My niece, Emily, passed away this weekend. She was twelve years old, and in each of those years, she was dearly loved.
She also gave love joyfully and so freely that about a month ago, the Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital paid her a visit to issue a special proclamation, which read:
University Hospitals
Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
Official Proclamation
Whereas, Emily Lewis and her Family have been energetic and passionate supporters of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital;
Whereas, Emily Lewis has been an inspiration to us all;
Whereas, it is appropriate to celebrate Emily with an award named in her honor;
It is with great pleasure that we hereby announce the creation of the
Emily Lewis Youth in Philanthropy Award At Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
This award is to be given annually to a youth who demonstrates Emily’s awesome qualities of enthusiasm, spirit and zest for life in philanthropic support of Rainbow’s Children.
In witness whereof, this Proclamation is memorialized at Cleveland, Ohio this first day of July 2009.
Signed by Michael J Farrell President of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Kim Pesses President of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation.
Emily loved animals, reading, horseback riding, skiing, music, dance, school, going to camp, volunteering at church and having lots of friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Flying Horse Farms, 225 Green Meadows Drive South, Suite A, Lewis Center, Ohio, 43035 www.flyinghorsefarms.org
Oh, Sara, I'm sorry. Comfort is hard to find at these times; I hope you and your family find some in each other. I'm saying a prayer for you and for Emily. She was an inspiration even from a distance.
ReplyDeleteSending thoughts & prayers to your family today, Sara. I've loved your posts about Emily and have admired her spirit since I "met" her here on your blog. I'm glad it will live on so beautifully with the new award.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Sara. I'm sending prayers for peace and comfort to all those whose lives were touched by Emily. And gentle hugs, lots of them, especially for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry that the amazing Emily has left this world. I have a box in my office with a number of horse books ready to go to Flying Horse Farms. Because of Emily and her wonderful spirit, they will continue to be high on my list of places to give.
ReplyDeleteI will be sending many prayers skyward today and in the days to come.
The end of the fight is hardest to face for those of us on the outside. My Uncle Wil went into hospice this weekend, so I am standing upslope from you on the same hill, having been inspired and lent strength by both of you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeletePrayers ascending for you and your family.
Will be holding you and your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss, Sara. The award is a wonderful tribute to an amazing, beautiful girl. Thank you for sharing her with us here. Love, prayers, and hugs, to you and your family. ♥
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Emily was a tremendous spirit who touched many in her twelve years and that her life was a gift to everyone who knew her. I am so sad to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteEmily sounds like such a gift. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and am keeping you and yours in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSara,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear about the death of your beloved niece. Emily must have been an amazing young girl--with a bright smile and a big heart. I can't imagine any pain worse than losing one's child. Please send my condolences along to Emily's parents. Emily and your family will be in my thoughts.
Oh, Sara, I'm so sorry. The award proclamation is really beautiful, though. And clearly quite fitting. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing legacy, Sara. I am so sorry for your family's tremendous loss and I'm holding you in my heart...
ReplyDeleteSara, I'm so sorry about your niece. Your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSara, I'm so sorry. I just read this. Your family will also be in my thoughts and prayers. May grace and strength and courage lift you all up during this time.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sara. I am so sorry to hear this news. I wish you and your family all the best during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSara, I'm really sorry for your loss. Your niece sounds like she had fantastic spirit.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read this, Sara. I am grateful to you and to Emily for giving my family a chance to help build the Flying Horse library. Love to you and yours ...
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your prayers and heartfelt hugs. I'm grateful for each of you.
ReplyDeleteOh Sara, I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news. Your love for you niece and her joyful spirit shined through your writing here. I know you are devastated. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSara, words, even poetry, fail at the moment. I'm so sorry for the loss of the wonderful Emily.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Sara. Thinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSara,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. She obviously was a great blessing and inspiration to everyone who knew her. For that I am sure you are proud. But I am sure that can make the loss even more strong. Thinking of you.
Renee Lee
Oh, Sara. We've all been cheering Emily on through your posts and we will honor her beautiful and strong spirit through what she loved.
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your family much comfort, hope and love during this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara, I am so sorry for your loss. What an amzing spirit your niece had. We should all take lessons in her giving nature. Prayers of love and healing to you and your family.
ReplyDelete