Tiny tears welled in seven-year-old Emouree’s eyes as she stood beside the small, flat marker on her mother’s grave. Unlike the others with grand stones and vibrant flowers, it whispered loneliness. But Emouree, with a heart full of love, wouldn’t let it stay that way. Her quiet determination sparked a heartwarming journey of community support and unexpected twists, forever changing the cemetery and perhaps even her own world.
Emouree’s mother, Karli Bordner, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2024, just a few days before her 30th birthday. “I woke up with the worst news of my life,” said Emouree of the heartbreaking tragedy.
Karli, a single mother, was Emouree’s entire world. When Emouree first visited her mom’s resting place at the Rehobeth Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Guntersville, Alabama, she was devastated to see the modest plaque compared to the grand granite headstones surrounding it.
“It felt like [my mom] was being left out,” Emouree expressed, describing her distress at the sight of her mother’s grave. Her grandmother, Jennifer Bordner, explained to her that the family couldn’t afford a proper headstone.
Still reeling from the loss of Karli, another heartbreaking blow struck the grandma-granddaughter duo just weeks later.
But seeing her granddaughter’s tears and determination to help, Jennifer knew she had to support Emouree’s fundraising effort.
It was then that Emouree decided to start a lemonade stand, hoping to collect enough money to buy a headstone for her beloved mother. The stand began with just four lemons, but as word spread, donations quickly poured in.
Initially, Emouree didn’t mention her cause, but soon the community learned about her mission. People from all over Scottsboro flocked to her stand to buy lemonade, with some contributing far more than the asking price of $1 per cup.
“The most that we got from one cup of lemonade was $300,” Emouree said. And just like that, her simple lemonade stand, combined with the generosity of her neighbors, raised over $15,000.
A monument company, moved by the little girl’s story, offered to donate the headstone, allowing the family to save the money for other needs. Emouree’s lemonade stand quickly became a symbol of hope and community spirit.
Not long after, Emouree and her grandma began seeing the ripple effect of their seemingly small but significant effort. Jennifer shared that Emouree was amazed by the outpouring of support.
“[Emouree’s] comment was, when all these people came, she couldn’t believe so many people cared for her and loved her mommy,” Jennifer recounted. The outpouring of love and support from the community became a lifeline for the grieving family.
Still reeling from the loss of Karli, another heartbreaking blow struck the grandma-granddaughter duo just weeks later: Emouree’s uncle, Steve, passed away from a sudden heart attack.
The Scottsboro community rallied around Emouree, showing that it truly takes a village to support and mourn together. Local firefighters, police officers, and nurses were among those who visited her stand, buying lemonade and offering their condolences.
In April 2024, Emouree’s story also went viral on social media, with videos of her lemonade stand and her touching gesture spreading widely on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Netizens worldwide were moved to tears by her strength and determination.
“It’s the fact that the firefighters, police, and nurses came to buy lemonade😭😭❤️why does this app always have me crying [sic],” wrote one user on TikTok.
Another commented, “I lost my mom when I was 25 and this broke me. I’m so happy she got the headstone and can visit her momma and see the headstone she worked so hard for to show her love [sic].”
Emouree’s story inspired countless messages of support and love from people who were touched by her actions. “HOW IS SHE SO STRONG OMGGG BABY GURL U ARE A SUPERHERO [sic],” wrote a third commenter.
Many others expressed their desire to hug Emouree and commend her bravery. “Oh how I wish I could give her a big hug. She is so strong,” expressed another user.
“sobbbbbiiiingggg😭😭🥰god bless her and her family and also the sweetest angels that helped her 😭[sic],” noted another user.
“I just wanna give this sweet angel a hug 😭😭,” quipped a sixth commenter.
“she must feel so whole seeing that her mommy is not forgotten and her mom must be relieved that her angel is not alone [sic],” divulged a seventh user.
“[I] just know she is loved by her mom and never make her feel left out,” said a final user.
Despite the tragic loss, Emouree’s actions brought her family closer together and garnered the support of their community. Jennifer expressed her gratitude, saying:
“I hope my daughter can see how amazing this is and how especially wonderful her daughter is. Thank you to everyone and thank God because this was one of the most painful things I ever experienced, and this community has helped me.”
The money raised from Emouree’s lemonade stand will go a long way in supporting the family, especially since Karli did not have insurance at the time of her death.
Emouree remains in awe of the support she has received. “I didn’t know just making a little lemonade would bring this many people to my house. It’s fun, but it’s unbelievable at the same time,” she said.
As Emouree and her family continue to navigate life without Karli, the support from their community provides a glimmer of hope and reassurance.
Moreover, the new headstone will be a lasting tribute to Emouree’s mom, showing that she is remembered and cherished. Emouree’s lemonade stand has not only raised money but also brought people together, demonstrating the power of community in times of need.
In other words, this youngster’s simple act of starting a lemonade stand has had a profound impact. It highlighted the kindness and generosity of the Scottsboro community and showed how a young girl’s determination to honor her mother can inspire and move people across the world.
If this story touched your heart, please say a prayer for Emouree’s late mom and keep this sweet angel in your thoughts and wishes.
