Forever Mine: Asher Eugene

On July 5th, 2009 Karri Allen discovered she was pregnant with her first child. Many of us moms know the joy, shock and the "oh my gosh I better double check" feeling when seeing that pregnancy test read positive.

But we might not all know the incredible feeling of seeing that first test read positive after having just survived the 1st year of marriage...alone. For Denny, her husband, had been deployed oversees. But not now.  Now, Denny was finally home. And Karri is grateful. Grateful to be pregnant and grateful to be pregnant...together.

A few weeks later, the joy and gratitude intensifies when her sister, Crystal calls to share that she too is pregnant and also due in March! Oh what fun this would be! The babies would grow up together, best friends forever.  And you think they'll have fun? Pretty sure Grandma Candy and Grandpa Jim plan to have even more fun!

So, on a very unfair date of March 22nd, 2011 Crystals beautiful baby girl (due March 29th) is born, while Karri (due March 14th) is still sitting around waiting for some (any please?) activity. But, it's hopeless. And after an evening induction, Asher Eugene was finally born on March 25th at 11:32 two  long nights later.

And he was perfect. Just perfect.

Cousin Asher and cousin Makenah then met 9 days later. Yup, best cousins they would be, forever.  Asher's got her back...you know it!

A few bubbly weeks later, on April 17th, the day after Karri's birthday, the family couldn't be more thrilled! Grandpa and Grandma were bursting with pride and joy over their newest little ones. After all, according to Proverbs 17:6 grandchildren are the crowned of the aged, right? 

And of course they were finding joy in having their own children home. You know how it is, you come home and your parents forget to acknowledge you because they are instantly on their knees handing out candy and kisses to the little rugrats.  Yeah, like that. :)

But in addition to being grandchildren crazy, Karri's dad, Jim, was also crazy about his kids. A country boy at heart, homegrown from the heartland of northeast Nebraska. Crofton, to be exact. And I get that. I'm a Nebraska girl myself. From Laurel, not to far away. A place where family and hard work is valued (well, as much as it can be with video games and technology these days).

There is something to say about being raised a farm kid.  Lot's of good stories, lots of memories, lots of hard work and lots of fun!  Jim landed in Bloomfield where he met his wife Candy and had 7 (yes, 7) beautiful children.  Six girls. One boy (that poor boy).  Did I not mention Jim's love for his kids? Here they are brightly shining in all (minus the two oldest).  There is just one thing missing (besides his wife and other two children of course) to make this picture... well, picture perfect.

A fishing pole.

And a VERY large fish.




Well, back to April 17th.

Prior to this day, Karri had just celebrated her first birthday being a Mom. And now today was a big day for Makenah! It was her baptism day, symbolizing her parents desire to surrender and dedicate her to the Lord. But little did everyone know, they would soon be required to surrender a whole lot more.

It was after lunch and Papa was napping but needed to wake up. A precious little granddaughter went to wake him up.

But Grandpa....

Well, he just wouldn't wake up.

The Thunker family lost a huge piece of their heart that day.  Jim, only 60 years old, had died of an apparent heart attack leaving behind his wife Candy, seven children and their spouses, and 13 little jewels who had their Grandpa wrapped around each and every one of those fingers. Tightly. Very very tightly.

And Karri, she lost a strong pillar in her life that day.

A man who's strength and love she would never forget. A man with few words, but filled with jokes.  He made you smile and made you feel safe, cherished and loved.  He was gentle and compassionate, yet a strong foundation for the family.  And as the days went by and the shock wore off, all Karri could think about was how Asher would never know the best grandpa he could have ever have.

But like all strong women, Karri chose to become better... instead of bitter. She chose to embrace the life she was handed and make the most of it, as best she could. And with each passing day, she continued to lean on God, her friends, and her family (who also leaned on her) to lift her up.  But she had another particular strong pillar in her life.  Of course, her man Denny.  Not only strong for his family, but for you, me and the entire country.

And together, they vowed to raise Asher to become that strong pillar too. Before he even knew it, he was learning what it meant to be a protector and provider, just like his daddy. Just like his grandpa. To rise up and be a warrior. To be a hero.  Through humility, surrender and sacrifice of course.

See, even in this picture he's already got his hand over hers.  Taking the lead. You go buddy. You go.

Anyway, Asher spent much of his time enjoying life.  Doing things babies do. Especially first babies. You know, like sucking pacifiers, and posing for 1,456 pictures in your first 2 days of life.  I don't know maybe smiling.  And smiling.....

And smiling.  Or, you know. Letting your mamma dip your hands and feet in slimy stuff for stuff such as this.

That's for you Dad. You go now... go fight those scary people over there.

Together they poured into his happy little life with every ounce of heart, energy and effort they could give. His name means blessed and happy. Heck ya! Why not be happy? Look at how cool I get to be! Such a little stud I am. You know it.

That first summer rolled by, rock'n that sexy little smile. Then hits the holidays and 1st birthday and.... WOAH. Watch out everyone! Asher's in da HOUSE!

Then, because he spent so much of his days smile'n, walk'n, chill'n with Micky, rock'n out to 96.5 and suck'n that paci...man, at the end of the day this little dude was just worn out.  Wouldn't you be? So he slept. And slept he did. He loved to sleep, sleep, sleep.  Happy and blessed, of course. I mean, come on! Wouldn't YOU be if you're name was Asher Eugene?

Then one hot summer day, on July 2nd, 2012 Asher was just a little off that day.  Not his happy self.  Tired from a big weekend, of course. And like any good Momma would do...lunch came a bit earlier that day and naptime too.

After placing you down in that soft crib of yours, I stepped outside the room. 

But just outside the door I stood. My protective love still loomed.

  Your cries filled the air today. You weren't your normal happy.

I waited for you to stop your tears and cuddle with your blankie.

Like any other baby your age, you'd fuss before settling down.

I often would just leave - and eventually hear no sound.

But today, a mothers instinct must have filled my heart.

For I was just around the corner from the very start.

You're tired and I let you fuss, nothing out of the norm.

But suddenly I hear nothing... too sudden for my firstborn.

I quickly walk in. "Asher?" I ask with concern.

I look at you, dear baby and my heart begins to churn.

Something is wrong and Mommy stays calm and does all I can do.

But a few hours later your daddy and I hear...

Those awful words.... too.

Maybe it was your heart? But it showed to be fine. 

There is nothing they can think of.

Whatever the reason, we're not quite sure. 

The answer lies above.

All we know is that God loves us and we love him too.

His path is perfect in every way. He is pure and beautifully true.

Death and evil are not from God. Only a result of sin.

Our hearts are broken. We miss you so much, our baby Asher Allen.

But there is hope inside. To God we cried. To fill our empty nest.
Lucky you, you little stud. Even up there you're blessed!
You've got Grandpa by your side all wrapped in Jesus love.
And soon you'll be a big brother watching from above!

May you know forever, our precious Asher Eugene.
You'll always be the most awesome redhead your parents have ever seen!
In all your sparkle, all your glimmer and all your glorious shine,

No matter what.
No matter where.
You'll forever be mine.

*************************************************

*You can read more about their story on Karri's blog: http://dennyandkarri.wordpress.com. 

Asher would have turned 2 on Monday. 
If he were here, he would be smiling, of course.... and smiling about this: