"My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the absolutely senseless loss of your beautiful daughter.

I did not know Emily personally but I am friends with SO MANY who did know and love her. My daughter, Katia Thompson, spent time with Emily as a coach a YVC summer camps. Kat was a west valley volleyball player who graduated last year, she played for Team Yakima and is now a YVC volleyball athlete herself. She now coaches for Team Yakima Volleyball as well.

Today, Club Selah hosted a U12 tournament at the high school. I went to watch my daughter coach and cheer on her “littles” in their games. I wanted to share with you  my experience there today. Everywhere I turned, conversations that were within earshot of me, conversations I had myself with others had to do with your daughter. People far and wide sharing their memories of her, their love for her. It was so beautiful to see. It was almost like those people gather there today for her!
Mr. Harris, though I did not know Emily, I felt like I did by the time I left that tournament. It was so clear to me by the end of my time there just how much she was loved, cherished and respected by so many. She made an incredible impact on our volleyball community and beyond. Though I know you already know these things about your daughter, I still wanted to share with you my experience.

Sir, you and yours have the prayers of myself and my family. You’ll be in our hearts."

-Jennifer Thompson

"Hey Brian, I've seen your posts about people reaching out about their choice to leave situations with domestic violence because of your daughter. I did too. I have known Emily since 5th grade, but have known Daniel even longer. Dan and I were neighbors, even assigned seat partners on the bus for 6 years.

This impacted me, touched me very deeply. I have a 4 year old daughter and all I could think of was your grand-kids. Emily inspired me. I've been afraid of leaving for 2 years and finally got courage because of HER. I'm so sorry for your loss and this tragedy. But it helped me and my daughter stay safe. It opened my eyes; thank you.

I would also like to tell you that I have actively been doing fundraisers for the YWCA through Facebook (although it may not be much) and have raised $425 for YWCA Yakima. She truly saved my life; if I had been stuck with him during this quarantine, I may have had a story more like hers. Thank you."

-Anonymous

"I met Emily at the Central Washington State Fair. It was just myself and my daughter that day. We were getting on and off rides and my daughter wanted to go on the kid roller coaster. I saw this sweet little girl (Olivia) sitting by herself and told my daughter to go sit with her. The girls got off and ran to the next one together and started talking and asking if they could go on the next one together. Then Emily walks up to me and says “Looks like we are going to be following each other!” and I agreed.

So as the girls were going from one ride to another, we started to get to know each other and became friends from that day on and so did the girls. Emily sure knew how to pick people. I needed her without knowing I needed her. We found each other with the same needs of friendship. Emily, I love you and miss you every day.

- Renee

"I met Emily through school and sports. We graduated together and played basketball through middle and high school. At our 10 year reunion Emily made it a point to come over and sit with me to catch up on life.

As we started discussing where life had taken us, she made it a point to ask why my husband wasn’t sitting there with me. I was hesitant to tell my story. I continued on, telling her about how my then-husband had become an alcoholic and turned to verbally and to a low-degree physically abusing me (pushing around, etc).

She gave the biggest hug and encouraging words as to living and focusing on my kids and getting out of that toxic environment. We talked about if I had discussed what was going on with anyone else. I replied, “no”. I didn’t want to look like I was giving excuses or not fighting for my marriage at that point, even though I know I had.

Brian and Fran- your daughter’s words that night is what got me out of an abusive relationship. You two raised an amazing lady."

- Anonymous

"I wanted to let you know how much your family has helped me. I knew Em just because of mutual friends and my son is on Olivia's basketball team. She always had a smile and treated me as if we were friends for years. Even with the little time I knew her I will forever hold in my heart.

I was married for 7 years, and when I finally got out, I denied what had happened. I was ashamed and believed that it wasn't abuse because we were married. I have been separated for 2 years. Meeting Emily and then her loss, you and your family gave me the strength and courage to say yes, it happened and I survived.

Today I am still afraid of the what-ifs. But I know that I have good people to support me. I am just a young single mom in Selah, but Em's story will forever impact me and my kids.
Thank you and Fran for raising an amazing person."

- Anonymous