In Memoriam: Emmy Grace Cherry

SheilaRuth | 2008-03-09 19:39

On February 5, 2008, ten year old Emmy Grace Cherry died when a tornado struck her home in Atkins, Arkansas. Her parents, Jimmy and Dana Cherry, were also killed in the tornado. Emmy was a bright, generous girl who loved animals and reading and wanted to be either an astronomer or a veterinarian. She was also a huge Warriors fan.

According to Lynn, of Vintage Books, a bookseller who knew Emmy:

Erin Hunter has no greater fan than Emmy Cherry. She not only read every book, but insisted that we all read them. I am 50 years old, and reading them. Her grandparents are reading them. Her aunts are reading them. Every child in the Middle School is going to read them. Because they are Emmy's favorite authors.

Emmy is survived by her grandparents and other family members. From all accounts, she was much loved and will be deeply missed by her surviving family and her community.

Lynn also wanted me to pass on that Emmy's brave cat, Shasta, survived the storm. Rescue workers found her in the rubble. She was seriously injured and will lose a leg, but a local vet is caring for her for free, and one of Emmy's friends is going to adopt her. Lynn said that she felt that Shasta had a true Warrior spirit.

I found out about this tragedy from Vicky Holmes, and she asked if I could post something so that members of the Warriors community could show our support for Emmy's family and friends and honor the memory one of our own "clan." I didn't know Emmy, but from everything I've read, I'm sure she would have fit right in here and been a friend to everyone. I want to offer my condolences to those who did know and love Emmy, and my sorrow at reading about her loss from this world. So please join me in sitting vigil for Emmy Grace Cherry.

I asked if Emmy had chosen a Warrior name for herself, and her grandmother believes that she had, but we don't know what it was. Emmy's family's nickname for her was Pidge.

If anyone reading this who isn't a member would like to share any comments, please email me at sruth@wandsandworlds.com and I'll be glad to add your comments here. I'd especially love to hear from anyone who knew Emmy and is willing to share any thoughts or memories.

If you'd like to find out more, here's some newspaper articles:

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Feb10/0,4670,TornadoesSurvivorapossRemorse,00.html
http://www.fox16.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=62ad1f87-a297-41fd-a00e-caa2e568af01

Lynn sent me these two pictures of Emmy on behalf of her family. The first picture is a recent one, and the second one is from when she was younger, with her kitten. (I don't know if this kitten is Shasta).

Sheila Ruth
Wands and Worlds "Mom"

Quailfeather | 2008-03-09 19:50 | OMSC! That is very touching,

OMSC! That is very touching, let her Warriors spirit live on in this community and in our hearts!

Kitten | 2008-03-09 19:51 | Oh...that's so sad...='(

Oh...that's so sad...='(

Tornadoes are truely devastating...

I'm sure Emmy and her family are in a better place now.

Rest in peace.

♥-Kitten-Chan

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-09 20:26 | I never cry, but that is so sad, that i am. Can we give her a ho

I never cry, but that is so sad, that i am. Can we give her a honorary warrior name?

~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

Riskay | 2008-03-09 20:36 | OMG

Rest in Heaven, Emmy and at heart in StarClan. "Insprire thoes who never had the chance to meet you through the tradgedy that struck you. Live forever in kind&peace." Any may your parents be at rest with you.

Sheila did you know this girl? She's so touching.

Love,
Me
MINE! Graystripe is better then them all!

Swifty | 2008-03-09 20:58 | That's really

That's really sad...:'(

-Swifty 2

"Keepin' it cool." -The Swifty Motto
I like pie.
Furry Doorfrogs! :O

Forestpelt | 2008-03-09 21:00 | Fire alone can save our

Fire alone can save our Clan...

Aww that's so sad! :( :( :(

~Forestpelt~

Thrushwing | 2008-03-09 21:07 | That's so sad! That poor

That's so sad! That poor girl! She sounds like she would fit in really well here! It's so sad!

