A family...One Year Later.
This past weekend I had the honor of returning to Mississippi to be part of something Carly’s Warriors have been planning for months..a weekend to remember Ashley Smylie and to let our voices be heard at the Mississippi Supreme Court steps.
On Thursday afternoon (9/18/25), along with the Brelands and my Warrior sisters Jodi and Lisa, we went to the Rankin County Courthouse, the very place where Carly and her family had spent the long, exhausting week, one year earlier, fighting for Carly’s future. Standing there felt like a punch to the gut. I saw the raised chain-linked fence catwalk where she was led daily from her cell at the Detention Center into the courtroom. I couldn’t begin to imagine what that must have felt like for her walking that plank every morning and evening that week. The sight filled me with anger, especially as I noticed some of the officers watching us.
Later that afternoon the Brelands and Heath’s mother, Mrs. Smylie, accompanied us to Ashley’s final resting place. Along with the Brelands, Mrs. Smylie, and my Warrior sisters, we placed flowers on behalf of our entire advocacy group, and then each of us laid down a single rose. I kissed my rose before placing it, promising Ashley that Carly would always be taken care of. Standing in silence with Jodi and Lisa, I had an overwhelming thought…..was Ashley the one who brought us together? In no other situation would our paths have crossed: Lisa from the UK, Jodi from Florida, the Brelands from Mississippi and me from Pennsylvania. Yet here we were, a family. I don’t believe it was by chance. I felt Ashley’s presence at her grave. I felt her comfort in knowing we were there to fight for her daughter. She chose us, and because of her we became a family. And in my world, family is forever. This journey will never end, no matter the outcome.
Friday (9/19/25) was an extremely hot day spent outside the Mississippi Supreme Court for a peaceful rally for Carly. We wore our purple Carly shirts, set up a table with information, displayed banners, and spoke with anyone who was open to learning about her story. The day was exhausting but powerful. I remember seeing the Supreme Court building for the first time that morning, and a chill went down my spine. This was where we would fight for Carly. This was where her story would be heard. This is where our fight would continue.
That evening, we held a Celebration of Life for Ashley in a park. Jodi opened with a heartfelt welcome and prayer, and Mr. Breland gave the same moving eulogy he had shared 18 months earlier at Ashley’s funeral. I had the honor of reading Ashley’s sister Amber’s speech from the funeral, since Amber couldn’t be with us. The most beautiful part of the evening was when Carly was able to video call in. She had worked so hard to help plan the celebration, and being able to make that happen for her and her mom felt like a gift. It was a perfect way to end the day—remembering Ashley with love and joy. An unexpected and wonderful moment also came when a fellow Warrior surprised us at the celebration. Sarah, lives in the same town as Carly and joined us. She even got to see and talk to Carly on the video chat.
Saturday (9/20/25) was family visit day at the YOU. We began with brunch, joined by Heath, before the family went to see Carly. It was difficult not being able to go along. Just a month earlier, I had the privilege of visiting her and holding her in my arms. That memory will have to sustain me until the she is standing in front of me again. That evening we shared one final dinner with Heath before saying our goodbyes.
It was one of the hardest nights, not only because it was one year ago that Carly received her horrible verdict, but it was time to say goodbye. We took our time hugging the Brelands, who are grandparents to me now, and saying goodbye to Lisa and her son Dylan, who traveled so far. Through tears, as we took photos, Lisa said it best and perfectly summed up the weekend when she said: “We are all a family, aren’t we?” Yes. Yes, we are.
One year ago, my life changed in the most unexpected way. Carly came into my world and turned it upside down. Since then, so much has changed, not only do I feel as though I’ve had another child in Carly, but I’ve also gained an entire family and a sisterhood I never could have imagined.
Ashley may have left this world, but in doing so she brought together the most loyal, fearless, and loving people to fight for her daughter. As mothers, we promised Ashley we would never stop protecting her parents, her daughter, and Heath. Maybe that’s why she chose us. She knew.
I flew home Sunday morning emotionally drained, but more determined than ever to protect this family of mine. And now…..onto the next battle…. For Carly.