Love Stories: Bringing Joy and Remembering an Angel

We asked for your tales of love and plans for this Valentine's Day. Here is the first reply we received. We still want to hear your stories. Share them in the comments below or send an e-mail.

Canyon Vista Elementary School teacher Lori Walker shares her untraditional Valentine's Day plans.

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” This Valentine’s Day, I will
be spending my time with many new “loves” and older “loves," too. Are you
confused yet? Just continue reading, and it will all make sense!

In this life, I am truly blessed. I have the privilege and honor to be spending
Valentine’s Day with many adorable individuals in an environment that I
absolutely love. Plus, I will actually be doing my job. I am a kindergarten teacher, so I have the joy of facilitating learning and excitement among my 30 precious little students.

We will celebrate Juliana’s birthday—yes, she was born on Cupid’s special day. There will be valentines to deliver and bags filled with cards, pencils and stickers. Don’t worry, there will be academic endeavors throughout the day. My students will study phonics and listen to stories. They will attend music class and so much more. As usual, the emphasis will be on learning while we are having fun.

I will see my great-nephew Joshua, at recess. He is in kindergarten as well, just across the hall from my room. As I do each day, I will check on him during his snack break. He will offer me smiles, a hug and wonderful comments about what he is doing in school. And, if I am lucky, at the end of my busy day, Josh, his mom, Jennifer, and his little sister Sydney will stop by my classroom for a greeting and more hugs and smiles.

I also have two wonderful daughters and a son-in-law. I have already provided
them with their Valentine’s gifts—a little bag filled with inexpensive trinkets
to remind them of my love for them. I will be sure to wish them happiness for
their day, which I am sure already has some romantic plans ready to be embarked upon.

My day will not be over yet. I have yet another job, one I will not get paid
for in cash. Instead, my reward will be more love and laughter from others dear to my heart. Several years ago, I had the honor of meeting one special little angel, one whom I will never forget. Her name was Savannah, an amazing and beautiful little girl who forever changed my life. I taught this little angel at her home or in her playhouse or at the hospital. My little angel was battling a severe form of sarcoma. As I taught Savannah, I became a part of her household, getting to know her parents, Lisa and Joe, and her younger siblings, Josie and Sawyer.

Savannah Lee Sachen was my little angel, and she went to heaven far too soon. After Savannah’s passing, a miracle was created. About a year later, her youngest brother, Montana was born. I will spend my Valentine’s evening watching over a fourth-grader, a first-grader and a precious little 2-year-old “bundle of joy” as their parents slip out for a special evening.

Montana calls me, “Lala” and gives me the most incredible little hugs. I will share laughter and smiles with Josie and Sawyer. And I will think of the angel, my sweet little Savannah. I will whisper a “thank you” to her for the gifts that she gave me.