Molino Park School Says Goodbye To Teacher Sharon Smith With A Poem

June 10, 2008

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Molino Park Elementary School said goodbye to beloved teacher Sharon Smith last week with a poem penned by a fellow teacher.
She died Friday, May 30, the last day of school, moments after waving goodbye to her students. That Friday were her last day before retirement; her retirement party was set for last Thursday.

Instead of a retirement party, her funeral was last Thursday. At that funeral, Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward read a poem entitled “The Celebration.”

That poem was written by Jennifer Jones who retired from Molino Park Elementary last year, Woodward said.

She said that many people had requested a copy of the poem.

We have posted the entire poem below.

THE CELEBRATION

It was a wonderful and happy day, I was finished with my job,
But then I heard my friends praying and others start to sob.

I couldn’t understand it all, to me it wasn’t clear,
Why all of this commotion among those I hold so dear?

Then I found it very strange when I saw a shepherd man.
He said for me to come with him, there’d been a change of plan.

At first I didn’t want to go and miss the celebrations.
I was to march across the stage and receive by congratulations.

A party had been planned and many friends were invited,
Family and loved ones, too, and I was so excited.

But as the shepherd reached out and took my trembling hand,
Amazingly it didn’t seem to matter, all that had been planned.

Things were growing strangely dim, and I couldn’t help but fear,
But I kept my eyes on Him, as He wiped away my tear.

He told me of a place prepared, He’d promised long ago,
He said we’d walk across a valley, and then His plan I’d know.

Suddenly it dawned on me, I know this shepherd’s face,
So I was willing to go with Him to see this wondrous place.

When we arrived at last, on His arms I had to lean,
For my Lord had planned my party, the best I’d ever seen.

I saw many of my kinfolk, and loads of friends were there,
And then I turned and saw my loves, I saw a precious pair.

When the two most dearest of my heart were before me there,
The joy I felt was almost more than anyone could bear.

I was so very happy in this new and special place.
And as I lifted grateful eyes, I saw my Savior’s face.

I knew His plan was best, it was glorious to see,
So do not mourn and do not cry, but celebrate for me.

…….Weeping may go on all night,
But in the morning there is joy.
Psalm 30:5

In memory of Sharon Smith, My dear friend and coworker.

–Jennifer Jones

 

Pictured above: Sharon Smith with her Molino Park Elementary School Class shortly before her death. Poem by Jennifer Jones, reprinted with permission.

Comments

One Response to “Molino Park School Says Goodbye To Teacher Sharon Smith With A Poem”

  1. Taylor on November 21st, 2008 10:06 pm

    i met mrs smith and she was a great teacher and i was in third grade fixin to be in 4th grade and i really wanted her but she retired and then she died she was a really good person and everyone at my school will miss her dearly

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News