Ashely, Anew

Photographed at Missouri Photo Workshop, 75

Ashely Brandenburg, 33, was talking to God. She frequently does. She was reconciling her emotionally abusive relationship, and the ways it was affecting the wellbeing of her and her four children. She said God asked her, “Do you dare to dream bigger? Do you dare to be better?”

Ashely dared.

Two months later, she moved the family in with her mom, Michelle Lillard, 53. With guidance from God and support from her mother, Ashely is redefining what motherhood looks like for her and what family feels like for her four kids.

Ashely’s days are long, methodical chaos. Before the sun rises, Ashely goes for runs with her daughter Roxy, 9. Their figures wade in and out of view as they pass illuminated streetlights. After school she helps her son Jace, 6, build a Lego truck. He’s endlessly proud of it, telling everyone how he made it himself — he almost did. Later, her daughter Karma, 10, cuddles up to Ashely as she reads a book aloud. Late into the night, Ashely’s embrace softens the cries that creep from her son Leo’s, 4, tired body. It was one of those days. 

Even though she is grappling with the changes herself, including a significant break-up and unemployment, she says, “I want to stop and take time out of my day and make them feel important. That matters to me.”