Until we meet again

Just about a month ago my friend Emily, who battled cancer for two years, passed away. If you have not read her blog, I encourage you to take a look. It is still hard to believe and incredibly sad. You see, Emily was an amazing person, full of vitality, wit and grace - and now gone before reaching her 31st birthday.

I am so blessed to have been able to fly out to St. Louis with a handful of gals to visit Emily in January. We had a lot of fun in just a quick weekend getaway. I wished at the time that we'd be able to do it again and that Emily would triumph over the cancer. Even though things did not look so great I thought "It is Emily - of course she will kick this thing in the pants."

John and I were fortunate to be able to fly out to Minnesota to attend the services. Emily's family put together a beautiful display of flowers, pictures, albums and accomplishments. It was a wonderful service...although I still find everything to be surreal.

Emily, I am blessed to have known you and will reflect on fond memories of you. While this is not the conclusion I had hoped and prayed for, I know that you are no longer suffering and have found a new home in heaven. Until we meet again, my friend...

from left to right: Carrie, Emily, Jaime & Rosa (2007)