Thank you, Emma, for the great privilege of 23 years together. I know you are still here among us. Thank you for reminding us that the present is precious and that we should make the most of it by loving fully and generously. 

Ever since I’ve known Emma, I’ve seen her share her energy and love with all those lucky enough to have known her. She has always maintained an unwavering devotion to sharing her energy and love with friends, colleagues, family, and basically anyone willing to stop & chat. 

Together, seven years ago, we began our first fight against cancer. That first year, I watched Emma endure horrendous bouts of pain during chemo, but despite the pain, she refused to let it diminish her light. When her hair began to fall out, she was the first to suggest shaving it off. If there was a joke to be made about her shaved head, yep, she’d be the first one to make it, and boy, she had a dark sense of humour.  

Despite those dark times, she continued to amaze me with her willingness to help others despite her own battles and with little thought for herself. When the cancer recurred last year and was terminal, she fought not for herself but for her girls. They were and are the world to her.

I once read that when we leave this world, our material goods, roles, titles, and profits no longer matter. And all that counts is that we loved and were loved in return. I sincerely believe that when we leave this life, our soul takes this love with it. And that, I have some peace in knowing her soul will carry with it eternal love.

Spread your wings and fly proudly. You have earned it!