Ashleigh y Matt Conwell They had been dating for 12 years when they said «I do» in Brisbane, Australia. They knew they were going to be parents of triplets in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and they were preparing to become a large family, but their love story gave a tragic turn on September 2, 2020.
Together since high school, they went through many challenges together, and one of the most difficult griefs they faced together was the death of Mat’s fathert, who battled aggressive cancer and passed away in January 2020.
Neither of them could have imagined that just two months later a worldwide confinement due to COVID-19 would occur, and even less so, that both would lose their jobs in that critical context.
Matt worked as a coach in top-level professional sports clubs, and even became a strength and conditioning coach for the Brisbane Roar soccer team, which competes in the A-League, the country’s top professional championship.
Ashleigh was a marketing manager at Flight Center Australia, a travel agency. The two sectors, tourism and sports, suffered personnel cuts as there was no public to work for and with activities suspended until further notice in an uncertain panorama at an international level.
«Losing my father-in-law It was devastating, and that’s why discovering six months later that we were pregnant was like a ray of hope that made us very happy,» Ashleigh told the Australian website Mamamia.
«We were delighted. We had been trying for a while, and it seemed like the perfect time,» he revealed.
A photo that summarizes her motherhood. (Photo: Instagram @ashleigh.conwell)At the first ultrasound they learned that they were expecting three babies, and although they worried about the financial situation ahead of them, they had the support of their family environment and were confident that they would be able to get back on their feet when they got a job again.
“We feel very lucky, that it was meant to happen, and three babies at the same time was like in a movie, and a blessing,” Ashleigh said.
She was 29 years old and 17 weeks pregnant with triplets, when that Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Matt went out for a run like every morning. They said goodbye with the same kiss after breakfast, and he never returned.
Ashleigh Conwell with her husband Matt at their wedding. (Photo: Instagram @ashleigh.conwell)«He was hit by a car, and in that moment my life changed completely: Suddenly, I was widowed, a title that one never expects, especially in a pandemic and as a future mother of three babies,» said the now 34-year-old.
Matt was 32 years old, and although everyone initially believed it was an accident, forensic tests revealed that it was a «self-harm incident.» Those words were etched in Ashleigh’s memory.
Her family and friends helped her plan the funeraland they did a campaign to raise funds to help her with the home economy in the future.
After his situation was made known in the local media, many collaborated, and in a matter of days he received a total of $200,000 from the community fund that was formed by a citizen initiative.
M»Being a mother is difficult enough, but being a mother to three newborns who are in neonatology, while dealing with immeasurable pain, is a kind of terror specific that cannot even be described,» he expressed sincerely.
Mother of triplets and widow at 29: the story of Ashleigh Conwell
The triplets were born in January 2021and just 12 days later, Ashleigh’s grandfather died. It was another devastating loss, and in the midst of thousands of deaths worldwide, he felt it was time to pour out that pain into a virtual community that would provide mutual support.
«I started my own business as confident widowgiving courses and being speaker public for help other women who are dealing with becoming widows, so that they go from surviving to thriving,» she revealed.
He named his virtual space «Yellow Falcon» (Yellow Falcon). The «yellow falcon» or golden falcon symbolizes power, freedom, wisdom and clear vision, and on the spiritual plane it represents protection, illumination and connection with the divine.
«The other day I was looking at a photo of my last wedding anniversary with Matt and I was paralyzed because I no longer recognize that girl.«he reflected.
Ashleigh Conwell is dedicated to empowering widowed women. .(Photo: Instagram @ashleigh.conwell)«I’m very different, I’ve been through a lot, I’ve had to grow up a lot, and I’ve had conversations that I never should have had, so I know I’ll never be that person again,» she described.
«Today I am creating new joy, but I will never be the same,» he emphasized. She assured that for her one of the keys was rediscover herself through the testimonies of people who went through similar losses.
Ashleigh Conwell with one of the triplets. .(Photo: Instagram @ashleigh.conwell)«I wish all women knew about their own power, and in that sense it is very important to know that the women you choose to be around influence how you think, grow and rise,» she said.
«When they inspire you, give you space to grow, celebrate your triumphs, life feels lighter, goals feel closer and strength feels shared,» he insisted.
On her social networks, she motivates her followers to take care of their energy and invest their time in friendships that feed the spirit.
«I try to remind you that no matter where you are or what you’ve faced, his story is not over yetand they have everything they need to write the next chapter with a purpose,» he said.
