On Sunday, June 30, 2002,
Susan, Justin and I were at Iron Springs Christian Camp near Whitney,
Texas, for the beginning of our one-week session of church camp. This
is the same session that Ashley had attended for several years, and
at which Susan and I have served as counselors for several years.
On Sunday night, the Camp
Director (Buddy Fry, a dear friend and Christian brother) assembled
all campers and staff members together to make a special presentation.
After several very touching comments about Ashley and about our family,
a beautiful handmade wooden porch swing was unveiled with the words
"Ashley's Swing" inscribed into the wooden backrest. It was
dedicated in Ashley's memory, and placed on the cafeteria porch where
campers often congregate before and after meals.
Later in the week, a special
plaque was mounted on the swing proclaiming that the swing was dedicated
in Ashley's memory. The plaque even has Ashley's picture on it.
This is a very fitting
memorial to Ashley, and one which touches our hearts deeply. Ashley
absolutely loved summer camp, and many wonderful memories were made
at Iron Springs. As she did everywhere she went and with everyone who
knew her, Ashley made an impact on the lives of many of her fellow campers
and counselors.
(These pictures were taken
on July 1, 2003, during our summer camp session at Iron Springs. The
fourth picture is of Susan and me sitting in Ashley's Swing. The fifth
picture is of some of the campers enjoying the swing.)
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