Emily …

A few weeks ago I was talking about planning my baby sister’s baby shower…

Last week I attended her Memorial Service.

Warning … this post is all heart… low on great writing.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8277.jpg

Emily was the best baby sister. She was 13 years younger than me. When she arrived I had a twin brother and another younger brother so as you can imagine … I was pretty excited. She loved the beach and hanging out on the boat with everyone. Sure, as a teenager I was annoyed that I had to babysit for her. I was DEFINITELY jealous that she was the one who got new cute cowboy boots with fringe and all of the treats she wanted. But, I was her big sister and I freakin loved it.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is stiteler-kids-e1598710869623.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8200.jpg

I went away to College when she was going to Kindergarten, so, our relationship was different, but, special. We never shared clothes or school friends… but, we shared tons of fun times with our parents and later on … my family. We were both annoyed by our brothers. I mean … they are boys.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8203.jpg

Once I graduated College and started working, I loved visiting her at her school. I bought all kinds of dumb junk for her and her roommates. From hair-dye to extra hi-lighters…

I was a big TV personality .. haha…in a tiny TV town ( Buffalo ) so, I did feel so fancy spoiling her with anything the local Walmart could offer. I took her roommates to Applebee’s … we laughed in their dorm rooms. It was some of the best times we had. I was proud of her. She was proud of me. It was awesome.

Emily was always surrounded by friends ,so, a few years later I was really excited to hear that she had a new ‘best’ friend. She had found the love of her life, a guy named James. James (or Jamie) loved Emily and Emily LOVED James, They were a great match and the wedding planning went as smooth as it could be… ever plan a wedding? HA

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8198.jpg

However, this is when things started feeling different. What I didn’t know then is that she was sad. She was so happy and bubbly every time I saw her, but, there was a tiny bit of me that was wondering what was really going on. There was something missing behind those eyes that looked like mine. She made the same jokes as me,but, they were a bit off.

Bottom line, my amazing baby sister was depressed and at some point she started using drugs to try and manage her pain. I have never been embarrassed to say that I have family members dealing with mental illness. I am heartbroken I could not do more to help her. Did I text her enough? Did I call her enough? The answers have to be no – no – NO. When I saw her it was amazing. But, I have my own little crew to manage and a job and a life in a town where she did not live. The distance was there. The love was there too… was it not enough?

When she recently announced her pregnancy I was scared but hopeful. There were not a ton of people who thought I could be a great Mom when I shared that I was having a baby all those years ago. To the outside I was ‘obsessed’ with work. There was one person who believed in me. Emily knew I was going to be a great Mom and she was always happy to see my kids. I was ready to believe in her.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5005.jpg

Even though I was worried about her, I knew she had all the practice she needed. She was Zach’s Step Mom for almost a decade. Emily, Zach and James had all kinds of cool adventures along the way. Zach tolerated Emily’s insane love of the holidays. Halloween, St Patrick’s Day included… yes Christmas and the rest were special too.

I was excited to see what this new little person could add to the family. She was posting pictures with her signature phrase #getbusyliving. I was hoping this baby would really make a huge difference in her world. I was hoping this baby would save her.

The thing is … we will never get to meet that tiny soul. We lost Emily a few weeks ago and I have been flooded with every emotion you can imagine. I am still in shock.

It’s also a confusing time. My house is still filled with laughter… and smelly kids. My kids miss Aunt Emily but they live here in the Philly area with friends and fun all around them. James is living in a house that has to be so quiet. Emily was loud as hell. Emily was messy. Emily was so much like me. A piece of me is gone and that is weird and horrible all at once. It’s just unbelievable really.

