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Larry C
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0 posted 2004-04-09 10:46 PM



Assignments From My Daughter #9
By Larry Chadwick


L.L. Bean wasn’t really her style. But then again that hat. She had to have that hat. It would work so perfect with her classroom. So she sat down at her computer and proceeded to write a whole sequence of topic titles. Relying on her kindergarten experience she got her scissors out and separated each title into a single paper strip. When they were folded in half they went into her hat. And the hat went to her high school English classroom. It would do her juniors and seniors good to write impromptu papers on random topics.

Assignment #9 “Good Bye, High School”:

I remember her from before she was born. That makes me a reliable source when I say that she loved school and especially looked forward to high school. So it was with eager anticipation that she entered college and persevered for six years to complete both her four year degree and a two year graduate degree. All for the purpose of returning to high school. She fit in as well the second time as she had the first time. Ginger always had that high school age level of energy.

As a teacher she found it was not a job but rather her life. She had minimal success with men which left her a lot of time to invest in her students. What she discovered did not surprise her. There were countless returns on her investment. And among her greatest strengths was her ability to care for and reach out to the students that few seemed to invest in. She could bring out the best in anyone and proved it countless times.

When she was discouraged we would talk about her options. With all the education, talent, energy and drive she possessed she could enter the business world and be successful in every way. The most tempting, of course, was the financial possibilities. But it was always a brief conversation. She could never deny her passion. Others. Especially high school kids. I was persuaded that nothing would take her from her passion. But as is often the case with dads, I was wrong.

Ginger’s good bye to high school happened in a church. One hundred and fifty of her students were present for the farewell. Many tears were shed and many testimonies were offered. Hesitantly we closed her coffin and bore her to the graveyard. But her impact lives on. Which is consistent with her intent to never say good bye to high school.


April 9, 2004




If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

[This message has been edited by Larry C (04-09-2004 11:23 PM).]

© Copyright 2004 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved
Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind
1 posted 2004-04-10 12:17 PM


omg Larry

this is ever so touching I have tears....

heart hugs in your struggle to understand why....love ya and miss you so much around here....I know what a precious being she was, just from your words....how lucky you both were....

~~**~~
The sound of silence calls,
I hear your voice and suddenly
I'm falling, lost in a dream
The echo of our souls meet
~~**~~

Copperbell
Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956

2 posted 2004-04-10 12:40 PM


wow...there are too few like her...I'm lucky to at least had met one.
Larry C
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3 posted 2004-04-10 12:36 PM


Lauren,
You always bring such comfort to my aching heart. And thank you for such kind words.


copperbell,
She was a rare gem. We are all blessed when we have one we've known personally. And thank you.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Endlessecho
Member
since 2003-09-05
Posts 398
I live within myself
4 posted 2004-04-12 04:17 PM


This is beautiful.  As I'm sure she was.
azblond
Senior Member
since 1999-07-01
Posts 637
The Steamy Desert
5 posted 2004-04-18 11:49 PM


*Tears making it hard to type*

This was a wonderful write.

Let my words fall first upon deaf ears before a closed mind...

Trillium
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Idaho, USA
6 posted 2004-04-19 01:52 PM


Larry:  An impressive and very moving write. Having gone through a similar situation, you have my deepest sympathy and appreciation of how you are handling it.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Larry C
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7 posted 2004-04-21 09:31 PM


Endlessecho,
Thank you so much. I'm biased, but indeed she was.

azblonde,
Well that was certainly a kind response. Thank you and it is nice to be in AZ this time of year.

Trillium,
Thank you so much for being so kind. You know how much it is appreciated.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

8 posted 2004-05-20 07:26 AM


tears and sadness...

Maree

The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea, changes colour, but the sea, does not change.
~Stevie Nicks~

Larry C
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9 posted 2004-05-20 08:48 PM


Maree,
When I desktop publish this little project this topic will come last. And thank you for understanding.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
10 posted 2004-11-24 11:35 PM


Larry,
   Inadequate words here...
               misc'a

Larry C
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11 posted 2004-12-02 07:11 PM


Misc'a,
No problem. Thanks for reading and understanding.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

ESP
Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556
Floating gently on a cloud....
12 posted 2004-12-06 04:24 PM


What a touching story...we know her through your words and I think she will live in the inspiration they bring us. I certainly keep being inspired.
Lizzie.

"Time has told me not to ask for more, one day our ocean will find its shore" ~Nick Drake

Larry C
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Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
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13 posted 2004-12-07 07:40 PM


Lizzie,
I gotta tell ya' you are pursuing her passion and it seems you are doing it well. Thank you so much for your thoughtful participation in these assignments. It is so meaningful to me.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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