Episode 10: The Miracle of Meredith
Introduction
Life is an unpredictable journey, often guiding us through paths we never anticipated. For Ashley Bartels, her path was one filled with challenges, triumphs, and extraordinary love. Married to Michael, Ashley's journey from a young woman facing health challenges to a mother of two beautiful daughters by both birth and adoption is an inspiring testament to resilience and faith.
Meeting the Love of Her Life
Ashley and Michael's love story began unconventionally in a Walmart parking lot in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Despite the lighthearted whim that sparked their connection, their journey together was anything but simple. Ashley was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and she was repeatedly told she would never have children. Defying the odds, Ashley and Michael welcomed their first daughter, Shelby, into the world in 2005.
The Struggles and Joys of Motherhood
Raising Shelby was both a joy and a challenge. Despite a medical community urging otherwise, Ashley's faith and determination led her to fight for her child. When her doctors encouraged an abortion, she looked to the story of Mary in the Bible for strength and decided her child would be loved, no matter the circumstances.
Years passed, and while Ashley and Michael longed for more children, fertility treatments proved unsuccessful. They ultimately realized their family could grow through fostering and potentially adopting. The decision was met with opposition from their family, who worried about the impact on their lives and marriage.
Choosing the Path of Foster Care
Understanding that traditional adoption was financially out of reach, Ashley and Michael chose to become foster parents, driven by a desire to provide love and a nurturing environment for children in need. The process was intensive, involving ten weeks of classes and a commitment they embraced despite the emotional demands.
Their first fostering experience brought two young girls into their home. Though the girls returned to their biological mother after nearly a year, the experience solidified Ashley and Michael's commitment to fostering. Ashley credits this decision as a calling and an act of love, even when faced with criticism and doubt from loved ones.
Welcoming Meredith
Just before Ashley's 41st birthday, they received the call that would change their lives once more. A baby in need of a home was ready for fostering. Without hesitation and full of anticipation, they welcomed Meredith into their lives days before Ashley's birthday. Meredith's arrival was a divine blessing, introducing a new dimension of love and fulfillment for the Bartels family.
The Support System of Foster Parenting
Fostering, while rewarding, is not for the faint-hearted. Without initial familial support, the Bartels found solace and understanding in a community of fellow foster parents who shared their journey. Through these bonds, Ashley felt the reassurance and camaraderie necessary to navigate the complexities of the foster system.
The Heart of Family and Faith
Throughout their journey, faith remained at the heart of their decisions. Ashley leaned heavily on her beliefs to guide her through difficult times, especially when facing the uncertainty of Meredith's permanent place in their family. Her story emphasizes the power of intuition, faith, and the unwavering belief in providing love to children who need it most.
Reflections and Insights for Aspiring Foster Parents
Ashley reflects on her decade-spanning motherhood journey and emphasizes the growth and learning that accompany it. Her experiences underscore the importance of patience, love, and community for any potential foster parent. Ashley urges those considering fostering to follow their hearts and pave their own paths, unburdened by the judgments or expectations of others.
