Shewanna,
I wanted to come by and see you and squeeze your hand and
tell you I love you. When I heard that
things were getting more painful for you, I could only think of memories with
you and all the ways you have guided me.
So, I thought I’d made a list and I pray you know how much you have
shaped who I am. So here are some of my
best memories and what I’ve learned from you.
1.
I first met you
in my first interview. I was young,
nervous, and wearing heels for the first time in a year. You were wearing a black dress with a jean
jacket and a purple scarf. My answers
were wordy and fast. I remember your
presence in that interview like it was yesterday. You were calm and smiled. Not a fake smile, but a smile that let me
know that you were “for me” without even knowing me. You were encouraging and gave me questions
you knew I could answer well. You spoke
of teaching like the wonderful career it is. You and I both know it’s
frustrating, defeating, and a lot of work.
But you spoke to the positive and the way it changes kids’ lives. I knew you were on my team as I embarked on a
new journey.
2.
Then, I got the
job and you held my hand during that first half year, quite literally. I remember having you help me plan hour by
hour. I remember feeling horribly overwhelmed
with all I was being “told” to do (specifically by the literacy coach.) And you said, “Tell me what they said, and
I’ll tell you if you have to do it or not.”
And my anxiety and list of to-dos was cut in half. You make life more manageable for people.
3.
When I became
pregnant 3 weeks after getting married, I told you. You may not have realized this, but I made
Will tell everyone; my parents, sister, friends, etc. Because I was so devastated I didn’t want to
speak it out loud or have anyone know.
But, for some reason, I wanted you to know and I told you. I guess I felt like if something went wrong,
I wanted you to be there for me. You
hugged me and allowed me to cry into your shoulder as you told me it would be
okay. You’re the kind of person other
people want to share with.
4.
Fast forward a
few months later when I’m crying at work 8-months pregnant, because kids aren’t
doing their homework or listening or trying.
(This is how you know I was a new teacher). Instead of telling me to “cool it,” and
telling me I’m over-reacting, you said you’d handle it. You walked into my classroom full of 4th
graders and gave them a stern and loud talk for at least 15 min. I don’t know what you said, but they were
scared. Again, you always have my back.
5.
When Fin was
born, you loved him like your own. You
were always asking to snuggle him, buying him things, and listening to me gush
over him without getting annoyed. I
loved how when he got acne, you told me to put his own urine diaper on his
face. AND I DID. And, it worked! Now, I tell everyone that and preface it
with, “This may sound crazy, but my friend told me…”
6.
I loved when you
and Parker would stop by the house and hang when the boys were at the park
across the street. You know my family
and my in-laws, because when you invest in someone, you invest in the whole
persons. You’ve always felt like family.
7.
One of my
favorite memories teaching with you was when we did the animal unit. At first you told us you weren’t going to do
it. Then we convinced you. Whether we were on the outdoor field trip,
Cole retreat, or in your own classroom, I love watching your face when animals
appear. It’s one of my favorite things about you.
8.
But maybe my
most favorite thing is how much you fight and allow God’s spirit to flow
through you. You’re always helping
others, sacrificing for your kids, and you don’t allow what’s happened to you
to define who you are. I know there are excruciating
and painful times that you try to overlook.
And I am deeply sorry that you have had to experience pain like this.
It’s not fair. Whether it was after
surgery, a rough night, a doctor’s appointment, or a scan, you’ve always given
glory to God. It’s incredible,
Shewanna.
We pray this over you:
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I love you, and I believe in
you. Your family is my family, and we’ll
continue to take care of one another.
Grace and peace,
Liz
