I wrote a letter of appreciation today to my sixth-grade Sunday School teacher, who has been a bright spot in countless children's lives. Ada makes her home in a cheery assisted living place not far from the street where I grew up.
All six of us kids passed through her class on the way to growing up, and she recalls details about each of us at age twelve. After our dad left for heaven last month, she took time to write a beautiful note to our family, assuring us that he was happy and whole, reunited with our mother and all the other family and friends he had missed for decades.
We now range in age from 46 to 59, but she writes as if she now views us as orphaned kids. I could almost picture her pausing to think between the lines. Her words were sweet and measured. They hit the mark.
I thought of what it must feel like to be approaching the far end of 90, and to have witnessed so much life marching by. Ada's back is hunched, but if you catch her attention, she'll stop everything and chat for hours. If you explain what an impact she has had on the lives of all those kids who passed through her class, she tears up and reaches for a Kleenex. She's not comfortable with compliments. She points heavenward and says to credit Him, not her.
Dust doesn't have a chance to settle anywhere near Ada. Last I saw her, she was leaning forward on a folding chair, planting perrenials that will bloom years after she's exited this world for heaven's humongous garden.
God is still her lifeline and it shows.
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4 comments:
That is sweet...I think everyone should have at least one teacher they know throughout their lives, or at least intermittently. It's also inspiring to know of a woman that still has God as the center of her life...
I said this in my journal as a reply to you but: thank you for your compliment. It was much needed after such a hectic day!
-Lynnbee
Lynnbee.net
What a sweet tribute. I still remember my 5-6th grade SS teachers as well who had a remarkable impact on my life.
She sounds like a wonderful friend. You are blessed to have known her all these years. You remind me to be more alert to these dear old souls who are such treasures.
I hope I get to be an Ada some day.
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