You will probably read in the paper. One of my coworkers died last night. On a field trip with the 6th grade class. We learned she died today. I learned early today and spent time with my coworkers-in person, texting, emailing. Last night when I knew she was severely injured and I wrote in my journal but tonight I want an audience. I guess I want a response. An answer. A release. From this class I am learning more then I ever imagined. Interesting how this class came alone when I needed it. Maybe Tuesday, when we go back to school, I will offer for the kids to write.
Writing is therapy. That is what I am learning. Last night I read how my writing could be... I don't know the word. I wasn't on the field trip but I keep hearing a few lines the children told me when they arrived back at school. The blood on Jess' hands. I can't get it out of my mind and didn't even live it like she did.
Part of me wants to write my every thought. But writing won't take the thoughts from my mind and that is what I want tonight.
excuse my typos. I am seeing them as I reread...
ReplyDeleteNot sure how is checking in with the blog but Jeannie's obit was so well written that I just have to share. Don't feel you have to read because I know you don't know her. It is such a wonderful example how words can bring such comfort to others.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lawrybrothers.com/page88/page88.html
Brenda - I just heard about the loss of your coworker on the news. So sorry you are going through this. I am thinking of you and your school community and hoping you all find strength.
ReplyDelete~Ally
Oh Brenda! I heard the news, and in fact, our 8th grade had just hiked the mountain last week. I was praying for the community with the loss, not knowing it was Your Community! I am so sorry for your entire school family, and for the pictures running in your brain.
ReplyDeleteI think your plan to allow students to reflect in writing is a smart one.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Ally & Angie-thanks for reading, responding and praying. It it exhausting and my head just hurts. Jeannie was a Sped tech so I had contact with her everyday. Her room was just 2 away from mine and I am very close with the teacher she always worked with. Monday a lot of us met at school for a large part of the day between talking and calling parents. Jeannie's husband and 2 sons came and met with us. They brought us such comfort. I tear up writing about it all. We made it through the day with the kids. I am more worried about some of my co-workers. The students saw very little, except the ones that saw the hands of the first person to give 1st aid. I appreciate everyone keeping what I write confidential. It is nice to talk with you all as my best friends at work are hurting so much and I don't want to burden them. thanks
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I am so sorry for your loss. Our staff was talking about the accident at school on Tuesday morning and expressing heartfelt concern and sorrow for your school, staff, students and community, not even knowing the connection. We take our students hiking in Acadia just about every month and sometimes the trails have been a little trickier than we expected. I hope that it helps to know that everyone everywhere shares your loss and many prayers are being said. Take care!
ReplyDeleteBrenda,
ReplyDeleteI too heard about the accident, but I did not make the connection to you. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to your school community. I can only imagine what you are going through. Writing can be good therapy and giving the students the option to write about this may help them to deal with some of the feelings they are having. Maybe you could even create a blog for them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. Take care.
Dear Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss you and your colleagues and students are experiencing. I saw the article, but did not make the connection with you and your school. I hope that having a place to write about your loss may offer some comfort or process. You and your community are in my prayers.
Thanks everyone. Your prayers are so appreciated and needed. I can't believe it has been a week since the accident. Such an exhausting week and I was in bed by 6:45 last night. Last Fri it was very helpful to write in my journal. That night I had to call Carmen, who was the teacher Jeannie has worked with for 11 years and my dear friend, to tell her of the accident. It was such a tough phone call to make as I knew how serious the situation was. The next day I needed to tell a few people she had passed away and that is just so difficult. When I first posted last Sat night I was having a really hard time as it was just all hitting me. Now I am just so tired. night and thanks again
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I am so very sorry for your loss and the empty pain that your school community must be feeling now. I too have found that writing helps me to process-to process the cerebral and the emotional dimensions of life. Keep writing and be extra kind to yourself as you process. Meanwhile, I hope that you find comfort in knowing that others are praying for the family, for you and your school.
ReplyDelete