Emily Ray Cahlik

Dearest Cahlik Family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. I knew Emily from high school and, in fact, shared many classes with her. I know that words cannot express my sincerest regrets for your loss, but perhaps the following words will aid you in persevering through Emily's death. The Bible in John 5:28,29 contains comforting words that Our Great Savior spoke when he walked this Earth. He said, "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” What Jesus meant by these words was that one day all of our loved ones, including Emily, who have passed away will once again live and you can have faith that God will make this happen because the Bible also says that "God cannot lie."
I hope these words bring you comfort and a glimpse of hope.
In loving memory of Emily,
Andrea Delgado

teresa, i'm so sad, and i wish i had some magic words to make it all better, but i don't. just know that we miss you and are sending lots of spiritual energy your way. god bless you and your family.

Dennis, Teresa and Family,
I am so sorry for your familie's loss. What a beautiful girl. I just pray that God will bring you peace and help you during this difficult time. You will be with Emily again one day and know that she is your angel watching over you as you have watched over her. She has no more pain.
With love. Fran

Teresa and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your beautiful Emily passing. I know that she is in the arms of Jesus. I will be keeping ya'
ll in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Bereaved Parents, Cahliks,
Please know that you are being thought about and prayed with by a family who does not know you personally but has prayed with you during your daughter-s illness and who knows too well the bereavement of burying our own teenage child.
It is so out of the natural order of expectations; so gnawing at your future; so impossible to change. As King David suffered the death of his child in Old Testament days, we hear the Psalmist say: the child cannot come to me, but I can go to where s/he has gone. I pray that your thoughts will level off at willful joyful recall; that the images in your head will be of Emily as lively and warm, not of her cold frame.
As believers we know life here is a vapor, and eternity with the Lord is beyond compare. We here do not understand young people lingering, suffereing; or young people being snatched away from us suddenly. We feel a hole in ourselves, larger than our child. That hole can be filled. The Comforter will soothe you and never leave you. The Holy Spirit will uphold you, sustain you, and help you grow accustomed to a "new normal." Not what was your normal ever again, but a different normal, in time.
It is said that time heals the bereaved. I prefer to say that we are restored in time according to what we do with our burden of bereavement. It took me a while to actually fully let go of my grief and lay it at the foot of the cross and leave it there, because for a while I thought the Lord surely must need me to pick it back up again and help Him to carry it. How wrong that was of me.

May the Lord use this period in your life, use the testimony of Emily-s life, and use your future for the on-going work of His kingdom. Praises that Emily is alive forevermore with Jesus.

Our children are not lost from us.
We know exactly where they are.

In sympathy,

Liz Lee
(Vickey Gaulding is my dear friend.)

Teresa and Dennis,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Our deepest love and sympathy at this time of sorrow. Emily has taken the next step to eternal life. It is the pain of separation, unfulfilled hopes and dreams that hurt so much. She will always be remembered. We are so grateful that Mary Beth and Michael were able to come down to see her. We wish we could have done more.

Dearest Emily,

There aren't enough words that can possibly describe just how much I miss you. I know we didn't hang out towards the end of our high school years but I will always have the memories we made during our freshman and sophomore year.

I can still remember last year during home ec when we would make nothing but cookies because our lame table partners would never bring anything. I can still hear us laughing away while we prepared and cooked our food and I'll always hold those memories in my heart.

I know that you're in a better place and heaven is lucky to have such an amazing person like you. You truly were the perfect Christian rolemodel for us to follow. You impacted and touched the lives of all the people you helped during your missionary work over spring break and honestly made the world a better place.

I will never forget you in a million years and I'm looking forward to see you someday so we can continue baking those yummy cookies. I will carry the memory of you and E.V.G.L.A.M. in my heart for forever and for always. I love and miss you so much Emily darling.

