Memories of our Friend

I was looking forward to seeing Ashley again. Such a delightful young woman, She was someone whom you look forward to seeing again and again. She was so proud to be in college and to be working toward her academic career goal - a major in political science. I would have voted for Ashley, no matter what she was running for. I have worked with many young people in my life and career - young people of different interests, orientations, attitudes toward life. Ashley was special. Bright, generous, creative, talented, kind, open, honest and sincere in every way. 

I remember One special time a couple if years ago. Ashley and my young daughter, who was about 6 years her junior, were playing violin in front of my family's business on Aviles Street in the old town. Delighted tourists stopped to listen and offered tips for the young performers, many assuming that they were sisters. Ashley insisted that my daughter take all of the money and made it very clear to me that she was there to help my daughter to feel more secure and less shy about playing for others. She didn't "feel right'' about accepting the money when she was there to help a child. 

Ashley was a nurturing person and a compassionate leader. She really seemed to love and enjoy teaching, entertaining and relating to children. Yet it was her cheerful, easy way of relating to people of all ages that commanded my respect. While courteous and tolerant with older people, as well, it became clearly evident as we knew her that this young woman had a mind of her own. She was not easily influenced and could think for herself.

What a wonderful leader such an individual would be for the adult world and the world of the future, too. I have wondered, at times, if God can make a mistake. Yesterday, a friend told me that when a special person is taken away from us it means that God had very important work for them to do in another place.  

Ashley Willwerth cheerfully and courteously copied and collated the summer, 2004. Interfaith Perspective (Volumn 2, Issue 3). I looked forward to seeing her when I delivered the Fall issue to her. I didn't get it ready in time. Now I look forward to seeing Ashley and working with her in the next life. Because I too, believe that God has a continuing purpose for this very special person in another life, at another time.

Dr.  Lenora S. J. Silver,  Director
Interfaith Counseling Services, St. Augustine Fl.