For those of you who never had the chance to meet my former student, Paige, I want to give you an idea as to the kind of kid that she was. All of you that have chosen to support me on my "road to baldness" deserve at least of glimpse at the life that left such a lasting impact on me. Kind, sincere, compassionate, and selfless are just a few words to describe her. When I think about Paige now, there are always a couple of memories that seem to come to me first. This is probably because in my mind, they embody who she truly was. One image that will forever be ingrained in my memory is Paige sitting at her desk reading a book-she was the kind of girl that would have read all day if I would have let her. I can picture where her desk was in the room, I can see how she was sitting in her chair, and I can see her that her mind is completely engrossed in the story that she is reading. That is, until I walk by and swiftly remove the $5 bill from her hand that she is using as a book mark. I warned her, you leave money in your books, and someone will take it...I don't think she thought it would be me :-). Paige gave me a little laugh and a grin and promptly went back to her book. That was her, no time for games when there was reading to do! Another of my favorite memories of Paige involved one of her friends in class. One day Paige and Jamie walked up to me while I was at my desk to let me know that they had created their own language. Speechless, I believe I just starred at the two of them as they laughed and laughed! Seriously, how many 9 year olds do you know that have created their own language?! They asked if I wanted to hear a little something, and intrigued, I said yes. They muttered something back and forth and before I could even ask what they had said, they were off, side by side, still laughing. That was her, simply enjoying being with her friends and loving ever minute that they had together. As a celebration of Paige's amazing life, I am here to do something that would make her proud. So, in Paige's memory, I ask you to support me in my endeavor as I honor a child who will forever be in my heart. Love, Kristy (Mrs. Dihel to Paige :-) )