I remember today as clear as yesterday 23 years ago. Unlike
most 7-year old girls my age, instead of going to my first grade Christmas class
party, I stayed home to witness one of the most amazing moments in my life. I
waited outside my parents’ bedroom nervously as my sister was in the throes of
coming into this brand new world. Finally, I heard a baby cry and the door was
opened. The room was bright and I saw her as the midwife began to clean her
off. Everything seemed so right, the midwife asked if I would like to cut the
umbilical cord, and I jumped with joy to have such a cool task. When I finished
cutting the cord, the midwife finished cleaning her off and I hopped into the
bed beside my mum. As my sister Emalee was brought beside us, my mum said, “Would
you like to hold her first?”
That was when it happened, I finally met my youngest sister
and even had the opportunity to hold her first. I think that was the moment I
knew without a doubt I wanted to be a mother one day. When my other siblings
were born I was too young to appreciate the beauty and magic of a little soul
coming into the world. Her hair was so soft, a silky dark brown color, with
long teeny-tiny fingers. I was in disbelief. She was perfect, she way my
sister. I loved her so much, I couldn’t believe how much I loved her and I had
just met Emalee Jane. Little did I know the impact she would continue to have
in my life and my family’s life.
About ten days later, something suddenly become a little
off. Emalee seemed slightly lethargic and though I did not understand it, she
was taken to the doctors and soon diagnosed with spinal meningitis. By the time
she was life-flighted to the Children’s UNM Hospital, the damage was done. Her brain
had sustained severe damage, rendering her from ever walking, talking, or
having the development beyond a 3-6 month old baby. The doctors told my parents
that she was not going to make it and had maybe 3-4 days left to survive. Mum
and dad decided to bring her home to our family so that we could say our good
byes as she slipped away. Once home, family and friends were invited to pray
over Emalee and bless her. Now I know I tell this story often but it was a
miracle. As my father and members of the church were blessing Emmy, I of course
opened my eyes curious about the whole scene before. Our house was full of
people, everywhere from the dining room and down the stairs. It was crazy to
see how many people had come to support our family. And then Emalee opened her
eyes (she was limp and lifeless at the time). When the prayer was done, I went
to tell my mum who said with a sad voice ”Honey, I think you are seeing things”.
But sure enough, Emalee opened her eyes again! By God’s power, and our faith,
Emalee was able to defy all odds and survived to greatly influence us all.
Ever since she passed away to meet our Father in Heaven, her
birthday has been a reminder of what I had and am able to cherish and remember.
She was my little baby, I was so proud of her and even thought the idea of
having a little sister stay tiny for a long time was cool too (until we had to
start lugging her fat body everywhere, lol, just kidding Emmy, but seriously
you made me stronger both literally and metaphorically). I miss her laughter
and smiles. I miss singing to her and holding her. But most of all I am happy
that she is in Heaven. I wish she could have met my son, or soon to be
daughter, yet that was not in the plan. It will be up to me to teach my
children about their Aunty Emmy, who was my perfect “twisted sister”. Love you
with all my heart.
