Life Often Throws You Curves

There are times in the life of a teacher that your world outside of school gets in the way and demands more of your time. If you teach long enough, you will have trials that happen that demand your time and can make teaching difficult.  Through these trials you may get to see a different side of your students, one that can be such a blessing to you. 
I have experienced such a situation this year in my class. My dad had surgery in May and never fully recovered from it. I spent most of my summer at his place (which is in another state) helping him try to recuperate from his surgery. As time went on, he did not get better, but I had to come back and go to work. By September, it was evident that he was not going to get out of rehab and possibly not survive. All the emotions that go with dealing with an illness in a family, I was experiencing while trying to teach my jr high students. By the end of September, it was evident my dad was not going to survive. My brother and I had to make some very difficult decisions and my dad's life came to an end on September 30th. My students were there when I got the call from my brother. The compassion I experienced from my 6th graders was just amazing! Here is a note that one of my students gave me. 

My students have been amazing during this difficult time in my life. Their compassion has been such a blessing. Many of the students, along with their parents have told me that they are praying for me and my family. I had to miss a week of school to attend the funeral and take care of many issues that go along with a death. I also had wonderful co-workers that filled in and taught my classes while I was gone so I would not get docked time. 
I have learned to not be afraid to show my emotions with my class, to let them know I am a real person with feelings. I have been so blessed with the students I have this year and co-workers.  God has definitely given me what I needed this year!