Our Emma June

On Monday morning (our time) March 3, 2014, we made our daily call to Matthew to check on Emma. We were shocked  when he told us that she had developed a very serious infection and that it was a real threat to her life. The doctors weren't sure she was going to make it. Because of the form of pneumonia she was fighting, her medications, strangely enough, had to suppress her immune system. One of the obvious side effects of a weakened immune system was the possibility of infection.

Of course we were overwhelmed with worry for Emma, Matthew and Meghan and prayed with all our hearts for Emma to be spared. We felt so helpless being half a world away from our son and our daughter-in-law at this critical time. We love them so much.

Later in the day, at 2:30 PM our time, the phone rang. Knowing that the call was from home, and that it was after midnight there, we were afraid of the news that the call might be bringing. When we answered, Matthew said simply, "She's gone." There is no way for us to describe our feelings at that time. We were devastated. We knew all along that this was a possible outcome, but had never expected it to become  reality. Our hearts ached for our heart broken kids, who for over two months had dedicated every waking moment to their beautiful little girl and her recovery.

We knew that their faith in God's plan of happiness is secure, as is ours, but it was the greatest trial of their lives to say, "Not our will, but thine be done." We talked at the time about Thomas Payne's essay, "The Crisis", which begins with the words, "These are the times that try men's souls." We knew that our kids would cling to each other and find the strength to endure through this terrible adversity, but we knew from experience that it would not be easy. We asked Matthew if he needed us to come home for a week or so and he said no, that we were doing the Lord's work here and that they would pull through.

We are so proud of our children who rallied around their older brother, expressing love, and doing whatever could be done to help. So many others were incredibly kind as well. They will never know how deeply we appreciate their service to Matthew and Meghan, but we hope they understand the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ, "When ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Thank you to all who have expressed condolences and love to us and Matthew and Meghan.

We've included Emma's obituary and funeral program below.

EMMA JUNE BROWN

2013 - 2014

Our sweet baby girl, Emma June Brown, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014.

Emma was born October 4, 2013 to Matthew and Meghan Brown of Herriman, Utah. She was an answer to prayers and brought great happiness to her parents and family. Emma was a beautiful baby. She was always happy and her favorite thing to do was smile. She loved to play with her mommy and to fall asleep on her daddy’s chest. Emma spent two months at Primary Children’s Hospital and had to endure many medical procedures. She was remarkably strong and showed tremendous courage through all she had to withstand during her short life. She was adored by many and will be incredibly missed.

Emma is survived by her parents Matthew and Meghan Brown; her grandparents Ray and Jeanene Brown and Roger and Debbie Mickelsen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Emma’s family would like the thank the staff at Riverton Hospital and at Primary Children’s Hospital for the tender care she received, especially from her sweet nurses.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel at 6869 W. Vista Springs Dr. Herriman, Utah 84096. There will be a viewing preceding the services at 9:30 am. Interment will take place at Herriman City Cemetery.

A few days later, via Facetime, we were able to watch the funeral live. It began at 1:00 AM for us. We were so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the beautiful service, which was an out pouring of love and a witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Our first and second districts of missionaries in Udorn

These are wonderful, hardworking, excited-about-the-work missionaries. They welcomed us and we learned to love them immediately. Not long after this picture was taken, seven of our ten missionaries were transferred and we learned to love a new group all over again. We have really been impressed with the quality of the missionaries and are proud to serve with them. We enjoy having them come over every Sunday night to pick up the waffle batter and maple syrup that we make for them. We get to spend a half hour or so just relaxing after a busy week. This was a tradition started by the couple we replaced, and one that we happily continue. We have adopted them as our kids.
 


This is our second group of missionaries in our district. We love them, too. We are still making waffle batter and syrup, and to help them relax after a busy day, we will invite a companionship or two over for fruit, cookies, or even leftover chili.We are trying to give them a little touch of home. (I look like a giant next to Sister Downs, don't I?!)

 

This was Sister Tilley's (middle) birthday. She had already had cake with the members and missionaries at the church, so we had her come over for watermelon--yes, it is yellow! and delicious.
Aren't they adorable!