Little Heroes. Big Hearts

“Life has many different chapters for us. One bad chapter doesn't mean the end of the book.”

-Unknown

How can someone so young who has gone through horrid experiences in her life be more alive than most of us? This is the primary thought that kept running through my mind as we met with 10-year-old leukemia hero, Amber.

First of all, I am ecstatic about our first annual Mr. Roadrunner pageant that is coming up here in March. The grand pageant is getting closer and closer and my excitement is getting bigger and bigger. It truly has been an amazing thing to see the participation and creativity that has come from our students here at Holbrook High! Through the small but significant actions that our students are performing, we are making a difference in several lives, and this is beautiful. Now for the famous eight Mr. Roadrunner contestants-I CANNOT wait to see them on that stage! As a part of this special experience, this past Monday we were honored to meet with one of the wonderful Leukemia heroes, Amber. It was a day that I will always remember.

She and her family walked into Chili's and I didn't know what to expect from this ten-year-old girl who had suffered from leukemia at such a young age. There she was as she automatically illustrated the spirit she had inside her along with a delightful smile. If it wasn't for her glass eye on her precious face that hinted me on a little of her past I would have never known that she suffered from leukemia! Amber was quite the character and her she had enough optimism there for us all. To hear her story and to come to know that she got diagnosed at the age of two was tragic but to see her so alive and complacent about life was unforgettable.

Bad days happen to us all. Sometimes we wonder if things are gonna keep getting worse. Then a situation like Amber is reminded to us and suddenly our bad day is nothing compared to the life and experiences that she has lived or is living. Many of us spent our childhood playing outside or learning in our elementary classes while many children like Amber spend their childhood in a hospital room, which in their eyes, become known as their temporary home. When I saw the hope that this young lady demonstrated to us on that day she helped me remember the significance of life and the happiness that exists in each day. When Ashley and I interviewed Amber's mom, we asked her if she would change anything about Amber's cancer. She replied with a smile, “I wouldn't change anything. This whole experience with the cancer made us who we are today.”

I am dedicating this week's blog to Miss Amber. I loved the way she dealt with her past and the way she accepted it. Most importantly, I loved her outlook on life. There may be little problems we face in life, but we must look on the optimistic side of things, just like Amber would do. Smiling never hurt anyone; it only makes the world a better place.

Thank you Amber for being someone I can look up to for strength and even a simple reminder on how precious life is. I am looking forward to seeing you at the pageant as our 8 SENIOR contestants show their beauty just like you did for us. :)