give your kids/Loved ones an extra hug tonight

[jaye]

I live in a small town and work at our local high school which also happens to be the same high school I graduated from. I see a lot of the kids outside of school due to my son being involved in hockey and baseball (as well as attending the high school) and many of their parents.

Yesterday we had a accident where a young boy, age 17 tragically lost his life. This young man played baseball with my son and I had him in my office the last couple of days for a period and we talked about goals, decisions, choices and he wrote a lovely paper on his goals. We planned a review date to see where he was.

I am still not believing that I won't see his mischievous grin tomorrow morning. The school will be a mess tomorrow and we are having extra counselors come in to assist any students/staff who need it. I think I'm fine...just very sad. I hugged my boy for an extra long time last night and he allowed me to do it, think we both needed it.

Sorry, I just needed a place to let it out that wasn't work. This is my second student I have to attend a funeral for due to accidents, I am not supposed to do this, I am supposed to attend their graduation.

 

[sm_amber]

Oh J.. I'm so, so sorry.. These things are always so difficult.. Please know that you, your family and community will be in my prayers. Good luck tomorrow - you're an amazing woman and I know you'll be able to do and say just the right things those kids need to hear..

 

[kaphelps]

ohhh no.... I'm so sorry for you and your son, and the whole school. Know that you & your community will be thought of in my prayers tonight. hugs.

 

[Sara]

So heartbreaking. I'm so sorry to read this. I lift prayers for you and your son and the community as everyone grapples with what, ultimately, cannot be understood.

 

[Karen]

That is so awful and sad. I'm so sorry that you and your son and the whole school is having the awful tragedy. More prayers being said for you all.

 

[renee82]

I'm so sorry to hear this.... many hugs and prayers to you, your son and everyone at the school.

 

[chigirl]

so sorry to read this, I will be praying for you, your family and the high school students as they face this difficult day.

 

[mimisgirl]

That is awful and one of the worst parts of being a teacher. I feel for you - hugs your way!

When I was in highschool - senior year - three of my classmates were killed in an accident - and I still remember that the best thing was all the teachers and staff just being there and accepting hugs from us all when we needed it. Don't know if that is even allowed anymore - but your presence and your grief are one of the best comforts for the students! Hang in there!

 

[melrio]

Thoughts and Prayers for the family. So sad to hear.

 

[Brandi]

So sorry to hear about this. Thoughts are with you and yours!

 

[KayTeaPea]

i am so sorry for your loss. This is something that really scares me as a parent of an almost-driving age teen!

 

[kim21673]

So sorry for your loss.

This happened in my hometown last week too. 4 boys...one died, one is in a coma, one is paralyzed and one walked away. They were all in high school and played baseball. It is so hard.

 

[Dana]

so, so sad and my worst nightmare as a parent - i don't know what i would do

 

[jaye]

Thank you everyone. It was a tough and exhausting day for everyone. The school was a sea of blue (his favourite colour) with both students and staff participating. My work partner and I spent all of period 1 in the hall directing kids to the counsellors, talking to them and I passed out my fair share of hugs today. It was amazing to see the camaraderie in the halls today, watching them come to grips and supporting each other. Small town so it affects not only the school but the entire community.

There is a candlelight vigil at the school tonight, my son left for it not too long ago. Our school is in the centre of town so I think it will be well attended and I hope the kids find some peace.

Again, I thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and kind words. I've been through and seen a lot in my career but this a first in terms of a current student whom I just counselled on Friday.

 

[jk703]

That is so, so, sad Jaye! Sending a hug and positive thoughts. Thank you for the reminder at how fragile we are sometimes.

 

[HeatherB]

This is so sad Jaye. Prayers for you + your community.

 

[amandac]

this is heartbreaking ... sending you big hugs xx

 

[jenevang]

Prayers for this school and community. Being there is the best thing you can do for these kids. Hugs for you.

 

[JenEm]

(((Hugs))) Jaye. This is just heartbreaking. Prayers for you and your community.

 

[jenn mccabe]

so very heartbreaking jaye. sorry for your loss of this young man and the pain your community is feeling.