Teresa, I'm amazed by your incredible faith.I'm very sorry for your loss.I may not have known Emily like you did, but I am still sorrowful.I wish I could be with you and your family during your time of mourning, but you already know the Lord is with you and your family during this painful time. Just remember that everything God does is for a much more significant purpose than she could have fulfilled on Earth.I had a great 4th of July with her. Haha I remember sneaking Dairy Queen into the hospital; She was craving a blizzard. The most fun was playing board games with her like apples to apples haha. I may have only met her once but she was a great person. Her death has impacted my life tremendously. Once again I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Stewart Clementz

Dennis, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. My husband died in September from the same cancer. I know you have been through a lot and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can be said to console you at this time. My condolences.

Dear Teresa and Dennis,
Please accept my sympathy at this sad time. I was shocked to hear that you had lost your beloved Emily. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dennis & Teresa

I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. I know the Lord will wrap his comforting arms around you and your family.

Vicci Brown Sanders

Our family is praying for you all. Our lives were blessed just by knowing sweet Emily. John, Michelle, Vanessa and Lauren

Life is mostly froth and bubble- two things stand like stone. Kindness in another's trouble, courage in your own.

Praying for you at this moment as Emily's funeral will begin in a few moments. All of you bore the burden of cancer, hospital life, and Emily's fight with the Holy Spirit's help. Never did your pictures or updates reflect anything but gracious humor, abiding patience, and a hope for Emily's future in full healing.
We know you sorrow... But not without hope!

And that is the difference for all eternity.

Love, The Cantu Family ( Emily's Palm Valley Church youth pastor from her sophomore - senior years)

My prayers and thoughts are with you. Emily will be missed and always remembered.

Dear Teresa,
You may not remember me. I'm a winter Texan who worked at Rio Grande Bible Institute and went to your Curves. Our last conversation in Feb. last year was talking about Emily's plans for college. I was sad to see you had moved when I got back in Nov. but even more saddened to hear about Emily's cancer. The last time I asked Maria about all of you, it sounded like things were going well so I was really shocked and grieved to see the notice on the Curves board this morning. My heart goes out to you and your family. May God comfort each of you with the peace that only He can give at a time like this.
With deepest sympathy,
Barb Lewis

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I was deeply saddened to hear your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

emily you will be missed so much. you were a wonderful strong women and great role model. i know your having a blast where you are now.
i love you girl!!

I am so sorry and will be praying for you.

I know that you will be reunited in Heaven some day. Treasure your memories. I will be praying for all of you.

Teresa,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter, Emily. She was such a blessing! God is with you and so are my prayers.

Emily was the best friend I've ever had and I'm so blessed she was in my life. Your entire family means the world to me and I love you with everything in me. I'm praying constantly for your family that God just wraps His loving arms around yall in the coming days.

Rest in peace my beautiful sister. Your now in the hands of our Heavenly Father.

Teresa and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

To Therese and family: Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sadden and feel your sorrow. We pray that God will bring you peace and comfort.

Terry and I are so sorry for your loss. Emily was a beautiful young lady who so obviously loved the Lord. Your family will be in our prayers.

Sharon Bell

You are gone before us Emily, make sure you save a place for all of us in paradise, where we all can sing amazing grace again, Rest in Peace, no more pains, it was an honor to me to have serve the people of Santiago in Guatemala, you did great.
Lupe Salinas and Family

Cahlik family, I wish like anything I could be there with you all right now. My heart goes out to your family and I am praying incessantly for you. I enjoyed watching the video and celebrating Emily's beautiful life. She will not be forgotten. She has marked my families life by her faith, passion, fervent trust in the Lord, and selfless perseverance to serve God with her life. Please be comforted during this time by the blanket of prayer that is surrounding you and know that many, many, individuals all around the country have been touched by your daughter and her life. Love you all. Prima

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. I'm glad to know that Emily is in no pain now and is resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. She was so beautiful and everyone who knew her was blessed to have her in their life.

- Jennifer Ryherd

I am very sorry for your loss. I did not know Emily, (but I'm sure she knew my son Jacob) nor do I know your family, but I know your pain, I lost my 17 year old son in november 2008. there will be darkness and sorrow for the rest of our lives, but we will also find moments of joy. I pray that God will wrap you in his loving, comforting arms and help you on this journey. No one volunteers for the title of grieving parent, nor do we want to wear these horrible concrete shoes, but someday, I hope we find a way to make them a little more comfortable until we can be with our children again.

