Ashlie Amber delivers an unforgettable and deeply emotional rendition of the iconic song Live Like You Were Dying, originally performed by Tim McGraw. In a heartfelt dedication to her late father, who passed away in his early 40s, Ashlie celebrates his life and legacy while reflecting on the lessons he left behind. With raw vulnerability, she encourages herself and others to embrace life to its fullest, reminding us all that, as cliché as it may sound, life is far too short for unknown reasons. This powerful performance resonates as both a tribute and a call to live boldly and with purpose.
Live Like You Were Dying Cover Art
THE DAY THINGS WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME
It was the spring of 1999. Birds were chirping, the air had hints of warmth but was still crisp, and it was just another normal day for Ashlie Amber. Her and her twin brother woke up, brushed their teeth, got dressed, said goodbye to their parents, and walked to the bus stop—just like every other day. Just like any sixth grader, her day was filled with math, science, social studies, choir, gym, and, of course, an enormous amount of socializing.
As the day wrapped up, she sat at her desk, anxiously watching the clock tick down to the final bell. When it rang, Monday was officially over. Like always, she walked to her bus, where she met back up with her brother. They rode home, talking about their usual sibling stuff—school drama, snacks, and plans for the evening. Once home, Ashlie made herself a bowl of ice cream, her go-to after-school treat when mom wasn't home yet, and they both settled into their usual routine.
But just minutes later, everything changed. Her uncle rushed through the door, his face full of urgency, and said, “We have to go. Something has happened. Your dad is in the hospital.” Confused and scared, Ashlie and her brother got into the car, unsure of what was happening.
“I remember that car ride feeling like the longest one of my life,” Ashlie recalls. “It felt like we were driving all the way to California for our annual trip to visit Grandma, but this was different. I was scared and had no idea what was really going on.”
When they finally arrived at the hospital, they were greeted by their mother. She stood strong, a fearless presence in the chaos, and explained that their dad was very sick. He was in the ICU.
And from that moment on, life was never the same.
Rick and Ruth Harris
WHY HIM? WHY OUR FAMILY? WHY NOW?
After extensive research and countless conversations with doctors, the family learned that Rick had been misdiagnosed. What he was actually battling was viral cardiomyopathy—a rare virus that attacks the heart, causing it to enlarge and weaken. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure or a heart attack. The news raised even more questions: Why him? Why now? These are the kinds of moments in life that have no clear answers, no matter how hard we search for them.
Ashlie remembers the gravity of that day. Her father had flatlined for longer than what is typically considered survivable. Beyond the normal time for resuscitation, brain damage is inevitable. But in the state of Colorado at the time, hospital policy prioritized doing everything possible to revive patients, regardless of the risks. They brought him back, but the lack of oxygen had caused severe brain damage. The man Ashlie had known as her dad, her hero, would never be the same.
Rick was placed in a coma, where he remained for a month. When he finally woke up, the devastation was clear. He couldn’t speak because of the tracheotomy that kept him alive. He was completely paraplegic, unable to move or communicate. The family could never truly know if he recognized them, if he felt their love, or even if he understood they were there, holding on to him in every way they could.
Despite groundbreaking surgeries and top-of-the-line care, Rick’s condition showed only the smallest glimpses of improvement. Some minimal functionality returned, but it was never enough to allow for anything close to a normal life. Eventually, he was transferred to a rehabilitation center where he could be monitored and cared for around the clock. But even there, he couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, and remained tethered to his trach tube.
Life as Ashlie knew it had completely unraveled. Every visit to the center was a mix of heartbreak and hope, as she clung to the faint possibility of a miracle. This wasn’t just her father’s fight—it was the entire family’s. And no matter how many questions they asked, no matter how many answers they sought, nothing could explain why this had happened.
A MOMENT OF NORMALCY
Some of the strongest memories Ashlie Amber has of her mother are from this time in their lives. To this day, her mother’s strength, drive, determination, and refusal to give up are the foundation of who Ashlie is. Through it all, Ashlie never once saw her mother cry in front of them. She stayed strong, showed up to every doctor’s appointment, sat by Rick’s side in the hospital every single day, made it to volleyball practices, school functions, and somehow balanced it all with her job. She was a real-life superwoman, holding her family together when everything around them was falling apart.
