JALYNN EMON

JALYNN EMON May 21, 1999 to February 28, 2009 How do we put our thoughts to paper when our minds are still numb from the loss of an extraordinary life - our precious Jalynn - from a brain stem tumour. We are different people now. Our once happy and loving family now must continue on and find a way to live without our darling, outgoing, appreciative and always smiling daughter and sister. A year has passed without being able to hold your soft hands, hug you and hear your sweet voice and infectious giggle. Oh, how we miss your little love notes we'd find throughout the house. You had so much love to give! Wherever you were, whether it was in school, at church or in a store, you'd share a kind word and your radiant smile with all you met, from young to old. Even during your illness, as you were declining physically, you still would tell us "I'm happy." You were truly an inspiration to us - so courageous and brave. You waited patiently for God to answer your prayers. You said "He must be busy with others right now." How does a 9 year old live each day knowing deep down, without a miracle, she was going to die? How does a parent respond to their daughters question of "Why isn't God answering my prayers?" which she asked towards the end. Throughout your illness, Jalynn, you showed courage, grace, dignity and wisdom. Shortly before you passed, you let us know that we were all going to be okay. You spoke those final words that will be forever etched in our minds and hearts. "I know why I have to die now. I have done everything that I needed to do." You somehow were graced with the knowledge and realization of your soul's true purpose in your short life here on earth. Even with our loss of Jalynn, we are still forever grateful to so many incredible people here in Windsor and throughout the world that prayed for our family and carried us throughout our struggle. You were so concerned and wanted to help us. Each of you brought comfort to our hearts. Every hug, every caring word, every kind gesture has enabled us to carry on. We really were overwhelmed by your outpouring of support and for this we are truly humbled and deeply thankful to each of you. We offer a heartfelt thank you to: Dr. Mara Bilibajkich and Dee-Dee George - you were both so understanding and every request was taken care of efficiently; Dr. Jay Rampure and the MRI Dept. at WR Hospital - so caring and compassionate, a gift to your patients; the Medical Laboratories of Windsor for the numerous weekly tests; Todd Hunt from Therapist's Choice Medical for the wheelchair for Jalynn so that she could still get out and live life; The Trophy Boys for designing and donating the Jalynn Emon Memorial Award plaque; the London Ronald McDonald House - a peaceful place we called home for 7 weeks - our sincere thanks to the amazing staff and volunteers; Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski in Texas for giving us hope and with your treatment, opposed to Canada's, Jalynn's headaches eased and she was able to enjoy food once again without having to endure the ravages of high doses of steroids; the entire staff and students of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School - especially Mrs. Rita Pallisco for delicately and with a loving heart keeping Jalynn close in spirit to OLMC even though she could not attend school; Mr. Bob Ferrarini and his wife Silvia for treating Jalynn like a princess and showering her with your love and numerous gifts; Mrs. Emily Girard for making Jalynn feel a part of the Grade 4 class and for organizing the many cards from the students that we will forever cherish; the OLMC school community for keeping Jared embraced in understanding and compassion; to the 5 Grade 7 girls who led the donation drive for the Humane Society in keeping with Jalynn's love for animals; the staff and students at Holy Names High School for showing much empathy and concern to Brennan and for raising a very generous amount of money which is being used for the yearly Jalynn Emon Memorial Award; the OLMC church community - especially Fr. Mike Parent, Fr. Les Horwath, Jerry Leroux and all the parishioners for their constant prayers; our friends near and far for their countless Masses, Holy Water, Holy Oil, candles, rosaries, medals, angel statues and pins, necklaces, bracelets, blankets, cards, fruit baskets, delicious food, gift certificates, money, books, crafts, toys and many acts of kindness to our family; the OLMC school choir, altar servers and readers for helping make the funeral Mass truly meaningful; the Neves family: Margaret for organizing the funeral Mass as well as playing and singing from your heart so beautifully and for writing the special song "Small Packages" for Jalynn; Abigail for having the courage to sing during the funeral Mass - you sang with a voice of an angel - we know Jalynn was smiling and singing along; Cody for lighting numerous candles at church and Victor for your grass cutting and snow shovelling so that Dave could spend more time with Jalynn; the 4th Degree K of C Honour Guard along with the students for the touching tribute during the final procession; the pallbearers - you each played a special part in her short 9 years with us; Denis Marentette of DDM Video for knowing how much we will cherish your gift of the funeral video; Brian and Mary-Lynn Parent at Families First and your exceptional team, especially Kirsten van den Steene - you respectfully and gently guided us through the funeral arrangements and made them an incredible reflection of Jalynn's life; the entire Heavenly Rest staff - especially Christine Lecours - your patience, understanding and love enabled us to prepare a beautiful and peaceful resting place for Jalynn; the Dobson family - thank you for sharing your wonderful daughter Lauren, Jalynn's best friend, with us - you are like family to us and we will always share a special bond and to Leo DeLuca at Koolini's - Jalynn's favourite restaurant - you have an incredibly warm and generous heart and we thank you for giving our entire family an exquisite 10th birthday dinner in honour of Jalynn. Our family would also like to thank everyone for the gorgeous floral tributes that so beautifully decorated the funeral home as well as all those who donated to charities on Jalynn's behalf - you were extremely generous. To those of you who we may have forgotten to thank, please know we offer you our deepest gratitude. To Anita Imperioli and the remarkable team of volunteers from In Honour Of The Ones We Love- our utmost appreciation for not only organizing an incredible tribute to Jalynn, but for the numerous years of countless volunteer hours and dedication to helping families who are battling cancer. You are a rare gem and your work is appreciated more than you will ever know. To think this all started with the love two parents have for their child- Michael must be so proud! To our friends - we are grateful to each of you for always being there for us. You have lifted us when we were down, listened to our grieving hearts, wrapped your arms around us with love and continue to comfort us as we struggle with our loss. Finally, and most importantly, to our family - all of you have shared in our emotional pain and anguish. From the day Jalynn was diagnosed, you have been a constant source of support in so many ways. We will never be able to fully express our appreciation for everything that you did for us. The closeness and tremendous love in our family gave us the strength and courage to face each day during her illness and this love enables us to continue on despite our extraordinary loss. Jalynn, you are always with us and your spirit, your loving ways and your beautiful smile will continue to surround us and support us as we journey on. With love to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, Brennan, Jared and Elvis XOXOXOXOXO