Some words from her husband…

Long post but I have something to say. Many of you knew of Emily‘s struggles with addiction, anxiety and depression. Some didn’t. For awhile she suffered in silence because she was ashamed and embarrassed. When she started speaking up about her issues, I saw a tremendous positive change in her life. For some reason, mental illness and addiction continue to have a horrible stigma in this country. I can tell you with absolute certainty addiction IS A DISEASE. I have been to hours of therapy with my wife, seen brain scans, and lived with an addict for 10 years. She didn’t CHOOSE to be this way, but she fought and struggled every day.Yet for some reason we treat these issues like they are different than other diseases. A lot of people have reached out to me and asked what they could do for me. I have thought about it, and what you all could really do for me and Emily is help END THE STIGMA. If you are suffering from similar issues, please tell someone. You don’t have to go to some 90 day in patient tomorrow, but call a trusted friend or family member. Go to a meeting or go to therapy. Hell – call me if you don’t have anyone else. Several people already have. Take the first step.If you know someone who is struggling, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of them. Trust me – they are already ashamed. Support them. Encourage them to get help. Get them to talk about their issues. You never know, you may save someone’s life.

Encourage them to get help… that’s the part that got me when I read it. It’s time for all of us to speak up when we see something that is a ‘bit off’.

When I saw Emily when she was using drugs I was definitely nervous. I was worried that if I said something she would be furious. My Mom knew way too much and shared some of the story some of the time. Emily was always on my mind back then, and not in a good way. I was always terrified I would lose her. Emily was everyone’s favorite sister, favorite friend and yet no one was stepping up to help her.

Because I would talk about her with my friends, many people knew what was going on. Again, I never hid that I was worried. A co-worker who lost his sister actually encouraged me to speak up. So, after a family funeral a few years ago I did actually say to her, ” please give me the biggest hug in case I never get to hug you again” It made her VERY MAD. She could not believe people ‘knew’ she was using. Weeks later she entered a rehab facility. We were all so relieved.

She worked hard for months in a special place far from home and then called me when she was done. She seemed really happy that she put in the work to start feeling better. That’s the other thing about mental illness. Your brain is sick. So, many times it’s impossible to get better because your brain is a war with your heart. Emily had so much heart. She was desperate to be a Mom. I am so sad that I will never be an Aunt to her kiddos… I could go on and on but what you need to know is that Emily was someone you all would have loved. She deserved that love because she was so damn good at being awesome.

So, what’s next?

Like James said, it’s time to end the stigma related to mental illness and addiction. But, I also want you to do more. Hug your kids really hard. Stop complaining about homeschooling and the rest… Emily would love to be able to complain about that stuff. James would love to be able to bitch about his wife leaving her towel on the bathroom floor. For just one day be really authentically thankful.

Just one damn day…

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8194.jpg

There’s more – I am headed back to work tomorrow. I will be there with a smile on face and a sassiness in my step. Behind the smiles and fun I will be thinking of my precious sister.

Emily would want me to be happy. But, candidly, I feel guilty that happiness comes so easy for me. Sure, I have low days… we all do. But, when I am not feeling my happiest I am able to go for a walk or call a friend and BOOM I’m better. Emily and millions of people like her will never be lucky enough to have happiness come that easily. That’s so hard for me to explain to my kids.

Finally, I have been surrounded with love and friends in the days and weeks since I got the awful phone call. I want to thank everyone who listened, loved and hugged and poured me a glass of wine these past few weeks. I just wish I would have laughed hugged and listened to Emily a little bit more … I would give anything for another moment with her.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_8178.jpg

Published by JennFred

Mom. Wine Lover. Sarcastic as BEEP

82 thoughts on “Emily …

  1. I can’t express how sorry I am. Many go through life without knowing or experiencing the pain that comes with having an addict in your family. My biological mother was an addict to not only drugs but she was also abusing alcohol. Her addiction hurt so many people. Mostly my step-dad. She was the cause of his depression, and later his suicide. She was nothing like how you are describing your sister… I am not even going to pretend to know how you feel…but I can say you are not alone.

