I haven't posted to Emily's memorial blog for over four years now, but that doesn't mean we've forgotten. Recently, Sonja had a sweet "Emily dream," as we call them, and just last week, I had an experience that was more precious than gold -- a warm-hearted moment that was a gift from God. Here's how it came down:
As part of my job, I visit schools within an 80-mile radius of Liberty University's campus to meet with interns and their on-site mentors. Last week, I visited a school about an hour from our home. I didn't think I knew anyone there. I hadn't even met the intern yet. So, when I walked into the school office, I was surprised to hear the following:
"Are you Emily's dad? The dad of 'Little Miss Sunshine'?"
I was caught off guard. The lady asking the question and I were both wearing masks because of coronavirus restrictions, so I didn't recognize who she was, and I was surprised anyone would know me in this community. Before I responded though, I had to take a breath and relish the sound of the words "EMILY'S DAD." It had been so long since I had been acknowledged with that identity. I had to pause to enjoy it.
Just when I was getting ready to respond, I stopped again and thought, "Wait! Not many people knew or would remember that Emily had the nickname 'Little Miss Sunshine' at the middle school she attended over 13 years ago. Who was this person?"
"Yes," I answered, "I am."
"Well, I'm Mrs. Boyd and was one of her teachers at Forest Middle School. Now I'm in the district office and this is one of the schools I work with."
Mrs. Boyd! She was the teacher who gave Emily the nickname
"Little Miss Sunshine." I remember her telling us how much she
enjoyed spending time with Emily after school waiting to load her bus for home.
Emily loved school, and the bus, and school lunches, and backpacks, and . . .
her teachers! She loved school because of the people there -- those who
invested in her and made her feel special. Every. Single. Day. I told Mrs. Boyd
how our family still stops by Forest Middle School periodically to check out
the tree they planted in her memory with a plaque at the base that reads
"Our Little Miss Sunshine: Emily Smith, 1994-2007." The tree stands
right outside the large cafeteria windows and has grown now to be about as tall
as the building. Its growth reminds us of the time that has passed -- over 13
years since she's been gone. It also reminds us that she is stronger and more
alive now than ever. Waiting to rejoin us someday.
I was so touched by seeing Mrs. Boyd that I had to explain to the intern and mentor who stood in the school office watching our exchange. I told them how special she was to our daughter and to our family.
Thank you, Mrs. Boyd, for being a teacher who made a difference in Emily's life and in ours. You didn't just make my day when I saw you last week. You warmed my heart.
