Some sadness....

Two days ago I was on top of the world. I had finally seen my daughter's face. Ryan and I sent 'birth announcements' to all our friends and families. Last night we drove to Lexington to celebrate my niece Abby's 8th birthday then we went to Babies 'R Us and started a gift registry. Once we got back home we realized we needed some cat food. We were in the check-out line at Wal-Mart when a student asked me if I had heard about the accident.

Four of our band kids were involved in a terrible car accident, only three survived. Brittany Cordray, a Senior, one of my colorguard girls passed away. I met Brittany when she was only 11 years old. She was trying out to be in the Harrison Co. Marching Band's Colorguard. She was SO SHORT. It was hard for her to spin a flag without the pole hitting the ground. Six years later she became one of our captains.

I'll remember her laugh most of all. It was loud and contagious. Many times on the guard bus I would have to turn around and ask Brittany and Rachel to quiet down. They loved to laugh.

Brittany would do anything I asked of her, as a guard member and captain. She performed her heart out each and every time she took the field. I LOVED to watch her perform, she was pure perfection.

Being a teacher is difficult. We have students who hate school, hate teachers, are surly and rude. It's those rare times when a student smiles, says thank you, lets you motivate them, and encourages those around them. Although rare, it's these exact moments that dignify my job. Brittany made me love my job!

I have been blessed to know this child for the time I did. And, I will always remember her.

This was taken at Senior Night this past fall. Brittany was escorted by her parents, Mike and Pan into the field for recognition.

This picture was taken less than a month ago at the Senior Prom. Brittany is the first girl on the left. Her dress was so punkish-cute, short and sassy, just like her.

This picture was taken at the Football Homecoming this past Fall. My niece Abby was the Little Miss HCHS. She stood on the field with the band during the "tunnel" pre-game festivities. Brittany is on the far right.

This picture was taken at our annual "night before State Finals" guard get-together in Mrs. Fenton's hotel room. Brittany is the young lady in the blue shirt, second girl on the right.