After ten and a half months of living in what felt like a different kind of normal, Ashlie’s mom decided the family needed a break—a chance to breathe, to find joy, even if just for a moment. Ashlie’s older brother and sister had qualified for the 3v3 soccer World Championship, being held at Disney World. It was an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and for the family to experience something magical. Ruth, Ashlie’s mom, made the decision: the entire family was going to Florida.
Ashlie remembers it vividly. It was her first time flying on a plane, which felt exciting and overwhelming all at once. She also remembers breaking one of her hair clips in the tiny airport restroom after bumping into the mirror. The trip itself was like stepping into another world. Ashlie watched her brother and sister shine on the soccer field, dominating the competition. Off the field, they explored the wonders of Disney World and Epcot Center, things they’d only dreamed of before.
One of Ashlie’s most special memories from the trip was recording her very first song in a studio: Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You. Even though the accompanying green screen music video was, in her words, “terrible,” it was a moment that sparked something deep within her—a love for music that would grow and shape her future. For two weeks, life felt blissfully normal. They laughed, explored, and created memories that Ashlie still cherishes to this day.
But like all trips, it had to come to an end. When the family returned home, the harsh reality they had briefly escaped was waiting for them. Ruth, the fearless and selfless woman she was, had not let on that while they were away, Rick had taken a serious decline. By the time they returned, he had been placed back on life support.
After 11 long months of fighting, Ruth faced the most excruciating decision anyone could make. She knew this was not the quality of life Rick would have wanted. He had always been full of life, and this was no way for him to continue. With unimaginable courage, Ruth made the choice to let him go.
Rick passed peacefully, surrounded by love. His mother, his devoted wife, and his four children were by his side as he took his final breaths. In Ashlie’s words, “It was the hardest moment of our lives, but it was also the most beautiful in its own way. We were together, holding him, and letting him know it was okay to rest.”
Life would never be the same, but the strength her family showed in that moment became a part of Ashlie forever.
THE AFTERMATH
Knowing that life would never be the same, Ashlie and her family began picking up the pieces wherever they could. Her older brother Rickie stepped into adulthood, tackling the real world. Her older sister was gearing up to head off to college, chasing her own dreams. Ashlie and her twin brother returned to middle school, trying to find some sense of normalcy in hallways that felt different now, even though nothing about them had changed.
For Ashlie, the loss of her father left a hole that could never fully be filled, but it also gave her an unshakable sense of purpose. He was the one who first told her she could sing when she was just six years old. It’s a moment that has stayed with her and will always stay. Whenever the days get hard—when it feels like the industry doesn’t accept her, or she wonders if she’ll ever reach the milestones she’s striving for—she hears his voice. “If Dad said I can, then I can. And I will.” Those words have become her mantra, carrying her through the highs and lows of her journey.
One of the moments that defined Ashlie’s connection to her father came years later, when she was old enough to fully grasp the meaning of the song Live Like You Were Dying. She knew then that one day she would have to make it her own—a tribute not just to the song’s message but to her father’s memory. It became more than just music; it became a way to honor him, to celebrate his life and the sacrifices he made so she could have hers.
Now, a year since the release of her unforgettable rendition of Live Like You Were Dying, Ashlie continues to celebrate her father’s memory. Through her music, she carries his legacy forward, reminding herself and everyone who listens to embrace life fully, to live boldly, and to never stop believing in the impossible. Everything she’s doing today, every note she sings, every moment she shines, is a reflection of him and everything he gave her. Life.
In Loving Memory of Rickie Erwin Harris Sr
Discover More About Ashlie Amber
Ashlie Amber's music is not just about entertainment; it’s about connection. Through her songs, she invites listeners into her world, sharing her stories and emotions in a way that feels both personal and universal. To experience more of Ashlie Amber's incredible artistry, be sure to explore her music, upcoming shows, and more at Ashlie Amber's Official Website.
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Music Smart Link: Listen To Ashlie Amber's 'Live Like You Were Dying'
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