So this is not my typical blog post. I have been very open in this blog but what is on my heart today is for Fischer, Baker and Ashley.
So instead, I share with you my feelings for Ashley back before we were even a couple. This is the first birthday card that I wrote Ashley in 2005. We were not dating. (That story or at least part of it is in a future post. Also, I had not honed my writing skills yet so that card is more statements of fact rather than poetic prose.) 😉
Shoebox Card
04/05/2005
“Ashley, On your birthday I want you to know how much I appreciate our friendship. I am sorry that sometimes I have taken you being my friend for granted. You are my best friend. You have done more for me than you will ever know. You have made my move to Georgia, more fun, more enjoyable, more insane. I will never admit it, but you are the funniest person I know. And yes, I will admit your funny voices are hilarious. So much so that I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing because that would just encourage you more.
Your pointy-toe shoes and furry boots are very impractical and annoy me because they seem unnecessary in Georgia, but you know how to make them look sexy.
I do not think I have ever had a more complicated friendship than ours. Yet, I would not trade it for anything…
I tend not communicate that well, stay reserved and not show my feelings.
If I show anything it’s apathy and I might come off as a jerk. But you see through that and either call me on it or find a way to make me open up. You are one of a kind.
Thank you for being you. Thank you for being my friend.
Without you I don’t think I would have found a reason to stay in Georgia…
Have a very Awesome day and “Roll Tide” (I’ll only say that for you on your birthday)
Mike
Thinking of you and the boys today. .We continue to pray for yall everyday.
Back in October 2017, someone asked me to pray for Ashley, her husband, and two little boys. I wrote her name, your name, and “2 little boys” in my prayer journal and prayed every day. Time passed and I kept praying, not knowing how things were progressing. When I saw a post on Facebook in January about Ashley’s death, I cried. I cried for everyone left behind and especially you because you are the one left to pick up all the broken pieces and try somehow to put them back together again. I know that pain, and I’d love to tell you there’s an easy way through it, but there’s not. One day at a time, and sometimes one breath at a time. God will faithfully carry you through this valley, but it doesn’t mean the journey isn’t painful. I am still praying for you and your children. Keep breathing and keep writing. Writing is what saved me as I journeyed through my own grief, and you never know how your transparency is helping others.
One day at a time, Mike; you know that…you have heard every platitude in the book, every promise of prayer, and none of it brings her back–it is all senseless, this suffering and tragedy. You are finding the moments and doing the impossible work of healing, and you know that is exactly what Ashley would have wanted; you honor her in your struggle.
Well said, so many years ago, Mike! I am in awe of the closeness of your marriage with Ashley. You two really WERE best friends, which is why you were so very good together. Love to you and the family.
I am in awe of the closeness of your marriage with Ashley. You two really WERE best friends, which is why you were so very good together. Love to you and the family.
Mike, thanks for sharing that. I was watching from afar when she was falling in love with you (cheer team mom). She told me of the tension of friend girl or girlfriend. And it was the best to see her figure out she loved you!! ❤️❤️❤️ I continue to pray for you and your boys.