Last Name Index
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Karen Sampers Schaller, Iowa Brick Section G - Row 18
Karen Sampers has never made People Magazine's list of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world, but for the past 18 years, she has been my number one pick. While my mother possesses physical beauty, she has inner beauty that can not be matched by any other. Karen Rae Brady was born on September 12, 1946, to Glen and Helen Brady. In 1964, she attended Northwest Missouri State University, becoming the first person in her family to go to college. She received her teaching degree in Home Economics and in 1971, married Jerry Sampers. In 1975, Karen had her first child, Travis and two years later, I, Melissa, was born. Sadly, tragedy struck twice in 1979, when she lost two children at birth: Sara in January and Lindsey in November. In 1980, my mom acquired her Job as a Home Economics teacher at the Odebolt-Arthur High School and they moved to Schaller, Iowa, where they still reside today. For 27 years, my mother has been influencing and informing her students about life. While I have known her. my mom has taught me a few things as well. I feel that this poem best reflects how my mom has affected my life as a teacher. Since I had a mother whose many interests kept her excited and occupied Since I had a mother who interacted with so many people that she had a real feeling for the world Since I had a mother who was always strong through any period of suffering Since I had a mother who was a complete person I always had a model to look up to and that made it easier for me to develop into an independent woman Through my mom's actions and words, she has taught me responsibility and that there are consequences for my actions, She has shown me to respect myself as well as others around me. Karen has guided me to have a wonderful set of morals and values, and taught me to help those who are in need. From the moment that I was born, my life has been greatly influenced by the arms that first held me. Karen is never afraid to express her love and is always there to help cure the bruises and heartaches life has handed me. She is one of my best friends and someone I really trust. I feel this poem best depicts how I feel about her. I am so happy with you I can discuss all my thoughts, or I don't have to say anything You always understand. I am so relaxed with you I don't need to pretend I don't need to look good You accept me for what I am. I am so strong with you I depend on you for love but I live my own life You give me the extra confidence to succeed. My mom has given me so much in my life and by means of this brick, I can give a little of her to the rest of the world. 7/1/96
Narrative Updated: 8/6/1994
Honored By:	Melissa Sampers