Stories: Homeword

Amie Answers the Phone

Amie touches the lives of those with whom she comes in contact in a very special way. There is a kindness – an empathy she possesses. She fosters a loyalty with her friends and instills confidence in those with whom she works.

That spirit is translated daily to the children in her care. For seven years, Amie has served families by caring for their babies and children through Baptist Children’s Homes’ infant-toddler, after-school and summer programs.

One afternoon, I needed to get in touch with my 23-year-old daughter.

I called the center where she works, and a voice answered, “Good afternnon. Gregg Children’s Center. This is Amie.”

Wow! Her voice rings clear and professional.

The tone of the voice could only be described as assured and very competent.

“Hey, this is Dad,” I say. “Do you know how great you answered the phone?”

I continue, forgetting the reason I called, telling her how impressive she is. She listens, and I think she is appreciative, but I could tell it may be too much. I imagine her thinking – “Gee Dad, it’s my job!”

It is amazing to witness your child grow into an amazing adult.

Recently, I visited with a friend of mine whose granddaughter attends the summer program. After we catch up, she asks me if Amie will be teaching this summer. Her granddaughter is a child with autism and has been in Amie’s care the last three summers.

The girl’s needs can be greater than the other children’s needs, and for some workers it is too demanding, but for Amie the responsibility is welcomed. Amie’s even temperament is calming to the girl. Amie is patient, but she is also clear in her directions and expectations. The little girl laughs with Amie, and the two share a playful camaraderie.

The girls’ grandmother and parents affirm Amie for her loving care. They express their confidence in Amie. It is important for them to know their child is in good hands.

It is awesome to witness your child become awesomely responsible.

If you have heard the expression “like pins and needles,” you will appreciate Amie’s apprehension as she logs onto the university website to check her semester final grades. College is a challenge for most students, and Amie is no exception.

Her eyes scroll down, and a relieved look comes over her face. She is pleased. She worked hard and this semester’s grades help lift her grade point average.

Although Amie began college on a positive note making dean’s list her first semester, she struggled her sophomore year. She decided to transfer and lost hours. And then Amie declared a new major, one more suited for her passion for children, and lost more hours. What was to be a four-year program will soon enter a sixth year. Most students would give up, and I am sure she may have thought about it, but Amie is as determined as ever.

It is astounding to witness your child persevere and overcome astonishing setbacks.

There are very few things in life that work with the precision of a fine race car. Our human condition complicates things. Unforseen bumps on life’s highway can sideline or detour even the most fine-tuned individual. Although races are usually climaxed by reaching a finish line, there are times when the line is ellusive, and like the tortoise in the old fable, speed is trumped by perseverance.

Scripture acknowledges that the race is a challenge stretching out before us. It is our ablility to stick with it, to not falter, to not become distracted, to not quit that defines life’s true outcome.

The sound of Amie’s voice coming through the phone receiver triggers thousands of images of her in my mind – infant, toddler, teen. I am thankful for my daughter. . .for the young woman emerging.

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