“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa
My sister Emily believed in the power of love and kindness. She was the kind of person who made you feel seen, heard, and valued in ways that left a lasting impact. Growing up, I didn’t always understand her innate ability to care so deeply for everyone around her. But over time, as I witnessed her unwavering dedication to family, friends, and even strangers, I realized it wasn’t just a skill—it was her gift to the world.
Emily had a determination that was unmatched, even as a child. While I was content to take life as it came, Emily had plans—big plans. She wasn’t the kind of person to wait for things to happen. Whether it was organizing our childhood “neighborhood club” or deciding at age 10 that she was going to become a nurse, Emily always moved with purpose. She believed in setting goals and working tirelessly to achieve them, and she inspired everyone around her to aim higher.
Her compassion extended beyond the family. As a nurse, Emily touched countless lives, offering not just care but hope. She had a way of making even the most anxious patients feel at ease, as if she were saying, “You’re not alone. I’m here with you.” Her colleagues often joked that Emily had a sixth sense for knowing when someone needed her most, whether it was a patient in distress or a co-worker having a rough day.
Despite her professional success, Emily never let her career overshadow her role as a sister, a friend, and later, as a mother. She somehow found the balance between late-night shifts at the hospital and being there for every school play, birthday party, and family gathering. She didn’t just show up—she brought joy, warmth, and an endless supply of baked goods that somehow always tasted better because they were made by her.
Emily’s heart grew even bigger when she became an aunt. She had an incredible ability to connect with children, to make them feel like the most important person in the room. Watching her with my kids, I often thought about how lucky they were to have someone like her in their lives—a role model who showed them that kindness is a strength, not a weakness, and that love is something you give freely and without expectation.
When Emily was diagnosed with her illness, it felt like the world had turned upside down. But she faced it with the same courage and grace that defined her life. Even in the hardest moments, she found ways to care for others. I remember one day, sitting by her side as she received treatment, and she turned to me and said, “This isn’t about me. It’s about how we show up for each other.” That was Emily—always thinking of others, always finding ways to turn pain into purpose.
Though Emily is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. She taught us to believe in the power of small acts of kindness, to face life’s challenges with grace, and to never underestimate the impact of a compassionate heart.
Emily, you were more than a sister—you were a light in our lives. You showed us the beauty of selflessness, the strength of love, and the courage to live life fully. You’ll always be in our hearts, inspiring us to carry your kindness forward.
Godspeed, Emily—may you find peace and joy in your next journey, just as you brought so much of both to us.
“Earth to earth and dust to dust, Calmly now the words we say, Left behind, we wait in trust For the resurrection day. Father, in thy gracious keeping, Leave we now thy servant sleeping.” -John Ellerton
