To Cindy, Nick, and Alyssa:

DiMarino means "of the sea". Ashley certainly lived up to her name! She knew what she loved and water was certainly it . . . from the vast expanses of the ocean to a bucket filled with a hose, she derived much joy.

Ashley not only brought joy to everyone she met, but she taught us so much too. She lived life to its very fullest with reckless abandonment, living totally in the moment. No worries. No wonder she was so full of life!

Ashley also taught us about overcoming and hard work; about not putting limitations on ourselves imposed by what others may think or knowledge they may have. What an example one 10-year old girl set for all who knew her!

Before you know it, there will be a great heavenly reunion, and we will all be together again. Keep the faith. Love and support one another. My heart is broken with yours. I will always be here for you, and the memory of Ashley will live on forever.

Ashley's passing was certainly our loss and heaven's gain. Ashley is now bringing her own special brand of joy in heaven!

All my love,
Joanie
Joanie Edwards (Hampton, VA)

To everyone who was a part of Ashley's life, I would like to thank you for your precious comments about Ashley. She will forever be a part of my life with a love that comforts my heart. Thank you so much and especially those who tried to save her on May 6th.

With much love and appreciation,
Cindy Di Marino, Ashley's Mother

Dear DiMarino Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at having lost one of my precious students. I could always count on Ashley making me smile or laugh regardless of what kind of day I was having. She always noticed if I got my hair cut or was wearing something new. Ashley had such a special spirit and I know that spirit lives on in heaven as an angel to watch over us all. I feel so blessed to have known Ashley for the short time she was in my classroom. I will always think of Ashley when I eat a bowl of oatmeal or walk on the beach. Isn't it wonderful to know that she touched so many people's lives in so many ways? Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ms. Melanie

To the DiMarino Family,
My thoughts and prays are with you all. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ashley. Kathy spoke of her often and how she always looked forward to spending time with the girls.
Ashley is in heaven forever watching over your family, she is your angel.
May God bless your family.

Mr. and Mrs. DiMarino,

Ashley brought so much joy to our classroom in Mathews--her voice still rings in my ears. She was so happy and enthusiastic and always ready to get on with life as soon as possible after having a seizure. She was a pleasure to teach. We were so proud of how hard she worked and of the progress she was making. She will forever live in my heart and I look forward to seeing her in heaven when my work is done here. Thank you for sharing your amazing child with us.

All my love,
Mary Runnells

Ashley has taken a piece of my heart with her, but I'm not worried about her.....she told me several times that she was going to heaven someday to be with Jesus, and that is where she is. When she left our classroom in December, she left a gaping hole. No one can take Ashley's place, and she touched all of us in an incredibly deep and lasting way. I can still hear her calling "Mrs. Plum, Mrs. Plum! Look at this!". We have all been blessed to have known her, and we should all find comfort in the fact that Ashly was well-loved during the time we had her here!

God Bless you and your family, Cindy. You are a wonderful mother, and God let you borrow Ashley for a reason, although that may not be clear right now. Peace be with you.

Lora Plum
Lee-Jackson Elementary
Mathews, VA

Cindy,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember you and Ashley fondly and continue to think of you as part of our Norge "family." May you find peace and strength in knowing that we share your loss. Find comfort in believing that Ashley is now free.
Love,
Charlita Lemons

Cindy, Our thoughts and prays are with you all, Ashley was a beautiful person, and brought joy to everyone that knew her. Although she was only in our class at Norge elementary for a short while we still think about her and have her pictures in our class albums. Ashley truly is an angel. Love, Mrs. Jackie Barnhill

Nick & Cindy, We just want you to know how much we love you. We thank you so much for giving us the most special and precious gift a grandparent can receive. Ashley was so special and loving and always brought a smile to our faces. We cherish every second we spent with her. We will miss her so much. A piece of our hearts went with her and I know she is in heaven in her green house, playing with water, having such a good time. Our peace comes knowing that some day we will hold her again and play in the water with her. We love both of you so much. Thank you for our very special gift.
Tudy's Nanny & Granddaddy.

Cindy, Nick, and family:

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ashley will be missed at our family gatherings but not forgotten. Know that you have the love an support of your family, friends, and your faith to get you through the time ahead and that she is in a very special place being well taken care of until you can meet again. May God bless you all.
Love, Pam R. and family

To the Dimarino Family, My thoughts and prays are with you all. I know Ashley is a angel in heaven smiling down on us all. Ashley was a joy at B.C.Charles and will be greatly missed. We loved her deeply and she was a ray of sunshine in Ms. Denison's class. I will miss her sunshine smile and her ways of letting us know granddaddy was coming to pick her up on Wednesdays. God bless you our angel Ashley. Love, Ms. Cindy