Thursday, January 5, 2012

Change of mind

This morning I am going to the funeral of my former student, killed in a single car accident in the early hours of December 31st.  I wanted to go pay my respects, but didn't think the district would be able to find enough substitutes for all the elementary teachers who would want to attend.  (She has daughters in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade.)

Originally, I thought I would go to the evening visitation, but the family opted not to have one.  I truly understand.  I can't imagine how hard that would be on all of them.  But, that left me the option of sending a sympathy letter and donating to her memorial.  It didn't seem like enough, but it was going to have to do.  Until...

A 6'4" young man stopped by my room yesterday.  My former student's oldest child is a freshman in college this year.  He stopped in to talk about his mom, her death, and to find out if I was going to be at the funeral.  He knew I loved his mom when she was my student, and I loved having her son in class just a few years ago.

The top of my head doesn't even come close to his chin, and yet I felt like I was looking at a lost little boy.  His first semester in college has been tough.  He came home a lot because he missed his family and hometown friends.

And now when he comes home... she won't be there. She may have been my cheerleader at Tiny Town High for a few years, but she has been his cheerleader and biggest fan all of his life. 

When you're holding an 18 year old boy who just lost his mom, his best friend-- you figure that you will find a way to be there for her, for him, for all of them.  (I made a few calls.)



And so today, I will be right where I should be.   


4 comments:

Beth said...

You're in my prayers. They don't have it on our job descriptions, but mothering is written on the job description of our hearts. It's a testament to what shone through you as a teacher that he came to you. Bless you.

Kim said...

With tears in my eyes, I'm saying a prayer for that young man, the whole family, the community and for you, Mrs. E. Go with God ...

Hays Family 5 said...

Thanks, Mrs. E. Just thanks.

Anonymous said...

When something like this happens, it puts things into perspective. My prayers are with you and the family on this tough day. BJB