11.15.2006

One in a Million

RR: Before my evening class I went to the gym to do some running. I decided I needed to do something different, so attempted to do some so-called-wonderful-intervals?!?! I began with an easy pace run for a mile, and then decided to sprint for 1/4 of a mile and then walk briskly for .15 of a mile; preceding to do this 5 times and then cooling down for a 1/4 of a mile. Over all I clocked 3.1 miles and 388 calories.

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Today was a rough day. Last night my friend who has been sick passed away. She just couldn't fight it anymore. At the age of 23, she married in August, became violently ill a few weeks after returning from her honeymoon, and passed away a couple months later. She had been awake enough to look at her wedding pictures last week, but her and her husband hadn't finished opening their wedding gifts....

Instead of heading to the school I am working at this year, I took the day and spent it at the school I worked at last year. My para from last year called me last night and the principal wanted me to be with them today.

Everyone was wearing pink... that was her favorite color.

The day began with discussing how to speak with students about death. I spent most of the morning roaming the halls and doing some projects. We put up a huge piece of paper on the wall with the words: "Mrs. H, You Touched Our Hearts". Throughout the day, the piece of paper filled up with little pink hearts with notes to her family and her as well from all the students and teachers. Some of them made us cry....and some made us laugh.

In the 2+ years I have been working in the school system, this has probably been one of the hardest days. It's so hard to see some of those kids. Some of them became so connected to her. Some of her students didn't know how to handle it. It's truly amazing...the impact this young lady had on so many people. She was always smiling...she was full of positive energy...

.... she was one in a million.... and will be missed by so many.



Keep on keeping on....


6 comments:

Jodi said...

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. Losing someone that young is just so hard to deal with and understand. I'm sure that you will help a lot of very confused kids through this difficult time.

Lora said...

big hugs to you....life can be so cruel at times. Take in all the love those around you have to offer. You're in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! Her husband must be devastated.

Wes said...

How sad. Always in our thoughts and prayers...

Anonymous said...

(((big hugs)) That's SO sad! I am so sorry for the loss. I can tell that her students are feeling it alot too. Sounds like she was a big fighter. Prayers heading your way.

Deb said...

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your friend and her family in my prayers. Run in His direction when ever you need comfort.