Keeping Faith, Making New Memories ❤️‍🩹

A picture from December 2024 of Emily’s parents and her niece, Maddie.

Here we are. It’s been over a year since Emily’s passing and we continue to miss her. Life has gone on as her nephew, Jude, was born, then her nieces Hailey and Maddie turned 2 and 3-years old so the celebrations didn’t slow down. They are happy and healthy as you can see.  We believe that Emily is with us as we make these new memories, including spending Christmas in Denver.

Here is a throwback post to Maddie’s 1st birthday celebration to give you an idea of how much Emily loved being an Auntie.

We know that no one has control over the future but the Lord, but we encourage you to work with Him in faith and hope of new joyful memories to come while also thanking Him for the ones you already have.

As Emily wrote in her book (which you can purchase below):

“But don’t fear what might happen. We don’t know what God will ultimately ask of us. It might lead to us drawing back, afraid of the pain, afraid of the nails. Sometimes I’ve cowered before the mountain of what I thought God was asking me. But the only way to finish it is to take the first step - and that can be to open your hands and go where God is leading you, even if the path leads us through a place of pain. God might be bringing you to glory.”

Pick up a copy of Emily’s book, Living Memento Mori:
Amazon
Ave Marie Press
Seton Shrine

Celebrations and Sweet Memories

Baptism of Jude Family Photo

Jude’s Baptism

Emily’s nephew, Jude, was baptized on September 14,2024 and it was a joyous event as shown in the picture (above).  The family was so excited for this day and Jude’s big sister, Maddie, was so engaged (and busy) that it was hard to keep both her shoes on her feet!  While Emily’s earthly presence was deeply missed, we know that she had a much better perch from her heaven and are certain she enjoyed it.

A Dream Come True

It’s also been a year since Emily’s trip to Scotland. It was the last trip she got to take before going home to the Lord, but it was such precious time for her as she well documented in her blogs last year (starting September 15, 2023). It was a blessing that she was able to experience this much anticipated trip, which included all the things she loved (churches, art, royal castles and food) as she wrote about in blog entries like this, which included a visit to the National Shrine of St. Andrew.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Scotland then you might want to take a look back into Emily’s documentation of her adventures there last year to get some ideas. We also want to leave you with some restaurant recommendations Emily made that we hope you might visit and think of her while you’re enjoying your meal and scenery:

Howie’s Victoria Street

Ensign Ewart Pub on the Royal Mile

The Grand Cafe, Scotsman Hotel (afternoon tea and lunch)

Mowgli Edinburgh

Eteaket Tea Room

Cafe at the Palace (of Holyroodhouse)

Mimi’s Bakehouse (don’t take reservations but we popped in several times for drinks and snacks)

Ivy on the Square

Badger and Co.

The Scran and Scallie

Royal Deck Tearoom, Britannia (they don’t take reservations so if you want to eat there, head there first when you get on the yacht!)

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To wrap this post up, whether you’re in a season of celebration, adventure, uncertainty or earthly suffering we want to leave you with encouragement. As has seemingly been a theme this year following Emily’s passing, we hope that you take each day a moment at a time and thank the Lord for all His blessings. We never know the time we have left or what season of life we’re moving into, but we should depend on Him for our every given moment.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Isaiah 41:10