Hi Ash,

Walking towards the office today I saw the most gorgeous bright orange gerbera daisies - naturally I thought of you.  You inspire me everyday.

I lost my son and running buddy, Charlie, 3 years ago at the age of 14 to a riptide.  Since then I have been running events around the Bay area in his memory, wearing his shirt, and missing him with every beat of my heart.  I ran the Presidio10K yesterday because I knew Charlie would've loved to be there, with beautiful clear weather and views over the GG Bridge and back and especially the great live music at the end.  When I learned of the tragic loss of Ashlyn I knew I had meet her parents.  I did meet them briefly after the run and gave them a hug.  I can tell they are still heartbroken.  I want to say I know.... but then again one can really never know the depth of each person's individual love, and loss, for another... I just want to say I am so very very sorry for your loss.  From what I've read on this site Ashlyn was a remarkable and well-loved person.  I am so impressed by the goodness her parents are striving for in the worst possible moments for a parent.  From the organ donation to the Foundation for head trauma research.  Ashlyn's spirit and goodness lives on.  Next year I'll find out how to get an orange shirt.  Please take care,  --Scott;  bib#1421

Hi Ash,

I ran the Presidio 10 yesterday and your energy flowed right through me.  I haven't run a race since sophmore year at Costa and had planned on walking yesterday, but there you were pushing me to run!  I couldn't believe it, your spirit and determination kept me going, there's no way I could've stopped with you as my driving force.  It was all about the 4th street love as Sarah Wohn and I felt so inspired by you! You continue to inspire and brighten the days here in SF.  I miss you.  Last Thursday I was reminded of the time we were at the Independent together talking about 4th street memories, so much fun.  You are in my thoughts everyday and because of you the color orange has been added to my wardrobe.  Ash, you're amazing. 

Love Always,

Jamie

Ash,

Court and I just got back from the Presidio 10, what an amazing event...  You truely touched so many peoples lives...  We love and miss you tons and think of you each and every day...  Your spirit is with us all!!! We all have the power to give away love, to love other people.  And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in.  Rabbi Harold Kushner  Lots of Love, Laurie

Hey Ashlyn,

For whatever reason, I think about you. Maybe because I have recently stumbled across other people from Xavier. I think about your family, Allyn especially- hi. I just want to send prayers and thoughts to all of you. It has been sooooo many years since I have seen any of you, but like I said, I periodically think about your family. I send a hug to whoever needs it today. ~Corey 

Ashlyn~

Since the first time I saw you as the setter on the Mira Costa Varsity team I have always and will always look up to you. I was the freshman girl so nervous to start high school volleyball, but when I met you you were so nice and just had such a spirit. You were always happy and always had this great aura about you.

Ever since you passed it has made me think about life and the way I live it. You have inspired me to, as someone else said, live the life in my days and not just the days in my life and cherish all that I have. You are a stunning individual and someone that is missed sooo much. But your memory is kept alive everyday and all around us. I hope all is well in Heaven and we know that you are looking down on all of us always.  

Ashlyn,

I did not know you personally but I felt as if I did for many reasons.  I moved into your old room in San Francisco and from the moment I walked into your room, I could sense your presence and I could feel angels all around.  From that moment, I knew I was supposed to be there and I instantly felt that you were looking down on us, protecting everyone who loved and cared for you.  I can't explain the feeling - but it was if you were with us all - laughing and sharing stories every single day.  I wish that I knew you because I know how much everyone loved you.  I wish you love and happiness in Heaven and know that I think of  you often.

