A little over two years ago I started my job at Medical Center Lab. There were a lot of good folks around me to teach me and help me along the way so I wouldn't mess up big time, but a week went by and it seems that everyone was just about the same. Not bad, just no one really original. Then that next Wednesday came and I was told that I'd like this shift because young people were on it. Not exactly true. Michelle and Emily were on this 7 on 7 off shift, Michelle being the young one, but Emily was 44 years old. At the same time I realized quickly why it was thought to be the "young week" despite her age, because that crazy woman did not act her age!

When we started working together I instantly thought she was one of the coolest people I have met since starting, but was by far the most memorable. Everything from her "laugh" which was nothing more than a quick but high-pitched "HEEEE!* that could not be mocked perfectly, or her talking about her grandson who she called "Shortening Bread", or the fact that she would come to work wearing what looked to be pajamas, but would still have a perfectly matching pair of shoes and a purse. And you would NEVER know what her hair was going to look like from day to day.

The years passed and she was even my boss for about 2 months before Mrs. Linda took her place back, and we just grew closer and starting to really pick on each other. Sadly, I changed shifts so for the last 6 months or longer I've only been able to see her for about 5 minutes as I was heading out the door, conversations quickly dropped off to a mere "HI EMILY!" or me trying to get her to do her trademarked laugh, or even a quick poke in the ribs. She would always tell us "You're going to miss me when I'm gone..."

...

Emily was in a car wreck today at around 2 pm. Her father came across the wreck not knowing who was involved. The vehicle was on fire so he pulled the person out of it, even afterwards not knowing that it was his daughter. She was killed instantly.

There will never be another like you Emily. You were loved dearly by everyone who came in contact with you. Those that have known you for mere months weep for you as much as the ones who have known you for years. And even though it was said in jest, you were right... we miss you.

Scott"in morning"Carroll