Thrushy- lalalalalalal

Losty | 2008-03-09 21:15 | Oh my God. That's terrible

Oh my God. That's terrible D= You're right, Thrushy - she WOULD have fit in really well here. That's so awful, what happened. That makes me hate nature even MORE than I already did - how could a child's life just be taken from her like that? Plus her parents' lives? That's absolutely tragic.

Thanks, Starry ^^

Ivyflower | 2008-03-09 21:25 | I feel so sad for her! I

I feel so sad for her! I would really have liked to know her. Rest in peace, Emmy.
And we should make a warrior name for her. Maybe Brightspirit or something?

---
-Fernpelt
Supporter of the Leafpool-Jaypaw theory

Quailfeather | 2008-03-09 21:29 | Brightspirit WOULD fit her!

Brightspirit WOULD fit her!

Wolf | 2008-03-09 21:35 | *sniffsniff* I cried. I'll

*sniffsniff* I cried. I'll give her a warrior ceromony!

I, Warstar, leader of Lunarclan call on my warrior ancestors to look upon this girl. She has served her life in the ways of a true warrior, and I grant her a warrior name in turn. Emmy, your warrior name shall be Brightspirit for the kind spirit that has given many people an admirable young warrior to remember for as long as they live.

What is with us and killing apprentices?! -me while RPing with Skywish
Apprentices we killed:
Fiercepaw- fell off a cliff
Yewpaw- was following Fiercepaw
Redpaw- slipped in the dirt area and died of discust
Pondpaw- died laughing at Redpaw's death

Wildflower | 2008-03-09 22:00 | Yeah, Brightspirit is

Yeah, Brightspirit is perfect! *crys* poor Emmy! Thats so sad!

Wildflower
Golden She-cat, deputy of ThunderClan

Copperrose | 2008-03-09 22:09 | Wow. That is so unfortunate.

Wow. That is so unfortunate. Emmy you would have been right at home here! Everyone who knew you will miss you terriby and we are all sad that we have lost a fellow Warrior lover. She sounds so genuine and like a lovely young girl that deserved to live. Rest in Peace.

Thanks Quaily!

Starsight | 2008-03-09 22:26 | Thanks, Rosetail! *bows

Thanks, Rosetail!

*bows head* I honor your spirit, Brightspirit, along with all others who mourn over your death. Though I never knew you, I...*sighs* No words can say what I feel. May you forever rest in peace among the ranks of StarClan.

Cloudy Havoqk | 2008-03-09 23:09 | Wow...sad. *cries* *~*~*~Clou

Wow...sad.
*cries*
*~*~*~Cloudy~*~*~*
I ♥ Blood: Half Human, Half Mystery
Rockfall: Gray, brown, black, and white she-cat of ThunderClan. Has a fiery, fight for what you want personality, but can be gentle. Mate: Brambleclaw of DeathClan

Thrushwing | 2008-03-09 23:23 | Yeah, I think Brightspirit

Yeah, I think Brightspirit is perfect. It is absolutly tragic

Thrushy- lalalalalalal

Mossy | 2008-03-10 00:10 | wow... thats so sad. she

wow... thats so sad. she sounded like such a sweet happy little girl.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

SheilaRuth | 2008-03-10 07:23 | Message from Vicky

Vicky asked me to add the following message:

Hello everyone

Can I just say that you guys are BEYOND AWESOME? I was very, very sad to hear about Emmy's death, but I wasn't sure if it was something I could share with you on this site. I discussed it with Sheila, and she instantly offered to post a tribute to Emmy. She said you'd respond appropriately and with equal sadness because after all, Emmy was one of us: a Warriors fan to the core, with a true warrior spirit. Sheila was right. The words you have posted here are beautiful, perfect for honoring the memory of someone who should still be with us, living all her potential with her big animal-loving heart. I love, love, love the name Brightspirit, and will include it in the next Warriors title, Book Five: Long Shadows (the one Cherith and I are currently working on), as a new member of StarClan. When you meet this character, please think of Emmy Cherry, and her beautiful light that will shine on forever in our hearts.
with love to you all.

