Childhood is a kite flying free on a summer breeze. It's the fastest speed your feet can carry you and it's the longest night that seems to never end in anticipation of the morning. We - like so many other families - believed that tomorrow was a given. An unspoken promise that would lead us from one transition to the next. Our movements marked by the seasons of all the time we'd yet to spend.
Ashton was absolute happiness. The kind of joy that was impossible to contain. His smile could melt hearts and his laugh was big enough to fill entire rooms. His capacity to love was limitless. Wherever he was was where you wanted to be.
So many people helped our Ashton last summer. Nurses, doctors, friends, family and people we may never ever know. To all of you who prayed with us, wept with us and mourned with us there are no words to tell you how much you helped our broken hearts. You gave us courage in the face of overwhelming sorrow and fear.
There is no getting over losing Ashton. After a year I've accepted that even though I have learned to welcome new joys into my world, there will always be an Ashton sized hole in my heart.
Today in memory of our sweet boy I encourage you to hug your kids, forget about the dishes that they didn't do or whatever chore they might have been assigned. Hold their hands and go for a walk. Maybe get an ice cream or just snuggle down with a book at bedtime. Whatever you do cherish your time...
