My Promise to Emily

By Calvin Dudley

This compelling story “My Promise to Emily” will touch your Heart in ways only you can Imagine. Each of my readers can Reflect back to a time in their life, when someone gave their Word, are made a Promise. Your Foundation is built upon these two Principles. As I reflect back my life and the times people told me that they will do something. Instantly, I look forward to them coming through, Firstly because they gave their Word, Secondly because they Promise. Now let’s reflect back in the Story, when Emily asked can she have my next catch. My reaction was yes, you can have my next catch “You got my word”. Emily was so excited and over flooded with Joy because her trust was in my word. My next catch was my largest, “Something happen” instead of following through on my word I wanted to keep it. Emily looked into my Eyes with Compassion instead of Disappointment. These were her words, I understand Mr. Calvin that’s your largest catch and you want to keep it. WOW! She Compromise with me, afterward I made a Promise and came through with flying colors since my next catch was even larger and I gave it to her.

God truly came through, I asked for forgiveness and learned a valuable lesson. In Closing, I hope this Story will touch your Heart in ways only you can Imagine…. Plus Encourage and Inspire you to share your story.

Mr. Dudley as a teacher, was instrumental with the melody of love, rhythm of encouragement and the harmony of motivation. His method and style, was like that of a conductor of an symphony orchestra. Each instrument had to perform at their highest level, a challenge they readily embraced. Mr. Dudley truly made a unique difference in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781669871453

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Calvin Dudley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 03/23/2023

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

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Acknowledgements

I would like to honor my dear daughter Tiesha Tolliver and my dear friend Diedra Burr for constantly staying on me to finish this book.

I would pay tribute to the many people who have given freely of their time, hearts, and sources to assist me along the way. The list includes my wife Alice Dudley, Amos Benefield, Joel Gresham, Brianna Lewis Screen, Jayla Tolliver, My Golder Girls Cindy Espersen, Maureen Linton, Bonnie Scott, Shalonda Ragin, and Marquita Ragin.

Without their support and motivation, I would probably still be writing on the book.

My Promise to Emily

During the night, I had a vision. There I was in my comfort zone, sitting on the fish creek and catching a few catfishes. Suddenly, out of nowhere, this li’l girl dressed in all white appeared.

She placed her hand on my shoulder and said, Calvin, I’m here to warn you with a message. In the near future, you will be tested on your word and promise.

As she drifted into the air, she repeated, Your word, your promise . . .

Then in a blink of an eye, she was gone. While taking a shower, my mind kept revolving around the message from the li’l girl.

Who was she?

Okay, let’s press forward.

Upon arriving at the school, excitement filled the air. It was officially the last day of school. Everybody was in a joyful spirit. Teachers and aides were cleaning the classrooms. Some were preparing for summer school, while other staff members were just planning to relax and enjoy the summer. The few students who decided to come were mainly helpers, assisting their teachers with whatever needed to be done.

My duty was to be ever-present if needed to make sure the day flows smoothly. Regardless of what day it is, my classroom will be active with students and staff members stopping by to hang out.

Sitting in my portable chair with my feet on the desk, I reflected on how fast time flies. Seems like we just started the school year six months ago with high hopes.

As I looked around my classroom, my attention was drawn to the hand, the healing hand on the bulletin boards.

One day, I traced my right hand, then I had it laminated and placed on the wall next to the door. Everybody knew that when they entered Mr. Dudley’s class, it was mandatory that you had to touch the hand.

As I was flowing in deep thought, my assistances Ms. Tracy, Mrs. Hunter, and her daughter Stacey walked in with two dozen of donuts and coffee.

My face lit up at the smell of coffee and fresh donuts. Tracy brought over a good cup and two donuts.

Well, Mr. Dudley, we did it!

Yes, we did. Wow, what a year. I want to take this time to let you all know how much I appreciate everything you all have done. I couldn’t have done it without you two holding things down.

Mr. Dudley, we’re just grateful and thankful to be a part of the process. These kids needed someone with your style and method—and your compassion for them.

Sitting at the table and sipping on her coffee, Mrs. Hunter reflected before coming aboard.

Stacey would come home and say, ‘Mom, you’ve got to meet Mr. Dud.’ Then I started hearing more about you from other students. You were like an icon in the neighborhood. Everybody loved Mr. Dud. I would see you on occasions from a distance when I come to pick up Stacey, standing along the parking lot, surrounded by your class and other children’s parents, greeting with that charming smile on your face . . . Even though Mr. Lee was the principal, everybody knew it was Mr. Dudley who ran the school. When I signed up to be an aid, I was hoping Mr. Lee would place me in his class, and God answered my request.

I was sitting at my desk and drinking a good cup of coffee. Listening to Ms. Hunter brought tears to my eyes. Instantly, my mind reflected on to that crowning moment, when this old lady walked into my classroom using a cane.

She asked, Who is Mr. Dud?

I greeted her and said, I am Mr. Dud.

She looked straight into my eyes and said that she wanted to come in person and say thanks for making a difference in her grandson’s life.

You’re getting a teary eye on me.

I motioned for April to bring me a few paper towels to wipe my tears. Ms. Tracy recanted her first day at Charles Drew.

When I entered the office, the first person I met was Mrs. Hunter, chastising her son and nephew. I was like, ‘She doesn’t play.’ After meeting with Mr. Lee, I was assigned to be a floater at first, assisting Mrs. Tate, Mrs. Robinson, and Mr. Dudley. I guess you know, Mr. Dudley changed everything.

We all laughed for a moment. Then there was a knock on the door. April looked through the window and said it was Ms. Gaskins, the speech therapist.

Okay, let her in.

She walked in with a joyful smile on her face. Morning, Mr. Dudley.

I notice she did not say morning to Ms. Hunter and Tracy, and I see why. They had already talked about the coffee and donuts earlier.

Ms. Gaskins walked straight to the donut