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View Old Guestbook (7/2002 to 10/2005)- coming soon!
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KIMBERLY My Student, My Friend I
remember that very first day she walked into my 5th grade class,
seemingly a little shy, yet inquisitive, and with what would become her
trademark with me, a beautiful infectious smile. She quickly made new friends
and kept the old ones as she challenged herself to learn about the Revolutionary
War, or sharing with me some of the adventures that were occurring in the book
she was reading, or putting together a fabulous rock collection for her science
project or getting prepared to be the prosecuting lawyer in Tom Sawyer. She was
kind and thoughtful and always willing to do more than her share. Kimberly was a
peacemaker and insisted we work together in solving our classroom problems. Her
quick wit brightened up many a day for me and I would find myself giggling at
something Kimberly had said or done. In short, she was one of those long
remembered students who wove long threads around your heart strings, and then
plucked those strings with such sincerity, grace, and charm that forgetting
Kimberly would be an impossibility for me. Then
a new phase began for Kimberly and our family as she and my daughter, Jennie
became very close friends. In fact, she became like a younger sister to Jennie.
Their zest for living, for sharing laughter with each other, for tackling some
of the problems growing up entails, and for always being there for one another
regardless of the scope of the difficulty was truly rewarding to watch unfold.
Kimberly would come into our home or my office at school with that infectious
smile and always inquired as to how I was doing and you just knew that whatever
ever she said or did was genuine. She truly cared about her family and friends
and was always there to be supportive whenever possible. She was a favorite of
my husband Earl. He often remarked about her just being so nice and polite to
everyone and going that extra step to make even a grandpa like him feel special.
Hugs were the order of the day wherever I saw Kimberly. I often thought to
myself, “My, oh my, but our Kimberly is such a love and we are so thankful she
is a part of us.” Kimberly,
we miss you so much. When the phone rings, I think, that’s Kimberly. My heart
is sad and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t think how much my world
has changed because you are not there to brighten it up and make it a better
place for all of those you loved and who loved you in return. I carry you around
in a little spot right on the bottom left side of my heart - that’s
Kimberly’s spot. Honey, your beauty, your love for your friends and family,
the joy in being Kimberly Andrews and sharing that joy with everyone will never
be lost or forgotten. And
when I gaze up at the heavens, I will find the brightest star and that will be
you because your life shone with such true brilliance and illuminated all of us
who knew and loved you so. I count myself highly fortunate that I was able to
make part of the journey with you. You enriched my life and gave me so many
wonderful memories that I will cherish all the days of my life. And you will
never truly die, because our lives have been so touched by you that we will
carry with us wherever we go, Kimberly Andrews. Thank you for making me a better
person just by our spending time together.
Love you always,
Brenda Opie
July 2, 2002 |