I lost a student last night. I found out right when I walked into work today. Last night "Jorge" was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.
I don't want to talk about his death. I want to talk about what I knew of his life.
Jorge had the ability to light up a room. He was friendly and charasmatic. He had a huge smile that made others feel great. Jorge understood respect. He was and is a credit to his beautiful family. Sometimes reading and writing were hard for Jorge but he always did his best in class. He worked hard and did his homework. Lately teaching has been hard for me and sometimes I would think about Jorge to get myself to go to work. He truly exemplified what a teacher seeks in a student.
Last Friday I found a card in my box. It was a hand painted card from Jorge. It says, "Thank you for helping me become a better reader." That card made my day. No, it made my year. I have Jorge's card on my bulletin board.
I will always remember Jorge as a bright patch in the center of a decaying school.
I walk away asking, "Why did it have to be this one?"
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13 comments:
So sorry on your loss.
How wonderful that Jorge had given you such a gift that you can keep to look at and remind yourself why you teach.
I also have a special bulletin board where I keep special things that are important to me.
Hugs,
Weebs
I'm so sorry sweetie, that's rough. Call me if you want to... See you soon. *hugs*
I'm sorry for your loss as well.
I believe in karma, and we die once we have learned the lessons we were meant to learn in this life. It's a belief that gives me comfort. I hope it gives you some, too.
How sad you must be. But how uplifting to know that Jorge valued you enough to tell you so.
Hugs headed your way...
S.
I'm so sorry. Life just isn't fair.
I'm so glad you have that hand-made card, and that he had a chance to tell you how much he appreciated you.
(((((HUGS))))))
Hang in there, teacher. Sorry about this.
I'm sorry to hear about your student, how sad. I'm sure he will truly be missed.
Thanks for all the sweet thoughts. I'm feeling better today but it breaks my heart to think about his poor parents. My class made cards for them and I think we are going to send them to his memorial or at least send them either way.
I am really glad to have the card he made me to look and to remind me of him. He was such a great kid.
Hey Nadja, this is terrible. I'm thinking about you.
Nadja, what a wonderful tribute you've written and how terrible sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. You wrote of a wonderful kid there and I know it must be weighing in you heavily. ((Hugs))
Oh no...I am so sorry! what a tragic loss. I am glad he left a gift with you...his essence.
I think too about what this does to the other students. The whole thing is very difficult because a young person is involved. Makes it doubly sad.
I'm glad we saw you at Joan's chat room, and I hope maybe this cheered you up a bit.
I really have nothing more to add that hasn't already been said in the condolences here, except that I am thinking of you and sending a large "thought basket" to cradle in.
Linda D. in Seattle
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