The 2015 Emily’s Parade and ER5K was the last Parade hosted by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation

March 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Endings can be awkward.
To our volunteers, participants, friends and community we extend a huge thank you for 10 remarkable Parades. Emily’s Parade began as a response to tragedy. But it immediately became a symbol of strength and community.

Organizing the Parade is also a very difficult task for both Ellen and me personally. Last October we asked The “I Love U Guys” Foundation Board of Directors to make a difficult decision. We asked the Board to declare the 10th Annual Emily’s Parade as the last one. It was a tough conversation. A tough decision. But I think the Board made the right decision.

Officially, The 2015 Emily’s Parade and ER5K was the last Parade hosted by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation.

This coming year will be the 10th Anniversary of losing Emily. Ellen and I would like to share the statement we released on the 1st Anniversary.


Statement from September 27, 2007:

When lightning strikes. And the after-flash sears clenched eyes. And the outcome feels far away from possibility, or even reality... Choice still exists. The choice of sorrow. The choice of response. The choice of dignity. The choice of community. The choice of love.

Last year our world changed. For my family, and many of you and yours. And since then, our community has lost friends and family. But we can show each other, our kids and the world, that even in the face of tragedy, we can laugh, we can help, we can be excellent. We just can.

There’s been a lot of talk about the kids. Sometimes it’s hard to show kids that the world is an uncertain place. But I think it’s OK to let our kids know, even though the world is uncertain, we love you. And you, my child, can embrace life and laughter and vigor and strength and future, even in the face of uncertainty or loss. Not just “Life goes on,” but “Seize every spark of life as you go fearlessly through it.”

Some may try to make September 27th a day of somber grieving. Resist. Some may shed a tear. I know I will, but I’ll also revel in having been touched by a smart, fiery, compassionate, stubborn, friendly, tough and fragile, loving young woman.

So I ask this community, the folks of Bailey, to raise a glass, blow a kiss or give a nod, to the memory of Emily. But spend the day living. Show your community that you’re part of it. Make something good happen. Do something kind. Or just pass a friendly greeting along. Play rock-n-roll.

And if you happen to be at an organized or spontaneous gathering, look around and recognize what amazing people we all are. Squint at the brilliance of our humanity. And with wide-eyed wonder, face what the future might bring.

I love you guys.

John-Michael Keyes
Ellen Stoddard-Keyes