More sad news from home.

I've tried to make this blog one that will inform and entertain, but the harsh reality of life sometimes finds us at the least expected times.  I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nancy Lemoine, one of our teachers at Saugus High School.  While she fought as bravely as anyone could against her terrible disease, her pain is now over and may she ever rest in peace.  It is nearly impossible to put into words the collective grieve we are all feeling for her family, her friends, and her students...and for each other, but I came across this common Irish prayer that I think sums up how she would like us to remember her.

Death is nothing at all.

It does not count.I have only slipped away into the next room.Everything remains as it was.The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.Call me by the old familiar name.Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.Put no sorrow in your tone.Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.Let it be spoken without  effortLife means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.There is unbroken continuity.Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.One brief moment and all will be as it was before.How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting,  when we meet again.

To the parents of the children in my care with a special connection to our dearly departed colleague:

Please know that we are going to do all in our power to look after your children and make sure that they are safe and cared for through the next few days.  There will be some tough times, I am sure, but we will get through it together.  For those whose children may not have known Nan as well as others, please know that your kids have been there for their peers in every way possible.  I continue to be impressed with the maturity and compassion displayed by these 37 remarkable students.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in Dublin, but my heart is in C09...