“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” By Henry Brooks Adams
A tribute is an act showing appreciation of gratitude and respect. This is for you Pat.
In January I found out a lady that I taught with for fifteen years passed away. We haven’t been in touch since I left my school in 2006. When you spend fifteen years with someone as special as she was, they can make a footprint on your heart. Pat did.
Our Catholic school had about 300 students, a great atmosphere, and everyone knew everyone. Pat was very involved with the everyday life of our school. Homeroom teacher for grade five then eight, science teacher for middle school (6, 7,8), cheerleading coach, student council advisor , and she worked the after school program. Pat was a very hard working, dedicated, sweet lady.
After receiving the news through a text from my son, I cried off and on for two days. Yes, I know crying doesn’t change anything, but perhaps it is a way to help cleanse away the sad feelings. You see, Pat was just two years older than me. This thought made me cry even more.
By day three I believe I got myself together and moved on with positive thoughts. I thought about how Pat affected the lives of the many students that she cared about and taught.
Time is the only thing that can help you to deal with the sadness and grief you feel. Grief never completely goes away: but as time passes, you learn how to deal with the negative by remembering the positive. Keep in mind it takes time to get there. You don’t give in, but keep on going.
Rest in peace beautiful lady.
—The Blogging Grandma