In 4th grade we went to a week long overnight camp. Each bunk had a group of students and an adult chaperone staying with them, usually a parent of one of the students. Well, unusually the chaperone assigned to us wasn't actually bunking in our room, she was next door. She introduced herself, was kind and smiling, and said something about being at camp with her son who I don't think I knew at the time. She told us where she was if we needed anything. She checked on us at lights out, and periodically throughout the week.
We had returned from camp and were back in school. There was a knock at Mrs. Cermak's classroom door, and in walked a women with a few small gift bags. I looked up, and soon my eyes caught the name written across one of the bags, it was my name surrounded by a few star stickers. The familiar face walked toward me, and in just a few words said something like, "You earned the best bunk award, thanks for being so awesome at camp." With a quick smile she turned and bounced out the door, off to deliver the rest of her goodies I assumed. I sat there for a moment, looking at my name and I am sure beaming from ear to ear. Can I just tell you how lucky I felt? This thoughtful person went out of her way to recognize some 9 and 10 year olds that she had just met.
From bunk chaperone in 4th grade to Baker Park day volunteer day in 8th grade, and many things between, as well as beyond, Linda Scherer was a familiar face and a friendly smile. Somewhere in that time I was also fortunate enough to figure out who her son Tom was. We had many classes together, and as seniors we were sitting in class and I noticed a brown paper lunch bag with his name written on it and a smiley face. In a teasing remark I questioned, "You're mom still packs your lunch?" Slightly caught off guard he looked up and smiled with a simple, "Yes."
Sometimes showing you care is writing someones name across a paper bag. Linda took opportunities to show she cared in small and simple ways, and taught us that we can do the same. I am grateful for the memory I have of her, and pray for love and peace for her family and friends.
-Emily (Kline) Minson