By Terra Avilla
Ok, this week I can’t wait to tell you about this little sweetie pie because it is someone VERY special to me. And this week’s feature is on no other that my dear sweet little Emmelina Rios (known as “Ems” to most people).
When I moved to Susanville Ems was only 2 years old and I cannot believe how grown she is now. Getting to see her grow up has been such a blessing.
Emmelina is and has always been so kind, sweet, and just genuine. As far as I can tell she missed that dreaded sassy tween-age stage where they act “too cool” for everyone in the teenage stage.
She was always Ems. Always so freaking sweet.
She smiles when she sees me walking towards her or her friends whenever we may be and and comes over to hug me on her own free will and every time I just think “oh my gosh I love her so much, I feel so, so special.”
And it’s not just me, she treats everyone, like that. Acknowledging everyone, which is a pretty unique trait for a teen girl.
On top of being a sweetheart she is super studious and an amazing athlete. I have been blessed to coach her in our family art of jiu jitsu and oh boy is she sweet… but on the mat…. DON’T MESS WITH HER!
Not only is she an awesome grappler, but she also brings that same mentality to the basketball court. This girl can play! But wait there’s more! She is also an amazing dancer too.
I feel like I just watched her perform in her tiny candy cane striped sparkly “shirt” at Ms Nicole’s House of Dance!
This girl has the heart and work ethic of our small-town lives we all love so much. I love getting to watch her blossom into such an amazing young woman. Ems embodies everything we love about small-town life: heart, hard work, and a spirit that makes everyone around her smile.
Watching her grow into the wonderful young lady she is today makes me proud to call Susanville home.