Hey Ash,

Just wanted to write a little note to you and let you know that you were heavy on my heart and mind yesterday.  The night before I ran into Vern out and about in downtown Manhattan and we had a really nice talk about you.  As I left downtown Manhattan to head home for the night on Saturday I stopped at McDonalds for a vanilla cone and as I was waiting in the line in the drive thru the licence plate on the car in front of me had the letters ASH at the very end of the plate.  I looked at Chelsea and said, "see that."  "Thats's a sign."  I thought to myself either your ears were ringing when Veronica and I were talking about how AWESOME you are or you were just letting me know you are ok......  I woke up Sunday March 2nd, 2008 and it was an absolutely beautiful day in Manhattan Beach.   So pumped as I got ready to head up to the Staples center for the Lakers v.s. Dallas game at 12:30.  I put on my Lucky Lakers shirt and my Orange Ashlyn wristband and I was ready for gametime.  I headed up to the game with my girl and her roommate and my buddy David Swatik.  We talked on the way up to the game about you Ash.  We talked about how Awesome you were and I still say ARE because i believe you are still around .  I know this because of things like seeing your name on a licence plate.  Or how i feel when i put on your bracelet.  Or the fact that I drove up to the Laker game and the Los Angeles Marathon was happening.  I stared at the runners as I walked to the arena and I kept looking to see if I'd see any orange.  I thought to myself, "another sign from Ashlyn."  I wasn't as close with Ashlyn after high school and I wasn't as close in the years before she passed however I made a lot of changes in my personal life and i know that had she seen me over the past 3 years that we would have reunited our friendship.  Thats the way she was and she would've been proud of me.  Thats the way she was as a person.  I thought to myself yesterday Ash that it wasn't ironic that I had no idea that the LA Marathon was going on.  It was just a sign that you were saying hello and you were saying you're OK!!  It was the 2nd anniversary since some COWARD took you away from us as you were training for that very race.  I want you to know that I wear your bracelet in honor of you and although i don't wear it every day I wear it when i need a lift.  I wear it when i play basketball.  I wear it on days like yesterday when i feel your precence and I feel your spirit on a beautiful day when the sun is shining and the Lakers are winning on a day you should've been running.  I saw Linds yesterday after the game at rock n fish!  I gave her a hug and she looked at me and said you know what today is.  I held up my hand and showed her my bracelet and I whispered to her to be strong!!  I know its tough for your family and your close friends and everyone who knew you.  I choose to have your life inspire me and to keep me strong.  Ash, coming up at the end of May i will have been sober 3 years.  Its not easy but i use inspiration to keep me strong and keep me on the right path.  I hope you know that I will continue to think about you, pray for your family and friends, and i will do my best to lead my life the way you did.  You set a goal and you worked hard for it.  When i think of you the word BEAUTIFUL comes to mind.  Life is beautiful and Ashlyn Dyer so are you......  You may be gone physically but moments like this past Sat night and moments like Sunday show me once again that you will NEVER ever ever be forgotten.   Love ya kid!!!

hey sunshine... I can't believe today is the two year anniversary of your accident.  It still doesn't seem real.  I miss you so so so much.  More than  you could ever imagine.  We went down to the beach this  morning and put the most beautiful orange flowers in the ocean in your memory.  It was such a sunny, amazing day.  Thank you for bringing us sunshine!!!  And the sunset tonight was a glowing orange that lit up the sky... you were with me all day.  I miss you friend and love you endlessly. 

I love you always and think of you constantly.  May the beat go on forever and ever.

love always,

Linds

Hey Ash,

Missing you on this beautiful San Francisco day.  You are always in my thoughts.

Hey Ash~ 

"and the beat goes on"....right???  Right!  it does...So we are hard at work preparing, marketing and promoting your race.  It is April 6 this year, and I am expecting over 2000 runners.  All of them thinking about you and why they are really participating that particular morning.   Making a difference.  I talked with Bruce and Marsha the other day, and I was going on about the pre-party music festival, and all of the festivities planned for the post run when I realized this going to become such a wonderful annual event.  Of course it is.  You wouldn't have it any other way.....

miss you

Brian

Ashlyn-

I have been thinking of you a lot lately...the last time I wrote I was about to get married (that was in September 2006) and since then I have become a mom which has made me think about life and how precious it is  even more...which always leads my thoughts to you.  You treasured life and everything it had to offer- there was a bright light around you always.  I look at my son, Colton, who is now 8 months old and I see the beauty of life and a precious spirit that reminds me of you- so pure, genuine, and loving.  I miss you and think about you often...

Hey Ash,

So I have been hiking Squaw Peak recently. The mountains are so green from all the rain we have been getting this winter. The trail is beautiful and the views from the top are gorgeous. When I made it to the top for the first time I listened to Somewhere Over the Rainbow and thought of you. I know you are here in spirit Ash, I can see you in the sunset and feel you in the breeze. Just wanted to know I think of you all the time. Miss and love you- Court

Hey Wipe,

Happy Belated Valentine's Day. I went with Bob to Rodrigo y Gabriela last night to dance and listen to great music. It was getting hot from the groovin' and as I pushed up my sleeve I looked at my orange band and thought of you and how much you would have enjoyed their sound. As I looked back up the lights that had been all blue and purple shifted to orange and I thought maybe you were there. I miss you and seem to always think of you when I am enjoying life the most. Thank you for being a continuous light for me. I love you.

xoxo

BEEJ-

Going to the city for dinner tomorrow night. Wish you and Joe were meeting us for din din at Kokkari. Miss you more than words...

Beej.

