I was privileged to visit with Amy today, a student from Clayton High School who gave me hope and courage when the going was tough back in the early 2000s. We were all trying to get a real chorus going back in those years, and not everyone in those early classes wanted to be on board with the dream -- hence, the struggles and discouragement. Amy toughed it out, she continued to encourage others, and because of students like her who continued to care against all odds, the chorus at that school grew, matured, and wound up presenting a fabulous concert in New York City at St. John the Divine Cathedral in 2011. Amy came to the OBX on vacation this week with her sister and took the time to treat me to lunch at the Black Pelican -- fabulous! She told me that she loved me and thanked me for those years in chorus "back in the day." But, truly, Amy did far more for me than I could ever have done for her. I tried to explain how special it is for a teacher to have a student remember them after so many years -- and to have a student look them up to express their thanks -- what a precious moment of grace! She shared with me what she's been doing since graduating from NC State, and it was delightful to learn about how her life and career are unfolding. Amy and another student had given me a lavender-colored stuffed rabbit during her high school days which we named Winston (because he was presented during a chorus trip to Winston-Salem to participate in a state music contest). Winston joined us for lunch! Amy couldn't believe how well Winston had held up over the years. I told her I took special care of him, because he reminded me of how much she and those students meant to me.
For over 30 years, I've been a teacher because I must. Teaching is a passion that has to be addressed in my life. Most teachers don't teach to get thanks, or praise, or a huge salary -- but when teaching is in your soul, and you get to work with students like Amy, you do become a wealthy person. Amy's visit today -- her willingness to share vacation time (and precious "starting out salary") to take me out to lunch -- led me to this verse from I Corinthians, chapter 16: "Let all that you do be done in love."
Thank you, Amy. Be blessed in everything. I will always remember this day.
