When you liked something, Emmett noticed. And when you least expected it, he would show up with the perfect thing to brighten your day. These small gifts always hit the mark. They were brilliantly conceived and perfectly timed to make your heart sing.
Emmett was big on action, and his gifts often took the form of a kind word or deed. His advice was always valuable and usually surprising, as was his take on life.
Emmett would also bring people presents. He was not rich in the monetary sense, but he was rich in imagination. He would pick out some small gift that showed he'd been thinking especially of you. When you opened it, he eagerly awaited your reaction. And he was rarely disappointed (except for the time when he "short-sheeted" my hotel room bed. To Emmett's dismay, I got into bed without incident. He'd miscalculated my height, being close to a foot taller than me.)
Emmett once returned from a trip to New York with an exquisite compact mirror for me. I collect frogs and the vintage-style mirror has a frog on it. It's one of my most cherished possessions. I carry it everywhere I go, and every time I use it I am reminded that Emmett, while on vacation thousands of miles away, thought of me and took the time to pick out the perfect gift. I am reminded of our deep love for one another. I am reminded to be like Emmett and pass that love around.
If Emmett liked a book or a movie or a restaurant, we all soon found ourselves reading the book or seeing the film or dining out. Usually Emmett came along; he got such joy out of watching us watching the movie or sampling the food.
In fact, just a few days before he passed away, Emmett saw the film "Mao's Last Dancer" and it moved him to tears. He would want me to tell you to see it...as a parting gift.
He will undoubtedly be nearby watching with you. You'll have no trouble recognizing him. He'll be the spirit enveloping you with love.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Emmett "EJ" Morgan requests that you honor the memory of Emmett with an act of kindness. Do something thoughtful, generous, and unexpected. And imagine Emmett beaming at you.
- Maureen Charles
We invite you to share here the ways in which Emmett was a gift to you and the ways in which you are paying it forward.
