My dear Emily has left our human world...One thing I do believe is that all religions lead to the same place...with different paths along the way. I hope her spirit has risen into the universe, and her wings wrap us all up warm and safe to heal from our hurt and sadness. I do believe her spirit will be with me always guiding me to be healthy and whole. Helping me to remember that my emptiness leaves room for the new. I know her heart will be with Hanna, guiding her to find her way...and with DJ...helping him to find some peace in his thoughts.
When Emily got her license in June, she signed to be an Organ Donor. She is in that process now. Emily talked about changing the world...she could protentially save 8 lives with a heart, 2 lungs, pancreas, liver, 2 kidneys, small intestines and improve 100’s more with other tissues. She will be cremated and we will celebrate her life on Friday, 7:00 pm at Coal Ridge High School. Details to follow.
Thank you to everyone for being with us this week. We know we are loved…
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42 comments:
We are so sadden with your loss. I do know that Em's spirit will live on in those who will receive a little bit of her. You are in our hearts. The Yosts
I am sad about his, but i am heartened that she will possibly save some lives with her decision. She is with us always, so long as we remember her, and keep her close in our hearts. The Rhodes Family is with you.
Sheryl,
Over the week I have asked so many of my friends and family to pray for all of you. Emily's story has touched so many people that do not even know her, and her passing has saddened many hearts. My heart aches for your family, and all of Emily's friends. We will all be there to celebrate her life with you on Friday. You are loved by so many.
Jill Libby
Sheryl, you're in the deepest darkest, blackest place imaginable - to out live your child.
Look to the skys at dusk and see Emily in the flicker of the stars, she is there.
She is listening, so you must speak to her. It's the only way for you to eventually move from the darkness to the possiblity of a brighter day.
May God Bless you, Hanna and DJ moving forward - your journey will test you like nothing ever has.
Your friends near and far have our collective arms open in a web of love and are ready to embrace you when you emerge in to the light.
We all love you,
Doug in Tujunga CA
Sheryl,
Your dear fridnds at Cisco are keeping you and your family in their thoughts. The whole team has been thinking of you every day.
I am so full of joy for the families you will be able to help, and so terribly sad for your loss. Today my mother is able to see her grandchildren becuase of others like your beautiful daughter.
We never met Emily, but know what a joy she was in your world. May you, Hanna and DJ find peace at this difficult time.
Mary Kay
There are no words to explain any of this....Thank you for keeping us in your space during such a sad and intimate time in your life...
We offer you our love and support for healing and wholeness as you try to find your way through this maze we call life. You are not alone...you will never be alone...
Deepest of love,
~Teresa Coyle Airey
Sheryl, D.J., and Hanna: I feel like I have no words to express how I feel. I am overwhelmed with sadness. At the same time, I am so moved that Emily will save and touch so many others. What a gift!! Sheryl - in my grief your words gave me comfort. You are all so amazing!
Peace and Love ~ Margie
Dear Sheryl, I'm so very, very sorry. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
With Love,
Lou Lou
Sheryl, DJ & Hanna,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that Emily lives on with her williness to give and your generosity to let her do so. Natalie Bowman
Sheryl and DJ,
My heart goes out to you in this very difficult time. You have brought a beautiful human being into the world - for that a lot of people have been thankful. Your Emily will always be with you, love never leaves us...it fills us with strength and hope...it manifests itself in ways that we will never know.
My blessings to you and those left behind to feel the loss of a great life.
Linda Ceriello
Sheryl,
My heart truly goes out to you and your family...my eyes are heavy with tears of sadness...May God Bless you and keep your family forever and always. You are in my prayers.
God Bless,
Terry Littlejohn
We are so very, very sorry for your loss. Emily was a very special lovely girl. Thank you for keeping us all posted during the hardest of times for you and your family. You are a strong, wonderful, giving mother. God Bless you and your family.
-The Ogier's
Blackwater Woods
Look, the trees
are turning
their own bodies
into pillars
of light,
are giving off the rich
fragrance of cinnamon
and fulfillment,
the long tapers
of cattails
are bursting and floating away over
the blue shoulders
of the ponds,
and every pond,
no matter what its
name is, is
nameless now.
Every year
everything
I have ever learned
in my lifetime
leads back to this: the fires
and the black river of loss
whose other side
is salvation,
whose meaning
none of us will ever know.
To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
–Mary Oliver
Emily's spirit will live on...
We are thinking of you constantly!
The Stanley's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPgtSVXi63I
go to this video, and see what i believe that Emily has used. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKg4g9zMeHI
i am so sorry for your lose. We will always remember her. Growing up with Emily was a joy! Her name would bring a smile to everyones face. We truly loved her as family and to see her gone is to lose a part of all of us. I send my my deepest sympathies and all the love in the world.
Tabitha Taveras
Gods Flower
Good looked around his garden
and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
Gods garden must be beautiful,
he always takes the best!
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
be well on earth again.
