Issue link: http://lawtonfirst.uberflip.com/i/1263026
19 spring/summer 2020 we surrounded ourselves with that held up our hands so we could continue to fight for her life. Our family and friends prayed for her recovery, brought meals, sat with us during her lengthy surgery, and lent us the strength we so desperately needed. Our community rallied for us. Friends of friends, people we had never even met, prayed for Molly daily and organized fundraisers to help with the burden of medical bills. When I think back on those uncertain and terrifying days, I know for certain that I was carried through the darkness of that valley on the shoulders of those who loved me. I was a young, first-time mom facing an impossible situation and indescribable heart break. Alone, I couldn't have made it, but we are better together. This loving support has not been a one-time occurrence in our lives, but has been repeated on any occasion of need. My Molly's critical illness evolved into a mild, but chronic struggle with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. During each and every seizure episode, my family, friends, and community have shown up and blessed us with their support, and their acts of love and service. Time and time again, I have seen the countless ways my life has been enriched by sharing it with others. It is rare that a day goes by without one of my friends reaching out to me through a phone call, email, or text message just to say hello, offer a laugh, or check in on my well-being. There is a comfort in knowing that their company, and if needed, their help, is only a phone call away. They are reliable and loyal, and I know I have chosen my friends well. My life is better for their friendship. They have cheered me up in the worst of times, and cheered me on in the best of times. They are the definition of love, not envious or cruel, and always patient, kind, and willing to forgive my shortcomings while edifying my soul. We are blessed to live in a community that is ready and willing to extend the hand of friendship and generosity. As a teacher, I have had a front-row seat to the ways our community rallies around those in need of help. I have seen our community bring coats to children who had none, provide Christmas gifts to children who wouldn't have much to open under their tree, and support our children endlessly in their academic and artistic endeavors. I have come to realize how important it is to find ways to give back to the community that has given so much to me, and there are countless ways to be involved. In my time as a volunteer for Food for Kids, local literacy programs, and programs that promote the arts for our students, I have met like-minded people who share a deep love for others and a heart of service. I have found great satisfaction and fulfillment through volunteerism and in partnering with other community members to make an impact. As a member of the Junior League of Lawton, I have met so many women who are passionate about bettering our community and helping others. These women work tirelessly on many projects that promote literacy, feed the hungry, and provide mentorship to young girls. Alone, one can make a difference, but together, we can create real change, because we are better together. This year, the world has faced so much uncertainty, fear, and heartbreak as we collectively navigate through a global pandemic. One thing I have noticed is that during this time of necessary physical distance from friends and family, it is emotional closeness and connection that my soul has been craving the most. I have simply been amazed and awed by the resiliency, determination, and creativity I have seen as people place priority on staying connected, checking in on their loved ones, and creating unique memories. While practicing social distancing, I have attended virtual church services, video chat girls' nights, birthday parades, and even dropped Easter dinner off on the doorstep of friends who were apart from their families. I have had friends drop off flowers to brighten my day, do a porch drop of home-baked desserts, send gifts to my doorstep from Amazon, and surprise me with a drive-by just to have a short chat. The relationships and friendships we have built together have proven unshakable; the roots are deep and the foundation is steady. We are apart, but not alone. We are distanced, but not disconnected. Our lives remain woven together in a beautiful tapestry by our love, faith, commitment, empathy, trust, and compassion. When I look back on every important moment of my life, what I remember most is the people who shared it with me. It is my relationships with others that has given me the most joy, peace, and comfort. My friends and family, people from the community, my pastors, my church family, and my colleagues have shown me that having a support system is not only valuable, but necessary, in the bad times as well as the good. Love is meant to multiply, and there is room for everyone to shine if we lift each other up. As for me, I will lend a hand, share a smile, join in prayer and service to others, and always remember that we are better together. ■ Ashley Ghrayyeb is a teacher for Lawton Public Schools (LPS) and is the recipient of the 2019-2020 LPS Teacher of the Year award. She has been a teacher for 11 years. Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cameron University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with dual certification in Early Childhood Education. She is the recipient of the Cameron University Distinguished Young Alumni Award and the 12:10 to the Top Award for young professionals making an impact in the state of Oklahoma. Ashley resides in Lawton and is most proud to be raising two incredible daughters, Molly and Annie, with her husband Daniel.