Dearest Emerson,
What I wouldn’t give to turn back time… if only I had known what God had planned, I would have held you tight & never let go. I would have made time for extra snuggles, one more story… I wouldn’t have asked you to wait… we would have watched TV together, side by side, all day long… baked cookies & pumpkin bread… If only I had known…
Today was Christmas. The tree looked oddly bare without all your gifts underneath it, and the house was eerily quiet without your boundless anticipation and excitement. I went to church last night in hopes of feeling closer to you, instead the hymns brought tears and sadness beyond comprehension. I promised that I would miss you, that promise I have kept. I also promised that I’d be okay, I’m working on that one my sweet girl.
Six weeks without you feels like a lifetime. It’s hard to understand how someone so full of life can one day simply cease to exist. It doesn’t seem possible, yet my brain knows it happened. Still my heart tries to hide from the truth. I know you would want us to be happy, though, especially today. You loved Christmas, you prepared for this day for months.
In your honor, precious angel, we celebrated today. We laughed and shared memories of Christmases past with you. We looked through photos and shed a few tears, but mostly we smiled. We were so blessed to have you in our lives… we are all better because of you – more patient, more accepting, more loving. Your life was the greatest gift we’ve ever received.
I hope your day was filled with endless Playmobil Hospital sets, L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls, American Girl accessories, and so much more! I can only believe that the celebration in Heaven on this, the birth date of Jesus Christ, was far grander than anything my mind can dare to imagine.
Dearest Emerson, you are so loved & so missed. Until I am blessed to hold you again…
Merry Christmas to all!
We hope you can join us for a Celebration of Emerson’s life, all are welcome.
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2020
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens, Marnie’s Pavilion
1007 York St, Denver CO 80206
Time: 1PM – 5PM
It will be an open house event, there will be no formal service. Please feel free to come and go as you’re able to within that timeframe. All guests will have complimentary access to the Denver Botanic Gardens for the day – there are indoor exhibits, but also outdoor spaces to explore, weather permitting. We ask that you please wear pink (if you have any clothing that color) in Emerson’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Emerson’s name to: The University of Nebraska Foundation Transplant Fund. More details on how and where to direct those funds will follow.
If you know you’ll be attending and could kindly drop a reply indicating as such, I’d greatly appreciate it. It’s not at all necessary; RSVP is not required. It would be helpful, though, for planning purposes, to have a general idea of how many to expect.
Thank you.
Christmas through the years…
Hope for Emerson 
Erica – reading this absolutely breaks my heart. I’m so so SO sorry. Emerson was such a light – and it was such a privilege to be a part of her journey.
I will be there at her celebration of life – representing all of her wonderful Nebraska Med nurses. (I moved back to Colorado from Omaha 2 years ago!).
You are in my thoughts. I know you know how much she was loved, I know how much you love her. Praying for continued comfort and peace for your family.
Brittani Edds, RN
Dear Erika, Merry Christmas & blessings to all your family. I still burn a candle everyday for sweet Emerson. The pictures are so special thanks for sharing. God bless you. You are an amazing woman & very special mama💕
Erika, my heart aches for you so much. I pray the outpouring of love and support may bring you some strength as you find you way on your path to a new normal you never wanted. I pray you know how special a mom you are and I’m in awe of your strong faith in the midst of your trials. I wish I could be there on the 18th, yet know I’m there in spirit. Would love to see in you in the coming months. Much love and prayers for you all, Leah & family.
God Bless your Family – your all the most passionate curators of
Memories that I know . What a gift to share these photos.
Love you we are attending total 5
Beautiful. I’m so sorry Erika. I can’t imagine trying to get through Christmas without Eme. Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts with us and allowing us into your family. I will be there on January 18th. I believe Kree will be there too.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt, well expressed thoughts and touching photos. What a brilliant light Eme was who made a positively powerful and lasting impact on anyone fortunate enough to encounter her. Countless people are keeping you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers. This is a particularly tough time of year and, like you, I know many of us feel Eme was celebrating Christmas in heaven and smiling down on those near and dear. I will not be able to join you on January 18, but know your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending support of love and prayers.
Love from, Nancy Hartrick and family
I love to read all that you write, though I don’t comment much….I struggle to find the words to express my heart….I just want you to know that I’m grateful to know you and your beautiful family, and that I got to spend some time with Eme….what an angel! I feel privileged to be invited to join you and your family in celebrating her life! I will be bringing my 2 boys with me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart with all of us on this blog and for the opportunity to spend time together honoring such a special girl. 💗
Erika, I hope you’re doing well or as well as can be expected. I pray that the year will be a good one for you and your family. I know that the memorial is this Saturday and I’d hoped to be able to make it but I will be working on Saturday. I know it’ll be a celebration of Emerson’s life and I’m sure you’ll have a lot of good memories to share with others and they with you. Please stay in touch occasionally and let me know how everything is going with you and your family. Blessing, Lindy
Sent from my iPad
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