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Police officers were not arriving to handle a disturbance in her neighborhood, as Burpee had feared, but to give her what they call a \"Kindness 911 citation.\"

The citation read, \"You are the embodiment of kindness and have a positive impact on every person you know ... and many you don’t know. Thank you for being an example of kindness, compassion and goodwill. Even when faced with overwhelming circumstances you are a light. Thank you for your commitment to your students and your York Elementary family. May this night remind you that you are never alone and we look forward to walking with you through your metamorphosis where you will most definitely be a beautiful butterfly.”

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Glen Erickson
PHOTO: Laurie Burpee, far left, reacts to being presented with a Kindness 911 citation.
>

The citation was presented to Burpee by Kindness 911, a Washington state-based nonprofit organization that partners with police to recognize kindness in the community.

Nearly five police officers and the county sheriff showed up on Burpee's lawn to present her with not just the citation but also VIP tickets to watch her beloved Seattle Mariners play baseball and tickets for a local concert venue.

\"It was just overwhelming, but what a wonderful, wonderful, surprise,\" said Burpee. \"The best part was the kids. I miss those kids so much and I miss my colleagues.\"

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Glen Erickson
PHOTO: Laurie Burpee, far left, poses with York Elementary School principal Dawn Harris, center, and Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins.
>

Burpee said she is most happy that the message of kindness is being shared.

\"This should never be about me,\" Burpee said. \"It should just be about kindness growing and people realizing that sharing that is powerful.\"

\"To build that culture and that climate around just noticing the tiny, little things you do make a huge difference and to know the importance of kindness and how you can just incorporate that easily into your day, it’s just phenomenal,\" she said.

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