Stars for Stevie

Eleven years ago, I opened an Etsy shop.  I really had no idea what I was doing, but I had a pile of signs in my dining room and I needed to try and sell them.  About two months and only a hand full of orders into my adventure, a blogger reached out to me. I didn't even know what a blog was at the time.   She gushed over my signs and asked if I would send her one in exchange for her giving one away on her blog.   She was so good at selling me on the idea, that I sent her two signs that very day.   Honestly, when I think back, she was the spark that launched Barn Owl Primitives.  

Ashley has always been my biggest cheerleader.  She introduced me to people, ideas, opportunities.  She pushed me when I was unwilling.  She encouraged me when I was unsure.  She reassured me when I was afraid.  She asked me the hard questions.  She listened.  Really listened.   And she has continued to show up.  Day in and day out.   And while she was doing all this for me, she was also doing the same for so many others.    She has poured so much love and hope and inspiration out into the world.  And now it's time that we weave all that love and hope and inspiration into a net to catch our dear friend.  

Ashley & Ben’s beautiful daughter, Stevie, was just diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called DIPG.   It is inoperable. The survival rate is 0%. Stevie is now home from the hospital — to be with her wonderful parents, two big brothers, and puppies for the remainder of her days here on earth.

My heart is broken into a million little pieces for them.   It's unimaginable and it's so unfair.    But even in these darkest moments, Ashley is still teaching.  Still inspiring.   In her words:

"I won’t pretend to understand why we have to go through this or what Gods purpose is in this pain, but my faith in Him is the only constant i have right now and I’m holding to it with every ounce of strength i posses. He knows our pain and He carries it with us. I know many of you love her dearly and this is ripping you in half too, and your instinct will be to fight and to push and to advocate and to try to save her—i know because those are our instincts too. But the reality of her prognosis is real. We have literally consulted and met with dozens of the top pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons and oncologists. We would go to the ends of the earth to save her if we could. For all those who have been praying for a miracle with us, keep praying, but please know that Stevie’s miracle, our miracle may not come in the way you’re praying. But God is good and it WILL come and one day we will all understand the purpose in this pain. But for now we surrender. We surrender to her prognosis and that which we can’t control. We give her the best of everything she needs to be happy and pain free and we teach ourselves and our children how to make these final memories happy ones, ones we can hold onto and cherish, memories that make us smile even if we’re smiling through tears." 

We want to love and bless them and help weave the net.    Will you help?

1) 💫 STARS FOR STEVIE💫 –

Her tribe came up with this little slogan for Stevie because she is such a LIGHT. Grab this photo or graphic and share her story. She shines so bright and we want you — all of you — to think of Stevie every time you look up at the night sky. We want you to string paper stars together with your sweet kiddos & pray for the Stocks. Paint them, draw them, fill your windows with them ⭐️. Display them to celebrate the light and life of a little girl who is loved more than she can image. Look up more. & Every time you do we want you to speak her name and pray for their family. Would you join me in doing just that? Share your #starsforstevie on social media using that hashtag and let’s shower the Stock family with all the love and prayers they need right now.

2) STICKERS FOR STEVIE:

These stickers were designed to remind and inspire.   100% of the proceeds will go to the Stock family.

3) GOFUNDME: ( link here)

This has undoubtedly taken a great financial toll on their family already and will continue to as they navigate in-home care for Stevie, utilizing healthcare professionals for mental and emotional health for Ashley, Ben and their sons, Wesley and Sawyer, and much more. Please share this link far and wide to help support their family during this time.

4) STEVIE SHIRTS:

Grab your Stevie shirt here and let her light shine bright — 100% of the proceeds will go to the Stock family.

We love you Ashley!!  We are standing with you and we will catch you when you fall.  #starsforstevie

All my love 💗

~ kristi