Ask any parent and they’ll likely tell you there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for their child.
Becoming a mother or father changes life in ways that are hard to explain. From that day on, parents dedicate themselves to loving, caring for, and worrying about their child for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, though, there are some things even parents can’t prevent. Accidents and illness are part of life, and too many children suffer from things they can’t control.
Alina and Aaron Edwards’ lives were turned upside down when they learned that their 9-year-old daughter, Emma, had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Heartbroken, they held onto hope that Emma could fight the cancer. But after a few months, doctors delivered the devastating news that there was nothing more they could do to save her.
Determined to make the most of the time they had left, Emma’s parents decided to fulfill her wishes.
Many children in such situations might want to meet a celebrity, visit Disneyland, or walk out onto a sports field with their favorite player.
But Emma’s wish was different. She wanted to marry her 10-year-old boyfriend, DJ.
Before long, Emma’s wish gained a lot of attention from her local community. Volunteers and supporters came together under the name “Emma’s Army,” all working towards making the little girl’s dream come true before her time ran out.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation eventually stepped in to help Emma’s family raise funds. Emma’s mom, Alina, explained, “Most kids want to go to Disneyland, but Emma wanted to get married, be a wife, and have three kids.”
Reports say this wasn’t the first time Emma and DJ tried to marry each other. At the age of eight, the two had attempted to have a wedding at school. They even picked out bridesmaids and groomsmen from their classmates. However, their teacher didn’t allow the “wedding,” no matter how unofficial it was.
This time, though, the wedding had the full support of their parents and the help of countless kind-hearted people who were determined to make Emma’s wish come true.
“We put it all together in less than two days, and everything was donated. It was so precious, and it came together perfectly,” Alina shared.
When the big day arrived, the special moment was captured on video, including interviews with some of the guests. The young groom, DJ, shared his feelings, saying, “I thought she was the most beautiful person I ever saw. Ever since, I loved her.”
Emma’s mom, Alina, also had heartfelt words for DJ, expressing her gratitude for her daughter’s caring friend. In an emotional Facebook post, she wrote:
“DJ has been Emma’s ‘Boo bear’ since 3rd grade, and seeing these two together will melt your heart. DJ protects her, helps her, and makes her heart soar. She loves him, and I know he loves her too! He’s stood by her side through all the ups and downs and kept her smiling. DJ will forever be family.”
On June 29, Emma’s dream wedding became a reality. Arriving in a wheelchair, pushed by her loving parents, Emma wore a stunning purple dress and smiled brightly as her father escorted her down the aisle.
Emma and DJ exchanged rings and vows, with DJ sealing the ceremony with a sweet kiss. After the wedding, Emma returned to rest in bed, but her joy from the day was clear to everyone who saw her.
Sadly, just a few weeks later, on July 11, 2023, Emma passed away after bravely battling leukemia.
Her obituary read: “Emma Brooks Edwards entered heaven and into the loving arms of her Great-grandma Frannie Annie on July 11, 2023, surrounded by those who love her most. Emma was 10 years old and battled leukemia for 16 months. Our little unicorn, Emma, was born on April 22, 2013, and completed the Edwards family. She loved arts and crafts, practical jokes, her family, friends, Jesus, and her newlywed ‘husband,’ DJ. Emma was a light to all who knew her and an inspiration to everyone she met. She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, ‘wife,’ and friend. Her legacy is one of strength, humor, and endless love for all.”
Rest in peace, Emma, a beautiful soul taken far too soon.
D-Dаy vеtеrаn rеunitеs with Frеnсh Lоvе 75 yеаrs lаtеr
This sweet story shows how love can endure a lifetime, transcend countries, oceans, and even language. In the video, we are introduced to a World War II veteran, K.T. Robbins. He has kept a photo of the girl he fell in love with while stationed in France in 1944. After 75 years, he still remembers the love they shаrеd.
The two had only encountered each other briefly in France while K.T. was a soldier stationed in her town. They were abruptly separated as the war efforts took them each to different parts of the country. While they missed each other dearly, their reunion would take place 75 years later.
After hearing his story, K.T.’s family set out to locate this mysterious woman in the photograph, only knowing her name: Jeannine Ganaye. Luckily, they found her in a retirement facility in France and quickly arranged for the two to reunite after all these years.
“Why did you not come back sooner?” Jeannine asked. K.T.’s response was simple: he had found another woman, married, and raised a family. Jeannie’s story was similar as she had married and raised 5 children. Even while building their families separately, they obviously kept a special place in each other’s hearts.
The reunion was a moment where the two could think back on young love. K.T. had sаvеd one photograph of Jeannie for 75 years. As they both looked at that photo, Jeannie laughed and said that no one dressed likе she did back then. While it is today’s fashion to wear shorts and crop tops, it was not common in the 1940s. Being brave and different is perhaps what set her apart to capture K.T.’s heart for 75 years.
As one viewer noted, you never forget a true love that you meet in a lifetime. And many viewers commented on how this video brought tears to their eyes. However, seeing their joyful reunion can restore faith in the power love holds in life.
As K.T. and Jeannine parted ways again to return to their homes, you could see the desire to hold on to what they had dreamed of for 75 years. Though their physical reunion was brief, their love remains everlasting.
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