Shining Brightly
We all carry a light inside of us . Some people seem to have a constant glow while others flicker brightly here or there depending on what they ’ re doing or who they ’ re with . But for another select group , the light they embody is closer to a sunrise , illuminating and embracing everything and everyone it touches . Do you think that ’ s a bit heavy-handed or just a writer ’ s poetic exaggeration ? Well , that ’ s because you haven ’ t met this issue ’ s featured Sterling Silver Club member , Tami , yet . But that ’ s about to change .
This Little Light of Mine
As an infant , Tami ’ s adoptive parents were drawn to her light , even though the couple had come to an orphanage in Washington state hoping to find an older child to add to their family .
“ My parents always said that after seeing and holding me , they had to take me home ,” Tami remembers and then smiles . “ They also liked to tell the story of how they sold their prize baby bull , Johnny Apollo , to pay my adoption fees !”
Tami has fond memories of making mud pies and climbing trees as a child and feels privileged to have been raised by older parents .
“ They both lived through the Great Depression and my dad proudly served in the U . S . Navy in World War ll ,” says Tami . “ I certainly attribute learning to love and give unconditionally through their humble ways .”
Today , Tami is married to her high school sweetheart , Richard . They ’ ve been together for 43 years and have five children – and 10 grandchildren – of their own .
Helping Others Through Darkness
Tami started a highway construction business with her family in 2000 , but focused 18 years of her career around her love of teaching , with seven years spent as Vice Principal of Academics at Reno Christian Academy . One of her greatest joys during that time was implementing Prime Time , a program that set aside special time for students who had experienced recent traumatic events .
“ I used puppets , sewing , crafts – any activity the students would respond to ,” explains Tami . “ But mostly , I listened .”
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