I Wish for All Ashleys to Believe in Mistakes
"To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future." -Plutarch
My Uncle Will made mistakes. However in the time he had on this earth, he found ways to learn from them, better himself and improve the lives of those around him.
For anyone out there who ever questions his or her worth, know that a mistake is never an end. If you are strong, love others, and let others love you, you can turn it into an incredible beginning.
Will McFarland (RIP- June 1, 2009)
These are some of the reflections my Uncle Will's closest family and friends contributed to the program for his memorial service:
"Live. Laugh. Love. You lived as if everyday were your last day on earth. You laughed at yourself and made everyone around you laugh too. You loved your family and your friends as deeply and as passionately as we loved you. My heart is breaking- I miss you."
-Will's sister, my mom, Ashley's aunt
"You taught me like no one else could. You taught me that the small things in life are the things that we constantly look past and one day wish we could have back. You taught me to appreciate all the things that I have in my life. That I was surrounded by people who love me and that 'I had it made.' You taught me that one person could change me, make me stronger and see clearer. I love you so much Will, and I'll keep you with me forever."
-Will's nephew, my little brother, Ashley's cousin
"When I was a child, I visited my Uncle Will in jail. He was smart, charismatic, hilarious and unlike anyone I had ever known. It was then that I decided that I wanted to grow up to be just like him. He was a remarkable person and I'll miss seeing what he would have done if he had had more time."
-Will's niece, my middle sister, Ashley's cousin
"Will taught me that people can change. Everyone deserves a second chance to prove you wrong or right. Will helped me through a hard time and always taught me to look forward to the next chapter in life. I will love him, I will miss him and I will remember his strength with each challenge I face going forward."
-Will's niece, my oldest sister, Ashley's cousin
"Everything we shared meant so much and everything had a reason for being. I can't find the words to do him honor and justice. He was brave, he was a fighter and he fought the fight. I miss him."
-Will's best friend, our family friend, Ashley's future fan
"Will is my good friend and I miss him. We share a love for the same things, Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and trips to the hardware store. We share a love for the same people, ____ and ____, ____ and Scout, ____ and Audra, also known as "____" but Will called her "____." We both love a dog named Zak. Most of all we both love a girl named ____ who was his and is my constant inspiration. There are a few projects that Will started and never got to finish so I will finish them for him. I'm sure he is happy now. We will all miss him."
-Will's friend, my mom's partner, Ashley's future fan
"'I'm not done yet.' Throughout his life, my Uncle Will epitomized this phrase that he declared to me many times over the past year and a half. He possessed extraordinary courage, spirit, style and strength and he faced every challenge with a sense of humor. He was genuine and fiercely loyal, compassionate and giving. Get some sleep love, you're not done yet."
-Will's niece, me, Ashley's cousin
(the one doing all this crazy stuff to find her...)
-Will's sister, my mom, Ashley's aunt
"You taught me like no one else could. You taught me that the small things in life are the things that we constantly look past and one day wish we could have back. You taught me to appreciate all the things that I have in my life. That I was surrounded by people who love me and that 'I had it made.' You taught me that one person could change me, make me stronger and see clearer. I love you so much Will, and I'll keep you with me forever."
-Will's nephew, my little brother, Ashley's cousin
"When I was a child, I visited my Uncle Will in jail. He was smart, charismatic, hilarious and unlike anyone I had ever known. It was then that I decided that I wanted to grow up to be just like him. He was a remarkable person and I'll miss seeing what he would have done if he had had more time."
-Will's niece, my middle sister, Ashley's cousin
"Will taught me that people can change. Everyone deserves a second chance to prove you wrong or right. Will helped me through a hard time and always taught me to look forward to the next chapter in life. I will love him, I will miss him and I will remember his strength with each challenge I face going forward."
-Will's niece, my oldest sister, Ashley's cousin
"Everything we shared meant so much and everything had a reason for being. I can't find the words to do him honor and justice. He was brave, he was a fighter and he fought the fight. I miss him."
-Will's best friend, our family friend, Ashley's future fan
"Will is my good friend and I miss him. We share a love for the same things, Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and trips to the hardware store. We share a love for the same people, ____ and ____, ____ and Scout, ____ and Audra, also known as "____" but Will called her "____." We both love a dog named Zak. Most of all we both love a girl named ____ who was his and is my constant inspiration. There are a few projects that Will started and never got to finish so I will finish them for him. I'm sure he is happy now. We will all miss him."
-Will's friend, my mom's partner, Ashley's future fan
"'I'm not done yet.' Throughout his life, my Uncle Will epitomized this phrase that he declared to me many times over the past year and a half. He possessed extraordinary courage, spirit, style and strength and he faced every challenge with a sense of humor. He was genuine and fiercely loyal, compassionate and giving. Get some sleep love, you're not done yet."
-Will's niece, me, Ashley's cousin
(the one doing all this crazy stuff to find her...)