This morning as I was driving Danielle to Lincoln for a half marathon she was running, I received a facebook message from an Ogallala student who graduated two years ago. Wynston told me that he had lost my phone number, but needed to urgently get a hold of me. I replied back with my number and he called me IMMEDIATELY! The minute he called, I had a knot in my gut, and concern crept in. Long story short, he was calling to let me know that a classmate of his, Emma, was killed in a car wreck late last night. At the time he called me, very few people knew about the accident, but Wynston wanted me to hear it from somebody rather than through facebook. What a great kid to be that thoughtful in such a tough time. After getting off the phone, I told Danielle the news, only to have to send her off to run her "enjoyable" and "warm" 13.1 miles. This gave me plenty of times to reflect back on my time teaching Emma.
I can't even begin to explain Emma. Honestly....all I can see is her GIANT smile. I had Emma in choir for her 10-12 grade years, and she was always bubbly and chipper. During my time at Ogallala, I made it a point to constantly greet the students at the door to my classroom, and they were expected to give me a hi-five, handshake, or hug. There were days that I DIDN'T want to do this, either because the previous class did not go well or I simply didn't feel well. Even on the days I slacked in my greeting, Emma would NOT. She constantly greeted me with a smile, making sure to tell me good morning or good afternoon.
Not only did I have the pleasure of teaching Emma in choir, she was one student who I saw a lot of outside of the classroom. Both in church activities and involvement with our school musicals, I was blessed to be around such a beautiful, warm hearted young lady a lot. Emma was such a pleasure to work with in the musical because we could always count on her to be positive. Even amidst chaos and stress, I could look up from the pit and there Emma would be, simply standing there and smiling.
When I asked Emma what she planned on doing after high school, I could only hope for one answer...elementary education. God had molded Emma to be a motivator and a person who provides hope to others. Although God called her home before she had the chance to teach children for a career, I truly believe that Emma has taught many already!
That being said, here are some things that I have learned from my time either with Emma or looking back with a full heart on the memories she has left:
1) Don't underestimate the power of one. Emma has the ability to change your attitude by simply walking in the room. It is amazing what a smile can do to a cold heart!
2) If you are a student reading this blog, or anybody who would be considered "young": you have the ability to affect others. Too many times I hear kids say that they are just kids. Even if Emma didn't intend to be a changing factor, the life she lived did and will.
3) This experience has reminded me how much I love my students, and how much I want to see them succeed. Although at times I may be perceived as a grumpy bald man...I want NOTHING MORE than for my students to find success and be safe!
4) I have the best job in the world. How many people can go to their job EVERY DAY to have their bucket filled to the brim. I get to see the future on a daily basis grow. I get to experience youth making mistakes and stupid decisions, only to experience victories and breakthroughs the next day...all while giving them the opportunity to see that in me.
5) Life is about relationships. Period!
6) Don't take people for granted. Let those in your life who you appreciate know it. Write a note, send a text, give a hug. It doesn't have to be big...but it has to be done.
Below is a video from Emma's senior year at Ogallala High School. Although the recording quality is not great, I know it will bring many great memories back for those who were there. This was a special group for myself, and I know that Emma helped to make this group that the best it could be. In memory:
Emma taught me to ignore the little stuff and that as long as you had the ability to smile you can turn your day around....my second year in college I walked in I was upset about something Emma came bouncing up to me and asked me what the matter was... I told her and she said SO. its simple as that so what who cares go on don't dwell! Thank you Emma I miss you!
ReplyDeleteThe Precious Lord took her hand this morning and led her home. Emma always had a smile and was bubbly. Your tribute is beautiful, Nate. We miss you and Danielle in churh. DeAnn Zwickl
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome post Nate. What a tribute to Emma!
ReplyDeleteThis broke my heart. Emma was a loving girl. She was always there for everyone. If you were having a bad day you could always count on Emma to make you smile. She impacted all of us. She was beautiful, smart, and a bubbly person. She is greatly missed already. Never miss the opportunity to tell someone how much they mean, because they could be gone know the blink of an eye. She will always be loved.. <3
ReplyDeleteNate I read this this morning for the first time. The words "thank you" are not enough. I had hoped to make it today without some tears... but these were tears of joy. My Em truly lived her life with the "Pay it forward" attitude, and she did this without ever thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteA heart felt Thank-you
Bill