Ashley demonstrated a special relationship with Jesus and unwavering faith. On Good Friday 2013, at the age of 14, Ashley told her parents that she would not go to a crawfish boil party as this was the day that Jesus suffered. On her first day of driving a car on her own, Ashley's parents could not find her. After repeated attempts to locate her, Ashley called to say she was in the Adoration chapel at St. Dominic church to spend time with Our Lord.
When Ashley was age 15, she wrote a letter to herself. In it, she stated, "I hope you have tried and accomplished the best sophomore year ever. I hope you made even more friends and acquaintances with everyone. A smile can make all the difference in the world. I hope you did your best and got A's and B's. I hope the teachers were on your side and liked you. I hope the board accomplishes what we need to for spirit day (141 days). Enjoy it because it won't last forever. I hope you grew in your faith and can see the face of God everywhere in your life. Be the face of Jesus everyone wants to be around and ... know that you are loved by many and make a huge difference around MCA and the world as a whole! ...Try not to complain as much as you want to about school because no one likes a Debbie-downer. Instead, be the sunshine of people's days. You never know what someone may be going through, treat them all with kindness. Have a great summer and enjoy every minute of it! It goes by in 5 minutes! Nothing is the end of the world except the end of the world, so don't worry. Every little thing is going to be alright.
A close friend of Ashley's is Madeline Puente. She conducted an interview of Ashley for a religion class assignment. The interview occurred during the period of time that Ashley was being treated for brain cancer. Madeline asked Ashley several questions about her faith life. Ashley responded, "When I'm having a bad day, I always say Jesus's name 3 times and then I feel better then I fall asleep. I talk to God daily to help me through my suffering, and I ask him to please help me feel better. When I speak to Jesus, I feel better and I'm able to get through my day. Even if I'm having a good day, I talk to God because he is my friend, and he is always there for me.... I have become myself through having God in my life. I am able to be courageous and find strength in ways I never expected because my faith teaches me this. My happiness comes from discovering all that I can be through God.... If I had to pick something I would have to choose Jesus. First of all, Jesus is the one who came down from heaven to save us. He is amazing, and I cannot even express how great He is. Heaven is where Jesus lives, and it is there that Jesus is in charge. I love how Jesus is there for people who may be sad, confused or happy. He is there for all of us in heaven, and this is where He will always wait for us."
Another question from the interview by Madeline with Ashley was how has God changed your life. The response from Ashley was," Jesus helped me to feel better about my situation because I know He is in charge of me and making sure I am okay. I have become stronger and happier because Jesus is constantly there for me."
After Ashley passed away, Cassi was struggling with anger and bitterness in her heart. Fr, Billy, the pastor at St. Ann parish, had come to call on them. He suggested to Cassi, "What would Ashley want for you?" As Cassi was flipping through a book at that same visit, she found a letter written by Ashley, but at least 3-4 years before. The letter stated," My child, please invest some of your many hours of life to read this book of wisdom. I know you need its guidance especially now that you are overreacting and sending all of your children the message that it is your time of the month. I bless you and ask you to strive not to just ask for the virtue of patience in times of need, but realize that I am, indeed, fulfilling your wish. You, my sinful child, are just preoccupied with correcting your faithful children to realize this. I suggest pages 60 and 82. All my love, God the Father speaking through His faithful child, Ashley.
When Ashley was a sophomore at Mount Carmel high school, she was given an assignment in religion class to write about the meaning of her name. This was before Ashley became ill. She wrote this paragraph, "My name means "made from wood" with an English origin. I believe that the wood says to be rooted and strong in my faith. Jesus's, cross was made out of wood, signifying his sacrifice for our sake. I plan to live out my name every day by standing firm in my faith in letting it flourish above everyone else who needs guidance in their faith. The roots, of faith, keep the tree trunk strong while the leaves, God, rises above all."
