March 30

Emily, Katie and Brian have had such a wonderful couple of days. They have had family, friends, and the Children's hospital extended family all around them. We were able to play, sing, listen to music, put barret's in Em's gorgeous hair and create beautiful keepsake crafts with her all from the comfort of the huge family sized bed made by the amazing nurses in the ICU. This morning we went to 9N (their home away from home) to a beautiful room lovingly decorated by Emily's nurses/friends with pictures of Em, her favorite blanket and ladybug pillow and Trotter dog stuffed animal. Katie and Brian, with the help of a truly wonderful team of doctors and nurses, brought Emily up to the room on 9N. Katie picked Em up and carried her into the room and laid her down in a big comfy bed. The breathing tube was removed and Emily peacefully and beautifully, in the arms of her mom and dad, surrounded by loving and admiring family and friends, calmly passed. To see her little body that fought that tumor so hard and so courageously finally be able to rest and be at peace was a blessing. Her body was tied down to so many tubes and monitors and lines for so long that to see her free of all of that was a relief to us all. She touched more people in her short two years on this earth than we can even know. Katie and Brian asked me to tell you all how much your support through this journey has meant. They couldn't have gotten through it without you. They will be bringing Emily back to Virginia in the next day or two. They are planning to hold a service at the end of this week (details will be posted here as soon as possible). They have said that each of you, whether you have met Emily personally or not, are welcome to join them in celebrating her. They know that this was not something they went through alone and want everyone to have the chance to show their love for their little hero. I will be sure to let you all know the details as soon as they are worked out.

My heart is so full as I write this. I appreciate so much the love and support that each of you gave to our entire extended family. During this past year I knew that I could ask you to help them and you delivered. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,
Aunt Christie

Comments

[Domestic Extraordinaire]

I have just learned of Emily's story. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

[Queenie]

I am so very, very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[kati]

i have cried and cried (and am currently crying) for this precious little girl and wonderful family that i do not know. i hope karma and blessings return to you all a thousand fold for the rest of your lives. and i hope the good memories and peaceful thoughts that made this post so beautifully, tenderly cheerful carry you all through the rest of your grief. i can't say enough, or the right things, i know...

heartbroken in portland, xoxo

[Misty]

I am so very sorry for your loss. What do I even say? She is such a beautiful little girl. I will be praying for your family...

[Elizabeth]

I just heard about your beautiful little girl -- we will be praying for your family.

[kellyR]

Praying God's comfort for all of you. May you know that Emily's 2 year life had more impact than many 90 year lives. Praying peace for your heavy hearts

[Melinda]

My heart goes out to your family, and that precious baby girl.

[Lori]

My heart aches, I am in tears, and I've only "known" Emily for 24 hours through this blog. I cannot imagine what this must feel like for you. I've thought of you and prayed for you all day. What an amazing family Emily was blessed with, and what a miracle she was and still is. Praying God's peace, comfort and strength for you all.

[Michele]

Brian and Katie:

I am so sorry. I've been following since the beginning of this incredible journey. Emily has touched so many lives.

May the peace that passes all understanding surround you and your family.

[Anne]

My heart is breaking for you, but I know that you have strength to get through this. May she rest in peace.

[Kim Bunta]

My heart is grieving for all of you. 3 years ago my husband and I made the hard decision of removing our beautiful baby girl, Sophia, from life support. She went quietly from my arms into the arms of her Lord and Saviour. Now, Emily is in those same arms, completely healed and happy. My prayers will be with you in the coming days, weeks, months, and years as you learn to live with out your precious Emily!

[donna]

I've only just been introduced to Emily in the past day or two, but my heart is full of emotion for this beautiful family.

I am so very very sorry for your loss.

[Heather]

My heart goes out to Emily's parents. I am so very sad and they are in my thoughts and prayers. Heather

[Leslie]

I just learned of Emily's story yesterday, and have had her on my mind ever since--my heart goes out to all of you. I know God has her in His arms as we speak.

[Melissa]

I have been reading & following Emilys story since the begining & have never commented. I now fell compelled to let you know how sad I am for you & how brave you all were through this past year. You are amazing parents who loved your little girl so much. My thoughts & prayers are with you to find the strength to get through this.
May you find peace now that Emily is at peace.

[Amanda Brown]

Thank you for sharing this. I am so glad she is free from pain, but so saddened by the loss.

[robin]

I have been following Emily's progress here for months and although I do not know you, my heart is breaking for you. She was a precious, beautiful, inspirational child. I don't have the words to express how your story touched me but want you to know someone in Denver is thinking of your family.

[Joëlle]

tears flow here in France too... I read Emily's story 2 days ago and pray for you, Emily, parents, extended family, since I read. May God fill your hearts with peace. He helps, He is our heavenly Dad, He knows why. She is free now.
I'd like to be able to hug you, be sure that I'm doing it, virtually !
Joëlle from Strasbourg, France

[Stephanie]

Thinking of you and wishing you peace. Your daughter is beautiful.

[amanda]

The lesson of beautiful Emily's short life is to cherish the time we get with the people we love. It is so easy to lose sight of that most important thing - and by your sharing Emily's story with us, you have helped a lot of us (me, most certainly) focus once again on the things in life that are actually important. I am so, so incredibly sorry for the loss of Emily, and know her spirit will live on throughout the world, because you have shared her with us. Please let us know where we can send donations in her memory. Love from Connecticut.

[Kristin]

Many prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time. I have only been following this blog for a few days but Emily has touched my heart. May she rest in peace and happiness in the Lord's arms.

[Angie Plude]

May your beautiful little girl rest in peace. She is surely an angel today.
Ang

[angela]

i never met you and i just heard about emily. i am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful baby girl. i will keep you in my prayers

[Lynda]

I only learned of Emily's story a few days ago but I have been thinking of her since. My heart is breaking for you. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling but know that she is pain free and with our Lord. May you find peace knowing that she is now in the arms of God. I send my love and prayers to you and your family. God Bless You and Keep You!

[Marin]

I am so sorry.