Carving Pumpkins

As so many of us have reminisced over the past months, Emily lived in every moment. Spending so much time with her, I loved every minute that she wrapped me up in her quest. I shared this story at the memorial that we held for her during the summer meeting and figured that I would share the pictures.

On October 27, 2004, Emily and I had just started to date and the fall was one of the most beautiful that I have seen. She and I always looked for excuses to skip class and do something fun and on this day we were torn between going hiking at her favorite spot, wind rock, or carving pumpkins to enter in her apartment complex’s contest. Since we couldn’t decide, we decided to do both! We hoped in my car and drove around Blacksburg searching for farms to buy pumpkins. We eventually found a small selection at a farm out Prices Fork Dr – Em picked a tall normal pumpkin and I chose a smaller white pumpkin to turn into a ghost. After getting the proper carving utensils, we drove out to wind rock among the brilliant orange and maroon leaves of the season. We carried the pumpkins out to the rocks and carved away. We talked away as we carved; nothing could ruin that moment.

On the way down the mountain, we passed THE perfect tree. It was bright yellow, perfectly round, illuminated by the sun and had a fresh blanket of leaves covering the ground. We pulled over the car and I took pictures of her under the tree throwing leave up in the air. I think that the picture captures Emily’s spirit.

Across the street from the tree is a church that we decided was the perfect example of a quaint little country church.

Just one of the many memories, miss you,

Rob