Memorial Service For Meredith Emerson - My Report

“A Memorial Service
In
Witness To The Resurrection
And
In Celebration Of The Life
Of
Meredith Hope Emerson

January 11, 2008 2:00 p.m.

Central Presbyterian Church

Athens, Georgia



I arrived in Athens at about 8 a.m., located the church, then returned to the Waffle House I had passed enroute. The gentleman seated next to me was reading that day's edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The front page story was about Meredith. I mentioned to the guy that I was in town for the memorial service, and stated further that Blood Mountain was a favorite hiking destination of mine. "Mine too", he replied. We chatted awhile about Meredith and hiking before he handed me the paper, thanked me for coming, and departed. After reading the article, I, too, took my leave, and returned to the church.

The church compound includes a park of about two acres. While seated on a bench there, reading, I was approached by Jeff Dore of WSB TV in Atlanta. With camera rolling, Jeff asked why I was there. I explained that as a hiker, I felt a kinship to Meredith, and was there to pay my respects on behalf of her fellow hikers.

I entered the sanctuary at about 12:30, opted to save a seat on the end of the back pew, and sat down. At the foot of the altar sat a small table. Upon the tabletop were two flower arrangements, a prayer bear, the familiar picture of Meredith and Ella, and a silver urn.

Within an hour, half the pews were full - the other half being held in reserve. The two side walls and the rear wall were lined with people. I stood and offered my seat to a lady standing behind me, then took her place against the wall beside a door. I paid little attention to those coming and going through the door. Instead, I occupied myself by counting my bootlaces or reading the Presbyterian Hymnal.

On one occasion, the familiar rush of cool air that occured with the opening of the door was supplemented with an even more familiar sensation - that of a pant leg sniffy. I get the sniffy treatment from Sarabelle and Gizmeaux anytime I have been around another dog, and get it from other dogs after being around them. In this case it was the latter, and the sniffer was Meredith's dog, Ella. She was being lead by her trainer, Pat Mitchell, who hastened her along the narrow, crowded passage between the pews and the wall. It was a fleeting yet special moment as Ella paused briefly to meet my beloved pets.

Within a few minutes, and to the accompaniment of harpist Rhett Barnwell, they for whom the pews had been reserved began their procession. First came those in uniforms of greens and blues and browns. These humble servants entered single file and filled row after row after row. Then came Meredith's co-workers who filled the remaining pews on the left side of the room.

Last came Merediths mother and father, followed by her friends and other family members. Those that were seated rose in respectful acknowledgement as this final procession filed into the front pews on the right side.

The service began when Rev. Deborah Trimpe approached the lecturn and read a passage from scripture. She then welcomed those present, beginning with the family, then those in uniform, Merediths co-workers and friends, and finally her fellow dog lovers.

Among those who spoke was Meredith's roommate and best friend, Julia Karrenbauer - whose expedient actions were directly responsible for the swift manner in which this terrible chapter in our nation's history was brought to a close.

The final speaker was Meredith's cousin, Jason Emerson. Mr. Emerson read a heart wrenching, prophetic poem that Meredith wrote when she was 14. In the poem, Meredith spoke of time of being cloaked in a terrible darkness, but in the ending finding light. He was also going to read a written statement from Mr. and Mrs. Emerson, but by then he was sobbing uncontrolably. It was then that Merediths mother joined her nephew at the lecturn. With Jason in her arms, and with a strength that I cannot imagine, she read the message of thanks. Heart wrenching.

The service ended with a slide show buttressed by the soft guitar and sweet, alto voice of a family friend. The images flashed in rapid succession, and sometimes paused momentarily for closer study. In pictures, we got glimpses of Meredith the precious child, the fun loving girl, and the beautiful woman.

After the service, I went directly out the side door and found Ella. I knelt beside her to allow a round of serious sniffys. I gave her some good scratchys and reassured her that she was a good dog - "Yes her is!" I cooed. Then I went to my truck wreaking of Ella stinky and released Sarabelle and Gizmeaux. Oh man - was I ever stinky! I received one of the mightiest sniffy treatments a man could ever ask for. It was important to me that Sarabelle and Gizmeaux meet Ella, and vive versa. In this manner they were able to, and that made me happy.

I returned to the social hall to search out Meredith's mother and father. I found them in a crowd, and took my place at the rear of the line. In my mind, I practiced what I was going to say to them, and encouraged myself to keep my emotions under control. I used Mr. and Mrs. Emerson as my models of composure - they stood firm and resolute in spite of the unimaginable sorrow that shown through their eyes. As I stepped toward them, they each took one of my outreached hands, and allowed me to pull myself closer. With a tear-drenched quiver in my voice, I said simply "On behalf of myself, and the worldwide community of hikers at The Backpacker Dot Com, my deepest sympathies." They thanked me, and I left.

