What's it all for? LOVE

In February 2023, a devastating blow was dealt to my world. My son and center of my universe, Aidan Rivers Starkey, only 19, a soul of boundless energy, compassion, and promise, was cruelly and violently stolen from us. Just a half-mile from his workplace, his life was ripped away by an uninsured, extremely drunk driver named Travis Wheeler, leaving a void that words can scarcely begin to fill.

As a writer, advocate, and wellness professional, I have always believed in the power of healing and positive change. Yet, the loss of Aidan has plunged me into an abyss of grief, a sorrow so profound that it transcends all understanding. I have been broken in a way I didn’t think was possible.

Aidan was not just my son; he was my closest confidant, my joy, and my inspiration. Our bond was a tapestry of love, trust, and shared dreams. He was my light, my bright star, and not only to me but to everyone he touched with his vibrant spirit. His ambition to make a difference in the world was palpable, his empathy for others, a guiding light. He had big plans for this world and an even bigger heart for others.

This unbearable loss has been compounded by a glaring injustice: the driver responsible for Aidan’s untimely death was set free, a decision that shatters any notion of fairness. This has ignited in me an unquenchable thirst for justice, not just for Aidan but for every life needlessly lost to the recklessness of drunk driving.

In the wake of Aidan's passing, each day is a battle against an overwhelming tide of grief. The silence left in his absence echoes loudly, a constant reminder of the vibrant life that once filled our home with so much laughter and love. I grapple with questions that have no answers and a future that was supposed to be bright, now overshadowed by this immeasurable loss.

My role as a mother has irrevocably changed. Where once I nurtured Aidan's dreams and ambitions, I now carry the torch of his memory, a responsibility that weighs heavily on my heart. My journey of healing is intertwined with a relentless pursuit of justice, a path I walk not only as a tribute to Aidan but also as a solemn duty to prevent such tragedies from befalling other families.

The tragedy of Aidan's death serves as a stark reminder of the shortcomings in our fight against drunk driving. It is a call to action for more stringent laws, for a system that does not merely slap on the wrist but actively works to prevent such senseless losses. It is a plea for societal change, for a collective acknowledgment of the devastating impact of driving under the influence.

Advocacy for Stricter Laws: I am committed to advocating for more severe penalties and stricter enforcement for drunk driving offenses. Aidan's story must become a catalyst for change.

Raising Awareness: Through my writing and public speaking, I aim to shed light on the harsh realities of drunk driving and to humanize the statistics with the stories of those left behind.

Supporting Other Families: In my journey, I have encountered many families who share my grief. Together, we form a network of support, bound by our shared loss and our determination to seek justice

Aidan's legacy is one of love, kindness, and the relentless pursuit of a better world. In his honor, I pledge to continue this fight, to be a voice for the voiceless, and a force for the change he believed in. My love for him transcends his absence, fueling my commitment to ensure that his death was not in vain.

This battle is for Aidan, for every vibrant life cut short, and for the promise of a future where no mother has to endure the heartbreak of losing a child to a preventable tragedy.

Love hard, work hard, play hard...

~Ashton