Along life's path, we meet an assortment of people who touch our lives. Some are lifelong friends while others are there only for a short time, but have a special place in your heart. Augusta Allen was one of those people who touched my life. I met her when she was in the 5th grade at St. James Lutheran Church in Folsom. I was new to the church and offered to teach the middle school Sunday school class and start a youth group.
The first day I had about ten shy tweens who wouldn't open up, and thankfully my son Zack and Augusta who never failed to contribute to the discussion. Over the years, Augusta took the lead with every project we tackled, with a dry sense of humor and a smile. Whether it was our first fundraiser, a spaghetti dinner and talent show, where she danced unboundedly or a weeklong mission trip to Virginia where we slept on the floor of a deserted movie theater and volunteered at a shelter.
For several years, she joined our group to camp with 2,000 teenagers during a Christian Youth Rally in Wildwood. Cold showers, camping on the beach and eating food lightly dusted in sand didn't slow her down, as she urged us to listen to one more speaker or sing around the campfire.
I spent 5 years with Augusta and she always gave 100% to outreach and mission projects even though she was a sick little girl. She had juvenile diabetes and complications, but she never complained. Ok, she complained when the boys teased her or when others weren't pulling their weight, but she never complained about her own problems. She just smiled and continued to help others.
On Sunday, August 25, Augusta went to be with her Lord and Savior. She left everyone whose life she touched a little sadder, but enriched by having known her.
I will miss Augusta. My prayers go out to her family.