It broke our hearts to lose you
but you didn't go alone;
for a part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
-Unknown
What a bittersweet gift you have given to so many other people and their families. We pray you find peace and understanding with all of this, if that is possible. Our thoughts are with all of you! ((((HUGS))))
The Bowles/Gasaway Family
Sheryl
When Auntie Sue called Friday night and asked us to pray for Emily I called as many as I could to pray. When she called tonight and told me she passed away I was crushed. Although I didn't know Emily it is so evident how she touched others and how much she was loved. Please know you and your family are deep in our thoughts and our prayers. Wish we could be there. We are sending you huge hugs. Much love
Harold and Donna
Also, my grandma is sending you guys Reiki. its a type of japanese healing art that can help with Physical pains, and sadness. I have asked alot of people who don't know you to pray and support you. With love.
Chris Rhodes
Sheryl, Hanna and DJ - and all of your extended family-
We are so so sad and you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are wonderful and warm and spiritual as evidenced by your wonderful daughters and your large and loving circle of friends. May we give you some solace in this saddest and hardest of times. I know we don't ever stop missing the ones who leave us here, but may it get a little easier to bear each day. May Emily and her love be with you each step of the way.
Love,
Ceci, Tom, Hank & Riley Gilson
Topsham, Maine
As grandparents of Katie we see her heart very saddend and in seeing this we to are deeply sadend with the loss of you wonderful daughter and a special friend to our grandaughter. We can't imagine the loss that your family is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Troy and Sandy Hassell
Sheryl, DJ and Hanna,
We are sad and soory for your loss. We will keep Em, you and yours in our prayers. Mike, Tina, Jack, Molly Erin and Mikey McGuire
Sheryl, DJ, & Hanna,
I have been thinking of you all and Emily all day. I can't begin to express my feelings. I can however tell you a song that comes to mind when I think of Emily and how many lives she touched and changed. Below are the words to a song by Alabama, "Angels Among Us."
Chorus
Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with
a light of love.
When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees. There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me. A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand. A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand. And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road. Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.
Sheryl,
Emily's decision to become an organ donor is truly inspiring (I signed up to be an organ donor myself many years ago). She'll continue to live on through all the people she has helped.
I've been following this blog all week and had been praying for Emily to pull through this. You and your family have my deepest sympathies.
-Elizabeth Evangelista
Sheryl,
I am truly very sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine what you and your family are going through. Over the past week I, among others, have been hoping and praying for Emily to pull through this horrible accident. I will continue to pray for your family to stay strong and find peace.
I never got to meet Emily, but still thousands of miles away I too have been touched by her. Your stories of her loving soccer, her sister and all those around her made me understand what a sweet and wonderful young girl was. Treasure the memories and time you had with Emily, she will always be with you to guide you and your family in the right direction.
Deepest Apologizes,
Sheena
At the rising sun and at its going down we remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter we remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring we remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer we remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn we remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends we remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us. As we remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart we remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make we remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share we remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs we remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live,
For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
I am so deeply saddened by the world's loss of Emily. I especially grieve for her dear family and friends. Although I met her only once, it was evident even then, that she was special. The impact that she has had on all she touched is evident by the crowds that visited this site, attended vigils, and kept you all in their prayers. As a friend of Kim and Jenn, I came to know more about Emily and her extraordinary life through the words on the pages of this blog. Emily was blessed to have had such a loving family to lift her up. And there's no doubt that she sees and knows of the outpouring of love that was surrounding her and her family during this time. And all of us left behind are better individuals because of the legacy that Emily has left for each of us. The days ahead will no doubt be dark for many, but I hope and pray that through the grace of God that we will see the light of Emily and all that she represents in our daily lives as we move forward. I pray that each day her family and friends will be blessed with a special reminder of Emily, whether it be a song she loved, a breeze blowing gently, an especially bright shiny star, or simple her whisper in our thoughts. Although she's physically left this world, she's left her mark on all of us, both those who knew her well, and those of us, such as myself, that knew of her through her family and had the pleasure of learning more about this incredible young woman through the words of her supporters in this blog. The world has lost a treasure. But the heavens have gained an angel. And knowing Emily, she'll be watching over all she loved with a special tenderness. God Bless Emily and God Bless her family and friends in this most difficult time of their lives.
Sheryl, we are so saddened to hear of Emily's passing. We hope that the outpouring of love and sympathy from family and friends will provide some comfort to you during this tragic time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug Hartnett and family
Sheryl, DJ and Hanna,
I picture your smiling faces and I hear your usual laughing and I cried yesterday when I heard that Em had left and that the smiles and laughing will likely be gone for a while. I have been praying hard for you continually. My heart is broken for you. I'm having a hard time processing this but I find this bible verse comforting and hope you will too.
Isaiah 57:1,2
The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Tom,Annette, Fallon & Tyler
Shery,DJ,Hanna,- and all the wonderful family,friends and strangers Emily has touched,
I can't tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Emily is a great person and will live on through others! I pray for you and your family every day to find the strength to make it through the days,months and years to come. God Bless you and your family!
