tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post4699800245822990352..comments2024-03-27T15:43:53.969-04:00Comments on Adventures in Autism: Ashley Brock 2002-2008Ginger Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04200286625735078479noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-46866199712349200412008-06-19T14:50:00.000-04:002008-06-19T14:50:00.000-04:00Mt name is Andrea, and I was one of Ashley's teach...Mt name is Andrea, and I was one of Ashley's teachers at the Merrymeeting Center for Child Development in Bath, Maine. I am just learning of her death today. What you have posted here is a beautiful tribute to the little girl that I new and loved so much. No one would make me run like Ashley could. Thank you for your kind words.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13596840906912726795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-2476819734810620202008-06-13T22:13:00.000-04:002008-06-13T22:13:00.000-04:00Oops! The link for the picture of Ashley's Tree wa...Oops! The link for the picture of Ashley's Tree was cut off. Here is one that should work:<BR/><BR/>http://tinyurl.com/545qrh<BR/><BR/>You will need to copy and paste the above link into your browser's address bar.<BR/><BR/>-JamieJamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08156933217237919417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-28185144994863754592008-06-10T21:24:00.000-04:002008-06-10T21:24:00.000-04:00I'm sure I can't post pics here, but perhaps I can...I'm sure I can't post pics here, but perhaps I can post a link (not sure if it will be clickable, but if it isn't, just copy the entire URL and paste it into your address bar.<BR/><BR/>This is a picture of Ashley's Memorial Tree (Flowering Crab Apple) planted at the Bath Area Family YMCA where she attended preschool last year. It is located near our playground where Ashley relished every moment she could spend running around, blowing bubbles and swinging on the swings. We will always think of her smiling, happy face as we walk by on our way to the playground each day.<BR/><BR/>-Jamie Giles <BR/>(Ashley's Preschool Teacher)<BR/><BR/>http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/jkatherine/AshleysTree.jpgJamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08156933217237919417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-67264123786754479782008-06-10T14:41:00.000-04:002008-06-10T14:41:00.000-04:00A rare red butterflySteadfast but never stillHere ...A rare red butterfly<BR/>Steadfast but never still<BR/>Here but then gone<BR/>Lucent as a moonbeam<BR/>Earthbound for a moment<BR/>Yet in our hearts forever<BR/><BR/>---poem by Sam<BR/><BR/>I miss you, Ashley.<BR/>Please take care, Michelle and Barry and AlexisSamanthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15965461181534332898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-5810615700002188462008-06-09T16:14:00.000-04:002008-06-09T16:14:00.000-04:00hi I just spotted the sign listed on age of autism...hi <BR/>I just spotted the sign listed on age of autism and have cried again for the strength and bravery you have shown in doing this.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05770271417085816878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-30267453811279645612008-06-06T22:35:00.000-04:002008-06-06T22:35:00.000-04:00My name is Pete Parry and I'm from upstate New Yor...My name is Pete Parry and I'm from upstate New York. I have 2 grandsons who are autistic. This week my daughter (their mom) her husband, my wife and myself all attended the <B>"Green Our Vaccines"</B> rally in Washington, DC. While at the rally I spotted a sign with Ashley's picture and the words "Vaccine Induced Autism Killed Our Daughter". I'm a guy, and I'm not supposed to cry, but I cried at that moment. Then, I took a picture of that sign and I have posted it on our website, devoted to autism awareness. It's called <B>Caleb's Eyes.com</B> at www.calebseyes.com <BR/>My thoughts and prayers are with you. I cannot begin to imagine your sorrow. I also must tell you how I admire your strength in attending the rally so soon after the death of your precious child.Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04903862773743842574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-88073421699078923032008-06-06T08:58:00.000-04:002008-06-06T08:58:00.000-04:00Barry, that was beautiful, thank you for sharing y...Barry, that was beautiful, thank you for sharing your message to your little angel. I cannot fathom your loss, but to attempt to imagine it is painful to say the least. What happened to Ashley is a fear I have lived with my own daughter Miranda and the only thing that has changed is that she's bigger, stronger and more willful with no sense of danger or fear. God bless your family and bring you strength.