Baby Ashton was born on February 13 – it was an emergency delivery because Jimenez was struggling with COVID. His mother lost the battle, never having the chance to hold the baby she had been carrying for almost nine months.
Jimenez leaves behind his three boys – 15-year-old Jordan, an 18-month-old Christian, baby Ashton. She also leaves behind her devastated husband, Chad Augustus.
“I’m just trying to stay strong … every day I want to let my emotions out, but I’m trying to stay strong for the kids and the family,” Augustus said.
The family started a GoFundMe page to help the three boys start their lives, without the mother whom family and friends called the “gathering glue.”
“I had so many experiences and memories with her – she was always with me,” said best friend Cynthia Sanchez.
“I’m so proud of her for the woman she became after she had children – she dedicated her life to making sure her children are good,” said her brother, John Jimenez.
Love continues to flow in the family – everyone has decided to let Jimenez’s defeated mother, Ashton’s grandmother, take over the care of him. They say it eases the sadness of losing their daughter.
“So now we just have to celebrate her life every day,” said her sister, Jacqueline Diaz.
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