Ashston Smethurst

Ashston Smethurst, son of Gary and Jane Smethurst of Albuquerque, was born August 29, 1997 and transitioned November 22, 2016. Ashston came to us as a gift of the Creator. As a baby he was involved in a near drowning incident and upon release from the hospital he came to us in early February of 1999, through the ARCA Home Based Program. He was a mystery in that we had no idea how and exactly what we were supposed to do for him. And as the first few weeks and months passed we realized that with the help of others and his gentle direction we were enlightened about care giving and receiving his love.
One of the things he showed us was that communication skills can be honed to a point that allows for dialogue without verbalization. He uses his very expressive eyes to speak volumes about comfort, joy, and understanding.
In his 19th year he his spirit of light transitioned back to the Creator, but for all of us who found ourselves making a connection with him we are able to hold on to his ability to show us the wonder of bonding, learning, teaching, and using strength to flow with adversity in a way that brings meaning to our humanness.
Ashston's accomplishments are many. He attended services at Unity Spiritual Center for 10 years where he gave and received uplifted energy, he graduated from the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, many there spoke of his ease in adjusting to a busy and challenging environment, he was a student at North Star Elementary and Desert Ridge Middle School making friendships with those who responded to his openness for companionship. His high school years were spent in Homebound Education, wonderful teachers appeared and he convinced them to read Harry Potter books to him rather than other less interesting stories. With his family he attended college graduations in California and Washington D.C., he also went to many family campouts in Colorado. On two occasions he shared Make a Wish trips with his adopted siblings taking in Disneyland and Disney World. He also amazed many in the medical community when over the course of his life he met and overcame some very serious medical challenges, showing strength and resolve to carry on his life.
In summary, Ashston was a person who was able to make peace with his circumstance and inspire others to do the same and as Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God."
We are in awe of the many many beautiful souls who have journeyed with Ashston and we extend our gratitude while knowing that they know what we have learned, that being with him was its own very special reward. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: Make a Wish Foundation New Mexico or Mariposa Hospice Program University of New Mexico.
Services will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016, 4:00 p.m., at Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Rd. NE.