Dragonfly Wings for Emmalee

The cancer was taking its toll on her frail body. Smiling proved difficult on that warm August morning as she posed with our family for what were to be our last photographs taken together. Suddenly, a dragonfly appeared and hovered directly above her head as she sat perched in a swing. She giggled. “I can feel the wind of its wings on my head. It tickles.” A tiny dragonfly lifted her spirits that day.

Emmalee’s life and death moved people to action. Her school raised a state record of $6,243.47 in her name for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A woman came to me during a Make-a-Wish volunteer training and revealed to me, “The only reason I am here today is because I read her obituary in the paper. I don’t know you or Emmalee, but reading about her made me want to volunteer.”

People across the country were amazed when they heard about her courage, wisdom and faith in God. A boy from Australia was so touched by Emmalee that he made several videos about her and started volunteering at his local children’s hospital.

Her story will strengthen, teach and inspire.