    Like

  2. I am dealing with a Bipolar daughter who is 19. Between this, the pandemic, working, being stuck at home and the job loss of my husband I am literally drowning. I’m trying to keep my daughter in college, handle her health and my own mental state is in a bad way. It’s way too hard to find mental health resources even with insurance. I’m scraping the bottom of a very deep, dry well. I feel I have nothing left to give any of them anymore. I’m so terribly sorry for the loss of your sister. I know your heart is broken and I can’t imagine how your parents are coping. Prayers to all of you as you deal with your grief. I hope you find comfort and support in each other. So many of us have no support system. ❤️

    Like

  3. Jenn I’m sorry for your loss I lost my only brother 7 months ago due to him taking his own life and not knowing why is the hardest thing to deal with he was going to be 50years old on August 11th prayers for you and your family are going to be said for you

    Like

  4. Jenn I’m sorry for your loss I lost my only brother 7 months ago due to him taking his own life and not knowing why is the hardest thing to deal with he was going to be 50years old on August 11th prayers for you and your family are going to be said for you

    Like

  5. My daughters lost there father to overdose in Jan 2017 and their older sister my step daughter who I help raise since 4, at the age of 22 to overdose dec 2018. I battled my own addictions almost od 3xs but by grace of God was saved and I am now sober almost 2 years. I also suffer from bipolar 1 and used alcohol and drugs to self medicate as well. The Stigma is what keeps a lot from getting help the shame the remorse they feel. But there is hope. Thank you so so much for telling about your beautiful sister. Addiction and mental disease does not discriminate. I cringe when I hear people calling the ones who suffer junkies or low life’s. It’s ignorant and they just are people not worth listening too. Addiction affects the entire family. My one daughter gets therapy after her fathers overdose bc she became depressed and suicidal over it. It didn’t help when I was battling my addiction as well. I love you on fox 29 and you are always beaming smiling you guys are my favorite morning show. So when I saw this was you and about your sister I balled my eyes out for you bc I know your pain but I also know your sisters pain and I am so sorry you have to deal with this pain. I hope your family is healing and once again thank you so much for sharing. I shared my lil story bc like you said we have to speak up and end the stigma.

    Like

  6. Losing a younger sibling has got to be the hardest for us older siblings . I too lost a brother may 2018. My heart will never be the same but I still have to live my life and stay strong for my daughter. Hugs to you and your family as you go through this heartache. And it’s ok if you have bad days !!! Let it out when you need to !!! Hugs and prayers to you and your family ♥️♥️🙏🏼🙏🏼

    Like

  7. Jenn, I am so sorry. Your post on Emily is beautiful. Thank you for bringing attention to addiction and mental illness. Love and prayers to you and your family. My heart aches for you. Your courage in sharing the story is so admirable. Wish I could reach out and give you a hug. Xoxo.

    Like

  8. Much love and the utmost respect at this most difficult time. Jenn, you and your family are in our prayers. 💛 ((sending hugs)).

    Like

  9. Very sorry about the loss of your younger sister. Your posting to your wordpress site is most excellent about Emily outlining the the grief, struggles, her additions, and absolute love.

    Like

  10. this was incredibly authentic, raw, & undeniably “real.” I truly admire your courage & genuine honesty, especially in an industry where image is paramount, & “truth” often overlooked. you rock Jenn! loyal AM viewers, Sunday & Teresa

    Like

  11. OMG, Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. My heart aches for and with you, keep those precious memories and talk to and about her ANYTIME. She’s right there with you and hears when you’re talking to her. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🍷🍷❤❤💋..GOD’S BLESSINGS!!!!

    Like

  12. Oh dear God Jenn I am so sorry. My grandson is in active addiction now and has overdosed and you just feel so helpless. I worry everyday and wish I could make it better. I worry everyday that I will get a knock at the door or a phone call to tell me he’s gone.

    Like

  13. My heart breaks for you and your family. I lost my brother and almost lost my son to addiction and suicide. I’ve asked myself those very same questions.

    Like

  14. I am so very sorry. It has been almost 6 years since we lost my brother. He was a year younger and we went to HS and then to PSU together. We were Godparents to each other’s first born sons. He was one of a kind just like Emily. I hope you can capture the happy memories when the tears seem relentless. I hope you can help end the stigma a little, too.

