Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Myles Lee Memorial Scholarship

This year we established an annual memorial scholarship of $1000 in Myles's name to help a graduating senior attend nursing school. Since Myles spent his short life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and was cared for by many caring, compassionate nurses, we thought it was fitting to give this award to a student who intends to dedicate their lives to caring for the lives of others. This year we awarded the scholarship to a young lady, M.L., who I've had the pleasure to have in two of my classes. She is an amazing young lady who will make an exceptional nurse, so we felt honored to award her the first scholarship we are giving in Myles's memory.

Today M.L. came by my room to drop off a gift and a card. She asked me not to open it until I got home. When I got home I opened the card and this is what it said ...

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Anderson,

I would like to say thank you for your generosity.
Your gift will help me achieve my dream of becoming a
nurse. I am, however, very sorry for the event to which
the scholarship is dedicated. I'm positive that Myles would
have been a loving child, kind young man and intelligent adult.
I made this gift for you two in honor of Myles and I hope it will
allow you to be happy when you think of him."

With much gratitude, M.L."

I opened the gift and there was a painting of a monarch butterfly sitting on a purple coneflower. The painting was entitled "Fly High Myles". I cried when I saw the painting and was so touched by M.L.'s thoughtfulness. This kind act makes me feel even better about choosing her to receive the scholarship.

23 comments:

GeekByMarriage said...

Both events are amazing.

You guys giving a scholarship in Myles name and the beautiful gift she gave you.

Completely beautiful.

Jess said...

That was very sweet of her and I think you picked a wonderful person to give the scholarship too! She is a very sweet girl and will make a fabulous nurse! I'm also sorry for the reason why the scholarship came to be, but the scholarship itself is a beautiful idea...what a beautiful way to remember your angel!

Katie @ Miss Klohn's Classroom said...

Such a neat story! One very lucky girl to be honored by such a loving family!

Mrs. Spit said...

What a wonderful idea, and a remarkable young woman.

Kelly said...

That is so sweet Niki!! Looks like you chose a wonderful young lady to award the scholarship to. :*)

Noelle said...

The painting is absolutely beautiful, just like Myles.

Heather said...

That is just perfect, in so many ways (but one, of course). I'm tearing up at my computer.

Jaymee said...

That is so wonderful that she really rrasps what the scholarship is about. The painting and the card are amazing!!!!

Amy said...

That's just amazing! Glad I don't have my makeup on yet because it would have been ruined. It sounds like you picked a great recipient.

Tina said...

Wow what an amazing gift! You definitely chose the right woman to get the Myles scholarship!

Gift of Surrogacy said...

What a special idea for both you and your husband to give in Myles honour. I had the tears rolling down my face reading the letter and seeing the gift.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful painting! She sounds like a wonderful young woman.

Kay said...

I am in tears... how beautiful!

Unknown said...

What an amazing girl that you picked! For sure the right one! It just brought tears to my eyes when i was reading this! She will make a wonderful Nurse!

AMAZING!
Fly High Myles!

Cristina said...

This post made me cry. What a wonderful young woman.

Rebecca said...

What a gorgeous painting, and she sounds like an amazing young woman. I'm so glad Myles' memorial could go to someone so deserving.

Brenna said...

Absolutely beautiful, both the painting and thoughtfulness of M.L. and your gift of such a wonderful scholarship in your son's name. Brought tears to my eyes!

Erica said...

What an absolutely beautiful and amazing gift from such a young woman! I'm so happy that it made you feel good. And what a difference you and your DH are making in this young woman's life by awarding her with that scholarship in Myles' name. Truly wonderful!

Jacinta said...

Oh Niki, I have got tears. That is the most beautiful thing.

Bluebird said...

Everything about this is beautiful and lovely. I'm so impressed by you all.

Dora said...

How wonderful. So touching.

Sorry I've been a terrible commenter lately. I've wanted to comment on all your recent posts, but didn't want to do drive by comments. Thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

That is gorgeous. All of it- you two giving the scholarship & the recipient's amazingly thoughtful and beautiful thank you :)

~Denise~ said...

What a wonderful thing to do in Myles name. Sounds like she was just the right person to receive the scholarship first.