Amanda
I was one of the many children that Popo cared for. I spent a lot of my time at Popo's house with proof of many of my baby pictures being polaroids from her, carefully annotated with the dates and names of all the other children. My mom has told me a lot of stories of my time while I was there: the other kids I would play with, how I went on my first bus ride with Popo, how she potty-trained me, and even how she clothes-pinned my mouth after I bit another baby (I did not bite another kid ever again to this day). I learned a lot of invaluable lessons at a young age while being at Popo's house. I was an only child, and if I had not been under the care of Popo, I would not have been as socially adjusted and confident once I started preschool. During my time in preschool, I befriended another girl who was crying on her first day there, saying to her "dont worry, I'll be your friend." I also learned about being kind from Popo.
In elementary and middle school, we continued to visit her during the holidays and I told her that I wanted to become an eye doctor so that I could fix her vision. And although optometry is not the profession I am pursuing now, she has taught me how one person can affect many people through unsparing generosity and kindness. I hope that as I continue on with my life, I can have the lasting impact that Popo has had in this world. She will be remembered for her strength, goodwill, and compassion.
Popo, may you rest in peace.
-Amanda (23)