one thing after another

I am so upset today. I read in the paper yesterday about a boy who attacked his brother in his sleep; stabbed him and tried to smother him with a pillow. It turns out that it was one of my most talented 8th graders, a cello player. The family has had a hard year and he was depressed, and apparently went over the edge. He is in treatment, and the class is pretty devastated. The brother is OK, and is in school today.

Now I am so conflicted about leaving them for 6 weeks while this is going on. I know I don't have a choice, but it is just one more thing that is worrying me before I go in for TAH on 2/11. I just needed to "talk", thanks for "listening". This is really hard.
Julia

Dear Julia -
I am so sorry to hear your news. The kids in your class are very lucky to have you for support. You were there for them today, and you will be ther all this week and next, which is really the time they will need you most. Kids bounce back so much faster from tragedy than we adults do sometimes. At the risk of sounding like a cliche - thigs really do happen for a reason, although we don't always get to know what that is! Maybe staying focused on your kids these next two weeks will keep your mind off your own worries. In turn, maybe with the help of another teacher, the kids can do something nice for you while you are home. Allowing them to help you might be the best thing for them.

I'll pray for you and your community.

Lolly

I am so sorry to hear about that - My DD is in 8th grade, and is a violinist. Kids at this age are so emothional to begin with...They think that they are mature, but they are still kids. Maybe Lolly is right and that by doing something for you while you are out, they can help heal themselves. (I am assuming that you are their orchastra teacher - maybe they can record some of their pieces for you so you can hear their progress while you are healing!)