Vicky

SheilaRuth | 2008-03-10 07:29 | Message from Kate

Kate asked me to add a message from her as well:

Hi everyone

I agree absolutely with Vicky - Emmy’s death is heartbreaking, and Brightspirit is a wonderful, wonderful name and a beautiful tribute to such a lovely girl. I wish she could have known you guys. The warmth and kindness of our fans never ceases to amaze me, and I feel honoured that Emmy loved our books so much. I shall certainly always think of her when I‘m writing Warriors from now on and I’m so pleased she’s going to be remembered in StarClan.

With love

Kate

crescentmoon | 2008-03-10 11:13 | I'm overwhelmed. You guys

I'm overwhelmed. You guys are the very best. You are so open-hearted & caring & always come through. Such a sad story & now we have a two-leg in Starclan (in a way). I am blown away by Vicki's gesture. Emmy's remaining family & friends should be very touched & honored. Can't wait to see how she shows up.
*dabs at eyes*

Crescentmoon, techno-weenie

"Do I look like an out-of-bounds sort of guy?"
Capt. Jack Harkness, Dr. Who

Jaypaw X the Stick of Wonder!!

Daysi | 2008-03-10 12:10 | OMG :,( Thats sooooooooooo

OMG :,( Thats sooooooooooo sad!!!!! :(

Cloudy Havoqk | 2008-03-10 12:36 | *raises glass* Toast, to

*raises glass* Toast, to Brightspirit!
*~*~*~Cloudy~*~*~*
I ♥ Blood: Half Human, Half Mystery
Rockfall: Gray, brown, black, and white she-cat of ThunderClan. Has a fiery, fight for what you want personality, but can be gentle. Mate: Brambleclaw of DeathClan

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-10 12:52 | Even though i never knew her, I'll really miss the friend we

Even though i never knew her, I'll really miss the friend we all could have had. Long live the memory of Brightspirit!

~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-10 13:02 | I though tof another name that she could possibly have:

Shiningspirit, for all the lives she's touched, and starclan cat s always glow, right?
~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-10 13:07 | She should be a silver tabby with green eyes.

She should be a silver tabby with green eyes. And she should be in WindClan, the most loyal of them all.
~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

spottedstar | 2008-03-10 14:37 | oh my gosh...i think

oh my gosh...i think Brightspirit is a good name. Poor Emmy and her family and friends!

"Hold on a second. I think I'm having an epiphany here."
-Bella, New Moon

Agent Em | 2008-03-10 15:04 | Brightspirit is a new member

Brightspirit is a new member of StarClan and will watch over all of us. Even if we are from different places and Clans, we are all in the same Clan. We'll remember you always, Brightspirit, forever onto eternity.

I almost cried. That's so sad! Poor girl.

Quailfeather | 2008-03-10 15:21 | I love the fact that Emmy

I love the fact that Emmy Grace gets to have a Warrior name in honor of her! :)

Khestrelle | 2008-03-10 15:57 | What about Jimmy and Dana,

What about Jimmy and Dana, her parents? They should get warrior names as well, for their support and devotion to their daughter. After all, when a group of true warriors perish, we sit vigil for them all.

Starsight | 2008-03-10 16:21 | Thanks, Rosetail! Now

Thanks, Rosetail!

Now there's a good question.*ponders* Foo, I'm coming up with blank.>_<

Lakestorm Wright | 2008-03-10 16:34 | I always wondered what would

I always wondered what would happen to a Warriors fan who died... Do we all go to StarClan? I didn't wish it to happen, though.

Rest in peace.

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-10 16:50 | I think that her parents deserve warrior names too, but

we know nothing about them. may they be recived by StarClan, too.
~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

Losty | 2008-03-10 18:25 | *chants* Brightspirit!

*chants* Brightspirit! Brightspirit! May StarClan receive her with honour *bows head*

Thanks, Starry ^^

Amberheart | 2008-03-10 18:37 | O thats so sad, sits in

O thats so sad, sits in vigil with sheila, I name thee Heavenstar, Brightspirits honor to become leader of starclan and newly named Heavenstar, but keeps her name.