<BR/><BR/>Warmest Regards,<BR/>Erik Nanstiel<BR/>FAIR Autism MediaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-28720990508347927142008-06-05T21:00:00.000-04:002008-06-05T21:00:00.000-04:00Ashley,I know that you can hear Daddy's thoughts t...Ashley,<BR/>I know that you can hear Daddy's thoughts tonight, but he had to write them down for his sanity. Daddy misses you so much. I long just to rock you in the recliner while you pretend to be asleep. Daddy wants you to know that even though life was very difficult for you and the family that he would take it all back in an instant. Even though I know you are with God in a place that is more beautiful than words can describe I am selfish because I want you here with me. I know that you havent stopped talking since you got to heaven. I can hear your voice in my heart. I miss you so much. I know that you will always be with me and I will never forget the joy that you brought to me in six short years. Please watch over mommy, Alexis, and daddy too. We need it so much right now. Our souls have a big empty place in them right now. Please fill those empty spaces with love and good memories of you. I will think of you often and warmly sweet pea. <BR/>Love always,<BR/>Daddybarrye34https://www.blogger.com/profile/09861885682921676111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-73620138566954682442008-06-02T17:01:00.000-04:002008-06-02T17:01:00.000-04:00I can't tell you how deeply tragedies like this af...I can't tell you how deeply tragedies like this affect me for hearing of them. Ashley looks like my Miranda... their faces so angelically-similar. What a beautiful girl Ashley was. <BR/><BR/>What a difference five minutes can make in our lives. Less, even. <BR/><BR/>My daughter is an escapist... the yard, our shopping trips, you name it. If you're not FIXATED on Miranda, you're going to find yourself running after her. It's gotten to the point where I've begun anticipating her thoughts just to stay one step ahead of her... a tragedy like this scares the H-E-L-L out of me... and makes the grief of what Autism has done to her future so much more poignant.<BR/><BR/>I've asked GOD to comfort the Brock family and to give them strength, now that he's taken his little angel back into his arms. <BR/><BR/>Sometimes the rarest and most precious of gems are never owned, but merely on loan for a short while.<BR/><BR/>Erik<BR/>FAIR Autism MediaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-89631501626065617122008-05-29T10:14:00.000-04:002008-05-29T10:14:00.000-04:00This is just so sad, parents that are diligent and...This is just so sad, parents that are diligent and watchful and still this can happen. Our three youngest are runners from time to time and Mary (3) is really enjoying running out into the street or busy parking lots lately. SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF US! <BR/><BR/>We've told people that trying to move our children from one location to another is like herding cats.<BR/><BR/>Our hearts and prayers are going out to this family.Dadof6Autistickidshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08872142455240124466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-90642529332603229062008-05-28T16:37:00.000-04:002008-05-28T16:37:00.000-04:00My name is Valerie Leuellen Cox. Michele and I wer...My name is Valerie Leuellen Cox. Michele and I were college roommates. Thank you, Ginger, for creating this post to keep us updated. <BR/><BR/>I have not had the pleasure of meeting Michele's beautiful girls, but I feel as if I know them from Michele's Christmas letters over the years. Alexis' flair for drama and Ashley's love of red wagons and classical music certainly speak to special and charismatic children.<BR/><BR/>That is why it is so difficult to find the right words to offer to Michele at this time. The loss is so great that it is beyond words. What I can say is that Ashley is truly an angel with a mission to teach others by touching many, many lives; her work is far from over as all of those who knew her will continue to be touched by her.<BR/><BR/>When we were in college, Michele was always tough and upbeat, whether we were stressed about exams, boys, the future, or just life in general. She used to play "I am Woman" to help us overcome whatever was worrying us. From what I have been reading on this website, Michele is already drawing from that same inner strength and facing this tragedy with the courage that is so typical of her. Her amazing spirit speaks for itself in that she is already trying to educate others from this experience.<BR/><BR/>Michele, Barry and Alexis are in mine and my husband's thoughts and prayers. Like many others, we are struggling to find meaning and purpose in all of this but, at the very least, we hope that we can learn something from it. <BR/><BR/>Please give Michele and Barry our love.Kipp and Valerie Coxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18064468468252370442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-60062356685607110312008-05-26T12:45:00.000-04:002008-05-26T12:45:00.000-04:00Hi Ginger,This is Sandy, Barry's sister. I just co...Hi Ginger,<BR/>This is Sandy, Barry's sister. I just could not read the blog while I was in Maine. I came into work today and be by myself. I am sitting here in tears, I miss Ashley so badly. I close my eyes, I see Ashley, I sit and try to work, my thoughts drift to Ashley, Everywhere I turn, I see things Ashley loved. That is not a bad thing, That is a good thing, It's just a painful thing. To know the aching hole in my heart, I cannot even begin to imagine how my brother, Michele and Lexie, (Alexis) feel and will always feel.