Heaven’s New Greeter

Many of you know that our amazing Nanda Wilbourn passed away this last week. There have been a lot of tears shed at our home over her passing but we are also happy that she is not in pain and is in heaven where we know she is rejoicing.

This week, I want to pay tribute to this special woman. I asked Kiera if she would like to help write about Mrs. Wilbourn. She sat quietly for a moment and then quickly agreed.

I officially met Nanda when Kiera was getting ready to go into Kindergarten. I was terrified to put her in a large school. I grew up in a small school and I never had experience with large schools. After much deliberation, I emailed Nanda to ask her questions about East Elementary.

She quickly responded back and offered to give Kiera and I a tour of the school. We scheduled a time and several weeks later met up.

When we walked in, Nanda greeted us with smiles and immediately made us feel comfortable. She led us through the halls of East Elementary, pointing out each room, new updates and explaining some of the history.

As she talked, I begin to feel relief seep into me. I had no doubt that this woman standing before me loved every child that came through those doors. I knew that Kiera would be safe, loved, and she would bloom in her environment.

Kiera remembers that Mrs. Wilbourn told her something similar to this when she gave us the tour. ““Everyone’s first day is amazing and I know yours will be amazing too.”

Every day of the school year, you would find Nanda at one of the school entrances greeting children. She hugged them, shook their hands and asked how they were. If they needed extra comfort or motivation, she provided that.

When I asked Kiera her thoughts about Mrs. Wilbourn greeting her in the mornings, she said, “She made me happy every morning. She would tell us every morning, good morning and hug us. She made me feel like I was at home every day. Like school was my second home and she made me feel happy that I go to East school and got to see her every day.”

Nanda exuded grace, confidence and most of all compassion. She loved deeply.

Every year, at the Veterans’ Day program at East, Nanda would read, “In Flander’s Field.” She would choke up and a few tears would escape as she read. As she would introduce the Christmas program, she would choke up as she talked about the kids and staff. Love, compassion and happiness would radiate off of her.

Kiera has struggled every now and then with being bullied. One day she came home with almost a full lunchbox. We had packed her favorite leftovers, one of those being ribs. Apparently during lunch, a boy made fun of her for having ribs and called her fat.

Once Kiera informed us what happened, we talked to her and I also sent an email over to Nanda. She called me the very next day and asked me what had happened. I explained what I knew and she said she would handle it.

A few short hours later, she called me. She told me how she had pulled Kiera into her office and they talked for a few minutes. Then she told Kiera how she used to get made fun of because she was so tall. Nanda told me that Kiera started to tear up and so Nanda held out her arms and hugged her. They sat that way while Nanda continued on with her story.

Nanda then told Kiera that beauty comes from inside and how Kiera radiates beauty inside and out.

That Christmas, as Kiera and I looked for gifts for each of her teachers, she commented that she needed to find something about kindness for Mrs. Wilbourn. We walked the aisles of Hobby Lobby searching for just the right gift.

I read so many wall hangings and coffee mugs to Kiera that day as we searched. Then I read the one that you see pictured. “You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no blemish in you.” Songs of Songs 4:7

“That’s perfect!” Kiera exclaimed. “Because she helped me know that I am beautiful and everyone is beautiful.”

After Nanda opened her gift that Christmas, she sent us a text letting us know that was one of her favorite Bible verses.

As all of these memories came to mind, I asked Kiera to tell me some of the things that she remembered Mrs. Wilbourn telling her.

Resting her chin in her hand, Kiera softly said, “She helped me know that I am beautiful.” She (Mrs. Wilbourn) also said, “If someone bullies you, ignore them and say in your head, everyone is beautiful in their own way.”

It’s not often that I struggle to write, but this is one of those times. Not because I don’t know what to say… I just don’t feel like there are enough words to describe Nanda and what a blessing she was to not only our family, but to so many others.

“What else do you want to say about Mrs. Wilbourn?” I asked Kiera.

“I love her.” She said.

We love and miss you, Nanda. We will continue to pray for your family and all of your extended family.

Rowonna McNeely works as the Communications Manager for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Aaron are regular volunteers in the community, and have their hands full with their daughter, Kiera, along with three dogs and one cat.

Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our blog page at www.lifea2k.net or drop us a line at lifea2k@yahoo.com.