4.20.2010

Grieving

I can remember her handwriting. 

Every time she signed their assignment notebooks where I had scrawled out their night's homework assignments, she would sign it with these really loopy letters.  Almost bubble-like. 

I also have 3 or 4 Christmas ornaments that hang on my tree each year that she gave me as teacher presents.  And I still have a couple of candles that were part of the gifts. 

One of the baby outfits that was my favorite of Keaton's was given to us by her.  It's been in his baby box since he outgrew it almost 10 years ago.

And now I'm going through my house looking for the things that hold little reminders of her.  A bookmark that was signed by her.  A picture drawn by her daughter when she was in my preschool class.  A scrapbook of my teaching days which holds pictures of her at various school events.

Because last night her earthly body failed her.  And today her new and perfect body is dancing with Jesus. 

I taught at the same private Christian School for almost a decade.  And I had the privilege of teaching every one of {Sarah's} children.  Some of them multiple times.  And it was just that...a privilege.

{Sarah} was a beautiful, soft-spoken woman.  She was always laughing.  Always smiling.  It always made me giggle that even years after I had taught her children, I was still "Mrs. _____" when she saw me out in public.  Never just "Amber."  I used to joke with her that even in Heaven, when we'd meet on the Streets of Gold, she'd greet me with "Mrs."

And now she's gone.

And I'm having a strange time processing it all.  I'm grieving for that blessed woman that I used to know so well, but haven't seen in ages.  I'm grieving for those sweet angel babies who have lost their mama, but their faces are still those of the ones that used to sit in the desks of my classroom.

And I'm sad.

Very very sad.

And am looking forward to the day when I can hug her neck in Heaven, and hear her say, "Well, Mrs. ___, so glad you finally made it!"


** Please please please lift up {Sarah's} family to our Jesus.  I cannot imagine their grief and anguish at this hour, but I do know that our Lord is holding them close.

14 comments:

Mich said...

prayers...

I love you and mourn with you.

Marla Taviano said...

Oh, Amber. I'm so sorry. Praying for your friend's family!

Carpool Queen said...

Children should not lose their mamas. Heartbreaking, Amb.

Unknown said...

So sorry Amber. I have her family, and you in my prayers.

Gretchen said...

I'm so sorry. Prayed at your tweet & again just now, & will as He brings them & you to mind. Not fair. Xxxooo

Amy Fulmer said...

I had forgotten about the handwriting. But you are right-it was as happy and bubbly as she was. And it was always responding to a need-a new cd player for the classroom, loaning her van for a field trip, or bringing x-rays to show a room full of rowdy 4th grade boys "really cool broken bones."

I loved how she loved her kids. And how great they each were because of her and the way she trained them.

That family is so precious. My heart has been heavy for them all day.

I will hold my babies a little longer tonight.

Bridget said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I will say a prayer for her family as well as for you.

Lindsay said...

Amber, What a beautifully written testimony to the mark Sarah left on your life. Praying for her family along with you.

BARBIE said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Praying you will be comforted. I will be lifting her family up in prayer.

Cathy said...

I can't even imagine...praying.

lisa@littlesliceoflife said...

Kids should not lose their mothers. I'm sad with you, friend.

Tiffani said...

i love you.

my heart certainly grieves when you grieve, my dear.

praying for you and for that precious family.

Nina Diane said...

~hugs and prayers~

Michele said...

I'm so very terribly sorry for your loss! Sending a big cyber hug your way!