Phyllis Kepner, Coordinator of God’s Little People (GLP), was more than surprised by the gesture of one of her pre-school parents. Jim Arbogast, the father of Sarah and Cianna and husband to Kyna, recently returned from serving in the United States Air Force in Iraq. He showed up to pre-school to bring his daughter, Cianna in and surprised Mrs. Phyllis & Mr. Joe (her husband) and Mrs. Kim, pre-school teacher, with an American Flag each that flew in Iraq October 18th. It is customary to request a flag to bring back to a loved one. Jim and his family are so grateful for the dedication to teaching that Phyllis provided for both of their daughters that they wanted to honor her in this way.

“I’ve received many gifts over the years, but this is the most touching.” Phyllis said.

Jim and Kyna placed the care of their first child, Sarah, with Phyllis four years ago when Dad served the second half of the school year in Iraq. According to the family, Phyllis went above and beyond the call of duty to take care of Sarah and keep Dad connected. She periodically sent care packages including pictures and work Sarah did in class. Kyna commented that she was touched to find this out when he returned with the material. This year, Cianna is in the pre-school program with Mrs. Phyllis and Mrs. Kim.

God’s Little People is celebrating 35 years of excellence in pre-school learning in St. Michael’s Parish this year.

Thank you for posting this, Mike. Phyllis & Joe are among my very dearest friends and I am so happy Jim Arborgast made such a wonderful gesture to them for all they do in the community and for their friends, family and students. They are warm and dedicated people and if there was a reason for me to be grateful that live where I do, I could sum it up in three words: "Phyllis and Joe".

I am, as well, grateful to Jim for his service and thankful that he arrived home safely to his wife and daughters. Everyone in this story is a model for the rest of us!

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.