Chapter 21: Goodbye
April 2006
I started writing this book because I wanted to express my thoughts about my sister's life and by her living her life it changed mine. Ashley taught me how to relax and have fun, that there is a line between being a hard worker and a good person. This will be the hardest thing I will ever write.
"Happy Birthday dear Boston, Happy Birthday to you" we all sang happily.
Boston was a whole year old. It seemed like just yesterday Ashley was bringing him home from the hospital. The cake was served and the presents opened. Ashley had been having a really bad migraine all day.
"Maybe you shouldn't work tonight" I suggested.
"I'll be fine" she said. "but just to be on the safe side will you pick me up later?"
"Sure" I said.
"Randy's driving me in" she informed me.
I remember that night all too well it was raining and I really didn't want Ashley to leave but she had to.
She kissed Boston goodbye and told him she loved him. She gave me a kiss and a hug also.
"See you guys later" she said before walking out the door.
She lied she would never see us later. Ashley Michelle Mercer died at 4:45 on April 10th 2006.
I was there to see her final moments, she had been coming out of work and this car just drove by and shot her. I cradled her in my arms as she lay bleeding.
"Addie tell Boston that mommy will always be with him" she said.
"Ashley don't talk like that" I said "an ambulance is on the way"
"John I always loved you… even after you left" those were the last words to leave her mouth.
Her eyes closed and she was gone.
I couldn't even describe what I felt at that very moment because I can't even remember. My grief was too great, I didn't want to believe this had happened and for a long time I didn't. Maybe that is why I did what I did. Because looking back at that time now I really don't know how I survived. It's unhealthy but Ashley and Boston had been my whole life and when my sister died it was like I wanted to die too. I almost did.