Losing a loved one is never an easy thing.
That’s a rule not only reserved for family members. We can be touched by people from all walks of our lives, whether that be teachers, neighbors, co-workers or coaches. Indeed, special people leave a special imprint on us, and that makes it all the harder to say goodbye when the time comes.
Tammy Waddell, a teacher from Forsyth County, Georgia, will never know just how much of an impression she left on the students and colleagues in her community. An elementary teacher and paraprofessional, Tammy had worked compassionately for 30 years…
Posted by Tammy Meadows Waddell on Friday, September 8, 2017
Not only that, but Tammy had also battled and survived colon cancer. Sadly, ensuing health complications led to her passing away on June 9, 2018.
And yet, whilst her body may be gone, her memory will live for a long time yet.
“She was the kind of teacher who always had a hug for students who needed it,” Dr. Brad Johnson, Tammy’s cousin, said.
“She often spent her own money on supplies to give to the students who needed it.”
Tammy knew her end was near. When she learned the bitter truth, she had a special request for her funeral. That in itself isn’t too out of the ordinary – many people who know they’re going to die ask for specific songs, dress-codes or particular readings.
Tammy, however, wanted her final request to be bigger than her alone.
When the day came for the teacher to be laid to rest, there were no flowers in the chapel; no celebrations of her life in grand floral designs. Instead, it was her last wish that were backpacks full of supplies were included in her ceremony, for children who needed them.
“My cousin’s final request at her funeral was backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers.” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “A teacher to the end.”
My cousin’s final request at her funeral was Backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers. A teacher to the end. @TeachersNet @edutopia @EdWeekTeacher pic.twitter.com/eGig25tYwH
— 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
Tammy asked her community for help, and they certainly delivered. Almost 100 teachers showed up to deliver the supply-filled backpacks to the church where Tammy’s funeral was being held.
Had she seen how her final act touched the lives of the people she left behind, surely she would have been left speechless. In any case, we hope Tammy is looking down with a smile on her face.
Honorary pallbearers… Teachers who had taught with her through the years… pic.twitter.com/CyB2pBbBNy
— 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
What a brilliant end to a sad story. Tammy deserves all the praise in the world for her selfless act. As her cousin said, she remained a teacher through and through until the end.
If you agree the world needs more teachers with Tammy’s dedication, SHARE this article and help us pay tribute.
