when a former student dies

A few days ago a former student of mine passed away. He was one of my guinea pigs--a student I taught my first year of teaching.

After hearing the news, I felt sadness and disbelief--sadness for his family, and disbelief that he could have actually died. He was only 16; he had his whole life ahead of him. With hundreds of students my first year, my thoughts quickly turned to self-analysis: 

-Did I treat him with kindness?
-Did I make him feel welcome in my classroom?
-Did I take the time to get to know him...his interests?
-What do I remember about him?
-What do I remember about his family?


I did not worry about what I had taught him concerning writing, literature, and grammar. But instead, only how I had treated him—a reminder of what really matters in life: people, relationships, how we treat others, and how we make others feel. Life is too short to be unkind.


Tyler,  

I hope and pray I treated you with kindness.
You smiled and laughed a lot in my class, so I hope that was a sign you felt welcome.
If my mind is not mistaken, you loved motorcycling and your older brother.
I will always remember your big smile and your helping, friendly attitude.
I remember that your Mom came in to get the work that you would miss while you and your family went on a cruise. She was a little worried about you missing that much school. Very vividly, I remember responding, "He will miss some things, but he can make them up. Life is life and it has to be lived." I imagine that trip created happy memories that she will cherish forever.

I am thankful for the blessing of meeting and associating with you in this life.
Thinking of you, your loved ones, and your golden smile this week. 

-Mrs. B.

Happy Back to School Day!

August 28, 2012

Jake headed back to school for classes today. We enjoyed the break, but are excited for him to get started. This is his last semester before he GRADUATES! Are we excited?! Come on people, need I answer that question?

Love this boy.

I, on the other hand, did not go back to school. It hadn't really hit me all summer that I was done teaching, because it just felt like summer break. Today was a different story though with everyone else going back. All day I kept thinking about what hour I would be in, and what first day activities I would be doing with my students. I thought about what new outfit I would be wearing. If that wasn't enough, I drove past the school three times to see if I could see anything going on--kids out on the field for P.E., kids at lunch, and who knows what else; I just wanted to see what was going on! I feel like I am being left behind, like a little kid who has to go to bed when his older siblings get to stay up late and watch TV.  I feel like a "super senior" who can't move on with life...

P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C. I know. Get a grip. It's not that bad. 

Now, even though I am homesick for school, if I was given the chance to be back in school I would turn it down in a heartbeat. As much as I love school, I LOVE to be home with M. It was so nice to just drive by the school knowing that I didn't have to be there all day without the little guy. Being home with M has its mundane moments, but mostly there are a lot of fun moments where he melts my heart and I can't get enough of him! I am learning that to everything there is a time and a season. Right now, for our family, it is my time to be home. One day I'll head back to school, but until then, I am going to enjoy this time being home. Once next week rolls around, I think I won't feel too bad I'm not at school. I know once I head back, I will miss these days. 

Love this boy, too.