I’ve kept this note in my “smile file” for the past two years. (Elementary teachers get sweet notes fairly often from their kids, but for senior English teachers, written encouragement and accolades are fewer & farther between, making this one extra special.)

Here’s the thing about this note though: it says FAR more about Grace than it does about me. She was a treasure of a person, continually looking to build others up and be a bright spot in the world. She could have complained and been bitter about the hard things of life. She could have looked out for herself at the expense of others, but instead, she exuded love.

Grace was hardworking and determined, gentle and kind. She was smart, witty, fun, and joyful, and never failed to brighten my day. I can still picture her sitting in the front/center table group of my English IV classroom with a stocking hat on her head and a smile on her face.

I was stunned when I learned of Grace‘s cancer diagnosis and entrance into hospice care earlier this year. I reached out to her to offer encouragement & to let her know I was praying for her. She was grateful for the prayers and always very upbeat about her circumstances, trusting God with each day. Only once did she even acknowledge having some pain, but she minimized it and focused on the good. This message from 3 months ago shows her spunk, and had me cracking up:

Twenty years seem far too few for this treasure of a girl. Not enough time for her family & friends, not enough people privileged to know her, not enough way-too-fast scooter rides through Walmart.

While my human nature wants to scream, “Unfair!” and “Too soon!” I can’t help but remember that this life, for each of us, is but a vapor that is here today and then vanishes away. Scripture makes it clear that I don’t have a guarantee of tomorrow, and neither do you. The last stanza of this famous poem sums it up well:

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. (C.T. Studd)

I can picture Jesus welcoming sweet Grace home, into His arms today with a huge smile to match hers, His perfect love and sacrifice bringing grace to Grace.

Grace: such a fitting name for her, a young lady who routinely showed others unmerited favor. I’m so grateful I got to receive grace from Grace, and that I had the honor of knowing her for a portion of her beautiful life.