    Like

  15. Jenn, I can’t say “i am sorry” strongly enough. I lost my brother to mental illness a little over a year ago. He left “voluntarily” and I can only say that I am hopeful his suffering is truly over and wish that there were things we could have known, understood and done to help him. I thank you for using your personality and “status” to spread this to the world, that addiction and mental illness should be brought into the light and not stigmatized. So many people would possibly gain insight and maybe find a way to save themselves if that were the fact. I am sorry for the loss of your beautiful, lively, little sister. I hope your memories of her are a comfort and that you continue this fight for her and for all of our lost siblings, friends and loved ones.

    Like

  16. Hey its big joe we have met a couple times and I really enjoy your personality on your show. I have always followed you. Reading this kills me unfortunately I too have been through this many times being sober all these years I see it in family and friends and in my sober family all the time. Its so hard for me reading this. Best thing you can do is go out and help someone else in your sisters name. I have been sober 29 years and every time I lose someone to this drugs or mental illness 💔. Kills me but makes me stronger to know i don’t have to be alone. So I just go out and extend my hand to help someone else.

    Like

  17. My heart breaks for you and your family and James. My heart especially breaks for Emily. Addiction and mental health issues bring a despair that cannot be described. So very few are able to overcome it. Never for lack of trying. they try, oh how they try. Sometimes they see no way out. Some feel guilty for causing those they love so much pain. Some don’t realize the family would rather live with the pain just to have them any way they can. It is obvious your sister was loved by so many. Emily is finally at peace; you are left to pick up the pieces. You will get through this. you will never get over it, but you will get through it. God bless you all and give you strength. Love and hugs,

    Like

  18. Jen
    I’ve started this twice but the sadness in my heart for Emily’s family is so profound that my words are inadequate to express words of comfort. Her story will stay with me and I will find a way to carry the message that addiction is a disease and we need to address it with compassion

    Like

  19. Jenn please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I have had the pleasure to meet you on several locations at Fox 29! Depression is a serious matter, I have dealt with bouts of it from time to time but by God’s grace and mercy I have been able to pull through! I appreciate you for sharing Emily’s story and broadcasting your emotions for all to see. Your transparency may help another individual. I love you, stay strong and keep shining your light. My condolences to you and your family family 🙏❤️

    Like

  20. Jenn, my thought and prayers are with you and your family. Addiction is in my family. Two of my children are addicts so I know of the highs and lows. Know that your sister is no longer in pain addiction is a disease and a horrible one! I pray that all addicts find recovery. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference

    Like

  21. My girlfriend, so very sorry for your loss. Your sister had an amazing sister. Just be you and her spirit will be around you for the rest of your life. No looking back, just forward. I’m here for you whenever you need. Xo

    Like

  22. Jenn, so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Unless someone has dealt with this it is hard to comprehend.
    Prayers for all of you. 💕

    Like

  23. What a beautiful tribute. Your love for her radiates from it. Anyone who has addiction in their family can relate to the worry of waiting for that call. All of my love and hope to you and your family and to anyone suffering with addiction in their life.

    Like

  24. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost a very dear family friend two years ago to mental illness. I hope you can continue to find comfort in your happier times with your sister. Please check out @unlockethenlight to see what great things our dear friend’s family are doing to help ‘end the stigma’. You could help spread their story and shed light in mental illness.

    Like

  25. So very sorry unfortunately I’m living the addiction in a family life..im 58 raising my grandson because his mother is has an addiction.. I pray every single day for her to get help and that i dont get that dreaded phone call..

    Like

  26. So sorry for your loss Jenn. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy. Sending you hugs and wishing you peace and strength at this very difficult time.

    Like

  27. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you find some peace. I couldn’t help my husband beat his alcohol addiction and I was with him every day. Please don’t be too hard on yourself. Take care.

