There is No Such Thing As Just A Summer Job
Of course there is no such thing as just a summer job. Every second of every day is a chance to influence and make the world better. If anyone taught me that, it was Natalie.
For 3 summers, from 2008 to 2010, Natalie taught tennis in Buffalo for children aged 6 to 17 years old. I remember Natalie putting so much into this little job and coming up with a “word of the day” along with games and obstacles courses to keep the various ages of kids and various levels challenged. She even played duck, duck goose and came up with countless tennis drills. She would make a special themed tennis cake to share with the kids. She laughed. She loved. She inspired. She kept careful attendance and had the kids help her decorate her special instructor notebook. She waited with every child till they were picked up and never complained to the parents for being late. I remember thinking…why does Natalie care so much and put so much into this little summer job? I’m embarrassed to say that I told her she was doing too much for this position.
Well, I know why now. It has all been brought to light. Natalie’s life was her message to the world. Decisions that she made, to do more and care more for others, made a difference and we all have that capacity if we want to. It’s a choice we make. A lasting effect in other’s lives that can be big or small.
People noticed. Lives touched. And now there is an award to a Buffalo youth in Natalie’s honor.
The AWARD CEREMONY
It’s an informal setting at Delaware Park. Picnic tables, pizza, specially designed t-shirts, and cookies with a special Natalie message to “say something sweet” to others. It’s beautifully casual under the shade of trees. It’s not showy. It’s sweet and innocent just like Natalie. It’s filled with a good spirit just like Natalie. It’s everything that matters. I cannot begin to tell you how touched we were on August 15, 2014 when Mayor Brown declared it Natalie Lewis Day in Buffalo. The mere fact that it fell on the feast of the Assumption of Mary was a God nod that did not go unnoticed in our family. The second Friday in August is now the day set aside for the Natalie Lewis Character Award to go to a fun loving Buffalo youth.
I shared with the kids this year the 3 lessons of Natalie’s life I would like them to remember.
1. BE HAPPY
If you have the ability to make someone happy- Do it!
Hug them, write them notes, smile, laugh out loud, tell jokes, personalize gifts. Make people feel good if they accomplish something even if it’s little.
2. PUSH YOURSELF
Don’t expect results without hard work. I don’t know anyone who worked as hard as Natalie did in the pool, in the classroom, or in any employed position. Natalie woke up early. She had discipline and structure and a purpose to each day.
3. LOVE YOUR FAITH
Natalie was faith filled and knew God created her to make the world a better place. No one has your talents, your hair, your nose, your voice, your eyes, your mind, your story, your life. God gave it all to you for a reason and that is to use your gifts to make a positive influence on the world.
Tags : Buffalo, Inspiration, Natalie Lewis, PAL, Summer Job, Tennis
3 Comments
Julie posted on August 16, 2015 at 4:26 pm
Just beautiful Trish! I love reading your articles,
Especially about your family and Angel Natalie!❤️
Julie posted on August 17, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Just love the last photo in this post with Natalie’s photo peeking out. WOW!
Lisa posted on August 21, 2015 at 3:16 am
this is so wonderful! Not only a tribute to Natalie, but also to the wonderful family that she was a part of!