To Smile in the Face of a Challenge

This year it was my turn and privilege to present the Julie Wirthlin memorial scholarship at Andover High School.

When I think about my sister Julie I can't help but smile, and even if a tears are to surface, it is always a smile that radiates in her memory.

Her smile was contagious.  Her smile was true to her character, pure, honest, courageous and kind.  She gave of it freely.

Julie was the 15th child in our family of 17 children, it was her bold smile and sparkling eyes that set her apart from the bunch, it filled our home with joy.

This smile also filled the halls of Andover High School and was carried with her as she participated in both cross-country and track.  She understood the joy of physical activity and raced solely for the fun of it.

She built many strong friendships on the teams and on occasion, when track practice was through, she'd gather up some teammates to fly kites across the football field.  When there was not enough wind, she convinced them that if the parking lot was empty they could fly the kite out of the passenger window - which they did.

Julie was diagnosed with cancer at age 16.  She went thru treatment and then returned to school with her bald head held high, without a trace of self consciousness and a smile brighter than ever.  She did not fear - she smiled in the face of this challenge.

When she was well, she joined her teammates in running again.

When the cancer resurfaced, she still attended every meet she could, acting as the team photographer.

Julie lived life zestfully, and instead of turing to self-pity, she took each literal breath with gratitude.

Her example has inspired and lifted me as I have faced my own challenges.

My family has set up this scholarship fund in her memory, not only to support continued education but also that her legacy may be a source of inspiration to both the chosen recipient and all the graduating seniors.

To them, and all those who remember Julie so dearly, we boldly encourage to go forward with confidence, smile in the face of your challenges and live life as the precious gift that it is.

I will also add that the above image may not be of the highest quality because it is a scanned copy of the one I keep floating in my purse...... it always seems to pop out at me just when I need a smile.

Also the above text are the notes from my presentation.  I scribbled them down on the car ride over to the event and with a frozen computer and barely enough time to nurse the baby Paul's dad very kindly and carefully hand wrote them out for me.  Had he not done so I may have lost my cool and just blubbered a  mess of words and tears.