Ally Kelley

Many people around the globe found themselves laughing for no good reason on September 11, 2008 (no, not that 9/11), the day Ally Kelley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The gossip that many of these people experienced critical condition toe stubs later in the day is a vicious lie vehemently disputed by the family.

However, it is with great sadness that we tell the world of her passing on August 26. In her fourteen years of life she made room not just for childhood’s sadnesses but also for stomach-cramping laughter, virtuoso goofiness, and infinite tenderness, often at the great expense of her loving mother Emily & partner Trey, fabulous sisters Atticus and Lauren, her step-father Theo, her grandparents Brooks & Joe and Ted & Kathy, and of course Radiohead, the music group that never met Ally but did record her and Lauren’s favorite song, “Creep,” which Lauren has asked be played at our Celebration of Ally’s life. We will gather on Sunday, September 3rd, on the 2nd floor of 202 Social House, 202 Market Street, in Roanoke, Virginia. Friends & family can enter through the restaurant, or through a private back door(the password is: BACON). Dress is formal or informal, carnival or conservative, and black only as an homage to members of the Adam’s Family. Time will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00. A formal time of sound and soul expression will happen between 2:30 or 3:00.

We will not be serving Ally’s favorite foods which included Sushi, uncooked fish that is a transport vehicle for toxoplasmosis, and Dolma, spiced rice wrapped in grape leaves, often containing animal offal. (Such are common expressions of rebellion by children raised in vegetarian homes.)

There are a million stories that exemplify Ally’s life, most of which we cannot relate here since they involved language Ally did not understand but we understand all too well; ask around at the reception about the “I EAT BLANK” incident. It’s really good.

Two stories stand out:

ONE
In late toddlerhood, Ally would often find a quiet space to spend time alone. One day her mother, Emily, heard loud cackling laughter coming from the play room. So unearthly was the sound that Emily went to investigate. “What’s going on?” she asked with some trepidation.”

“I’m practicing my evil laugh.”

“Ummm… What for?”

“For when I take over the world!” she answered.

TWO
One morning, while brunch was being made, Ally smelled bacon being cooked for the first time. As she entered the room, she said, “What is that? It smells just like my DREAMS!”

We will not pretend that anyone does not already know details of Ally’s death. We will not pretend that we understand why or that we will ever be able to stop asking ourselves if there was something more we could have done. We will not, ever, allow ourselves to believe that the way she passed diminishes, in any way, the sweetness of her, the joy of our sharing time with her on this precious planet, and the way her face could light up a room like a July 4th sparkler in the dead of night.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline is now, nationally, 988, with around the clock support.