Yesterday, Annie's teacher, Miss Cindy, invited us to the dedication of a little flower garden they planted in front of the school in her memory. In the middle of the garden is a weeping cherry tree--very appropriate, because I think I watered it enough for this week just with my tears. They also made a memory book of pictures and a CD of video and still pictures from this past year. Many of her classmates were there with their parents: Maya, Josh, Elise, Aiden, Caitlyn, Kai...and her friend, Molly, who bears a striking resemblance to Annie, and who, we used to say was Annie's older sister. Sweet, sweet children.
Her teachers and therapists: Cindy, from this year, Amanda from the last two years, Cynthia, Brenda, Karen, Meg, Barb, and Annie's nurse, Miss Patty were all there, as well as principal Brenda, counselor Merriah, teacher Chandler, paraeducators Roxanne, Alicia, Dina...friends Amber and Rebecca...many wonderful, kind people. My kids, David, Jack and Olivia came too, with friends Jessica and Chioma.
Bill and I knew it was going to be difficult returning for the first time to Annie's school...I think the last time I was there with her was for the Valentine's Day party, pictured in the memory book. School, and the people there were such a big part of our lives. Annie loved being at school with all her friends, although she didn't like everything they made her do--like taste pudding and finger paint. But she loved walking through the halls on her Kidwalk, visiting with the ladies in the office, and sitting next to little Elise at circle time, who would pull a "Hi" out of Annie every day. We miss seeing everyone there so much...just like we miss Annie.
The garden, memorial plaque, book and CD were all such kind gestures...we are grateful for the friends we made through her school, and the caring people who worked with her over the years. God blessed us and Annie through them all.
Jean
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Robert Brault
