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.
Clint Eastwood, 93, makes rare appearance, worrying fans with “so different” look – “he’s unrecognizable”
Watching our favorite celebrities grow old can often be a strange thing to witness. Perhaps it’s because we see them steadily aging with every role, maybe it’s just because it reminds of us of our own mortality.
In any case, a recent sighting of Clint Eastwood certainly caused a stir after he attended a speaking event hosted by conversationist and primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.
Frail Clint Eastwood is seen in rare public appearance
Clint Eastwood’s still going strong at 93! ❤️
Posted by Daily Mail on Friday, April 12, 2024
The event reportedly took place just a few weeks shy of Clint Eastwood’s 94th birthday. The location was the Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the city where Eastwood used to be mayor.
The legendary actor stepped out in a blue checkered flannel shirt, with gray slacks and sneakers, with long white hair and a bushy white beard.
Now, we hardly feel the need to say that Eastwood actually looking his age is nothing shocking, but there were a deal of people online who were taken back by the actor’s frail appearance.
One person wrote: “He’s unrecognizable! […] Age has obviously slowed him down just as it will most of us.”
“Aging is just so cruel,you’re a legend Clint,” another added.
“Is he ok omg!! He needs grooming help!” a third said.
“He should have at least shaved and gotten a haircut. He still looks strong though,” a fourth opined.
There were others who had nicer things to say about Mr. Eastwood, but the general feeling was one of surprise as to how he looks now compared to, say, just a few years ago.
As mentioned in the beginning of the article, the Million Dollar Baby legend is still working, with filming for what is expected to be his final film, Juror No. 2, having started last year.
“I love what I do,” Eastwood said in 2018. “I’ll probably keep on going. I feel good, but it depends on material. I probably wouldn’t do something just because it was marginal–I have to kind of think it has some validity and has some relationship to today. With a lot of other people, was it that their health went bad or did they just get bored with it? I often wonder, because I haven’t gotten bored with it.”
Let us know in the comments if you’re a fan of Clint Eastwood!
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