As I drove away, I thought about the newspaper article. There, Julia was quoted to say that she never read books because Meredith did her reading for her. I was honored to meet Meredith's mother and father, and honored even more that I was allowed - even if for just a moment - to do do their crying for them.
last edited: 1/13/08 12:11:25 PM”

“You rock, gojo. Good man. Thank you.”

“Thanks for the report and for representing for us!”

“Thank you, I am gratefull for your efforts and this report.”

“That was great.”

“I am honored to have met you GOJO. Thank you for standing so tall and touching us with your report.”

“Thanks gojo”

“Thank you. Your report has great meaning for all of us.”

“Thanks jogo. Hug your children often.”

“Thanks, gojo. Yes, thanks and thanks again.

As I dry my eyes I hear some thunder in the distance and looking out I see some dark clouds approaching. A small airplane just took off from the airport. It hurried past, flying low and fast, it's motor roaring It headed south, trying to get away from the large, dark cloud with it's cold front moving our way from Georgia. The plane just made it out into the brighter light in the south as the rain started and the temperature dropped about 10-12 degrees, I turned on some lights and thought: Perhaps Meredith is up there and is going to drop some tears to join mine and to soothe my strong feelings. Good hiking to you, Meredith. I hope to meet you some day on those big trails beyond the sky.”

“Thanks for a wonderful report for those of us who wanted to be there but could not.”

“The front passed through, the rain stopped and the sun is shinning brightly again. I feel better. And there goes a big jet pointed upward at about 45 degrees and climbing fast straight into the clouds.

Thanks again, gojo, for your report.
last edited: 1/13/08 1:36:33 PM”

“Gojo, I have tears in my eyes.
Thank you for going.”

“Go - gojo, That was sweet.”

“"I hope to meet you some day on those big trails beyond the sky.”

I copied a part of what nowslimmer said above....
this so true to us all who believe. I have always believed and hoped to hike above for eternity.
Good message Nowslimmer.......I have so many tears, I am going to call my DAUGHTERS.

GoJo....... E mail me your address. I may already have it, I will check, but e mail it to me anyhoooo refrigeratorfridge@gmail.com”

“Gojo...I am in such awe that you took the actions that so many would of liked to have taken but didn't or couldn't.

Thank you for the report.

Hugs!!”

“Thanks, Joe.

I am posting a link to this on the other side, also. We've all had far too many unthinkable deaths lately. This helps a bit toward closure in this one.
last edited: 1/13/08 4:44:24 PM”

“Thanks GoJo.”

“Thanks”

“Tremendous gojo.”

“Very nice, Gojo. Thanks.”

“Well done Gojo. You showed grace, dignity and a big heart.

Thank You.”

“Thank you Gojo for representing all our hearts to Merediths family and friends and Ella.”

“Thank you.”

“Thanks gojo and nowslimmer also for that. It tugs at our hearts here on TT.”

“thanks for this gojo. nicely done.”

“Thanks!”

“thank-you”

“Gojo, that is the very reason I hang out here.

Thanks, bro.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

“Thanks. Very well done.”

“Thank you for attending gojo.”

“Thanks for a job well done!”

“Gojo an Gizmo in the news

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/15032246/index.html
last edited: 1/14/08 6:41:31 AM”

“gojo at the 1:16 mark of that video.”

“You're a good man Gojo.”

“Nice goin', Joe.”

“Way to go Joe.”

“Thanks for being there.”

“You're a good man, Joe.”

“.........i'm at a loss for words right now. i'm glad someone from our group was there”

“joe, thank you. Very moving account of the memorial. You are a truly special person.”

“Thank you, Gojo.”

“Thank you, Gojo...both for the lovely and so sad report, for representing us and for sharing doggy sniffies with Emma...”

“Joe, you did well in the video. It's very moving.
I see sweet Sarabelle was chilling out and Gizmo is the same.”

“gojo... it is likely your condolences in the reception were appreciated but not fully comprehended. The struggle of the moment and the crush of people can be overwhelming. But the video of your reason for being there will become a cherished bit of memory as time goes on. I am so glad you got the opportunity to make that statement.”

“One for nowslimmer -
Another speaker was Meredith's marshal arts instructor. He awarded her a black belt.”

“Gojo,
I just read your account and it caused me to get tears in my eyes....

Thank you for representing TT and for your personal reflections...”

“Thanks, gojo that was very moving. it was very thoughtful of you to take the time out and go to her service, i'm sure if any tt'er would of been around they would of joined you. thanks again for your tr.”

“Right on!”