I was born a healthy baby to a 22 yr old unwed mother - She put me up for adoption.. At 8 weeks of age I was placed with my mom, dad, and older brother Derick (who is also adopted).. Long story short when I was 3 yrs old drs amputated my aright arm/shoulder as they thought I had cancer.. 5 months after I was correctly diagnosed with FOP..

I was so young- I can't imagine the hell my parents/family went through when they were told I had cancer and I wasn't going to make it, just take me home and enjoy me.. I'm just glad the doctors were WRONG and I'm still here..

LDS Social Services only allowed 2 kids per family - my parents had me and my older brother.. When I became a 'special needs' child they allowed them to adopt the 3rd child.. Not long after that we were blessed with Emily.. I call her the 'bonus'.. She brought so much joy to our family- and she still does.. Emily is truly my best friend.. Things do happen for a reason..

My babysitter Jen took care of me both before and after my amputation.. She told me one time when she was babysitting me and my brother sometime soon after the amputation.. My brother was playing with his toy handcuffs .. I told Jen I wanted a turn.. So she put the handcuff on my little left wrist.. and then said to me 'Ash, give me your other hand'.. She completely forgot!! So I looked at her and said 'Ok, here you go!' and I gave her my foot/ankle!! :) After I did that she did not feel bad ..

Despite all that has happened to me.. I would not change my life EVER.. I <3 being unique and 'different'.. My family, friends, and all I have been thru *good things and the not so good* have made me the person I am today..

I can't forget what I don't remember .. :)