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Good-bye Emma Grace…
Heather George was one of our early blogging BFFs, and her precious Emma Grace was my son Jackson’s first blogging friend.
Although none of us ever met in person, it was before the days of blogging junkets and conferences, we were tied together by emails, phone calls, blog posts and prayers.
Heather started our first sister site, Faith Lifts, which eventually became 5 Minutes for Faith. She also was our go-to designer, designing our very first Ultimate Blog Party banner. (In fact, I phoned Heather minutes after I had the idea of creating the UBP — telling her my plans even before I was able to get a hold of Susan!)
But, four years ago, as if the trials their family had faced with their precious Emma’s terminal Mitochondrial Myopathy weren’t enough, Heather found out she had a cancerous brain tumor.
We were all devastated and in shock. How could this happen to their family — hadn’t they suffered enough?!?
Heather endured brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, while her incredible husband and family rallied to look after her and her three children.
Just as her daughter Emma fought, surviving a heart transplant at 4 months old and living for years that doctors didn’t think she had in her with terminal Mitochondrial Myopathy, Heather beat cancer, even her latest MRI coming back clear.
But, Emma’s body could only hold out for so long.
After more than nine years of medical interventions and miracles, Heather and her family said good-bye to their angel Emma Grace, at 7:15pm on Good Friday.
“Emma passed away on Good Friday 2011.
She died of Congestive Heart Failure, truly a broken heart. The decision was made to turn off the machines after 7+ weeks in ICU. I cannot describe the roller coaster that our family has been thru, and continues to go thru. I can however describe the unfailing love of our Savior, and the unconditional support of our family. Despite our heartache and hardships, we have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams.
There are still days that I am angry, hurt and wave my fists at God. But I also have come to realize that none of us are promised a tomorrow, and today is way to precious too waste on frivolous emotions. I look at my daughters life, and I see the epidemy of Gods Love…..
and that gets me thru each day.” — Heather George, EspeciallyHeather.com
Susan and I are aching for Heather and her family. Sometimes this world just hurts too much, the agony is just too much to bear.
But we know that Heather and her family have incredible faith and strength, living in the power and redemption of Christ. They are desperate to hold their angel again, but they are comforted that she is healed, whole and with Jesus.
We love you Heather. We miss you Emma Grace.
Please send Heather and her family your love, thoughts and prayers. You can find her at EspeciallyHeather.com.
Written by Janice Croze, Mom Blogger and 5 Minutes For Mom Co-Founder
Angela Johnson says
That story really touched my heart. I pray for the family.
Tammy and Parker says
We, too, love Heather and her family. The world is a much sadder place without the beauty of Emma Grace.
Eve says
Although I am a stranger, this story touched me and made me feel like family. As a parent my heart aches for the loss and tragedies this family has endured. My prayers are with you and may you find the strength to cope with your loss….so sorry and saddened but glad to have had the chance to read and know of a beautiful family….Emma, bless you Angel.
Terra Heck says
I never knew this family, but my heart breaks for them. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like Heaven is blessed by an angel.
shelly says
I am so sorry to hear about your friend and her daughter. There aren’t enough words.
Pam says
I am so sorry the only thing I can offer are prayers and a snippet of a song by Bernadette Ferrel.
Yep, I am a singing blogging mommy and I am crying right now so ignore the parts that don’t make sense.
God Beyond Our Dreams You have shaken with our laughter you have trembled in our tears
All around us we have known you all creation lives to hold you in our living and our dying we are bringing you to birth.
Each moment we remember a young person who has left to be with the holy Father we are reminded that they were gifts for us to treasure and nurture here on earth. I wish I could have met her. I would have sang to her. Love to all the family,
momma aka Pam List the momma of Johnny 3 and Chris List and one little angel up in heaven.
Barbara Manatee says
What a beautiful Angel. My heart goes out to her family.
Pamela says
Losing a child is devistating. I do know God will see them through — not over, but through. I’d like to shield them from the pain. Such a beautiful child.
Kimberly says
Beautiful girl. What a horrific loss. I cannot imagine their pain. There are no words. God be with them…
Lolli says
This is so heartbreaking!
CoconutPalmDesigns says
My thoughts and prayers are with Heather and her family. may Emma Grace rest peacefully in the arms of her Father. God bless!
– CoconutPalmDesigns
Sherry Richert Belul says
Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful family. Sending love.
Dar says
Just breaks my heart! God bless this family! Thanks for sharing such a touching story.
Nolie says
Beautiful post. My thoughts and love are sent to Heather and her family.
Annie says
Beautiful post! I am praying for this family, but I can see that he is already carrying Heather close to his heart through this time of darkness.
Elisabeth says
I had not heard this. Thank you for posting. They have been through so very much and I’ve been amazed at Heathers fortitude. May God be with them.
Stephanie Baker says
My prayers are with the family and friends of beautiful Emma Grace. It is hard to lose anybody, but my heart especially breaks over the loss of anybody’s baby.
Lindsay says
It’s always so heartbreaking to see a young life lost. I can’t imagine the pain that a mother must endure at losing a child. May God bless and keep her.
ICStarzz says
So sad 🙁
A mother should never know what it’s like to lose a child. I’ll be praying for their family.
-Samantha
Kathi Lake says
Although there is little comfort in the phrase, “Our loss is Heaven’s gain” it is true. My prayers and thoughts are with The George family at this time.
Rachel says
How devastating. Their family will be in our prayers. We’re now 2 years past the death of our son and there were days where I know that the only thing pulling me through were the prayers that were being said on our behalf.
Jodi says
Okay yep bawling my eyes out. No mom should ever have to say goodbye to her children, such an amazing and powerful story. I will definitely head over to her site to give her my thoughts and prayers and love. Thanks for sharing this story with us. God Bless!
Barbie says
My heart is breaking for Heather. I have followed her journey with Emma Grace for a while. I will continue to pray for Heather and her family.
Sydney says
Poor baby. 🙂 That’s so SAD. That’s just not right. Only 9 years old! I’m crying, too. Praying for Heather and family. 🙂
Beautiful post, though, Janice!
pamelaG says
i’m crying right now. i am at a loss for words.. i will most certainly keep heather and her family in my prayers. what a beautiful little girl.. i’m so sorry :'( love, light, compassion, strength, and peace to everyone, always. xx
Michelle says
We are so saddened at their loss..{{hugs}} and prayers to the family
Amy M says
Beautiful post. My heart hurts for heather and her family, too. I cannot imagine the sorrow they’re feeling. I’m praying they all feel some peace very soon. :(. Xoxo