Hello Ashlyn,

Jack is now 7 years old going on 15.  Every night he stills prays that Ashlyn is having a lot of fun up in heaven and that you are looking down on all of your family and friends and taking care of them.  We just hope that anyone that reads this post will hug their loved ones a little tighter everytime you see them.  You Spirit lives on in many.....  Pat and Holly 

Merry Christmas Ashlyn!  I hope you and Jeannie Weenie are sharing this holiday..we miss  you, toast you, and  constantly celebrate your life.   Wear your wings proudly little one...we love you!  Mom and Dad

Ash,

I have been thinking about you a lot lately.  I seem to see your face in stranges on the street all the time and want for it to be you.

I miss you.

Hello beautiful Ashlyn...

I never knew you and you didn\\\'t know me...but I feel I know you now.  I was hit by a car while jogging two days ago near my home in Las Vegas and I miraculously survived.  I came home from the incident and wanted to research on the internet what the statistics are of joggers being struck by vehicles.  That\\\'s how I found you and your incredible story.  When I think of what a bright and noble a person you were while on this planet, that you took such fantastic care of your body by running daily...and that the heart you made so strong has given life to someone else...I am touched to the very core of my being.  My most sincere heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family and all your amazing friends I saw in the photos displayed at your memorial service.  I can easily see why you are so loved and so very missed.  I miss you too and I want you to know the beat will live on in me because I will carry you in my heart and share the wind on my face with you every time I go for a jog from this day forward...

Hi Ashlyn,

I don't know if you remember me from highschool at Xavier, you sat behind me in English class and you were so much fun to sit next to, I always remember your fun personality and your great stories. I'm also an avid runner and I feel that I share that passion with you. Your story and video made me realize how important it is for me to live life with passion, love and to always have fun! I'll think of you when I run, your an inspiration :) I'm very grateful to have known you.

Ariana

Happy Birthday Ashlyn!

I keep thiniking about how 29 years ago you entered this world and the immediate effect you instantly had on everyone.  We will all celebrate today "Ashlyn" style and reflect upon how you made everyone around you feel like they are Number One.  Needless to say that we miss you terribly and wonder what you would be doing today and where you would  be......on a trip, an adventure, or just out for a long run and watching the sunset.  Alot has happened in the last few weeks....Allyn turned 30, the twins turned 2, the Hometown Fair run dedicated I.D. tags in your memory, and of course, as you know, Jeannie Weenie has joined you in Heaven, both of you wearing your leopard coats!  I know you are all together and taking care of us.  I love you Ash, and you are always with me.  Happy Birthday Sweetheart!     (oh, how did you let Stanford beat SC?, and we missed you at the SC Notre Dame game this year.  It really wasn't the same.)...love you and miss you, Mom

Happy Birthday Ash ... I am so blessed to share my birthday with you. I love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLYN!!

We must of had a malfunction Ash! As I was saying...  Missy found a "kiss" you sent to her from Camp Fox. It was a note telling her know how special she was, and how much fun you had spending time with her at camp. It instantly put a smile on her face when she found it. You can still do it Ash, you still have that affect on people. I miss seeing you. I miss our holidays. I miss you.

ps. I know you were with my as I struggled running to the pier, thanks for the help:)

Hey Wipe,

My grandfather died on Tuesday and I am once again greiving the loss of an incredible person. I feel like I learned from you and losing your everyday physical presence how important it is to let your self greive and mourn, but to allow your self to get past that and be able to spend the rest of my life celebrating all the wonderful things that people have brought into my life and helped to make me into who I am. I miss you terribly still and I know that I will him too. Just promise you will dance with him up there. I love you.

Hey Ash... I wanted you to know I have been thinking of you. I was with Missy this past week; I haven\\\'t seen her in quite a while. She was going through old boxes from her childhood and she found a \\

Hi Ash – I just had to share a wonderful memory – and it keeps coming back to me over and over. I’m out in front reading – yeah, I know – I’m ALWAYS there! But I look up and see you across the street, and you look over and see me and shout “Hi, Marv!” And come running over and give me a hug and a smacker – all this as if it was the very best thing that has happened to you today. But in reality – it’s ALWAYS the most heartwarming experience for me! Yep – you can still do it to me !!!!

Love you always, Marv

Ashlyn:  I was watching a movie last night called Gracie, it made me think of you, although I am reminded of you every day....  You are all around me giving me the strength I need to live each and every day to its fullest...  At the end of the movie there was a quote that I thought I should share with you and all those that read your page....

"You feel as if everyone should write a book before they die, but their book is already written.  The pages live within those they touched."

William Shue

Hi Ash,

I went to your site on Saturday.  It was such a beautiful day, so peaceful - the sun was shining on the water and there was just a slight breeze.  People running on the trail said hello as they jogged by and I pictured you at 7am running and cheerfully waving at people.  Everyone misses you so much and we all think about you often.  You continue to be amazing as you are in so many places at once, we all love you and you are in our thoughts and hearts everyday.   Thank you Ashlyn for your inspiration and amazing energy, I miss you.

