Emma Brooks Edwards had one wish after doctors said her leukemia could not be beaten: she wanted to marry her best friend, DJ. They had been inseparable since third grade, had already tried to wed at recess, and this time the grown-ups agreed to make it real.
On June 29, 2023, Emma arrived at the venue in a wheelchair pushed by her parents, Alina and Aaron. She wore a purple gown that sparkled under the string lights, and DJ waited at the end of the aisle in a tiny gray suit, fighting tears. A local florist donated the bouquet, a baker supplied a three-tier cake, and Make-A-Wish covered the rest. The ceremony lasted only minutes, but the couple exchanged rings, recited vows they had written with crayons, and sealed the marriage with a gentle kiss. Guests cheered, cameras flashed, and Emma laughed louder than she had in months.
After the reception she retreated to bed, exhausted yet glowing. Three weeks later, surrounded by the same family who had celebrated her wedding, Emma slipped away. She was ten years old.
Her obituary thanked DJ for giving her “the wedding of her dreams” and asked the world to remember her for practical jokes, glitter-covered crafts, and a love so big it bent time. Rest easy, little bride.