Spencer,Beckie,Kaila,Kody
On behalf of the National Soccer Academy, our deepest sympathies go out to Sheryl, DJ and Hanna. The NSA Family, of which some knew Emily and many that did not, continue to pray for healing and comfort during these tragic times. Many of my fondest memories of Emily were during the 3 weeks that we spent together during training and the 2005 Eurotour. Emily had the passion to learn and play soccer as much as anyone that I have known. She made sure that she 'left everything on the field'. This desire and passion touched many people around her, not only on the soccer field, but at life in general. Even though she is no longer with us in the Earthly Realm, I am sure that she will continue to watch over her family from the Angelic Realm. Stay strong and have faith that Emily will continue to touch our lives from a place we have not seen yet.
Godspeed and God Bless!
Coach Brad
NSA - Colorado
Sheryl,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are constantly in my thoughts and I am continuing to pray for you and your family. I can’t even imagine the pain you are going through. I didn’t know Emily but from stories you have shared and everything I am reading I know she was truly a beautiful and amazing person. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Love,
Mary Clare
Sheryl,
I am ever so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I have never met Emily but she sounds like a wonderful daughter, sister and friend. Your blog said so much about her and what you have all been going through but I'm sure it will never begin to say all that you are feeling. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen (Deal)Martin
Sheryl, DJ & Hannah,
There are no words to express how sad we are to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
~ Scott & Peg Martin
I wish to send my deepest sympathies to you and your family, I did not know your daughter, your family member, your friend, however I work with your grandfather who is a very nice man friendly and you can just tell an all around good person, which sounds like it extended beyond himself. She has a beautiful smile and I'm sure there will be some very beautiful sunny days from now that will shine in your hearts and memories of her. With warmest wishes and prayers to you and you’re loved ones during this time.
Best regards
The High Family
New Hampshire
Sheryl, You may not remember alot about me but I remember alot about you and emily. It tears me apart trying to put myself in your position and I know that you probably here that alot but I don't care. I would just like you to know that even the most unsespecting people care and I send you my deepest regret for bringing even a little bit of sadness to your daughter, But I know that you are like emily so I can believe that you will forgive me.
Ian Botner and all of the 6
this blog was forwarded to me by a mutual friend asking me to pray for emily. i lost one of my best friends last year -- he crashed a dirt bike. i have to tell you that reading this has brought back so many memories... emily and brett went through all of the same surgeries, traumas, and drug induced comas. My heart goes out to all of you who were close to emily. i can honestly tell you that time does not heal a thing.. one year after my friend passed away i am still in tears, but i do know that time brings understanding and comfort. you will never forget emily or the person she was. ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG.
My daughter, Alyssa, played alongside Emily during their Eurotour with NSA (Girls U-13) in 2005. We proudly display their NSA team photo on our wall. There is no words to express our deepest sympathy in your loss. Because of her generosity, Emily's spirit will live on forever!
May God bless you and your family during this time of mourning.
Our prayers and condolences,
The Quejada and Rush families from San Francisco, CA
My poem I wrote for Emily:
The bright smile on her face,
Her long, brown hair,
She lights up the place,
No one could ever take her place,
With her everlasting grace.
The sparkle in her eyes could take the place of the sun,
covering every inch of the world in pure light,
Our journey together has just begun,
We all must come together as one.
O, what a lovely girl,
The life she lived,
The lives she touched,
The friends who adored her,
The memories they share.
Just as much of an angel on earth as she is in heaven,
A girl impossible to forget,
She is a shining star,
We may see from afar.
To her friends we see,
Little fairies in a tree,
A soccer ball,
Six little girls standing eight feet tall.
Her strength she gave to those around her,
Her friends she loved,
Her sport she cherished,
Our memories of her will never perish.
She will be forever in our hearts,
Although we may be worlds apart,
She is still watching over us,
Watching over her friends and family,
Our dear friend, Emily.
Sheryl, Hanna, DJ,
I am so incredibly saddened by what happened to Emily... and for the loss that all of you must be feeling. From my own perspective, I can say with certainty that Emily was an inspirational soul who made an impact on my life, even after only spending a few short visits with her over the years. She had a spirit about her that was infectious and it stuck with me. I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have met her. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that she is not suffering and is at peace. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and my prayers each day.
With all my love, Lisa (Mandis) Guimond
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Emily's Poem
There are times,
When we Feel sad.
There are times,
When we are happy.
In these times,
Whichever we are,
We will remember the smiles,
of those gone away.
Forget those smile,
Never at at all,
Remember them always,
Until you are called.
Called to leave,
To be with them.
Don't Forget the smiles of those,
Who cared for you when you were sad.
But until that day,
that you are called,
Always remember,
One smile.
Remember the smile,
Of that one person,
Remember the Smile,
Of Emily Johnson.
Written by Chris Rhodes
For: Sheryl, D.J. and Hannah Johnson.
Groton, Mass Celebration of Life for Emily
Scott Martin's house
224 Wallace Hill Rd
Townsend, MA
Friday, November 21
7:30 PM
MartinComputing@Yahoo.com
Join us as we toast the wonderful life of a wonderful daughter of a wonderful friend
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