Hi Ashlyn, I feel strange posting on this, almost because I don’t feel like it was made for me, but for the people that you loved.  I read the stories and look at the pictures at least once a week.  I never met you, but I attended your memorial service, and honestly, it changed my life.  I attended with my fiance, who knew you and your sister from USC.  Ever since that day in March,  I have kept the orange ribbon tied to my electric toothbrush cord.  Well, I am moving this weekend and held the ribbon in my hand wondering what to do with it.  Each day it has served as a reminder to me to live each day to its fullest, to take the time to reach out to others - its become too meaningful to throw away.... the little orange ribbon.  So, I am bringing it with me to our new home.  I just thought you should know, that your family should know, that you are still changing peoples lives, people that didn’t even know you.  God bless. 

There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go
I never said thank you for that
'thought I might get one more chance

What would you think of me now?
So lucky, so strong, so proud
I never said thank you for that
Now I'll never have a chance

May angels lead you in
Hear you me my friend
On sleepless roads, the sleepless go
May angels lead you in

And if you were with me tonight
I'd sing to you just one more time
A song for a heart so big
God wouldn't let it live

May angels lead you in
Hear you me my friends
On sleepless roads the sleepless go
May angels lead you in

Hey Ash...

Never a day goes by that we all don't think about you - and miss you terribly.

Whenever I am sad about my current place in life, I come  back to Ashlyn's website.  Again, I never met Ashlyn but we led such parallel lives but sadly had different outcomes.  Ashlyn's name came up randomly this weekend.  It was one of those 6th degrees of separation, or less in this case and SF. 

Mr Dyer's posting especially moved me as I really can't imagine my dad engaging in emails or online postings.  My first memory after my accident was after coming to after my first surgery with my dad sobbing at my bedside.  I begged my parents to take me home because it was too much to bear seeing my dad crying.  Though it was my first memory,and fortunate to remember it,  it was an awful memory.

yes it is a huge pain and financial burden to deal with the accident but i am alive and so so blessed.  i am so sad for ashlyn and all of you. it is so wrong and awful.

Ash,

 I have never employed this method of communication to voice my feelings for you and our lives together. This is very difficult for me.

First, as you undoubtedy know, I love you more than life itself.

I am "the Dad" and should have been the "first to go ". I retold this to you many times as I watched your life signs diminish in those final days,

Your friends and relatives have been amazingly supportive to us in the last several months, but only you and  I understand our life connections are irreplaceable and will endure forever.

I love you so much!

Your sisters and niece and nephews keep me going and complete our lifecycles!

Hi Ashlyn!

It's Mom, just checking in. It's Mother's Day, which has never been a really big deal, but for some reason my heart is very heavy today and missing you terribly. It's amazing how powerful the word "Mom" or "Mother" is! When I listen to people talking and the number of times they will refer to their Mom or Mother in their conversations, you realize the impact you can have on someone.  I hope I had that impact on you. Having you and your sisters has been the best thing that I ever did,  If I were to count the number of times a day I talk about "my girls" people would think I am obsessed. Maybe I am.  I can't help but wonder Ash, how many kids would you have had. I know you would have been a great Mom...fun, loving, and a good listener yet there to discipline.  I watch in awe the way your  sisters are with your  neice and nephews. Nothing can make a Mother prouder than watching your kids become parents.  And so Ash, I am wishing you a Happy Mothers Day, because I know you would have been the best.  I love you and am so proud of you.  Love, Mom

Hey Ash...

Tonight I hated the color orange.  I sat at US Airways Arena surrounded by people wearing orange shirts for the Phoenix Suns and it made me sick.  I felt so good to be in my Forum Blue and Gold Lakers gear supporting the boys against the Suns.  As the first quarter, and then the second, was played... it was clear the Lakers didn't feel like showing up for the game.  I started to get pretty bummed and the fans around me said "not to worry because at least I had my orange wrist band on. I had a little support in me."  It was weird feeling.  I was supporting you, not the Suns, and I felt proud.  I didn't tell them what the band was for because of the noise, but I started to think.  I get to share your life with someone about once a week and tell them the importance of life and how precious it is.  I found a lot of pride in the Lakers colors that I was wearing to start the night, but ended up being more proud of the color on my wrist because of you. The Lakers lost tonight and the Orange prevailed.  I hope that some day we'll be able to unite that many people to wear orange to support you and the awareness of brain trauma. Thank you for the perspective you have given to me and the love you gave that inspired all of us to keep up the fight to make others aware of the gifts... of life, of love, of time, of friendship, of perseverance and of sacrifice. Thanks Ash-Wipe! I forgive you for steealing Wicket with Adam.