"Wishing everyone a good week ahead filled with abundant blessings.
Love & Peace to all. xo"
Day 1: Funeral For a 16 Year Old
So I decided to start writing again. I make sure to still give something daily, but I just haven't posted on here. Yesterday was my day 1 to start posting again.
Last night was one of the hardest nights of my life. Earlier last week a former student (who was 16) was shot and killed over some petty stuff. His funeral was last night. My first gift I gave was rides to four former students who didn't have a way to get there.
The second gift I gave was the hardest. We got to the funeral home a little early. Many of my former students started arriving, most by themselves (without their parents). I ended up being the one to walk them down to the casket for the viewing. I held them and hugged them as they collapsed in my arms. I did this for every group of students that showed up. I had to be strong for them and that was difficult. After that, I went around comforting and holding students as they cried. When they got up to speak during the service, most walked out of the service in tears. I made sure to follow them out and be there for them.
After the visitation and funeral, I took the four former students I had out to a late dinner at McDonald's. We sat and cried, talked, remembered funny stories, and ate.
Comment
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Comment by Jennifer on February 8, 2012 at 7:54pm -
Thanks for the kind comments. It has been a tiring and trying week. I am finally starting to get back on my feet.
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Comment by Carylina on February 5, 2012 at 2:13am -
What a gift you were for those with their grief. Absolutely beautiful to read of your selfless service to others. Very inspiring!
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Comment by genuine, wwt, welcomer on February 4, 2012 at 11:04pm -
what a difficult time ... it's great that you were still able to give during it.
Sometimes talking and remembering the person makes it a bit easier to bear
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Comment by Lois55 wwt on February 4, 2012 at 8:02pm -
I remember you as a wonderful teacher, Jennifer...you are the one these kids will remember for the rest of their lives. You have truly made a difference. What a horrible tragedy this was, and such a horrible life lesson for these other kids. They were fortunate to have you last night....take care, this is such a hard thing to carry on your shoulders.
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Comment by Dawn wwt on February 4, 2012 at 7:10pm -
it's so horribly hard when the promise of a young life is cut short, especially over something so senseless. you gave your all last night and then some, to help your students through their grief and shock. please be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grieve, too. you are in my heart and prayers. Hugs, Dawn
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Comment by Laura M on February 4, 2012 at 4:54pm -
Yep, that sounds tough. You gave them all a wonderful gift... having a point person to turn to with all those feelings esp when they are so young... they will remember you.
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you take extra care of yourself today & for the next few days. I would think it could take a little while for the grief and your own feelings to hit when you were spending the time so generously focusing on others' feelings at the time. Speaking only for myself... if it were me.. I know I would feel very tired and emotional later & probably need some extra rest and crying.
Be good to yourself right now--you definitely deserve it
L
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Comment by Sara on February 4, 2012 at 10:31am
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Thank you for being there for your students. Hope you can also lean on colleagues for support.
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Comment by Dee on February 4, 2012 at 9:23am
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I felt so touched and humbled when I read this. I have just joined this challenge and am still exploring what the definition of a 'gift' is to me! When I read your blog I thought 'now this is a gift truly from the heart!' And my heart goes out to you now for all the feelings of loss and pain you will be experiencing right now from such a needless death!
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Comment by Ann on February 4, 2012 at 8:28am -
What a beautiful gift. It is so hard to say good by to a friend and when it was such a senseless death it makes it doubly difficult. I know that your being there for these young people and helping them through this very difficult time made a lasting and positive impression on them. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher -- and such a giving person.
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Comment by Give a little ~ GALfriend on February 4, 2012 at 8:03am -
To be able to comfort another is such a gift. These students are so fortunate to have you in their lives.
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