My Fourth Grader

(Feel free to scroll down to look at the picture of Youngest Son as a 4th grader. It will help with this story. I would repost it, but I don't know how.)

Youngest Son had a fabulous teacher. She was one of two teachers who began the school he attended. She gave up everything to do it. Actually leaving a well established job to work for no pay whatsoever. Youngest Son loved her.

Then, she developed breast cancer. She continued to teach, until the disease progressed too much to allow that.

And then, she began the painful process of dying.

The school arranged for families to bring meals to her. I signed up for a Thursday.

When I told Youngest Son of this, he asked if HE could make the meal. I consented. He made a main dish, a salad and a dessert. All by himself. I supervised, but my input was thought totally unnecessary by him.

As we were driving to her home, Youngest Son announced to me that HE wanted to bring it in by himself. I was okay with that. I've never been any good in the face impending death. Youngest Son never even hesitated.

I sat in the car. I do that a lot.

He was inside for quite awhile.

When he came out, he was teary eyed, yet strong.

She told him that she knew this was the last time she would ever see him in this life. Although she was very tired, she took the time to quell a small boys fears. She didn't want to die, but she was not afraid, she told him.

A few weeks later we attended her funeral in an inner city church. But it was just a funeral for her diseased body. She left her real self here, and today it walks around in the hearts of many former 3rd and 4th graders.

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And just to not leave this on such a sad note...

When Oldest Son had this woman for a teacher, on spelling day she had everyone get out their papers and pencils. Then she announced that she would not be giving the words in order. She said - "I will begin by saying the "F" word."

Oh how hilarious a roomful of 3rd and 4th graders found that!