Copyright © Margie Franklin
http://www.LiveTheDreamWithFaith.com
Recently, I was once again 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 loved by all those who knew her. 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 a kind word for those around her.
Juanita called me to tell me of the loss of her friend, but I could hardly understand what she was saying because of the huge sobs coming from her. I had never heard her cry so deeply. Upon arriving home, we spent time talking about Ashley. My daughter 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 a person who had such a positive influence on others.
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 the pain & anguish.
We must not question why such a loving, brilliant individual’s life was snuffed out at such an early age. For 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.
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 & stay for good once the teenage years are behind her. 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 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 mood swings. Therefore, I want her family to know that Ashley loved them very much. I’m sure she admired them 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 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. Please remember to focus on the positives and don’t beat yourself up wishing that you would have handled things differently. Ashley wants you to hold onto the precious memories that you created together.
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