Emilee's Soap

Emilee Russell.
She would have been seventeen years old today. Emilee was bitten by a tick on Memorial Day 10 years ago when she was just six years old. She died after becoming sick with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and being misdiagnosed by a local pediatrician. Our little town was rocked and heartbroken. Her mom a nurse, her dad a retired firefighter of 32 years, and a twin brother suffered a devasting loss. I remember the day of her service. The church was packed out the doors. Speakers were used so that those who were outside could hear the service. Police officers and firemen filled the church. It felt as if our entire town and beyond were there to wrap our arms around the family.

Emilee loved butterflies. Even today, when I see one, I think of her. Her mom has bought products from me every single year since I started my business in 2015. After her passing, her mom donated Emilee's clothes to my children's ministry, which served children who had been removed from their homes without anything except for the clothes on their backs. I remember sorting and giving out Emilee's clothes, many of which had butterflies on them. They were given to little girls the same age and size as Emilee. Their hollow, empty eyes would light up as I placed the clothes in their hands. A spark flickered inside of each little girl because they finally had something "new" to wear. It felt as if a piece of Emilee's shining light was injected into the soul of another little human. It was beautiful. I will never forget it.

Charlie, Beth, and Charlie Jr., at times it must feel like Emilee has been forgotten by the rest of the world; I want to let you know that she is not. Her light shines on in so many ways. She touched my life in ways I can't explain. I saw her in the eyes of other little girls wearing her butterfly clothing. I saw her when their faces lit up. And I still see her when I see a butterfly. Her light is shining brightly.

This is Emilee's Soap.

Everyone has an Emilee, someone taken far too soon.