An unexpected divorce put me in a nose dive, for which I sought help. In a support group, I met Shawn, who related the childhood story of pretending her name was Emily.

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In the spring of 1994, my first wife chose to end our marriage, and I was devastated by the loss of my family. I checked into a Minirth-Meier clinic for my own safety, and started the healing process. I had stopped playing the guitar several years before, and while in the clinic mentioned to one of the nurses how I missed playing. The next day she brought in her guitar, and asked me to play a tune. I played several songs, and found myself all choked up as if reunited with a dear old friend.

While in the clinic, I met Shawn, who had a very painful childhood. Shawn struggled to remember a time in her childhood when there was happiness and security. She and I became friends, and while talking together, she began to recall snippets of memories, and how as a child she often referred to herself as "Emily". Inspiration struck and I was able to collect her memories in a song. The song was a blessing for both of us; it captured Shawn's memories, and rekindled my love for music, and my creativity. After Minirth-Meier, I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn's husband and children, and our families have become good friends.

© 2001 Jack E. Helser, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

She reached for the clouds
As the wind brushed back her hair
Swinging ever higher
She was free without a care

Chasing butterflies
With her curious brown eyes
She gazed across the sea
Of rolling blue posies

Emily, Emily
Do you have a smile for me
Emily, Emily
Won't you come out where I can see

Running through the grass
Mommy kissing banged up knees
Healing with the love
Mommy had for Emily

Sitting down to tea
With her good friend Mr. Clown
Eating toast and honey
She spread her joy around

Bathing in the light
Dancing in its warm embrace
Feeling like a princess
In her gown of satin lace

Angels 'round her bed
Singing gentle melodies
She drifted off to sleep
With dreams of soaring on the breeze

Emily, Emily
Lives within my sister Shawn Ree
Emily, Emily
Long as lives dear Shawn lives Emily

© 2001 Jack E. Helser, Jr. All Rights Reserved.