Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Things I didn't know about my sister.

Little Eclairs at the Party

I always knew my sister, Tammy, was amazing and funny but today I heard a story that rocked my world.

Tammy has never spoken of this but I heard it from strangers that have been so moved by her dedication and humble service as a High School Guidance Councelor they just had to tell the world.

Tammy is retiring after 32 years. She is being given many awards, which she never told me about either. A student of hers asked her to attend his awards dinner. She attended his awards dinner instead of going to hers. At his awards dinner he told his story. He has been in over 20 foster homes throughout his lifetime and was physically and emotionally abused in most of them. But then he met my sister and she changed his life. He went on and on about how he would not be alive had it not been for her. She let him know that she would always be there for him, there would be a team of people to help him, support him, encourage him and expect him to succeed.

He is graduating this year and going on to college. All because she believed in him.

This is amazing in itself until I heard another stranger tell me that this is only one of many many kids my sister has saved.

As I wiped tears from my eyes and ate little eclairs at her retirement party, I asked Tammy why she's never shared this part of her life with me. She just shrugged her shoulders.

There are wonderful people in this world. People that don't care about money, things or status. People that save lives and never talk about it. I know this because I know quite a few of them.

Thank you, my sweet sister, for changing the lives of our future.
You have always been my teacher and I thank God you will continue to be.
I will always need your guidance.
Your spirit.
Your grace.
I love you.

3 comments:

  1. Oh God, big eye waters, lump in throat and I'm discreetly blowing my nose. I'll just tell people I got lotion in my eyes.

    Thank you Tammy from a random stranger in Oregon. But I do deeply appreciate what you have done.

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  2. karen what a beautiful tribute to your sister..i am very touched by this post.

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  3. I wish Tammy a very happy retirement.

    Love you.

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