A woman is like a tea bag. You can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Eleanor Roosevelt

I had the privilege of taking a small part in a funeral service for one of the most special ladies in town. Her name was Ruth Sims, and she passed away this last week just shy of her 90th birthday.

I knew Mrs. Sims because she taught my two oldest children. She taught the 5th and 6th grades prior to her retirement at the ripe old age of 78. Mrs. Sims had an impressive resume, from her service in the Navy during WWII to her service in the Air Force during the Korean War . She was decorated with the Victory Medal and the Defense Service Medal.

Most impressive was the story of how Dwight D. Eisenhower wanted her to serve as his personal assistant, but how she turned him down when she had the better offer to become the personal assistant and wife of her sweetheart. Just Eighteen years later her husband died, leaving her with two sons to raise. Seven year later she lost her oldest son in a car wreck, and took his sweet daughter to raise as her own.

This would have (and has) brought lesser women to their knees, but not Mrs. Sims. The hot water that she was placed in revealed a woman of strength and honor and love. She went back to school, earning three masters degrees over the years, and taught hundreds of children over a thirty-one year span.

And I remember Mrs. Sims at my children's 6th grade graduation. While all of the other teachers took about five minutes each to talk about their classes, Mrs. Sims took a full half-hour to tell everyone how special each and every one of her students were. And we as parents didn't mind a bit, because we thought our children were pretty special too!

So, here is to you Mrs. Sims! You were a woman of exceptional strengths, and you will always have a "special" place in the hearts and lives of all those you have touched.

One last thing: If you have a Mrs. Sims in your life, why not tell her now - while you still have the chance - how very much she means to you. I guarantee that it will have a special meaning that will be treasured throughout your lifetimes.

"Let her works bring her praise"

King Solomon