This is written by Teraisa Rogers in memory of Emily &
Emilio Garcia. Teraisa is the author that is currently writing the book on Emily's life named "Once Upon A Jane Doe,
Justice For Emily". Teraisa is also the founder of the web site True Crime Fanatic. My sister Theresa and I have become good
friends with Teraisa and her family and this is our way of making them part of this Candlelight Ceremony honoring Emily &
emilio. This is what Teraisa has written and asked that we share with you this evening.
" A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping
for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more".
This is what the Lord says: Restrain your voice from weeping and
your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded, declares the Lord.
Emily Jeanette Garcia & Her Unborn Son Emilio
July 27, 1977-February 25, 1993
When asked how I know Emily, I reply, "By Heart".
Emily is someone I have never met, but by heart, I do know.
When I least expected it, Emily's spirit floated down on me, promising to always be near. Never did I want to shake her
off, but sometimes, because of the horrible ending to her life, I did want to push her aside...Like now, Like tonight!
How can I possibly tell you how I feel? How can I
be happy, when inside I am so sad, angry, and confused?
You see, to think about Emily, Crickett, or Marmi, whichever
each of you know her by, you can't help but think about all of her. Her life and her death. And that is something
I don't really care to think about...but we have to and we need to remember it all.
I close my eyes to see Emily. At once, she is both an innocent
waif and mischievous child. Emily is in color....mostly green. She is cooking, eating, doodling, daydreaming, or throwing
a teenaged temper tantrum, which is quite remarkable to watch. I feel her frustration when she is bored, and her irritation
at not understanding why getting her life together isn't happening fast enough. There is a patter in my ear as she dances
around in excitement and I see a secret in her eyes, a smile on her lips, letters being written, and pictures being drawn.
Then there are the black and white photo memories.
Emily's forced death remains mysterious and her killer
elusive. Together, we must remember her life and push harder when we don't feel like it....and in my case, write when the
images are too painful. Emily is still here with us...all around us and she needs one last thing; she needs us to hand color
the black and white photos.
Emily, you have become my daughter, my niece, my cousin,
and my friend. That means everyone here tonight who loves and honors you...who celebrate your life....is now part of my family.
So, hello family, it is nice to meet all of you.
I have one last thing to say...because of us here
tonight and also because of all that are not here, but are here in heart...Emily now smiles.
God Bless Emily, Emilio, and their family,
Teraisa Rogers