Emma and I grew up as inseparable best friends. She lived just around the corner from me, and from the moment we met, we became partners in everything. I still remember the summer we spent trying to build a treehouse in her backyard. Neither of us knew a thing about carpentry, and our “treehouse” was more of a leaning pile of wood than an actual structure. But that wasn’t what mattered—we spent hours laughing, planning, and dreaming about all the adventures we’d have together.
Emma was the kind of person who made life brighter just by being in it. She had a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary. She wasn’t just my friend; she was my confidante, my cheerleader, and my partner in crime. I’ll never forget the time in high school when I had completely bombed a test I’d studied so hard for. I was devastated, and Emma showed up at my house that evening with ice cream and a ridiculous plan to “cheer me up” by binge-watching bad reality TV. By the end of the night, I was laughing so hard that I’d almost forgotten why I was upset. That was Emma—always knowing just how to lift me up.
One of my favorite memories of Emma was from college. She had decided on a whim to audition for a musical, even though she couldn’t sing to save her life. She got up there, sang off-key, and still managed to charm the entire room with her energy and humor. She didn’t make the cast, but she became the star of that audition process. That’s who Emma was—fearless, funny, and full of life.
Emma was also the most loyal person I’ve ever known. No matter what, I knew I could count on her. When I went through a difficult breakup in my early twenties, she dropped everything to stay with me for a week. She was the first person I called when I got my first big job, and she was there, cheering the loudest, when I got married. Emma was my Maid of Honor, and true to form, her speech at my wedding left everyone laughing and crying in equal measure.
What will I remember most about Emma? Her infectious laugh, her unwavering belief in the good in people, and the way she could make even the hardest days feel manageable. What will I miss most? The simple joy of knowing that my best friend was just a call away, ready to celebrate my victories or weather my struggles by my side.
Emma’s passing was unexpected, but her life was nothing short of remarkable. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her kindness, humor, and love will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
If Emma were here today, she’d find a way to make us smile, even in our sadness. She’d tell a silly story or crack a joke, reminding us of the beauty in laughter, even in the face of grief. I’ll miss her every day, but I’m so grateful for the years of friendship and love we shared. Emma will forever hold a special place in my heart, and her memory will continue to light my life.
