Ellie was 8 years old when she passed away in 2020.  She had autoimmune diseases.  Her family was aware of her health problems and knew that she was susceptible to health issues, but that did not ease the hurt and pain they felt.  We were extremely sad because of our love for the family.  We grieved with them.  I dreaded the funeral. 

The funeral was, as expected emotional, but in a surprising way.  There were tears, hugs, consolation to the bereaved and a spark of hope and enlightenment.  Ellie’s parents found a list of rules in her bedroom written in her handwriting and they shared those rules with us.

My Room Rules

1.  Have fun

2.  No fighting

3.  No pushing, shoving or hitting

4.  Always Love

Several days after the funeral, Ellie’s rules appeared on the local marque of McDonald’s and then on Chick-Fil-A and then Brusters. Other businesses did the same. The Atlanta Constitution wrote an article about her, Good Morning America, the Atlanta television stations and local newspapers all featured media about Ellie and her rules. 

“Ellie was a wonderful friend to everyone and such a kind soul.  She was the kind of young girl that everyone loved because of her caring heart and loving personality.  She wanted everyone to have a friend.  She wanted to go to church every day.”

Over a million people were touched by Ellie’s life.  She inspired multiple movements in several organizations to promote “Always Love.”  She is still missed by her family and by those of us who were on the outside.  We still stand in amazement at her influence on her community, friends and on those who never actually met her.  Her rules are still displayed in our house.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  (Mathew 5:14-16)

Just goes to show you that you are never too young to be a light to the world and never too old to follow the light.