Lay to rest Emily Harris

On Friday, just 3 days after her 32nd birthday, Emily lost her life to a battle of liver and kidney failure at St. Vincent's East Hospital. Most people would tell you that she was as sweet as cherry pie and that she wouldn't hurt a fly. Although that's true, she would also call you on your bullshit and tell you exactly what was on her mind. If you ask me, I'm going to tell you she's a little firecracker packed with sass and a can of whoop ass! Emily had a beautiful soul and if she loved you, then she loved you with everything she had. At the very tender age of 18 Emily joined the Army National Guard and served over 8 years as an American Soldier. She was loyal to America and the Army and when I say she was proud to be an American Soldier, I mean it. She was the youngest female in her platoon and the only female that came out with rank.

Emily got to travel the world while in the military and for a period afterward. That was her dream and she got to live it. Not many people are lucky enough to say that. But she had many more places to go and trips with her mom and nieces, that unfortunately, won't get the chance to make those memories with her now.

Emily was taken away from us too soon. It wasn't planned. It wasn't even a thought. We believed that this couldn't happen to someone so close to us. It's unfair. We’re angry. We’re confused. And we aren't prepared.

Unfortunately, Emily didn't have life insurance. Like most of us right now, funds are tight and she didn't have any savings. Her family desperately want to give her the proper memorial that she deserves. Even with the military assistance, we're looking at $10,000+. I know that Emily touched a lot of lives over the years. I know in my heart that if each of you can donate something, big or small, we can come up with enough funds to do just that.

If you aren’t able to donate, a simple prayer, thought or good juju our way is ever so appreciated as well.