    Like

  28. I am truly sorry for you’re loss. I was and honestly well always be am addict I’ve not used in over 2 years it’s extremely hard honestly. I literally died from an overdose my heart shut down and my body gave up on me and even after all of that i was still do unhappy that it didn’t keep me from doing them all over again even after being out of the hospital for only a month.but fast forward about year and i found out i had a bundle on the way and i had no idea even being 5 months in and i quit just like that i felt such guiltiness the day she was born and watching her come early and go through rough nights cause of my addiction that i swore to her i could never do them again i would never let her down again, i will honestly tell you that my family and my dear sister were a huge part of where i have gotten to now. My daughter just turned 2 July 10th and she’s so crazy special to me and has the most amazing personality and i thank god everyday that i didn’t destroy her. But i did lose my mom to addiction about 6 months after she was born she got to see and hold my little girl one time and that is what’s the hardest on me knowing i couldn’t do anything to help her even when she saw everything i was going through and also knowing that i was so busy trying to save myself that i didn’t save her as well. I’m again so sorry for you’re Los and i do hope your brother in law is doing as well add he can be along with his son i hope you stay connected cause trust me both those will need you just as much as she did…. Please take care.

    Like

  29. Jenn, thank you for sharing your loss with us. It’s so hard to see a family member suffering and you get angry and you just don’t know what to do to help them. I lost my brother on Feb.14th 2006. 6 months before my wedding, I planned to walk with each of my brothers from the youngest to the oldest until I joined hands with my soon to be husband. My brother teased me that he was going to wear shorts. But I just couldn’t understand why he couldn’t stop the drug use not until he past and i spoke to his therapist and they explained how much pain he was in from an injury and his insurance wouldn’t pay for his medication so after almost 20 years of being sober he went back. I felt so guilty for not telling him how much I loved him. Jenn your an amazing person and I am so sorry about the loss of your sister. Please know that there was nothing anyone could do. She’s at peace now. Praying for you and your family.💗🙏

    Like

  30. Jen, my deepest condolences to you and your family! I am so sorry for your loss, may god grant you strength and peace, stay strong.

    Like

  31. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I just endured the 1 year anniversary of my older brother passing away on August 28th. I’m so happy you’re proudly sharing your sisters memory without shame. Her life had value and addiction shouldn’t be a persons legacy. They’re a human being first and foremost. We all have our personal struggles. May your sister rest in peace. Godspeed.

    Like

  32. I’m sorry for your loss I’m grateful that you put it into the universe for all to step up and make a change about the way mental illness and addiction are looked at. I pray your story help change someone’s life. God Bless you and your family

    Like

  33. Your love for your sister and family are palpable. Never apologize for writing your heart, soul and mind. You are a bright spot in so many lives – may the joy and memories you have of Emily be blessings as you continue to be uniquely Jenn. ❤️

    Like

  34. It was full of heart but also great writing because it came from the heart. I read it and felt it. I’ve lost three siblings. It’s hard to understand the loss unless you experience it. You expect your parents to die but not your siblings and not young. Thanks for sharing this. What I do is think about the tender and funny moments and I can smile about my brother and two sisters who are gone. They never leave all the way. I can always conjure them up. Hope you can do the same with your sister. Take care.

    Like

  35. My heart breaks for you and your family. I am so, so sorry … please know that you have helped so many just by writing what you did.

    Nothing but thoughts and prayers for you and yours 🙏🙏

    Like

  36. Such a beautiful tribute to your sister.. heartbreaking and tragic. Deepest sympathies for your loss and I hope her memories keep her close to you every day.

    Susan

    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  37. Jen…thank you for sharing. I can not imagine the pain you feel but also the joy you had with your sister. So many suffer in silence behind the stigma of mental illness and addiction and it must stop. We must not be afraid anymore for our loved ones, we must surround them with support and love even when they are not accepting of it.

