Thank You Sarah

I just got back from a gathering of 2011 Grads that are part of the youth program I run at my local church.  I thought for a laugh I would dig out some old pictures of me and the “white man’s afro” look I had going on back in ’96.

I flipped through a few pages of my photo album and I was reminded once again of a very special and beautiful person and my eyes welled up.

Her name was Sarah. She passed away not long after our Graduation ceremonies in Valemount, BC…. just about 15 years ago now.

And I owe her a huge thank you.

I was a shy kid and didn't always fit in. I played a lot of road hockey with the local guys and had a great home-schooled education but when graduation time rolled around I realized I really didn’t have anyone my own age to celebrate with.

Enter Sarah.

We had become really good friends in the past few years. In the kindness of her heart she must have realized the same thing about my lack of graduation options, because she started inviting me to Grad meetings of the one and only public school in town.

I felt like I didn’t belong there but she insisted. I’m not sure how she did it but before long I was neck deep in Grad planning, fundraising etc.

Somehow I was invited to go along on the Dry Grad trip to West Edmonton Mall and had the time of my life.

And in one of the most special memories, I was somehow invited to take part in the public school grad ceremonies – even though I had never taken a class there in my life.

I went to Kamloops with Lyle and rented a tux just like everyone else. I got to go to the dinner and invite my very proud family. And I got to hear Mrs. Olsen introduce me just like I was one of the gang.

These are deep, precious memories and I owe so much of them, if not all of them, to my friend Sarah.  

She made me feel included and important. Her kind and thoughtful heart and bubbly personality will never be forgotten by me or anyone who knew her.

She was taken from us too early. I do not pretend to know all the reasons why but I am so glad that I knew her and that she knew me.

From conversations I had with Sarah (and other friends), I know I will get to tell Sarah in person one day what I was never really able to convey at the time – Thank you Sarah. Thank you for making such a difference in my life.

Joe