Letter to the editor...
A friend remembered
Cricket was the first person that I met on the first day of school last fall. As I approached the classroom for Human Communications with Judy Sims, I first glanced the room looking for a “safe” place to sit. The impact of our first encounter would not become apparent until this summer. Cricket, a single mother, and non-traditional student was returning to school to major in criminal justice and business administration. Her most important goal was to provide a better life for her four-year-old son, Dakota.
Not only were we in speech class together. We also shared two semesters of Math 097/099 with Harriet Kiser. Whether it was math or speech we were always encouraging each other. We both stressed about our grades on a daily basis. Cricket finished her Compass test before I did, but she turned and gave me a big smile and thumbs up!! I felt instant encouragement.
I knew that Cricket was a cancer survivor, and I gave her a Lance Armstrong “Livestrong” bracelet in the spring. We didn’t know at the time that her cancer had returned. She found out in June that her cancer was terminal. Cricket was a fighter but unfortunately lost her battle with cancer on Sept. 3, 2005.
A loving family is in the process of adopting Dakota Williams. Cricket’s main concern was that her child be taken care of. She was deeply moved by the generous financial support from the college and church community.
Helen Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” These words of wisdom inspire and motivate many people to further their educational goals. Cricket Williams would want each student to be grateful for the educational opportunity that lies before them and strive for excellence. “Against all odds” she was able to return to school and made a difference in all the lives she touched.
Thank you,
Selena Parrish
Adairsville, Ga.
GHC Student
Memorial contributions can be made to:
The Dakota Williams Trust Fund c/o Citizens First Bank
-or-
Fairview Baptist Church
2348 Old Cedartown Road
Lindale, Ga, 30147
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