One Year Anniversary

On the anniversary of Sarah leaving this world and speaking for Denise, Brooke and Eric, I would like to thank each of you for all the love, prayers, and support you provided Sarah and us during her illness. For family and friends, students, parents, and staff and those who only got to know Sarah through this blog, there really are no words to express our gratitude. For Eric, I know that Sarah could not have had a better partner and more loving husband during this difficult time. Thank you for the gift you have been and continue to be. I will never forget the image I have of you holding Sarah and singing softly to her as she made the final transition to everlasting life. Know that we are eternally grateful and love you.

For those at Ecclesia who demonstrated their love through daily service and support, please know that I witnessed a love I have never witnessed before in any community. What a gift to each of us. To Dr. Arujo, your ability to speak the truth, as devastating as it was, helped Sarah embrace and dance with life and live in possibility and hope. My heart goes out to you. Thanks to all the staff at MD Anderson who provided loving care to Sarah.

And to my Sarah, know that you are always in my thoughts, sneaking in when I least expect it, reminding me of how you were so alive, uniquely yourself, zany and authentic, and such a human being. Yes, you are so greatly missed and the feeling of emptiness remains as I expect it should. I so appreciate the time we shared together. It is my personal treasure.

David Chidgey

The Year in Review

I am sure that many who return to this blog of Sarah's have wondered how everyone is doing. The simple answer is we (Denise, Brooke, Eric, and I) are doing well, even though we have our ups and downs.  We are going forward in our lives as Sarah would want us to.  We really appreciate your concern for us and your caring support and thoughtfulness over the past year. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

At some point during the last month or so of Sarah's life, she shared with me her concern that she might be forgotten. That conversation led to the idea of setting up a scholarship in her memory for students at Meadow Wood Elementary who she would have known during the time she taught there. Sarah would be happy to know that that scholarship fund is a reality.  

http://www.springbranchisd.com/sbef/donation.htm

On February 2nd, the newly completed Meadow Wood Elementary School campus had its grand opening and library dedication. Eric, Brooke, Denise, and I along with close friends were guests as students, staff and parents dedicated the beautiful, new library in loving memory of Sarah or Miss Chidgey as she was known to her beloved students. Former students of Sarah recited a poem by John Steinbeck named "Like Captured Fireflies" which is about the lasting impact of a special teacher on the lives of students. Robye Snyder, Sarah's principal, spoke about Sarah. "If you were lucky enough to have known or met Sarah, you know that she was a very special young lady who touched hearts and inspired many. Through her beautiful blog, she was able to continue her passion, teaching. She taught so many of us about love, about life, about passion, and about hope. SHINE BRIGHT FIREFLY, SHINE BRIGHT."

A big thanks to all who had a part in making this happen. Sarah would definitely be humbled and happy. Here are pictures of both the memorial plaque and portrait of Sarah acting zany with some of her students (portrait by Serbian artist, Borko Petrovic).

Like Captured Fireflies

by John Steinbeck

In her classroom our speculations ranged the world.

She aroused us to book waving discussions.

Every morning we came to her carrying new truths, new facts, new ideas

Cupped and sheltered in our hands like captured fireflies.

When she went away a sadness came over us,

But the light did not go out.

She left her signature upon us

The literature of the teacher who writes on children's minds.

I've had many teachers who taught us soon forgotten things.

But only a few like her who have created in me a new thing, a new hunger, a new attitude.

I suppose that to a large extent I am the unsigned manuscript of that teacher.

What deathless power lies in the hands of such a teacher.

Sarah also asked to be remembered through "Shine Bright" gifts to the Alamo Heights School Foundation in San Antonio that will be used to support instruction and inspire teachers. In this way she felt that she would honor her mother and other dedicated teachers in Alamo Heights I.S.D.

http://www.ahisd.net/foundation_web/grants/AHSFGrants_shinebright.html

During the past year, Courtney Fowler, good friend and teaching colleague, was moved to begin fundraising events for the Sarcoma Foundation in Sarah's memory in the Houston area. These have included Macy's Shop for a Cause, Paula Poundstone Comedy Fundraiser, Gazelle Electronics Donation Fundraiser, and Local Restaurant Tip Collections. For more information and to learn about future events, visit www.sfatexas.org  .

On Saturday, June 11th, the youth of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Antonio hosted the Sarah Chidgey Hughes One-Step 5k Memorial Run. Proceeds from the race benefited the construction of the meditation garden at Ronald McDonald House and last summer's mission trip to Uganda. The run was a huge success with several hundred participants. This year, the second annual Sarah Chidgey Hughes Memorial 5k Run, will be on Saturday, May 5th, at St. Luke's. Details will be posted as they become available.

David Chidgey