Because of Emily
A Grief Blog Centered Around Stories of Love and Loss
Sharing Emily, One Story at a Time
Welcome to Because of Emily, a grief blog where love and loss intertwine. Here, I share stories of my love, Emily—her life, her legacy, and how she inspires me even after her death.
Emily had big dreams for the future, dreams to make the world a better place. While she only completed a small number of these goals, I believe that sharing my grief journey with others can help her continue to change the world, even in death.
I hope that sharing my story helps others recognize the complexities of grief and embrace life wholeheartedly, just the way Emily did.
"Live a Wholehearted Life"
These were the words Emily lived by from the moment she received a life-changing heart transplant on December 23, 2017 until she died almost five years later. She felt a profound calling to make the most of her life and maintain her donor’s legacy. Now, I am doing the same, keeping both Emily (and her donor) alive through the stories I share and the actions I take to make this world a better place.
Recent Reflections
Because We Drank Milkshakes
As I was driving home tonight after enjoying dinner with two of my best friends, I had this overwhelming craving for a milkshake. This happens frequently because, honestly, I haven't met a form of ice cream I don't love. But, what doesn't happen as often is the...
Because She Overcame The Odds
"I'm proud of you." Those words have been playing in my head on repeat since Tuesday night. It's such a simple statement, yet it conveys so much. It's a sentiment that I never dreamed anyone would say to me, especially during this season of my life when I am barely...
Because She Didn’t Care About Sports
I have done a lot of things to cope with pain, loneliness, and grief over the past year. However, I think the strangest one by far has been my newfound enjoyment of sports. I spent a fair amount of time watching college football last fall, then did a March Madness...
Because We Learned Guided Meditations
I spent last weekend in Knoxville with Emily's parents. On Saturday, her mom was going to the monthly meeting of the bereaved mother's group she found, and I tagged along. They had a guest speaker, a social worker sharing tips for "surviving the holidays." A lot of it...
Because Knowing Her Was A Blessing
In the United Methodist Church, the first Sunday in November is All Saints Sunday. It's a day for the church to honor and remember those who have passed before us. More specifically, each church honors those who have died in the past year during the worship service,...
Because She Hated Teeth
The kids and I had dentist appointments this afternoon. As we waited for the hygienist to call one of us back, Meredith started talking about how much they like the dentist. Of course, I started laughing because I knew that if Emily has the ability to listen in on...