Letter from Richard

Here are emails from me to Richard, the skydiving instructor whom Emily and I jumped with, and a reply from him. I shared them with my family and was encouraged to post them on the blog as it is clear that Emily is still touching and inspiring so many...

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for such a wonderful skydiving experience last weekend. I was so glad that you were there as well as so many others that remembered Emily's experience a few years ago. Ever since Emily passed away I've chosen to use her death as inspiration instead of tragedy. Although, obviously I miss her immensely and often wonder why this had to happen to my family, I know that she would want me to live on for both of us. Emily was so proud of her skydiving experience (as she should be!!) and often talked about it. It felt really good to go out there and live life to the fullest by having such an amazing experience in her honor. It was really just what I needed at this point. I know Emily would have been so proud. I will never forget twirling in the sky and yelling out her name with you - thank you so much.

I just got the DVD a few days ago and it came out really great. I laughed when I saw it, I didn't realize you had to pry my arms open - haha. I would definitely want to jump again - next time I'll get it right! I guess you guys couldn't find Emily's video to put on my DVD, but I really appreciate the thought and attempt. It's a good idea, and I may have her VHS converted to DVD and put ours both together for myself.

I've posted some of the photos we took last saturday online at http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbOGjRi1aN2Hp . Let me know if the link doesn't work.

Also, I would like to share the URL of a blog that was created in Emily's memory by her Honors Business Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, at Virginia Tech. I often write in it, and actually just wrote a story about my skydiving experience in there a few days ago. There are just tons of stories on the site (all the archived dates are on the right column) just showing how special she was to so many people. http://friendsofemily.blogspot.com/

Thanks, and I look forward to jumping again with you guys in the future.

Kate Specchio

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Hi Kate.

Thanks for staying in touch. I have thought about last Saturday often. This was a truly unique combination of memorable experiences - sharing skydiving with someone as inspiring as Emily and then with you in her memory. I spent a couple hours going through our tapes and we don't have the master of Emily's skydive. It was done with a videographer named Justin Duff that left the sport and took his tapes with him. If you could make a DVD of Emily's skydive I would love to have a copy of it.

Thank you so much for sending me these pics and the blog below. You and Emily are a true inspiration to me. I was touched by the connection that was made in the manifest office (place where you watched the video and signed all the paperwork) and the courage you have to carry on as you do. Emily's story is one I will tell as long as I live.

I really wish you the best, and your family. If you do skydive in the future, I hope it will be with us.

Richard Wagner



HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!! Make sure you enjoy it - it was one of Em's fav holidays. We all know she loved to go "all out" on her costumes!

-Kate