By looking at Emily's photos and reading her guestbook, I can tell she was an amazing, beautiful young person. She was a "just" person, "the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years....She pleased God....Having become perfect in a short while, She reached the fullness of a long career" Wisdom 4:7-14

God Bless you and I am so very sorry you lost your daughter.
Tammy Silvestrini
Jacob Langston's mom.

I remember those curls as if it was yesterday. She was a blessing to have in Children's Church at Cathedral. She was blessed with a great family. She will be missed. We are praying for you during this tough time.

Our prayers and thoughts have been with you and will continue to be with you. Emily's sweet smile is what we always think about...We love you all--

It is hard on a family to accept a death of a child.
"The parents are suposed to die before the kid"-Anyone
Rely on God, and do not curse him. Rely on each other, and you will be stronger after the storm.

Memories are the moments that keep us looking to the bright future we have in Christ with each other and with Emily. We pray the memory of her infectious smile and strong character continues..... in all of us. Thanks Em for the great memories. Cahlik family, we love you guys.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Emily. My prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you.

We love you! We will never forget the generosity your family has expressed towards us. I have constantly been impressed by Emily - her hard work that earned amazing grades through high school, and her sense of adventure and servant-hood that led her to serve children in Guatemala. Emily could not have grown up in a better home, nor could she have found better parents. Her years on earth were spent flourishing under your very able care and guidance.

How beautiful to imagine her now, together with our heavenly family rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. We are looking forward to meeting her there!

Prayers from your friend @Compass Bank Kountze

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Emily. We spent time last year in Guatemala during Spring Break. I was very proud to see her jump right in and work hard at the orphanage. She will be remembered here and I look forward to seeing her again.

David

Theresa and Dennis and family, The love and prayers of the Heartbeats of Hope team are with you today and in the coming days. Your lives will be forever changed, both by knowing Emily and by losing her. Our prayer is that in the future, the knowing and the wonderful memories will come to ease the pain of the incredible loss. May God's mighty hand rest upon you all.

Our hearts cry for you. We know what it's like to lose a daughter to death, but we have also been able to rejoice that she is with Jesus.

Emily was such an important part of the Beautiful Blessings Ministry as was your whole family.

Jimmy & Karen Gary

Dennis and Theresa, we are praying for God's divine strength for you during this time. We love you, the Kirk family

Dear Theresa and Dennis, we were so very sorry to hear that Emily lost her heroic fight with that terrible disease. We're sorry we can't be there to grieve with you. Theresa we miss you at Curves.

God Bless, Jo and Elizabeth.

Dear Dennis and Teresa,
We are grieving with you, please accept our deepest sympathy. We thank God for your beautiful Emily. Her constant smile, positive attitude, and love for God made an impact on many people, including us. I (Dave) will never forget her giving and selfless spirit on our mission trip to Guatemala. She was a bright light and we will miss her. With love, Dave and Connie

Teresa, Dennis, Mary Beth and Becky,
My heartfelt sympathy to you at this time. While we all mourn the loss of Emily, others are welcoming her to her new home. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you all.

Teresa,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. May the comfort and mercy of our Lord Jesus surround you and give you strength.

Karen (Hill) Lindner
attended high school with Teresa

Dennis and Teresa, we are so sorry for your loss. Emily was a great person and she had a big heart. Our hugs and prayers go out to you both and your daughters.

Cahlik Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is so difficult to lose someone you love. I hope that knowing that Emily is in the comforting embrace of the Lord Jesus will comfort your family and give you what peace it can. Time will heal your loss, remember and enjoy all the special times you've had with her throughout her years with you. You have a Guardian Angel now to watch over your family. God Bless you all.

Emily was the same age as my daughter Chelsea and I remember her to be such a happy and bright ray to those who met her. My heart is saddened today for your loss and I pray for God's comfort and guidance in this trying time.

My prayers are with your family.

We are so sorry for your loss of Emily. What a beautiful girl she was and forever will be. We are praying that our sweet Jesus will give you supernatural comfort and peace.