~Amberheart~
Thunderclan
Strickeing dark orange tabby she-cat with soft frost blue eyes and sapphire blue specks.

Scarlet | 2008-03-10 18:46 | thats so sad!! i think she'd

thats so sad!! i think she'd be really happy for all the nice things everybody is doing and saying.

♥ Scarlet

My kitty! He likes to attack my hand =D

Soundstorm | 2008-03-10 19:01 | What hurt me so much to read

What hurt me so much to read this was that she is so young...it is not fair that bad things have to happen to such good people.

She would have blend in perfectly here. I wish we could have known her... :(

Brightspirit...what a lovely name...

Soundstorm

Copperrose | 2008-03-10 20:46 | WoW! If only she would have

WoW! If only she would have known that she would get her name in a book, she would be overjoyed! Brightspirit is a wonderful name. I will think of her.

Thanks Quaily!

Losty | 2008-03-10 20:49 | Yeah, Vicky, that's a

Yeah, Vicky, that's a wonderful idea for a tribute. I definitely WILL think of her when I meet that character.

Thanks, Starry ^^

Hazelleaf | 2008-03-10 20:51 | *sobs* i think so too. If i died, that would be how i'd like to

*sobs* i think so too. If i died, i'd like that as well.
~Hazelleaf of RiverClan~
a light ginger tabby with blue eyes

Crystalfrost | 2008-03-10 20:58 | ...

Emmy-
I hope your happy up in StarClan with your family. Us warrior fans down here will remember you forever and ever, so dont be sad. We'll miss you.

I wish she could read these posts...

Agent Em | 2008-03-11 06:26 | Maybe she can, Crystal...

Maybe she can, Crystal...

Losty | 2008-03-11 14:53 | KK: ...eh? I don't think so.

KK: ...eh? I don't think so. But I hope her family can read these posts and know how we feel.

Thanks, Starry ^^

Losty | 2008-03-11 15:01 | Sorry, meant to

Sorry, meant to say...

Ashtail: ...eh? I don't think so. But I hope her family can read these posts and know how we feel.

Thanks, Starry ^^

Agent Em | 2008-03-11 18:17 | oh well! StarClan can see

oh well! StarClan can see everything, kinda... xP

Starsight | 2008-03-11 18:33 | Thanks, Rosetail! *adopts

Thanks, Rosetail!

*adopts StarClan voice* Of course, we see all...o_o

Sorry, I couldn't resist.^_^ I started drawing a picture of the three of them in StarClan, so that kinda explains where I've been for most of the day (especially with the computer totally free and just sitting here...o_o). I hope it's worthy. I'll stick it on this forum once I'm done.

Forestpelt | 2008-03-11 19:58 | Fire alone can save our

Fire alone can save our Clan...

Aww Brightspirit is such a good name! She was so young :(

~Forestpelt~

Rubystripe | 2008-03-11 19:58 | That is soooo sad! :(:(:(

That is soooo sad! :(:(:( Brightspirit fits her perfectly! That's so awesome how Vicky is going to add her in! That's a great tribute.
We sometimes get Tornado watches down here... =0 =O 0.0

Sandcloud | 2008-03-12 16:35 | Thats so sad, its good

Thats so sad, its good though to know she wont be forgotted and also Brightspirit is a good name for such a caring warriors fan and person

...well why can't muffins rule the world

Lightstreak | 2008-03-15 01:03 | wow. This is so sad!

wow. This is so sad! Brightspirit, in Long Shadows, that's awesome. And, though my dad makes fun of me for it, I DO believe in StarClan and hopefully she's there, watching us. And making sure Lighty here doesnt to bad :P
but RIP Brighty

Me!
Phoenix, my guy form

Brambleflower | 2008-03-15 08:56 | wow.... That is so

wow.... That is so sad........I can't even think of anything to say :'(

~Windwing~
daughter of Brambleflower and Kestrelflight
loves the open moors and the sheer joy of speed
oh noes!!! spiolers! =O ;)

In Memoriam: Emmy Grace Cherry

Online users