Act 25

This act might sound a little different than the others have.  It is a very personal act, and very deliberate, and no less powerful than the rest.  Interestingly, while I was the giver of the act, I definitely received something particular in this one.

I do not have the greatest relationship with my family.  They are my family and I love them, but I love them even more from a distance, be it space or time (and often, both.)  My siblings speak with my parents on a daily basis.  I don't.  Doesn't mean I love them any less.  My parents would love to talk to me multiple times a day (and sometimes they attempt to do so) but that doesn't work for me.

My mom always tells me that my dad loves when I call him.  He works long hours on his feet all day, and when he hears from me, when I call him instead of him calling me, it just makes his day.  This is my mom's (not so) subtle way of telling me to call him.  Well, today I did.  I caught him on his way into work, and he was elated to hear from me.  I don't often do what my family wishes I would, but making this call to my dad, without my mom "prompting" me to do so..... I did this act for her, for my dad, and for Anne Marie Murphy.

Anne Marie was "just" a teacher's aide, however, those in education know that a teacher's aide is as vital of a role as a teacher when it comes to the classroom.  And in this case, 52 year old Anne Marie, who not only helped in art and special ed, she also gave her life protecting one of her students.  Though they both lost their lives, Dylan's parents find comfort in knowing that he was not alone when he died.... he was with his beloved aide.  Loving children was part of Anne Marie's world.  She had a large family, and enjoyed being around them.  She lived her life helping children, and her life was cut short while doing the same thing.