Ashley Dillon, Your Friends Miss You

Copyright © Margie Franklin
http://www.LiveTheDreamWithFaith.com

Recently, I was reminded of just how fragile life is. A friend of my teenage daughter died unexpectedly. The news of Ashley Dillon's death was devastating because she was young, vibrant, and loved by all. During her short time on earth she made many friends, volunteered at her church, competed in sports & participated in the high school band. According to my daughter, Juanita, there was never a time when her friend didn't have a smile on her face or kind words for those around her.

Juanita called me from school to tell me of the death of her friend. However, it was hard to understand what she was saying because of the uncontrollable sobs coming from her. I had never heard her cry so deeply. That evening, when I arrived home, we spent time talking about Ashley. Juanita kept repeating that her friend was a good person who always got A's on her report card & was nice to everyone. She just didn't understand why God would take such a young person who had a positive influence on others.

While I didn't have the answers, I did know that God has a plan for each of us. It's not for us to question why such a loving, brilliant individual's life was snuffed out at an early age. It is God's Will and He wanted Ashley to be with Him. Only faith in our Lord will help get friends and family through these extremely challenging times.

My thoughts turned to the family. No one expects, nor wants to out live their children. I wanted to reach out to them and let them know how deeply this has touched me and that they are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could erase the huge loss that the family is experiencing, and take away their pain & anguish.

I love my teenage daughter deeply and would be devastated if anything happened to her. I call her my "P & J" (pride & joy). While she's lovable the majority of the time, there's occasions when we have disagreements. I've discovered that the teenage years tend to be challenging for parents and children alike. I call the struggles & moodiness that teenagers experience "the teenager syndrome."

My P & J was always an angel during her pre-teen years. But, lately a different side appears from time to time. It's during these moments that I must keep reminding myself that the angelic side will reappear soon.

I've been told that the teenager syndrome totally disappears around the age of 22. Until then I'll continue to motivate, love, nurture and guide her. No matter what challenges we may have we both know that we'll overcome them. For the love in our family is strong and the Lord's Blessings are many. I will always cherish our time together.

I can't imagine that Ashley experienced "the teenager syndrome" because she had such a big heart. On the other hand she was a teenager and may have had an occasional mood swing. If so, I want her family to remember that Ashley loved them very much. Focus on the positives and don't beat yourself up wishing that you would have handled things differently.

I'm sure she admired her "parentals" for standing firm in their beliefs and family values. I would also venture to guess that if she had ever been "grounded" or not allowed to hang out with her friends, she knew that she was being disciplined out of love. Ashley would want her "parentals" to hold onto the precious memories that you created together.

Ashley Dillon was only 16 years old when she died. However, in her young life, she managed to become an inspiration in the lives of many. Do not let her acts of generosity and kindness be in vain. Let's keep her memory alive. Her high school should have an "Ashley Dillon Day."

On that day, why not do more acts of kindness for others than you normally would. The next time you see someone, smile. Ashley would have. It might just be the one thing that helps that person get through a stressful day. If someone drops a book, why not pick it up for them? Ashley would have. If someone needs a favor, why not help them? Ashley would have.

How about visiting a patient at Children's Hospital or a senior citizen in a nursing home? Ashley would have. It's quite possible that you're the only visit they'll get. As a bonus, you just may discover that you enjoy helping others and choose to visit often. It's very rewarding.

Every student could donate a dollar in Ashley's name. I'll personally donate $100.00 to this charity. All of the money could then be presented to her family or donated to the American Heart Association.

If any of Ashley's classmates wish to pursue researching and implementing "Ashley Dillon Day," just contact my daughter, Juanita. Everyone knows her. If not, just google me, Margie Franklin.

About the Author---

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