<BR/>I give thanks for the special time I was privileged to spend with Ashley on my previous visit with my mom. I am so glad that my children Aaron and Alaina were able to come and visit with her and have some special times to remember. To know Ashley was to Love Ashley. When she looked at you out of those big beautiful brown eyes that seemed to look into your soul and know so much more that we will ever know, your heart melted. Ashley's laughter would brighten a cloudy day. You just could not get enough of being around Ashley. Bless you Ginger for your beautiful heartfelt words. Thank you Ms.Kathy for working with Ashley and for the most beautiful eulogy I have ever heard. You brought Ashley to those that did not know her. Thank you both for loving her. Thank you to Barry and Michele's wonderful supportive neighbors and community.<BR/>And most of all, (Thank you Ashley), my beautiful niece, my beautiful little angel that will be with me always and forever, and in my heart for eternity. You have given me so much and I have learnt from you. To my dear brother Barry and Michele, you know my heart, I love you both. Ashley could not have had parents that loved her any more, give of everything in them and always found time and room for more in love and patience. Alexis was the most protective and loving sister she could have ever had. I know God has to have a plan for our Ashley and us as well. God bless you all.<BR/>Support Autism Awareness<BR/>Love your Children<BR/>SandySandy Hammondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12351158513962538433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-23999004215693799612008-05-24T19:34:00.000-04:002008-05-24T19:34:00.000-04:00I'm so very sorry.....I'm so very sorry.....Betsy Brockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06807795605763246015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-3708448253642552982008-05-24T18:24:00.000-04:002008-05-24T18:24:00.000-04:00Ginger,Thank you for sharing this beautiful dedica...Ginger,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing this beautiful dedication for Ashley. She is simply precious. <BR/><BR/>I can not imagine the grief and pain her family is experiencing.<BR/><BR/>Michelle and Barry, if you are reading this I want you to know that not only will my husband and I be praying for your family, but that by you sharing the tragic death of Ashley, you may have saved another life. We are getting our kids a three foot deep wading pool as a "summer present" and I will be out there every single day teaching all four of my children how to swim.<BR/><BR/>May God Bless You With Healing and Peace,<BR/>Angela Warner<BR/>Vancouver, WashingtonAngelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15240232364227866009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-12840501312366956922008-05-24T02:15:00.000-04:002008-05-24T02:15:00.000-04:00This is a tragedy in every sense of the term. My h...This is a tragedy in every sense of the term. My heart goes out to the family, Ginger. Not being a parent myself, I can't begin to imagine the pain they must feel. I know we don't agree on much, but a child's death - any child's death - is truly a catastrophe beyond any politics. Ashley will be in my prayers, as will her parents.Ari Ne'emanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11994339439474211203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-33189395518036478212008-05-22T16:54:00.000-04:002008-05-22T16:54:00.000-04:00that is absolutely devastating. i am so sorry to h...that is absolutely devastating. i am so sorry to hear about it. my heart goes out to the entire family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-91152476144603287902008-05-22T12:01:00.000-04:002008-05-22T12:01:00.000-04:00I am a friend of the Brock family and I am so sad ...I am a friend of the Brock family and I am so sad for their loss. What a beautiful dedication post to a sweet little girl. I also have a blog and posted something to the family there...hopefully they will see this comment and visit www.thevontaylors.blogspot.com.<BR/>A thousand prayers for them from KY.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442737987894248377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-63275607603020078192008-05-22T10:56:00.000-04:002008-05-22T10:56:00.000-04:00I am literally a broken heart right now. A friend ...I am literally a broken heart right now. A friend of mine lost her son with autism almost a year ago (it will be a year ago in June) and it never changes the heartbreak that you feel.