By: Christina Dalton
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
That’s exactly what Norma Hecker, domestic violence survivor, did when she decided to start over and go back to school in December 2009. She was 28 years old with a daughter, Kaylee, age 7. Norma and Kaylee moved in with her mom. Norma attended Owensboro Community and Technical College, studying medical office and administration.
I met with Norma to talk with her about her story. I’ve known her since Kaylee was in kindergarten at Burns Elementary School, where I am the Family Resource Coordinator (FRC), helping Norma and Kaylee with school supplies, clothing and Christmas assistance throughout the years. Norma was always so appreciative and the one thing I remember her saying was, “I won’t need this help forever and hopefully I’ll be able to help someone else one day.”
As I spoke with her about the years that she needed assistance, her eyes began to water and a single tear rolled down her cheek. I apologized for making her upset. She said, “I’m not upset, it’s good to remember where you came from.” She described how difficult those years were taking care of Kaylee, helping her with school work, going to college and then staying up late to finish her own homework. She wanted more than anything to set a good example for her daughter.
I wondered how Kaylee handled their situation and did she really understand what was going on. I was so impressed how she used her life to teach her daughter humility and gratefulness. She told me how she explained to Kaylee that back then they needed a little help, a little boost to get them through a tough time and that it didn’t mean they were poor or “not good enough.”
Norma talked about how the FRC helped with school supplies and again she became emotional. Sitting across the table from her I could visibly see her go to another time and place. She said, “You don’t know what it meant to send Kaylee to school with what she needed. It was such a stress reliever when everything else was too much.”
Norma graduated last December and has a great job as a customer service representative. She has her own house, her own car and is engaged to be married. This family has come full circle. At the beginning of school, Kaylee and her mom helped another child by making sure they had all their school supplies and donated clothing before school started. Kaylee will be 11 when this magazine comes out and I asked mom what she wanted for her birthday. She said, “All she wants for her birthday is to have a few friends over for a sleepover.”
As far as Christmas goes, the only list Kaylee has right now is a list of items she wants to buy for a child in need from the Burns Elementary Angel Tree. Kaylee wants to pick a child that is younger because she wants to give back to someone who might be in need like she was once.
I can’t finish this article without mentioning that Kaylee called during our interview. Norma said, “I’m so sorry it’s Kaylee.” Sitting across the table, I can hear everything she is saying. The funniest part of her conversation was when I heard Kaylee say, “So how did it go with that lady?” To which Norma replies, “I’m still here.” And Kaylee says, “Do good mom…love you.” It was such a sweet moment. The bond they have is undeniable. I asked Norma if she had any advice for other people trying to start over and she said, “Don’t be ashamed to ask for help, always give back and if you have determination you can do anything.” Well said Norma…
If you would like to help a child in need this Christmas, feel free to check with any school and they will send you in the right direction. Thanks for always being such a giving community!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours…