P.B.

So, I just got off the phone with my best friend from growing up, Jen Picos. She told me that the pastor I grew up with has been diagnosed with cancer in his brain. He has had melenoma (sp?) skin cancer for years and now it has apparently moved into his brain. Apparently he doesn't have long to live. He is in his 80's and has lived a great life but it is still sad to think that his life might come to an end soon. Jen said that she was going to write Pastor Bonner (my family nicknamed him P.B) a letter about how much he has meant to her over the years and all he has done for her family and I couldn't pass up that opporunity myself. I think I will write him a letter but in the meantime, I wanted to let my blog friends know a little about the difference this precious man has made in my life.

When I was home for Christmas last year, my sisters and I took a trip to the grocery store to pick up some ice cream and in walked PB. He asked how each of us were doing and was so sincere with his sweet words, telling us he was proud of us and happy for where our lives have taken us. He knew what each of us were doing and all about my sister's families. It was obvious that he cared about us and was keeping up with our lives via our grandparents (or some other source). This is who PB is, a genuine, sweet man who truly cares for people.

One of my favorite quotes (I am not sure where it is from) is, "Preach the gospel and when necessary...use words". PB lives this quote out perfectly. Looking back on all the years I have known him (or remember him since I have known him all my life), I don't remember the sermons he preached but I do remember him showing me Christ through many things: his actions, his concern for people, his sweet nature, his nonjudgmental nature and his love for life and God. I have respected and admired this man all of my life, there is not one negative thing I can say about him. He has lived his life truly loving and serving God and His people and it shows. I remember PB as someone who always visited the sick in the hospital, attended all the funerals, showed up at many youth events, showed up to graduation parties (I still can remember the hug he gave me at my high school graduation party and the words he shared with me about how he was proud of me), played with the kids, and he seemed to get along and connect with all age groups.

He truly is a man of God and has lived his life to the fullest. I hope that one day, when I have aged, people can look back on my life and say that my love for God was evident and that I showed Christ to others not through my words but through my actions.

PB is a special person and I truly hope that I will be able to see him again this side of Heaven.

Back to School

Yes, it is that time again....I can hardly believe it! The summer months went by way too fast and I had way too much fun! :) It was a great summer full of great family time, fun weekend trips with friends and nannying for a very sweet family.

I feel like this post is boring without pictures but you will have to wait for some pictures! :) In the meantime I will leave you with some highlights of the first week of school (minus no sleep and the craziness of getting back into a crazy busy routine):

1. Receiving big hugs and love from my students from last year. Even though they were such a challenging class, I miss them and love every time I get to see any of them!

2. Hearing one of my new students tell his classmates that this is going to be his best year ever on the first day of school.

3. Coming back to my classroom not knowing that my students were in there waiting for me! I opened the door and the said, "Surprise! we love you!". On that day, I so needed to hear that!

4. Coaching volleyball with my great friend Angela and hearing my volleyball girls use the word "precious" because they know I am obsessed with that word.

5. Having a parent from last year tell me that my love for my students is so evident and that I made a significant difference in her son's life.

6. Being back in the community that I love and having so many meaningful conversations with my amazing coworkers.

Can you tell I love my job and where I work? :) It definitely has its challenges but it so rewarding all at the same time.