An Angel

Wow! What a ride! It's amazing how GOD selects special people to walk this earth reminding us of his mercy, grace, goodness, and blessings! And HE has blessed us with Krista.

It was spring 2006 when my civics student James Harmon and his mom offered a community service project for the class. I hadn't met you, but once I shared the flyers for 5K walk to raise money for cancer walking on "Krista's Team," over and over students said, "Oh I know her; she's my firiend." Amazed by the reactions of so many, I pushed the idea as a project to all classes for those who still needed a project assignment. That Saturday morning in May several of my students and their parents (James H, Cortez B, Kevin M. and several others)showed up, made financial donations, and marched on Krista's Team. Ms. Harmon sent me a 5k T-shirt and scrapbook with photos from the walk hoping to continue a record of these acts of kindness. Viewing the look on your face in the photos, arm and arm with friends and acquaintances who had joined your team emulates GOD's goodness and your appreciation for such.

Last year, I finally got to meet you. I had no clue you were the same Krista. You were so alive, so happy, and seemed just as most other students your age, healthy and trying to keep up with your studies. Every other day in my classroom, working or waiting to be tutored by Mr. Chip. Then one day I found out you were on the swim team. In a casual discussion with my Civ teammates, Ms. Stoldt, I asked about her swimmers that I knew including you, Krista. I was shocked when she told me you were a brain cancer survivor and I thought, wow, how well you emulate HIS mercy and grace! The story of your courage and determination was so encouraging for me and my family. Still, I never placed you as the same Krista so many had adored and walked on your team to raise money for cancer research.

Then the news broke on Friday and I was saddened at the thought of this possibly being the lovely young lady I visited with so often last year. My fears were confirmed on the spotlight moment of silence today. Finally I put two and two together and pulled the scrapebook over the shelf. Sure enough! You had walked with the honor and grace of an earthly angel, blending in the crowd, dancing along as if no one was watching you! Wow!

Krista, I thank GOD for blessing your family with you who shared so much amazement with us at SCSS. You remain a blessing for so many and are a sure role model for me. You have reminded me to take notice and praise GOD for his goodness, grace, mercy, and blessings! Thanks for this ride and keep the prayers going!

With gratitude,
Ms. H-J (Hicks-Johnson)