Friday, January 6, 2012

I'm not even sure I should be writing about this. Because I really don't know what to say. But my heart is so heavy. It's aching for a lovely woman. And her family. And a class of fourth-graders, most especially our Maxidoodle.

It was not even two months ago that they suddenly lost a classmate, a sweet beautiful friend, to pneumonia. She is still so missed every day in their classroom, and in their hearts.

I think I've mentioned before how they've been trying out a new approach, called the "family model," in Max's school. How it works is that for 3rd through 5th grades, the kids stay together as a class (also kindergarten through 2nd grade). They have a new teacher for each grade, but the teachers work together. As in, Max's 3rd-grade teacher, his current teacher, and his teacher for next year all collaborate on any number of things. And the classes from the different grades get to participate in some things together. Thus, the "family" in family model--a 3rd grade class, a 4th grade class, and a 5th grade class, along with the three teachers.

Well, yesterday this wonderful group of kids, Max's fourth-grade class, got news that their teacher from last year, part of their school family, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She's an incredible lady, and I know she'll fight like hell to beat this cancer. She's even hoping that she'll be back teaching before the school year is out. But I know the journey, even if successful, won't be easy.

And I know it's not easy for Max, trying to make sense of it all.

9 comments:

Leslie @ This is the Refrain said...

A virtual hug for you and Max... I'm so sorry you two have to go through this :(

Keshalyi said...

That's always the trouble with loving people - it makes you vulnerable. :/ All my love to littlest-Stevens

Kailana said...

That's terrible, Debi. I hope she can find through this. And yes, that has to be terrible for someone so young to make sense of.

Jean said...

Hugs to both you and Maxidoodle! My heart goes out to both of you and to the teacher in question. The teacher's strength will likely offer a huge example to the kids of how to try to cope with it. Love you both!

chrisa511 said...

:( That is so sad…it always seems like horrible things happen to amazing people. Hugs to Max and you and his whole class. It's gonna be a rough road :(

Heather said...

Oh, that is so sad. Poor Max. Hugs to him and to all the Stevenses. :(

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

So sad for you all. It's hard enough to understand as an adult that I can't imagine how those kids will cope. Hugs to you all.

Eva said...

What a sad situation. :( Sending you lots of virtual love!

Debi said...

Thank you everyone for your kind and loving thoughts. They are so very, very appreciated.