Reece Gardner: Teacher, I am an American citizen

Words to live by: "God gives us a fingerprint that no one else has so that we can leave an imprint that no one else can." We all have opportunities to make life better for others. My Emma was an inspiration to me in the way she reached out a helping hand to those who needed help.

She really made a difference. She taught Citizenship classes at Lenoir Community College, and we were always proud to be present for the inspirational event that occurs at Harmony Hall every Fourth of July, when men and women from various backgrounds and countries achieve their dreams of becoming American citizens.

Many of them are deeply emotional about this achievement and they express their joy at reaching their goal of becoming citizens of the greatest nation on the face of the earth, and most of them never give up in that effort. An example of this was the student who had worked very hard to learn all he needed to know in order to pass the test. He persisted and, at last, he was ready, and a date was set for him to take the test.

But shortly before his citizenship test date, he was engaged in road work when a huge concrete pipe rolled over him. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and then sent to a hospital in Atlanta that specialized in the treatment of spinal injuries.

He went through many trials and tribulations, during which time Emma kept in touch with his wife by phone. Then one day his wife called to report that the very first thing he said when he could finally speak was, "I didn't make my Immigration appointment."

Emma called Immigration Services and explained to them why the appointment wasn't kept, and mercifully they responded by sending someone to Atlanta to administer the test there. Shortly thereafter, his wife called and said to Emma, "I have someone who wants to talk to you." Her husband got on the phone and with a voice filled with deep emotion said, "Teacher, I am an American citizen!" In spite of all he had been through, this achievement meant more to him than anything else in the world. He is now back at work in this wonderful land of opportunity. Thank God for My Emma!

Now for a little humor: A Pessimist, an Optimist, and a Literalist go hunting together. They make camp and agree that one will go hunting while two stay at camp. The Pessimist asks to go first, thinking there won't be anything to hunt and just wanting to get it over with.

He leaves camp and many hours later returns with a young deer. "Wow," exclaimed the others, "How did you get that?" "Well," the Pessimist offered gloomily, "I found some tracks and after walking for what seemed forever, I saw the deer and I shot him." "That doesn't sound so bad, exclaimed the Optimist, as he left the camp to go hunting. In a short while he returned dragging a ten-point buck behind him. "That's amazing," cried the others, "How on earth did you manage that?"

The Optimist smiled and said, "I found some tracks, followed them, and shot myself this ten-point buck." "This is going to be so easy", said the Literalist. "You've both shown me exactly what I need to do, so I'm bound to have the best kill of them all." And with that, he left the camp. Hours passed, night fell, and morning came, with no sign of the Literalist.

The other two became very worried and decided to go look for him. But just before they left, the Literalist appeared. He dragged himself along the ground, badly beaten and bloodied. "What happened?”, cried the others. "I don't understand," gasped the Literalist, I did exactly what you both did. I found some tracks, I followed the tracks, and BOOM! I got hit by a train!"

Have a really GREAT day!