A Tribute to Emily

Emily Carole Harrison
4/19/1977 - 9/29/2001

Emily, the youngest daughter of my sister, Carole, suffered brain damage at 12 years of age as a result of a terrible accident. After spending 12 years recovering from these injuries, she suffered another tragic accident on September 12, 2001, which eventually ended her life.

The following poem was one of my earlier poems and can be found on page 175 of the book, My Sister, Emily. Emily's sister, Belinda Harrison Jockisch, wrote this book and it tells the story of Emily, a very special and remarkable young lady.

Emily

Though little in body
she was strong in mind,
ready to witness
to all mankind.

She had a zest for living
those who knew her admired,
an inquisitive spirit
that never tired.

Her smile could light up
any gloomy affair.
She wasn’t beyond
accepting a dare.

She never cursed,
a true lady was she.
“Yes Ma’am,” she spoke
with complete sincerity.

Although Emily’s life might
be thought short by some,
the number of lives she touched
is really quite awesome.

I’ll always believe
that Emily was sent from above
with a special job
and the gift of love.

Her Lord called her home,
so now we are sad.
We miss that special smile
that Emily had.

But don’t you cry
or shed your tears,
rejoice that we had her
for twenty-four years!

Now she is up
in heaven above
watching over us
with her gift of love.