It has been over a month now that my dear friend Ashleigh lost her fight to colon cancer and I am still trying to process it all. I have wanted to write this post for awhile now so that I would have a place to honor her and remember what her friendship meant to me. But honestly I am still so heart broken for her and her family, that it is hard to put all my thoughts together. I met Ashleigh a little over two years ago when Daryl met her husband at work. Pretty soon we were having play dates with the kids at the park, watching each others kids for each other, and shopping. Ashleigh was an amazing Mother, she truly enjoyed her kids. I loved watching her interact with her kids because she always reminded me why motherhood is such a blessing. When she would pick them up or put their shoes on, it was always done with love.
Back in August Ashleigh and I decided to take the kids to the park and while we were there she started telling me about her health problems and concerns, just a week later she learned she had stage 4 colon cancer. She was so calm about the news and stayed upbeat, sending out emails and updates even updating her blog. Before Ashleigh was diagnosed she was going to make Parker's rocket cake for trade I would do her family pictures. She emailed me as she was getting out of the hospital and said she would still loved to do it. That was the kind of women she was, generous and kind. Of course I was having none of it and insisted she shouldn't worry about such things. But she did and ended up making instead Parker some home made bean bags. I just can't stop thinking about her and her family. I remember shortly after she was diagnosed going over to her house and talking to her. We were sitting on her porch talking and her oldest Sarah was laughing and I commented on what a great laugh she had. Ashleigh commented " Hopefully I get to live long enough to enjoy it" but in the same conversation she said " If Heavenly Father feels it is my time to go, then it is my time to go." She was so courageous and faithful, two things that aren't always easy. She worried about her husband and all he would have to do without her.
When I heard the news that she had passed, I could barely process it, it had been less than a month and half since she was diagnosed. As the weeks have passed I find whenever I have a quiet moment my thoughts turn to Ashleigh and her family. I want to help, I want them to heal but how to help her four beautiful child and her grieving husband.
Ashleigh- you were such a great example to me, full of energy, ever giving, and always up for a project! Thank you for your kindness, love and faith. You will always be remembered!
