Teachable Moments
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Too Young To Die
When we think of someone dying, we always think of someone who has lived into their senior years. They probably have adult children, grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren. We assume that the person worked on a job for many years, retired and maybe travelled a bit or just simply engaged in a hobby they never got around to while they were employed or raising children.
Last week, however, I attended the funeral of a 15-year-old young man who died from leukemia. It stunned his family, friends, school staff and neighbors alike. He was a troubled young man who frequently caused havoc on the campus. Many staff members shunned this young man, but there was a particular teacher who connected with him. She loved and accepted him despite his challenges, bad attitude, or refusal to abide by school rules or policies. She loved him past his mistakes, even before anyone (even the student) knew that he had leukemia. This teacher visited him everyday in the hospital, brought him books, magazines and video/podcast remarks by teachers, students and other staff.
As educators, we never know what a student is going through or the impact of our relationship will have upon his/her life. We absolutely have no idea about the length of their lives (or our own), therefore, I encourage all of you to live each day as though it were your last. Live, love and laugh OUT LOUD! Life is too short to hold onto negative feelings, attitudes or thoughts. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Make amends as quickly as possible, whether this is necessary in your professional or personal life...or both!
This young man was too young to die. How are you making the most of your life?
Last week, however, I attended the funeral of a 15-year-old young man who died from leukemia. It stunned his family, friends, school staff and neighbors alike. He was a troubled young man who frequently caused havoc on the campus. Many staff members shunned this young man, but there was a particular teacher who connected with him. She loved and accepted him despite his challenges, bad attitude, or refusal to abide by school rules or policies. She loved him past his mistakes, even before anyone (even the student) knew that he had leukemia. This teacher visited him everyday in the hospital, brought him books, magazines and video/podcast remarks by teachers, students and other staff.
As educators, we never know what a student is going through or the impact of our relationship will have upon his/her life. We absolutely have no idea about the length of their lives (or our own), therefore, I encourage all of you to live each day as though it were your last. Live, love and laugh OUT LOUD! Life is too short to hold onto negative feelings, attitudes or thoughts. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Make amends as quickly as possible, whether this is necessary in your professional or personal life...or both!
This young man was too young to die. How are you making the most of your life?