Emily's Buddy Bench

It's hard to believe that it has almost been a year since we lost our Beautiful Emily.  At times it seems like forever ago and yet at times it seems like only yesterday. 

As all of you know, Emily had a profound impact on everyone that knew her.  Her smile would brighten any room and her empathy toward others would bring them out of their dark places.  She made friends with everyone she met and was always very concerned with their physical, mental and emotional well being.  In that light, Sarah, Rosie and I have come up with a way to honor her spirit, her kindness, and her love and we would like your help in establishing a memorial for her at her school.  However, this isn't just a run-of-the mill memorial, but a lasting tribute to her and her passion to help others.  We are presenting a "Buddy Bench" which will become a permanent fixture in the student courtyard at Dr. Hornedo Middle School here in El Paso, Texas.

For those of you who don't know what a Buddy Bench is:  The Buddy Bench started out as a simple concept to help eliminate loneliness on the playground while creating new relationships. If a child is feeling alone all they need to do is sit on the bench. Other children will notice them and invite them to play. Schools across the USA have joined the movement to bring benches to their district.

We have been very fortunate to have each other and all of you, friends and family, who have showered us with pure love and unlimited support.  With Emily's Buddy Bench Memorial, all of us will provide a beautiful memorial that is also an amazing tool to help those that are struggling.  Middle school angst is no joke as all of you who are parents of young teens know.    Emily's Buddy Bench will be a lasting tribute to her and to her passion to help others.  Thank you so much for caring and grieving with us in our time of need.  This tremendous amount of love and support that we are getting from everyone we know is truly helping us make it through each day and by sharing this love and support with Emily's Bench we will make a difference in some young person's life.

With your support we hope to have Emily's Buddy Bench in place shortly after Easter, on the one year anniversary of Emily's Angel Birthday.  Any proceeds that exceed our cost will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in her name.

Thank you so very much for being here for us!

Much Love from West Texas,

Sarah, Rosie & Dale