Wednesday, May 21, 2008

A Tribute to Pauline

There is a saying that there are people in your life for a reason and others in your life for a season. Margaret Pauline Glenn was in my life for both. She was my teacher while in boarding school during high school. I attended Gateways for exactly 1 year, 5 months and 11 days. It's a long-time-running joke with the other girls now. But, Pauline had a huge reason for being a part of my life during that season.

She was my teacher. But, she was so much more. She was also a friend. One of my fondest memories was our weekly drive into town for my allergy shots. Yes, you read that correctly. I was able to have Pauline to myself for a whole hour. And, she always took me to Dairy Queen for ice cream on the way home. Pauline often sacrificed for us. I know that she didn't make much money. She lived in a tiny trailer and drove an old car. Yet, she sacrificed often for us. We never missed that weekly Dairy Queen trip. She loved to sing and loved to constantly have music playing for all the girls while we worked on our school work. She would always get so excited, jumping up and down, as she sang the songs that had hand movements. She had a great love for us girls. Many times I know that it must have been God giving her a parent's love because we were teenagers!

Her lessons and love have stuck with me through life even though I am now double the age of when we first met. I have so many lost memories throughout my life. But, my memories with Pauline are so vivid.

Darci, Holly, my mom and myself drove to Longview last Friday to visit Pauline. She has battled cancer for the past 10 years and a fall last week broke three of her ribs.

I just received word that Margaret Pauline Glenn passed away this morning. Pauline, I know that you are jumping around in Heaven singning the Lord's Army song and the Vine & the Branches song. And, even though I'm typing through tears... I am happy for you and the end to your long journey.

Pauline, you are and have always been loved. We will miss you. We love you dearly.

Love,

The Gateways Girls