To Aunty Ashley

Dear Aunty Ashley -

I am so glad that you got to come visit me last week. It was great to be the center of attention all the time! My momma was right about how much fun you are. Thanks for the onesies and matching shirt you got for me and momma. I can't wait to come visit you one day in Hawaii and play on the beach! Thanks Aunty Ashley for spending your vacation with me!

Love,

Carli Lynn

P.S. I kept the spitting up and blow out diapers to a minimum just for you!

Ashley -

My first memory of you was on the intramural fields at ACU and we did a "visit" for club. I was immediately impressed with your strong desire to know God. We struck up an immediate friendship and you challenged me in my faith more than I think you will ever know. I can't believe that was 6 years ago! Where does the time go?

I can say without a doubt that I can credit you with one introducing me to one of the most amazing men ever. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have "investigated" that Gamma Sig in two of my business classes. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gone on that date with him...I wouldn't have dated him for two years and I wouldn't have married him. You introduced me to one great guy - and if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ever known it!

Honestly, when you decided to go to Hawaii it was all I could do not to tell you I was pregnant and convince you to stay and come to Tyler. But I knew that was selfish and you needed to go and be with your family. I cried the day you called me, screaming b/c you were so excited about Carli Lynn coming. I cried when my Mom told me you called her the day Carli was born and was in tears b/c you couldn't be here with me. I've cried a few random times when there are just those "Ashley" moments that you weren't here to share. But you know what? I've smiled and laughed a lot too. I beamed with pride when you made that decision to go to Hawaii, to branch out and do something that was not easy for you to do. I smiled the day you sent Carli's letters to me - and they were so awesome! I showed them off so proudly and made sure everyone knew, Ashley made these for Carli! I smile every time I see the Hawaiian Warriors on TV and remember that long, but awesome trip to Louisiana to see them play. I smile when I remember asking you for permission to go out that first date with Keith. And I smile b/c I know you are one of those forever friends. No matter the distance, no matter the time that passes - I know without a doubt you'd be there to read that random "I DON'T KNOW HOW I CAN DO THIS ANY MORE" email - or those random, I went to Sonic today and got a Route 44 just for you text message! Ha!

Anyway - Ashley - this Tuesday tribute is for you b/c you are such an awesome friend as I am sure so many of your other friends and family can attest to. I pray that you continue to search and study and figure out what God has in store for you. Remember - the questions never end... Thanks for being an amazing person and thanks for spending your vacation to come paint an office building, to entertain a 4 month old, to make us cookies and clean my kitchen. Thanks for it all.

Aloha!