To Ashley: Sisterhood is Forever...

My sisters, bottom and top left. 

Their sister-friend Ashley, on the right.

And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that
They will see,
There will be an answer. Let it be. 

-The Beatles-

Dear Ashley,

What will we do without you?  What will the earth do? It seems impossible that you are gone. You were so strong and beautiful, a Division One athlete that schooled my tomboy sisters.  Your stunning smile will be missed forever. You were a bubbly conversationalist who adapted easily to any new situation.

We are so so so proud of you Ashley.  Finishing year four of your PHD in marine bio.  You worked your butt off in the lab.  You never whined, you were always easygoing and game for an adventure.  From your homeland Chicago you made it to college in North Carolina, then grad school all on your own in Hawaii.  Lany was soooo happy when she met you that first week.  An instant homegirl!  Our term for the kind of effortless forever friend you can always be yourself around.

You adopted Holly into your circle.  And Oliver, our picky chihuahua, adored you too.  And I loved you! You were so solid and grounded. And wholesome (one of my highest compliments).  A friend to us all.  I am so glad you got to come home to Maui with us.  You fit in easily as the fourth sister. 

Your last adventure brought you to Australia...you were so motivated... saving the coral reefs. You were such a good girl.  Walking by yourself early every Sunday morning to church.  You gave easily and also forgave easily.   

Thank you for your friendship, your contributions, your positivity. You will never be forgotten. You will always be our ocean-loving Splashley!

The wedding gift you brought over is still wrapped and waiting in my sisters' living room. I will open them this summer when I get home. I wish it could be under different circumstances. 

Our hearts and heads are hungover in grief but we will make sure your legacy lives on.  Sisterhood is forever.  We love you dear Ashley!

Emily