I don’t remember a time in my life where I didn’t look
forward to being married and starting a family. I spent countless hours
doodling my future family – drawing my future husband, usually four kids, and
the family dog. I always had a list of potential names for my children. A few names
came and went, but one always stuck: Emma.
I have loved the name Emma for a long time now. I love the
Prophet Joseph Smith’s wife, Emma, but that wasn’t really why I wanted to have a daughter named Emma. I didn’t know the why of Emma until I met Matthew Havertz.
I knew very quickly that I wanted to marry Matthew. I was
immediately drawn to him because of the spirit he carried. I could tell right
away that he was a great man, one who loved the Lord completely. On our first date,
we talked about our families. He told me about the passing of his mother when
he was 11 years old, and that of his little sister when he was 17. I could tell
that Matthew had a strong testimony about the Plan of Salvation. He knew that
family relationships are “perpetuated beyond the grave.”
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| Matthew's little sister, Emmalee |
Matthew’s little sister who passed away is named Emmalee.
When I found out about the spelling of her name, and as Matthew and I progressed
in our relationship, it became clear to me why “Emma” had always been my
favorite name. Matthew and I agreed that we would name our first daughter
Emmalee, after his sister, and call her Emma.
The name Emma has become even more special to me as I learned
about Emmalee.
Emmalee was diagnosed with liver cancer when she was eight, and died when she
was nine years old. I never met her, but I feel a special love for her. My father
in-law wrote about Emmalee’s life in his book Dragonfly Wings for Emmalee. When I read that book, I am amazed at
the strength Emmalee had during such a trying experience. Throughout her fight
with cancer, she was brave, honest, funny, and kind.
I feel honored to be able to name my daughter after such a
remarkable girl. Matthew and I will teach Emma that she was named after someone
who was brave, honest, fun, and kind.
I love the name Emma, and now I know why: I love Emmalee.
I am grateful for Heavenly Father’s tender mercies. He,
through something as simple as a name, has brought heaven a little closer to my
heart. The name Emma is now tied to two of my angels – my sister and my
daughter.
