehead is because at the beckoning of my cousins I tried to walk a pipe fence, fell and hit my head on a cement culvert. Jacqui had on a rabbit fur coat and I wanted one just like hers. My Mom bought me what she could afford, only thing was I knew I couldn't' stand close to the fire or it would melt. ha! Please take a moment to notice my Sister Chelsea looking adorable as can be. Take a minute and look at her one more time. (Oh this makes me laugh.)
This is us about 14 years old, before we got braces. Our teeth now are pretty and straight thank you very much.
At the age of 15 after my first break up with my first official serious boyfriend she is the one I called in the middle of the night. She showed up to my house after her baby sitting job was over and something happened and we tripped over each other in the hallway and landed on each other laughing and trying not to wake my parents. Picking ourselves up from the floor I knew this breakup wouldn't be as bad as I thought it was because after all I was laughing with Jacqui.
Our lives changed, marriages, jobs etc moved us in different directions, but when I have the chance to see my childhood friend it's as if we never missed a beat. Everything is right with the world and it is as it should always be. Us together laughing and talking.
Jacqui is the type of person who will do anything to help anybody. Now is our time to help her.
December 25th, Christmas night just as her and her family were going to bed they realized the house was on fire. I'm assuming that the roads kept the fire department from getting there quickly. Their house was burned to the ground. Everything they owned including two of their vehicles and two dogs were lost in the fire. What they own now is what they left the house with.
I have heard of these stories before. You hear of these things happen to people who know someone who knows someone who knows someone. This time it happened to Jacqui. It's close to home and when I found out I knew I had to do something. What can I do?
I called Addie, Jacqui's Mom. A phone number I know by heart. She agreed that if I were have things sent to an address that I could send them to her house. So I set up an Amazon Wish List named Ashford Home. It's a simple list of things like plates, towels, kitchen tools etc.
So if you feel compelled to help here are ways you can offer monetary support. I know I speak for Jacqui and James to say that monetary things are not the ONLY way to help. Prayer is a powerful tool and if you would remember them in your conversations with the Lord that would be just as helpful and meaningful.
If you would like to purchase something from the Amazon Wish List please visit this link. I am sure there is more that they will need than the things on this list. But I can't imagine a nicer thing than receiving something pretty for your new home with your family. After a fire has taken all your belongings what can be better than receiving a surprise in the mail? Something as simple as bowls, forks, spoons, a shower curtain. If you feel this is your way to give then I encourage you to do so.If you would like to send something to their family you can send it to
InDevX, Inc.
311 East Rogers Boulevard, Skiatook, OK(702) 425-3672
Jacqui and James have five children. Erin is 14, she wears size 9 pants, large shirt, 9.5 shoe. Emily is 12 she wears size 0 pants, XS shirt and 7.5 shoe. Marche is 9 and he wears size 12... husky pants, large shirt, size 6 shoes. Jaime is 12 and he wears 16 slim pants, XS or small adult shirt, size 7.5 shoe. Taylor is 17 and he wears size 28 long pants, medium shirt, and size 12 shoes. Clothing is the more dire need at this time. If you have clothing in these sizes that you would like to give to the Ashfords please call Jacqui at 918-694-8769.A scripture that comes to mind is Romans 8:28 "All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord." This scripture applies to my life right now, it applies to your life right now, and Jacqui if you are reading this please know, it applies to you and James as well.
On the 26th I was supposed to go to Jacqui's house and take pictures of her and her family sledding. When your new house is there, and your ready, call me. I will be there in a heart beat!
You are in my prayers. Love you love you love you!
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