Sara's Choice

It's was a rainy day in Richmond, as Sara skipped past the others heading towards school. The campus was all inside since nobody wanted to get soaked in the downpour. Sara didn't mind though. She loved the feel of the water coating her as she sang. I am her guardian angel, by the way. I watched from the distance with a huge grin. This is one of the best jobs God gave me. Sara knew I was there. Not many can see us. She had an extraordinary gift. Sometimes I thought she was guarding me. Sara, I think class has started! Yes, she could hear my thoughts too! She stopped singing and grabbed her things as she rushed to the front, where she always sat. I hovered over the room listening to the teacher as she was. The teacher was talking about the Renaissance, and how people like Leonardo Da Vinci evolved the way people think. This was a favorite subject to Sara, who enjoyed history very much. As the teacher dismissed the students, he said their was a test on Friday although most people didn't listen. Sara, however was fascinated. She drank in every word. As she collected her things, the teacher walked past, and glanced at her. "Sara, you are my favorite student, and I know you will succeed this class. When I am through this semester I am going to retire. I shall never forget your hard work. So I have decided to sway the school board into letting you graduate early". Sara looked at him, "Thank you, Mr. Vick, it's an honor, let me talk to my parents". He assured her there was plenty of time to  think about this opportunity, as he left the classroom. I came down to join her right away. That was wonderful, Sara. He's offering a great possibility! " I don't know, I want to graduate with my class. I really want to stay and learn more." Thats ok too! I bet your parents will support you whatever you decide. "I know they will, although they have a limited amount of money set aside, and they might agree that I graduate sooner." She frowned, and picked up her pace. As her mom was washing the tomatoes, as she did often, she looked up as Sara came in. She didn't know I was there obviously. It was a secret between Sara and I. "Mom, the teacher wants me to graduate sooner, but I'm not sure I'm ready", she stated."Oh, Sara, how wonderful! Your father will be proud. Although it's your decision, honey, and we support you with what ever you decide". Her mom was grinning ear to ear at her daughter. She knew that it was hard for Sara to adjust to this idea since it would mean leaving early. Sara enjoyed learning so much! But she had to let Sara be the one to confirm what direction she wanted to go. When we were in Sara's room, she looked more confused that ever. It'll be ok. Just follow your instinct. If you want to stay that is perfectly fine. "Of coarse, I do, it's just that college courses cost so much. I couldn't do that to my parents". Sara sat on her bed. I materialized and sat with her. I knew this was hard for her to decide. You'll be successful no matter what you do! " She smiled at me and said, "I think I'll stay, it would be nice to graduate with everyone else". As Sara lay down that night she thought more and more about graduating with her class. They hardly noticed her but she was willing to keep on going in the same direction. She wanted people to see her as she was, able to endure anything, even if it meant she stay and prolong her graduation.

Next morning, she rose refreshed and clear headed. She looked happier than the previous day. That night she made some tough decisions but finally she truly knew what she wanted to do. As she walked once again to class, she didn't fear what people would think if she graduated early. She wanted to be herself, but knew staying would cost so much, especially since she didn't have a job. So she went to her teacher at the end of class. "I thought about it, and I want to accept the school board's offer, I want to move forward in my life, instead of looking back on the "what-ifs". I know people will look at me different, but I don't care. This is my life and I'm living it!" Good Job, Sara! In the afternoon, she told her parents, "Look, I'm going to graduate early, I decided it's better to take the next step without worrying where I'll be. It's me that has to move on!" Her dad lifted her in his arms and gave her a big hug, as her mom joined in to do the same."We are so proud of you, Sara!", her father said, " All that remains is what your going to do next. We are excited to see what you make of your life". Sara smiled, she was happy and that's all that counts. I slid in for an invisible hug, my joy for her surged as I knew she had made the right choice. You always surprise me, and I am glad to be apart of your life. God gifted me by being your protector. But you have an inner strength, and I always have admired you for that. I always will, Sara. I won't leave you either,  I'll stay and be happy whatever you do.