The Family Glue Holding It All Together

Ashley and Edward Coley’s love story started almost by accident — a chance meeting through Edward’s cousin one summer, after he’d been warned to “stay away” from the niece renting a cottage nearby. Eighteen years later, that warning has become one of their favorite jokes.

What began as a summer spent hanging out nearly every day turned into a lifelong partnership built on family, selflessness, and an unshakable bond with their three boys.

“She has the biggest heart that I have ever seen in a person,” Edward said. “She would do absolutely anything for anybody who was in a tough spot. Most of all, she would go to war for anyone in our immediate family.”

Ashley’s role as a mother has been central to how Edward describes their marriage — including with his son from a previous relationship, whom Ashley embraced fully from the very beginning, blurring the line between “step” and “mom” almost immediately.

“She makes sure they all have everything they need, and that does not go without appreciation,” Edward said.

Togetherness has always been the heartbeat of the Coley household — daily coffee before work, weekend mornings together, dinners as a family even when the boys’ schedules get hectic. It’s a rhythm the couple has protected through nearly two decades together.

“We have coffee together every morning before work for about an hour while watching the news,” Edward said. “It is our daily planning time.”

Ashley’s steady presence extends well beyond the household too — coworkers and friends alike describe her as someone who brings people together, in the workplace and at home alike.

“I don’t even know where I would be without her,” Edward said. “She is the family glue. She brings out the good in me.”

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