Emily

It's hard to believe ten years have passed since my oldest sister called me home from a fun Friday night with friends. She said Father Bramlage thought we should all be at the hospital where Mom and Dad had taken Emily only a few hours earlier. When your priest calls to tell you to go to the hospital instead of your parents, you know things can't be good. And then when the priest drives much over the speed limit all the way there, you're even more sure that you will never forget this day. I've been through so many emotions of this grieving process, but I'm never done feeling that sadness of missing such a wonderful sister. But despite the sadness, I am so full of hope. Thanks to my parents for raising me to have a higher purpose so that I can find comfort in my grief. My beautiful sister has fulfilled her purpose and has fallen asleep, but she will rise again with God, of this I am certain (I Thess. 4:14). So I will not be overcome by my sadness, I will be glad that I knew Emily and loved Emily and could convince her that I was the coolest of all her siblings. Perhaps she thinks differently by now... Her death inspires me to live a better life, to be more giving of myself and my possessions. I will never be finished feeling sad and lonesome for her, but I will rejoice in her everlasting life.