Scott and I were had the best calling ever... Teaching the CTR4 class! We seriously loved that calling, and that class. They put us with those little rascals almost right after we moved here, and we stayed with them for about a year. A lot of people complain about teaching in primary, but Scott and I genuinely loved it, and genuinely loved/love all the kids in the class. We were recently released and put into other callings.
One of our students was Harry Koller. Harry was about as little boyish as it comes. He loved talking about his dog Lola. He loved horsing around with his best friend Max (he and Max were always quick to be reverent when we thretend to sit one of the girls between them). He loved talking about his big brother Davin. It was obvious he really looked up to Davin. He loved running from the "tickle monster" (Scott) while egging him on for more tickles. One of our first sundays teaching this class, Harry proudly wore his brown leather jacket. He told us that it was like Indiana Jones Jacket and that he also had an Indiana Jones whip at home. Harry was very close with all of his older siblings and often mentioned them in his "how I chose the right this week" stories. Harry loved to play musical chairs at the end of class when we had extra time. He was pretty competitive and usually won. Yes, harry was every bit a playful, goofy and lovable little boy.
There was something very special about Harry. He was a spiritual sponge. When Scott and I would read the lesson manual, we would usually comment "how the heck are five year olds supposed to understand this stuff!". Sometimes the lessons got a little deep for what most five year olds could comprehend. But we were blown away at Harry and his understanding of gospel principles at such a young age. He would remember things that we had talked about weeks before, when it seemed like the class would look around the room while we talked, just waiting for their skittles. For example, one Sunday we talked about covenants (mind you, four and five year old kids) and what it meant to make a covenant. A few weeks later I asked (expecting no one to remember) what it means to make a covenant. Harry's hand shot up and he said "to make a promise with heavenly father". I remember feeling choked up and thinking "Wow, it's paying off. We really are teaching them something!". Harry was a special little boy.
A few weeks ago we were visiting Brooke and Mark in Washington DC where we got emails, texts and phone calls about Harry. A ward fast would take place the next day for little Harry. There had been an accident at his home and he had been life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake. Things were not looking good. I didn't believe it. I had just forced him to give me a hug in the hallway the Sunday before. He was happy, he looked prefect with his spikey hairdo. Scott and I both prayed hard for Harry and his family. We had hope he would pull through. When we got the news that Harry had passed, we were heartbroken. Absolutely sick for Shane and Jenny (his parents) and the pain they were going through. Being a mom now made it so much more real and difficult to process what they were going through.
We got home from DC just in time for the funeral. It was an amazing sight driving through our neighborhood and seeing white ribbons tied on every tree. Our ward had pulled together for the Koller family by showing them our love and memory of Harry with White ribbons. Someone had tied ribbons all over the Kollers front yard. On every pillar and tree.
It was the most beautiful service. The spirit was incredible. Literally not a dry eye in the building. I have so much admiration for the Koller family and their dedication and faithfulness to the lord. They have been so strong through this incredibly trying time. They are a beautiful family. We will never forget little Harry and his sweet spirit. Though he was only six years old, he left a big impression on everyone in this community. We love you Harry!