    Sending positive vibes and thoughts today and everyday. ❤

    Like

  38. My heart goes out to you. I lost a friend a few years back to addiction. She fought so hard for so long. She left two beautiful girls behind. I worked in behavioral health/addiction/eating disorders at the time. And still to this day question if there was something I could’ve done. Bottom line, there wasn’t/isn’t anything I could’ve done and there wasn’t anything you could’ve done different. No disrespect to my friend or your sister at all. Part of their way of thinking is so distorted when at the point of considering self harm, that it would’ve taken serious interventional counseling to reel them back in.
    I’m praying you get counseling to help you process this for your healing and to help guide your kids to heal. You always make me smile. Much love 💗.

    Like

  39. Jen. My heart hurts for you. It took me so long to read this message, because my tears were falling all over my phone. I ish there were something I could say or do to help you feel better, but I know there is not. Just know that I will be praying for you and the family. The hurt will never go away. I’ve been there.

    Like

  40. Jenn, my heart is broken for you. I have sisters and I know that I would lose a piece of my heart if I lost one of them. I can’t imagine living all those years in fear of losing her. You had a very special relationship and she sounds like she was a lot of fun. You were a great big sister to her.

    You are honoring her memory beautifully with your words. No one should be ashamed of the diseases of mental illness and addiction.

    Sending lots of love and light to you and your family.

    Like

  41. Miss Jenn, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could write some magic words to make you feel all better but there are none. Early in your writing you mentioned that you did not text or call her enough. Hope you don’t beat yourself up over that. It is obvious you were great big sister to Emily. sometimes things are just out of our control. Prayers to you and your family.

    Like

  42. Dear Jenn. We are so very sad for your loss we know what it’s like to wonder if we’ve done enough. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Emily was so lucky to have you as her big sister.

    Like

  43. Jen,sending you so much love ❤️ I am so sorry for your loss .Thank you for having the courage to share your pain and the story of your sisters struggle . Mental health is real , we have to help remove the stigma attached to it. May Emily Rest In Peace .Please take care xxFionnuala

    Like

  44. I’m sorry for your loss. Your sister sounds wonderful and she knew you loved her. Your memories will help you get thru the pain.

    Like

  45. Oh Jenn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Always remember the good times. They will help heal your broken heart. Take good care of yourself. Your family needs you. 💜💜

    Like

  46. Oh Jenn I am so sorry. I have a daughter in law that has been struggling with addiction and depression for too many years. We’ve given up on her. After reading this, I’m going to try again.
    I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Like

  47. I am so sorry for your loss. You wrote this true from the heart and the world truly is a bit more dull without her in it

    Like

  48. You are a great person. Thank you for sharing your family story. Hopefully this will help others to be aware and promote change. We aren’t perfect. It’s okay to need help.
    I’m so sorry to hear about your Sister. Sending hugs.

    Like

  49. Jenn, I am sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. I had emailed you earlier this month about my company, Surf Lotus. I was not aware of the personal tragedy you were going through, and for that and am genuinely sorry. But I want you to know I completely agree with you. I made supporting Mental Health Awareness the philanthropic goal of Surf Lotus for this very reason. Mental Health Disease is a silent illness that needs a voice and it is time to be heard. The Surf Lotus Mission is to give back, create awareness, and affect change. Join the mission; let’s break the stigma. Be well, and know that your family is in my prayers. Gabe

    Like

  50. Jenn my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

    I hope the wonderful memories you have of Emily will help you move through the difficult days.🙏🏻❤️

    Like

  51. Sending heartfelt condolences to you, Jenn. And very well written.

    May the loving memories of your sister bring you healing, strength and peace.

    “The sun, the moon, the wind, the stars will forever be around, reminding you of the love that you shared and the peace that she’s finally found”
    Author unknown

    Like

  52. Jenn- My condolences to you and your family. I pray you find comfort in your heart. I work in the field and witness this all the time. I am with your brother in law… bring awareness to addiction and mental illness. Too many suffer alone and are ashamed because of the stigma.

    Like

  53. Jen, I send you my sincerest condolences. My heart brakes for you and family. Nothing I can say will ease your pain…I know all to well, I lost my daughter 6 years ago and have one in rehab as I write you now. You have my prayers. May the Perpetual light shine upon her. Stay strong.

