Em, I don’t even know where to begin.

We met on the first day of fourth grade. It was my first year at a new school and was assigned a seat directly across from you. I was nervous, but you looked at me with your sweet eyes and warm smile and said, “Hi I’m Emily, do you want to be best friends?” And the rest is history.

My favorite memories are when we would have sleepovers at your house. Home of the best snacks in history, accompanied with the most amazing movie selections. As Dave put it, a live in Blockbuster. We would stay up all night watching movies, laughing – so much laughing. You were like the sister I never had. You made me feel at home always. And you without a doubt gave the best hugs ever. 

Our connection was special. We’ve experienced so many different chapters of life together. From discovering we both had to start wearing training bras in fourth grade to visiting each other in college, to meeting my daughter. Things always changed, but they always stayed the same. We could go any length of time without talking, but the minute we get on the phone it’s like were those same little girls.

I feel so honored to have known you and had your friendship all these years. We went through a lot but there was never a doubt how much we loved and cared for one another. I would not be the woman I am today without you. You pushed me to be the best version of myself. You had faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself.

Thank you for being my best friend and always being there for me. Always making me laugh and smile. My love for you is eternal and I will miss you every day. Rest peacefully my beautiful angel Em. 

Em, from preschool through elementary school I don’t think I have a single memory that doesn’t have you in it. On so many occasions we would laugh until we cried about something so silly cause you somehow found a way to make everything funny! You were truly the kindest friend and most loving person this world has ever known. You will be missed so very much! Heaven is lucky to have an angel as wonderful as you up there. 

Sending my love and prayers to you and your family! 

My heart is breaking for the Griffin family. I had the pleasure of working with Emily at Cadence. She was nothing short of a positive light. The children adored her. She had the most gentle touch, infectious laugh and was a beacon of support. 

Thank you for the laughs Em. I’m so thankful our souls met. 

I first met Emily in kindergarten, we were on the same bus stop throughout the years since we lived close to each other. Every day we pulled up to her house Emily would be waiting at the end of the driveway with a smile on her face. She’d be surrounded by dogs. Her little brother Liam always seemed to be there too, she loved him so much. I remember messaging her recently being shocked that Liam is now a full grown man, made us both feel old.

We were going back and forth on instagram a couple of years ago and throughout the course of the conversation she reminded me that I was her first crush. little did she, or I, know at the time I was not interested in women whatsoever. We got a good laugh out of that. 

And that was just it. Times with Emily were filled with laughs and smiles. Her energy was infectious. She had an incredible spirit, one that will live on in her family and friends forever. Love you always, Em 💕

My deepest condolences to Emily's family and friends. As Emily's teacher at RHS, she made a huge impact on me. She was the light in the room. I had the pleasure of writing a letter of recommendation for Emily. This is a paragraph from that letter.

"The first thing your university should know about Emily is the depth of her soul! Emily comes from a large family. Because of this, she possesses the quiet confidence of a person who knows she is loved. She also demonstrates care and love to others. Emily is truly a good person. Emily works hard in her classes, smiles at everyone she meets, and is optimistic about the future. In the high school world of dramatic girls, Emily stays out of the gossip and drama. She instead focuses on the positives of other people. As a member of the college community, Emily will be the person who will talk with lunch staff, smile at the custodian cleaning the bathroom, and meet with her dean. She will truly make your campus a better place just by her grace." -Lori Peck