Ashlee

Ashlee Smoot 

May 5th, 1982 ~ March 12th, 2016

 This was a hard day. It was beautiful. Isn't that the irony though, usually the hardest things we go through turn into some of the most beautiful blessings or cherished memories. 

Her celebration of life was so tender. Her life was so full and it showed by all the love and support from people who came to support Audy and the kiddos. The displays showing her life were nothing short of amazing. 

 

 

 

But this is the picture that got me. 

When it was our turn to give Audy our condolences and love, he ended up giving me comfort, instead of the other way around. It was amazing to me the stalwart way Audy held himself together. 

 

Here she was, in a beautiful box. But she wasn't in the box at all. Ash was there with us. 

Hearing about her life and all the things people had to say about her at her funeral, made me want to be better, to relax way more and try to more fully enjoy the little things and let things go. 

She sits at our kitchen table with us. To help me remember.

Do we let our trials define us or refine us?

~ Trevor Simper

We blew bubbles (Tisha said it was sending love notes to heaven for Ashlee), during the graveside and it was beautiful. She asked some of her ashes to be spread along the coast in Costa Rica. 

The day after Ash passed this was Audy's IG post. 

I bawled like a baby.  

I'm almost certain she's on the other side telling/helping us to be happy, enjoy the little things, move on and live life to the fullest.