    Like

  54. So very sorry for your loss , and also a very big thank you for sharing her story with all of us who know so well the stigma n pain not only the one suffering with mental illness and addiction but their family also . The demon chokes the life out of all of us as it is a family disease . Hugs

    Like

  55. Jenn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. There are just no words that seem adequate at a time like this.

    Like

  56. Jenn, thank you for sharing Emily’s story. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

    Like

  57. My family and I are sorry for your loss. We have a son who struggled with addiction issues for many years, but never gave up on him. It wasn’t easy, sometimes it wasn’t pretty, but love saw through it all and now at 30 years old we still have our son. Sometimes sacrifices weighed heavy on us as a family and limited our social lives, but we are thankful for making the conscious effort into being here for him and his future. We wish you and your family all of God’s blessings and hope you can all heal after this tremendous loss of such a beautiful young lady. Life is never guaranteed to be pain free and full of joy. It is the memories we make with the people we love that keep us feeling like life matters and we are here for a reason. Hang in there Jen. We are praying for you all.

    Like

  58. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. My brother lost his battle and left us in April. There is nothing I can say or do to heal your heart or maybe some guilt. I only know that he was very loved and will always be in my heart. Always smile when you say her name and she’ll know your with her. I am truly sorry for the heartache you and your family are experiencing. Let your heart feel her love ❤

    Like

  59. I am so very sorry for you and your family’s loss.. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the memories of Emily bring you some peace and comfort in the days to come.. There are so many of us that feel your pain Jenn. Rest in peace Emily..

    Like

  60. Your courageous heart ♥️That shared this story is going to help many people. Big love to you and may Emily find peace and maybe some smiles as she watches over you & your family.

    Like

  61. You are very courageous to share your heart, soul & story. Especially because you are in the public eye it’s riskier because you open up to feedback that may be stupid. I admire that risk because the public eye may also save someone or help someone feel not alone.

    May you feel the smiles you give so frequently to others shine back at you Jenn. Love & Hugs, Teri from NJ Beach Yoga

    Like

  62. Memory Eternal for your dear sister. I am very sorry for your family. Our family also deals with mental illness, but we’ve never suffered with your loss. Praying for you and your family. Please be good to yourself.

    Like

  63. I am soooo sorry about losing your sister. She sounded liked a lovely person. 20 years ago, i lost a cousin to suicide and I miss him terribly still. My brother is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for almost 16 years – this September 15 will be his 16th anniversary of sobriety. My heart goes out to you and your family. The stigma must end by people educating themselves about it and going to therapy with their loved one to be their support.

    Like

  64. Jenn, I am so so sorry. I will keep you on my prayers. Thank you for sharing. We never know what is going on behind the smile and sometimes there is such great sadness. May she Rest In Peace.

    Like

  65. I am so sorry Jenn. I went through years of this with my husband. It’s so hard. Thinking of you and your family. Love and hugs. Karin

    Like

  66. Jenn & family,
    The are no words & saying I’m so sorry for your loss just isn’t enough. But I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts💞🙏🏻 May Emily be at peace 🙏🏻

    Like

  67. There are no words that anyone could say, but you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your sister Emily 🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

  68. Dear JENN, I am incredibly sorry and sad for your huge loss. May Emily Rest In Peace along with her child. May you and all of the family have the strength to endure. 🙏🏻♥️

    Like

  69. Oh Jenn, I am so sorry very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I understand how hard this is. My son had problems years ago and I took him to Eagleville. At the moment he is doing well, but we all know that can change at any time. Everyday is a gift. Cherish your memories. They will really get you through the rough days. Sending you lots of hugs. Take care

    Like

  70. Oh Jenn, I am so sorry very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I understand how hard this is. My son had problems years ago and I took him to Eagleville. At the moment he is doing well, but we all know that can change at any time. Everyday is a gift. Cherish your memories. They will really get you through the rough days. Sending you lots of hugs.

    Like

Leave a comment