Memorials to Ashleigh ~ Page 3

October 1996

Left: Ashleigh would have loved these sunflowers that were sent to the funeral home. We put them beside our picture of her wearing her favorite sunflower hat, and it became part of the "shrine" of flowers, plants, and pictures all around our fireplace during the weeks after we lost Ash.

Right: Uncle Greg & Aunt Mary found this perfect sunflower and brought it for Ashleigh (it was in a field full of sunflowers that had never grown there before or since)

Ashleigh's Christmas Tree

This is Ashleigh's special tree. The first Christmas after we lost her (2 months later), each member of our family brought an ornament that reminded them of her. We each hung our ornament alongside the sunflower garland and shared a story or memory as we did it. The tree stays up all year round at my Mimi & Papa's house (my Mom's parents).

Ashleigh's 13th Birthday Party

For Ashleigh's birthday in January 1997, (her first birthday in Heaven), we had her 3 best friends come over and remember her with us. This is Shannon, Ruth, and Stephanie With Mom and I.

This Is Ashleigh's Pocahontas Cake
(Pocahontas was her favorite movie)

Tree planted in Ashleigh's memory outside
of the 6th grade wing at her middle school.

This Is Papa And I helping to plant the tree

Ashleigh's First Heaven Day
Our First Balloon Launch
October 1997

Left: Mimi & Papa
Right: Judy & Sarah

Cousins Matt, Christi, & Baby Conner

Sarah & Her Friends, Robyn & Mandy

Ashleigh's Friends Ruth & Anne

Left: Our Balloons Flying To Heaven
Right: Ashleigh's Mailbox (How We Painted It At First)