<BR/><BR/>My prayers are with the family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-46774767914437904002008-05-22T08:49:00.000-04:002008-05-22T08:49:00.000-04:00My heart is broken for this family. It could happe...My heart is broken for this family. It could happen to ANY of us. My prayers are with them.<BR/><BR/>I have been lobbying my husband for a pool because Alec and the other kids like to swim so much. No more! We'll put up the 3.5 ft pool again. And we will get swimming lessons for Alec again this summerMDMOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08936736520052711470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-35210568758280480352008-05-22T08:44:00.000-04:002008-05-22T08:44:00.000-04:00The Kirkland Clan, Williamsburg Hamlet, Ontario Ca...The Kirkland Clan, Williamsburg Hamlet, Ontario Canada K0C 2H0<BR/><BR/>Our hearts ache, our thoughts crippled, our prayers be with your family.<BR/><BR/>God has a plan, unfortunately, Ashley, is part of the bigger picture.<BR/><BR/>Our family will keep yours in our thoughts, may the peace of christ be with you all, at this tragic time.<BR/><BR/>OUR LOVE: Kirkland's<BR/><BR/>Son's both with autismKirkland'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14436235911533554164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-2568855246620077782008-05-22T08:32:00.000-04:002008-05-22T08:32:00.000-04:00I'd like to paypal a donation & the link doesnt se...I'd like to paypal a donation & the link doesnt seem to be working for me... My heart goes out to this family, that I don't know, that I'm only connected with thru this post. I found your blog as I became interested in educating myself because i'm a new mom to a month old lil boy who i'd like to protect as best i can... your blog is extremely appreciated and necessary... thank you for sharing your knowledge & experiences<BR/><BR/>my heart & thoughts are with Ashley and her greiving family. <BR/><BR/>Colleenroxtarchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16254892270303616483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-48099962465019070472008-05-22T01:47:00.000-04:002008-05-22T01:47:00.000-04:00I can't imagine what they are going through. How ...I can't imagine what they are going through. How devastated you all must be for the loss of such a precious child. My heart breaks as I sit here crying for yet another special child gone too soon. No more worries for her safety just anguish for the family left behind. She is now in the only truly safe place for her, in God's arms. God Bless you Ashley you are now an Angel. <BR/> I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family and the the extended family along with the community who also mourns when such tragic events happen. May God give you the strength to get through these most difficult times. God Bless.<BR/> <BR/> KarenTiggr454https://www.blogger.com/profile/07995187390781743815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-10539628832220158642008-05-21T23:32:00.000-04:002008-05-21T23:32:00.000-04:00I knew Ashley from when she attended the Merrymeet...I knew Ashley from when she attended the Merrymeeting Center in Bath. We are all grieving for the loss of our former student and will miss her very much. She was such a sweet girl who touched more lives than she ever could have known. My thoughts are with her family.<BR/><BR/>Lily (Portland, ME)Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04975431058373450152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-12580588995223361912008-05-21T19:19:00.000-04:002008-05-21T19:19:00.000-04:00My family prays for all of you. We lost Lori (PDD...My family prays for all of you. We lost Lori (PDD-NOS)for about an hour when she was 4. A friend of our neighbor's son found her on a pool cover. I thank God everyday that she was fine--only cold and wet. You will be in our thoughts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-60326883396265177932008-05-21T16:51:00.000-04:002008-05-21T16:51:00.000-04:00Dear Brock Family,My heart goes out to you at this...Dear Brock Family,<BR/><BR/>My heart goes out to you at this time. It is moments like these that words just aren't enough.<BR/>I received your message through the Adventists with Autism yahoo group, and my heart sank.<BR/><BR/>Just a month ago we were reported to Child Protective Services because of the precautions we take with our autistic son (7 y.o. and also an escape artist who loves the water and to just run). I know that it could happen to us all too quickly, and it terrifies me on a regular basis. <BR/><BR/>Please know that you did all that you could do...and that I admire you as parents. You will be in my prayers, and heart. Thank you for your courage, and strength. <BR/><BR/>Write me anytime...about anything...<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Terra Yarbrough<BR/>souldepth@hotmail.comTyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01312637703274006285noreply@blogger.com