Backpacks Instead Of Flowers: This Teacher's Dying Wish Touches The Hearts Of Millions

Jul 29, 2018 by apost team

Cancer makes no discrimination in whom it affects and whom it takes from this world.

Like so many others, Tammy Waddell and her family, unfortunately, found themselves at the mercy of this horrible disease.

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Sadly, at 58, Tammy Waddell left behind her devoted husband and their grieving children and grandchildren.

However, those were not the only ones who grieved Tammy's generous spirit. After spending 30 years in Forsyth County Schools in Georgia, Tammy left behind many former students, colleagues, and friends. Having had a calling to educate and bolster literacy, Tammy went beyond her duties as a teacher, earning both her National Board Certification and an honor as her county's 2003 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Quite clearly, Tammy took her career seriously, doing whatever she could to enrich her students' lives and encourage a love of learning.

This loving nature of Tammy's touched all those she taught and worked with. Yet, she refused to stop thinking of her mission and her beloved children, even when on her deathbed.

Tammy requested, in lieu of flowers, for people to bring backpacks with supplies for students.

In a nation where too many have difficulty getting the school supplies they need, this request is beyond needed and will help so many.

Her cousin, Dr. Brad Johnson, like so many others, was deeply touched by his cousin's generous, loving spirit, tweeting out a picture of the church aisles lined with backpacks. His tweet so succinctly captured Tammy's essence, stating she was "a teacher to the end."

In another tweet, he showed her fellow teachers lining the funeral home's exit, backpacks at their feet, acting as honorary pallbearers. As a woman who devoted so much of her life to education, these honorary pallbearers speak volumes of her commitment, devotion, and their desire to continue on in her name.

Tammy has reminded us all of our need to reach out and help those we can, even when it's the last thing we can do.

What do you think of Tammy's heartbreaking final request? Show this to your friends and family to keep her memory alive.