Smiles
Smiles
In my mind today, I'm peaceful. I apologize about not writing as often as I should. My mind has been focused on honoring my friend. She's on the other side and I'm so happy for her. I used my charity tools at her visitation. Remember students our three goals for 2017? That's right, charity, love, and justice. What charity tool did I use? I smiled, gave hugs, and shed tears of happiness. I observed the fruit of her life. It was full of charity. You know what most people remember about my friend? It was her smile. Students what did I tell you about gifts of charity? They are not super expensive. The simple gifts are the most heart warming. Her smile and laugh were some of her greatest and most memorable gifts. Are you giving out scowls or frowns? Be honest. Start cheesing it up and you'll get an A from Mrs. Alley.
It was bitterly cold the day of Peggy's memorial. As I left her wake, I was emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. The cold had reached my bones. On my way home, my aunt asked, "Do you want to go anywhere else?" I told her I just wanted to go home, sit in my warm house, and eat the rest of my macaroni and tomatoes my sweet sister made me and I did just that. Then I settled in under a toasty blanket playing Words with Friends and watching TV. About 4:00 PM there were several kids beating on my front door. I was thinking "What's going on?" or "What the scallop?" as Spongebob would say. I texted my son to answer the door. Guess who it was? It was seven of my former students. They go to the Union Mission Youth Camp for kids after school. They receive tutoring, moral lessons, and fun. They also have created a club that raises money for the community. They heard about the Autumn March for ALS and had a car wash to raise money for the race. They were desperate to visit me and give me this gift of charity. This was such a God Wink. These students from sophomores to seniors had not forgotten me. They want what Peggy and I want, an end to ALS. They presented me with a check for $130 hard earned dollars. I will put this amount toward next year's race. I know Peggy was smiling and laughing. I could see her in my mind and feel her in my heart. She's cheering me on from heaven. We visited until almost 5 PM. They had to be back by 5 PM but before they left I asked them, "Remember how Ms. Alley always kept candy? Well, I still do in my kitchen." I lead them to the kitchen and told them to fill their pockets. It had been too long since my classroom candy jars were used. I'm tingling at the joy just thinking about their visit. My works of charity were sometimes through my candy jars in my classroom accompanied by my Q & A sessions. Did I go overboard? Always. Do I regret any of my crazy teaching methods? Never. As we hugged and said our goodbyes, I smiled. I thanked them for their kind act of charity.
Quote of the Day:
"The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why."
Mark Twain
I know why? Do you?
Sarah Anderson Alley
Dedicated to the Union Mission and their great works of charity in our community.
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