Last summer Jules and Emmi were in my Organic Gardening camp.  They were great together.  Each time a decision had to be made, they each deferred to the other.  Jules wanted to be sure Emmi was happy, and Emmi wanted to be sure Jules was happy.  They worked beautifully on all the projects, games, and activities, but when we were actually working in the garden, Emmi would light up!  They both worked hard to clean the beds, plant and harvest.  I have never seen kids cooperate like that without a single complaint in spite of heat and all kinds of insects.

    From August to December Emmi loved being in the garden.  Her class pulled weeds, harvested what we planted last spring and summer, and planted some cold weather plants.  She was always excited to be out in nature, and always had that beautiful smile on her lovely face.  Emmi, your kind and happy spirit will always be a part of that garden!

This past summer I had the opportunity to spend a few days with the Barbaro family in Myrtle Beach.  Having met Doc and Heather I assumed that the whole family must be as sweet and kind as them.  I never thought I would meet a young girl and her brother that loved each other so much and had that same love for people they had just met.  Emmi and my nephew Dylan met and instantly became friends.  Dylan is only two but Emmi played with him all day in the sand and swam in the pool with him as if they had known each other forever.  We joked about how one day they would marry each other.  My favorite part of the trip is when we were swimming in the ocean and Heather and Doc let the kids swim out a little farther than normal.  Emmi looked so excited and with her larger than life smile told me I should come down every summer so she can swim out in the ocean that far.  We were throwing her into the waves and that laugh of hers filled the air.  Whenever I go to the beach I will be reminded of Emmi and the wonderful memories I have with her.  I cannot thank God enough to have been able to meet Emmi this summer.

I am in total shock and still cant believe my friend that I saw three times a week for three years has passed away. I cry every night and another teammate of mine share our feelings with each other to make us feel better and comfort us for this terrible loss. One thing we know for sure is that every game and half time Emmi will be rooting us on in heaven telling us to try our hardest. My left/right defender is still here with me. I remember all the practices  we had together and I always saw her with her head up. Whether it was on the field or not she was a good sport. She was an amazing friend and had my back. I will never forget Emmi and how amazing she was as a person and as a player.

Oh Emmi, how we miss you so!  Uncle Eric and I love so much!  You have helped us get through so many things in our life being the person you are.  You are always so, so happy!  I remember when I came down in October and we stayed up talking about girly stuff like Taylor Swift, hair styles, cupcakes and the Biebs.  I know ewww, right?  My favorite thing was the next morning when you rolled over, still had your eyes closed and you were smiling and said "Good morning ant Pamela" with your cute morning voice and happy, happy smile."

Uncle Eric misses you so much Emmi!  He loved hearing your voice on his birthdays!  He would always get tears in his eyes.  And do you know he talks longer on the phone to you than me?  That's okay though.

Thank you for all of the hugs, kisses and I love you's!
 
  
   

Sept. 2012.  The Tour de Moore Charity Bike Ride was held in Moore County, NC.  There were 2 rides; 50 miles and 100 miles.  Many riders from the Cross Creek Cycling Club registered and rode in the event.  Many of us wanted to ride the 100 miles without stopping!  The only way to do this was to get food, fuel and drinks while riding.  So Heather, Leigha Hoffman, Kelly Roberts and Emmi had a "rolling restaurant" in the Suburban.  At around mile 62, I was not doing so well.  I was dehydrated, weak, and basically riding in a fog.  Then, out of nowhere, a heavenly sight appeared next to me.  It was "Charlie's Angels!" in the Suburban!  Emmi peeled a banana for me, I shoved as much as I could into my mouth while riding.  Then she handed me an uwrapped Snickers bar, which I put in my jersey pocket and ate later on!  Then I had both water borrles filled!  I rode the 100+ w/o stoppping...I could not have done it w/o them...I will never forget it.

We went to charleston SC with Emmi, Julian, Heather and Uncle Rich- spent a few days together.  It was the first time my daughter Mia spent time with Emmi.  This was in 2010- so Mia was 3 and Emmi was 8.. they took to each other immediately and had so much fun playing and running around at the beach. Both of their gorgeious blond hair blowing in the summer wind-- it was really magical.   Mia loved her-- constantly has talked about her since and always says good night to her in her prayers.  We haven't figured out a way to tell her yet about Emmi :( Our hearts ache..
Dana&Keith
xoxo