(Betty's Note) Ashton is the Grandson of the Past Lt. Gov. Wayne Pluckhan. I wanted to continue with the updates that were on the Division 44 Website in 2003-2004 when he was Lt. Governor. It was so rewarding sharing a part of Ashton's struggle to live. I will never forget the journey, thanks to the Pluckhan Family.
Ashton Philip Pluckhan - Born December 26, 2004
NO ROOM IN THE INN (Published in the Kiwanis Division 44 Flyer)
Lessons never end! The California Pluckhans were going to gather in Sacramento for the holiday season this year, but that was all about to change. The baby inside our daughter-in-law, Piper, had decided that he had spent enough time inside his mommy and forced her to go into pre-term labor. However, at that time, being only 21 weeks into her pregnancy which is way too early to have a baby, the doctor ordered Piper continuous bed rest.
Changes came about and we were all flexible to change the plans from Sacramento to the Bay Area. The hospital where Piper was on bed rest was only three miles away from where we had our Christmas celebration. Christmas dinner was taken to Piper, Brad and their son, Logan at intervals by each one of our families and we were also able to open presents with them and vice-versa. (Unity is important, whether it be in one’s family, church, work and of course, Kiwanis, developing bonds within our clubs, division and Kiwanis International.)
Little did we know that Ashton Philip Pluckhan would so soon enter our world on December 26
th, at only 24 weeks of gestational age. At the time of his birth it was found out that there was no room for him in the neonatal intensive care unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose.An immediate search was made throughout the Bay Area and there was an opening at Oakland Children’s Hospital. Therefore, within 30 minutes from birth, Ashton was being flown to his next destination. We certainly knew that the angels were hovering over him. He weighed in at one pound and seven ounces with a length of twelve and one/half inches. What a way to get your first helicopter ride!
It was heart warming to see the teamwork at the hospital, everyone doing his or her best in keeping Ashton alive. I have been up to see him twice and after a thorough washing of my hands and arms, I did get to touch him and it is so heart warming to see his little fingers respond with a little grasp. Life is incredibly precious! Little Ashton has a long ways to go, so far the reports are favorable, but his little body has a lot of time tables and hurdles to jump. He will be in the hospital until approximately mid-April, his original due date.
Some of you have known of my prayer requests and we continue to ask for them. God’s will be done with this little baby. Some of you might have met Piper, Brad and their son, Logon at my installation. They are very strong in their faith and know that Ashton has angels watching over him and that only God knows what path lies ahead for him.
Thanking you in advance for the prayers. We have had prayers coming from Atlanta to New Jersey to Milwaukee to Oshkosh to Denver to Tucson and a ton of places from the West to the East Coast
.Wishing you all a Happy and a Blessed New Year.
Let’s Keep Leaping Ahead!
Wayne J. Pluckhan
Lt. Governor – Division 44
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January 6, 2004
I just heard from Brad and Piper, little Ashton who was due in mid-April, needs some surgery this afternoon. There is a hole in his intestine that needs to be repaired by surgery. He will have a colostomy done.
They say this is common, but he is so small, we need to turn on the prayers. Thanks a bunch.
Wayne
