This true story really comes from both of us (Bruce and Sarah).
One story Bruce often tells is about one summer when Kolu and her friend Jen came to visit us. I think they were rising High School freshmen or sophomores. On the way to Busch Gardens for a fun day, Kolu told him of a middle school assignment she and another student had been given. They were to design a ‘dream’ house that they would like to own and live in one day.
Well, as far as I know, no one has ever accused Kolu of not being creative – she and her fellow student came up with a house worthy of a magnificent estate. But it might as well have been made of cotton candy, because that teacher rained all over it! It was “impossible, impractical, for kids [like them] to think that they could ever bring something like that into being, etc.” Bruce was dumbstruck (but not speechless y’all). Fresh from reading some Robert Schuller books, he immediately began acquainting those girls with ‘possibility thinking’. He encouraged them, warned that the teacher might have unwittingly stunted their individual creativity; that letting her be their guide might put unnecessary limits on their lives and the ability to identify and realize their dreams—something they needed to recognize and defend themselves against now and always.
We enjoyed watching the adult Kolu design, go after and live out one dream after another. Never had we seen her happier than after she met Zach and began her life with him. We loved seeing (and reading her blogs about) her building that dream farm. She reared two beautiful, loving kids into young adults and helped them identify and go after their own dreams. I am proud of her Mom who is so committed to helping protect and ensure that those dreams will continue. We observed Kolu meet every challenge and saw her work so hard to bring forth bounty from their pretty piece of land with its animals, sheds and trees. Their home built some wonderful memories as our little grandchildren and grand-nieces and -nephews came out to learn and play at the farm that offered a constant breeze even on the hottest days. Their inside living room was small (especially as dear, rambunctious puppies helped fill it) but charming and receptive—while her outside living room was expansive, restful and full of grace. Family and friends who gathered there felt her presence so keenly while mourning our loss of her.
We struggle against her life being cut short but we cannot say that she was unfulfilled. She went after her dreams, claimed them, and over and over again, she won them. Good living, Kolu! Way to go, girl! May all of us exit while still living our dreams – burning out, not rusting out!!!!
We love you and will follow your example as we strive to claim our dreams. Every time we win one, along with thanking God, we will think of you – with great affection and admiration, but most of all, with love. What a great, inspiring spirit is your unique soul. Those who know you have been blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment