I could write about many things but I choose this story because it chose me. I was in second grade the teacher as she often did, opened the floor to questions. Classmates would ask a wide variety ranging from nature to science silly to the intelligent..when a student asked "why does Julie wear that scarf/bandana around her head" the teacher said that she would answer that one on another day. The next day I sat next to Julie on the bus, and she asked if I would like to come over one day and play, sure i said and started playing with her from then on. Julie would not be in school for days at a time... Julie had cancer. Although my parents did their best to explain I think for me, it was simply; Julie has something that made her loose her hair and stay home at times.
One weekend just before Valentines day I walked to Julie's after school for a planned sleep-over. Arriving at Julie's house her mother greeted me at the door and said that there had been a change of plans and then she drove me home. Julie died the very next day on Valentines day. A week had passed by when the teacher said that she had something to give us. She told us how Julie had made hearts for everyone. The teacher called each student one at time and handed them a hand colored paper heart, she was done calling out names when I realized that mine was not to be called . I was very sad. When class was coming to an end the teacher called me to her desk and handed me a very large paper heart that Julie had made for me.
Julie only had time to color it halfway......
16 comments:
oh my goodness Nadia- what a sad but beautiful story. Something I'm sure that shaped you and will always be in your heart.
tears, truly. thank you for sharing Julie's story, it is such an important reminder of the day. thank you.
what a beautiful and sad story. thank you for reminding us it's not all about flowers and chocolates.
what a sacrificial love from a child ...
I can only say what others allready said. But it is also my feeling. What a beautiful and sad story.
hi ~ just coming by from gigi's 'the magpie's fancy' and i am so delighted to find you ...
thank you for sharing the story of julie's heart ... so deeply heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time ... such great love from a little girl ...
also so love your images of your horses ... could never get enough of close ups of their soft, warm, nuzzly noses ...
thank you again ...
prairiegirl
wow - what beautiful memory julie gave you! love is amazing
what a touching story! it brought tears to my eyes.
happy valentine's day, and happy new year!
so sad and so beautiful nadia--thank you..sending you love every day.
thank you, nadia. this is so beautiful.
so heartbreaking nadia...you made me stop in my tracks this morning.
A gift of a story - beautiful.
children are just amazing. that is a very special heart and incredible that someone as thoughtful as you should call it your own. xo, c
oh so sad, so touching. thank you for sharing.
tears. ugh. feeling very heavy-hearted tonight and that story just breaks my heart. your picture below, at the top of the "winter renewal" post, also has something to do the tears.
the bay horse out the stall door looks *just* like my beloved old laddy, who died a few years ago. whenever i see an old bay horse like that i get choked up. nadia, that might be my favorite picture you've ever taken.
might be a stretch, but i'm wondering...do you ever make prints? that image moves me so, i'd really love to buy it from you; it reminds me SO much of home, of the farm where i grew up, of old laddy out in the snow and the sweet pony in the barn, hoping for treats...
really, that photo just moves me beyond words.
It is funny I should come upon this post today as I wrote of my long ago dear friend I lost as a young girl just this morning. She died of leukemia. We were eleven. It was a time when I believed children never died, a time when I believed God would save her. I remember with such clearness how we danced together until we couldn't breathe. I remember our laughter and I remember the bible she kept with her. For so long, I had been afraid to see her. But I worked up my courage that one afternoon and we had been happy. I made her so happy. After her death, she had come to me in a dream to say goodbye. I remember asking where she was going and who was she with, but she merely told me to sleep. She would come to me in dreams after, always telling me when it was time for her to leave for me to go back and I couldn't go with her. I would ask why not or tell her to stay with me. I still think of her,though her visits have ended-- perhaps I am too old now, too occupied with grown-up concerns. She remains my dear sweet friend, my forever child. In those moments when I think of her, i am that child again. the joy and sorrow still as potent as the day.
I am compelled to read your story from start to finish. Now the why of it is a little clearer to me.
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