Heidelberg College

Is it any wonder why this college is named as "one of the best" year after year?! Is it any wonder why this Department of Education just aced their NCATE exam?! WOW! Our deepest Thomas team thanks to Professor Lori Grine and to all of our wonderful and thoughtful friends in the Education Department! It was a glorious celebration of Christi's little life and a glorious testament of God's love.

Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, the awesome Heidelbeg College President, sat beside Shayne, mom and I during the service. The wonderful Campus Minister did a remarkable job; college students shared how Christi had touched their lives moving me to tears. Some talked of how Christi will live on in their own classrooms when they are teachers themsleves one day. Christi's young friends from school lined up and read the sweet book she used to read in Professor Grine's classrooms "Alex & the Amazing Lemonade Stand". (I had to wipe tears away when I saw on the big screen the picture that Alex's aunt drew to represent Christi and I saw Christi had written "Love, Christi" underneath that picture in the book.) Lovely songs and prayers were shared and I felt surrounded by love in a packed room.

Outside, the Campus Minister again led us in prayer and then 150 balloons were set off into the sky. It was like Christi was with them as they were dancing, not floating, away in the sky. (Her Dance Unlimited lessons were on Heidelberg's campus.) As he talked I couldn't help but watch a single bee floating around his arm and back. You see during her service he mentioned that last year when he was talking to Christi during the lemonade stand she was concerned that a single bee was buzzing around and that it may try to harm someone. I couldn't help but think that Christi was with us - joking around, brightening the service!

The tree prayer and dedication was awesome. Professor Diane Armstrong did a tremendous job, as always. Lee Martin worked incredibly hard to get the plaque stone placed so quickly. Soon it will be engraved and I'll share that picture. We travel many times a week past "Christi's tree" so we will always think of great times, fond memories and loving kindness as we drive by - and it wouldn't surprise me if we have a picnic or two with Shayla beside it.

Before Christi's friends left I had them pick out a stuffed animal of Christi's. Christi LOVED her many stuffed animals; she named every one and I knew she'd want her friends to have them. We knew we wanted Sarah to have "Vanilla" - the brown bear she made at Sarah's birthday party in May - the brown bear she asked if I packed before she made that final trip to Philadelphia, the brown bear that was tucked in her arm when she left her earthly body bound for God's great kingdom. I think all of the kids were glad to have them. We've decided to let Shayla pick out the ones to give to her other friends, but we're not going to rush Shayla with this.

I asked Lori if Heidelberg would like to inherit the Lemonade Stand as I noticed Monday night it looked very nice in the early childhood classroom. She said they would be honored. Here's a picture of Christi's little lemonade stand making its way to its new home. A Professor told me they'd like to continue with the yearly lemonade stands and they'll never know how deeply moved I was to hear that. I'm certain Christi would love to see one of her passions continue; finding a cure to this beast which robs so many children of their lives is desperately needed!

THANK YOU to a couple of my dearest and most treasured friends, amazing Professors- Armstrong and Grine. They truly "get it" and know what matters in life! Their devotion, kindness, compassion and friendship over many years has been one of my biggest blessings!!

Bill at RUSH made and donated the beautiful yellow tee shirts. THANK YOU HEIDELBERG COLLEGE!! Christi never made it to be a real college student like she talked about, but we believe her spirit and memory will now live on at the 'Berg! When you drive down Greenfield St. past the Education Bldg., please give a little wave to that precious little tree and remember to live each day to the fullest.