Love and hugs,
Joy, Mark and boys

Dennis, Theresa, Mary Beth, and Becky,
Know that I continue to pray for you.
We love you guys.
J., Ruth, and Craig

We love the Cahlik family and saying many prayers for you. I remember Emily as the curly head little Missionette. So cute and sweet smile. God bless you.

Emily's bright eyes, smile and curls will forever be a part of our memory. Her willingness to help and serve impacted so many! Thank you for sharing her with us and thank you for raising such a dynamic young lady!

Dennis, Teresa and girls:
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Hello Cahlik Family,

You may not know me, but I went to school with Bryce Harper and Sam Brocato. They are close friends of mine. I also believe I met Becky once or twice as well. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know who I am and not some random person signing your guest book, although that still may be the case :-).

I am so sorry for your loss, and I know that words can never describe the anguish and deep sorrow that you may feel. Even though I don't know you, we are still in the same family, the family of Christ. I am mourning with you in your loss, and am surprised at the emotions that I feel of someone who I didn't even know who has passed on to be with the Lord. It is sad to see someone so young with such a heart for the Lord leave us. I didn't know Emily but she has touched my heart and soul. Her heart for missions resonates within me. I may not know you, but I feel connected with you all somehow. I pray that Christ would be your strength, your all, your everything. No one else can heal the wound you may feel but Christ. Somehow I feel that you know this already. Your family is an inspiration of Godliness and love.

Your brother in Christ,

Dylan

What a lesson in faith and courage! You have touched all of our lives & will be in our prayers the the days, weeks & months to come. God has blessed us all to know Emilly!

Love & Prayers,
The Courtney's

Although Emily was on this earth a short 18 years she touched many hearts and lives. May you be comforted in know that people that never even met Emily are praying for you during this difficult time.

Your family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We pray God's grace and comfort for you as only He can give. We love you.

Dennis and Teresa, I am so sorry for the loss of Emily. I know ya'll have worked hard these past few months to win the battle. She was so courageous through it all. Many prayers are with all of you right now. God Bless You All.

We love you all, and will be continually praying for the Lord's perfect peace to abide with you through this time of grief.

To all of the Cahlik family you are in my prayers. Emily will always be remembered for not only her angelic face but her sweet sweet spirit. Love you.

To all of the Cahlik family you are in my prayers. Emily will always be remembered for not only her angelic face but her sweet sweet spirit. Love you.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We think of each of you fondly, and we will continue to pray for your family. May you feel the strength of our Saviour.

A Parable of Immortality

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs
like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says,
" There she goes! "

Gone where?

Gone from my sight . . . that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment
when someone at my side says,
" There she goes! "
there are other eyes watching her coming . . .
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . .

" Here she comes! "

~Henry Van Dyke
We love you Emily. You have a special place in our hearts.

We love you and will remember Emily always.

Our family sends their warmest sympathies to the Cahlik family. Emily will always be in our hearts. Her warm smile and fun character will always be rememberd. We love you.

Dear Teresa, Dennis, Mary Beth and Becky,
My heart cries for you all...but is comforted that Emily will never hurt or suffer again...
The Lord will hold you through this most difficult time...as only He can.
With much love and continued prayers...
Bob, Stephanie and Richard

Dear Dennis and Teresa,

Our hearts are saddened by hearing of Emily's passing. Our prayers are with you now and always. May God's peace be with your during your time of sorrow.

Susan Dietz

I am sorry to hear the news. My prayers are with you all. I pray that the God of all comfort will comfort you with the peace that only He can bring and encourage you with the hope that we have in and through Him. Keep looking forward! A brighter day is coming! I don't know if you knew that Wanda went to heaven 9 months ago. Perhaps, with her smile, God put her on the welcoming team and she is hugging Emily today.

What a blessing she was to so many lives! She was a good and faithful servant of her Lord, and now rejoices at his feet. You guys are in our prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. God bless each of you.

We are praying for all of you during this time of loss. Emily was a beautiful young lady that brought hope and courage into our hearts.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Emily. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family.