Every teacher has one. That one student that touched your heart in a way that you will never forget. I have been blessed to have taught a handful of those kids and one such sweetie is the topic for this week. Her name is Nikki. This young lady has a heart of gold. She was an officer in Junior Civitans in middle school for which I am the advisor. Junior Civs is a service organization so it is not surprising that it does not always appeal to many middle schoolers. Nikki was different. She had a heart for people and wanted to help wherever there was a need. She threw herself into it with enthusiasm and joy. I think that is the one thing I remember about her, not that she helped but HOW she helped. Nikki did it with joy in her heart and she made everyone around her feel better just by being near her. What a gift!
I ran into Nikki the other day at her part time job and she was just as warm and caring as always. I felt the joy again and I realized just how much I have missed her.
As I was getting ready to head home the other night at the end of a particularly long day my daughter, Maddie, texts me asking if she could go to dinner with Nikki and friends to celebrate Nikki's Birthday. I said "yes" and I was just about to say "Tell her Happy Birthday from me too!" when I remembered my pay it forward pledge. I could just send her a message via my daughter or I could do a little more. I headed to the store to pick up a card and while I was there I spotted some beautiful flowers. I wrote Nikki a heartfelt note and gave her a little Birthday spending money. I hurried back to give everything to my daughter to take with her to dinner. Then I offered up a short prayer, that God might bless Nikki and all of those kids there celebrating with her. That he might allow her to experience as much joy and happiness as she gave me in the three short years that I had the privilege of teaching her. Thank God for all the Nikkis of the world, for they make the ride worthwhile!
Laurie
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