Email from Sam about scholarship

It has been said that
"when your parents die you lose your past, but when your child dies, you lose your future".

Sometimes it feels like that is true, and I wrote a long essay exploring that concept, but then I decided that I just really wanted to share an email that I got last year that is a reminder of how "paying it forward" is what makes everything work.

The future is still ahead of us, I am glad that Derek can play a role in it.
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On Wed, Jun 20, 2018, 7:31 AM Sam  wrote:
Hello Beth and Warren,

Sam ----- here, Riley -----'s father. I would like to offer a note of thanks and appreciation from our family to you following Riley’s receipt of the Derek Witherell award. 

I would like to share what the award means to Catrina, Riley's mother, and I. On the evening of the award ceremony last week, Riley received several awards, seven in total, for various accomplishments. Each award with its own merits and a recognition to be proud of individually.

When Riley received the award I looked at Catrina and knew exactly what she was thinking, as I was thinking the same. On the way home, Catrina said her thoughts aloud - "We are exceptionally proud of you for all of your awards. The one we are the most happy about is the  Derek Witherell Scholarship."

I would add that Riley subsequently received the faculty recognition award at graduation on Saturday and we still feel the same in regards to which award is our favorite. Perhaps we should not choose favorites, but we did, let's keep it between us. :-)

We have always said we want our kids to do well, be happy and most importantly be good people. We feel the award you shared with Riley recognizes her for the good person she is.

I would also like to share a few comments from friends and family with you in response to the award. Catrina posted the following on her Facebook page.

“Riley received some very nice awards last night, but the one I am most proud of is the Derek Wetherell award for being such a thoughtful and kind person.❤️
 I have two wishes for my kids, to be happy and to be kind.”

Catrina works at xxxxxxx and is well connected in the community. It is very apparent from the responses that Derek touched and continues to impact the community in a very positive way. A few of the comments include:

Nancy:  Derek was one of Jonathan's best friends! That is a very special award! And well deserved Riley!

Melissa: Now you made me cry, for both Derek and Riley! ❤️

Mandy: Yay Riley-That’s great! And how wonderful there is a Derek Witherell award! I babysat him ️💙

Jahna:  I remember Derek, we have his saxophone at gbs, and loan it to students who otherwise could not play. It's such an honor to have known him. ❤️



For her part, Riley was fully aware of the background of the award and was humbled to be recognized in this way. Please know that the recognition of this award and the financial support will be directed into her future endeavors in a very positive way.

In similar fashion to how you shared a little about Derek in the letter, a letter I thoroughly enjoyed reading (well done), allow me to share a little bit about Riley.

 [ information about Riley's school decisions and other important info about her future dreams was in this spot]

Regardless of where Riley goes and what path her future takes we know she will do good things and have a positive impact on those she interacts with, it is simply who she is. You are now part of the community that will enable her to do so – thank you!

Photos of Riley are attached so you know what she looks like.

Best Regards,
Sam & Catrina

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Sigh…   that is how to "pay it forward".
This email had renewed our pride in the scholarship after I was beginning to think that it's time and purpose had passed.

( Last names removed, this letter used without permission, but it is a REALLY nice letter)      (ww)
I will post information about the scholarship when I am near a computer.
 It has been 15 years.  Thanks Dude.  We remember.