Success Stories
Ashley - 2006 Graduate
I grew up in a very loving home with a mom and dad who supported me and three siblings who were excellent role models. The only problem was I hated myself. I would look in the mirror with disgust and wish every day that I could be pretty and skinny. Who I was on the inside never mattered to me. In junior high, a friend of mine was hospitalized with anorexia. Everyone else saw a sick and far too skinny girl, but I looked at her with admiration and hope that I too could look like that. I soon began restricting meals, working out, and of course, lost weight. In high school, I was on the volleyball team, and my appetite was through the roof from being so active. I had to eat, but I knew I didn’t have to keep it down, and before long I was binging and purging at every meal. My mom eventually figured out what I was doing and started keeping a close eye on me. I decided that if I couldn’t purge, then I just wouldn’t eat. I remained on this anorexic/bulimic rollercoaster throughout my entire high-school career. In addition, I began smoking marijuana with my boyfriend on a daily basis. I didn’t go to school, family functions or even church unless I was high. The eating disorder basically opened the door for poor choices to come right in. I still believed in God, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him.
I was hospitalized a few times during high school, but all I learned were pointers on how to get away with eating disorder behaviors. It cost thousands of dollars, and my parents considered refinancing their home in order to pay for my treatment.
My high school boyfriend stuck by my side the entire time, and we eventually got married. His stipulation for getting married was that I had to quit binging and purging, but I deceived him. It broke my heart that I was lying to him. Because of the guilt I felt, I began restricting myself even more. I was also exercising in order to burn off any calories that I may have consumed. Eventually, I figured it would be much easier for everyone if I just died.
I heard about Mercy from my grandmother before I got married. With my husband's and family’s love, support and guidance, I decided to apply to Mercy and prayed that I would be accepted. I moved into the Nashville home on October 25, 2005.
When I went to Mercy, I had no idea that I would learn so much about God and how amazing He is. I found forgiveness for the poor choices I made in high school and for all the harm I had done to my body. God showed me that the life He created for me was filled with love, joy, growth and hope. I finally had a relationship with Him. I am still a work in progress, but I’m excited for whatever God has in store for me.
After so many years of damage to my body, doctors told me I would never be able to have the children Josh and I dreamed of. We knew God could and does make ALL things possible, so we began praying for a baby. My body never did have a menstrual cycle, so I really went out on a limb the day I bought a pregnancy test. Imagine my surprise when it was positive! On July 4th, 2011 we welcomed little Joshua Lee Jr. into the world. It’s so amazing to look back and see what God has brought us through, has healed us from, and what He has blessed us with. To think that I almost gave up my life to an eating disorder is crazy! I love what God has done in my life and I look forward to what He has in store!