This week the kids are back to the normal school routine, but this week has been anything but normal…

We had sad news over the Christmas break that Thade’s teacher had passed away… It was sudden and completely unexpected, and the entire school family misses her dearly. She was a fantastic teacher, that truly loved all of her students as the individuals that they are. Taking him back to school on Tuesday was one of the saddest days…

We went in early to meet the substitute, and it is a teacher that he has had before, he then wanted to go to the gym to meet up with his friends before school. I had to head to the lunchroom and pay for his school lunches for the month, I was doing fine, until one of my very favorite teachers there came up to hug me, and then I broke down… I feel like a crappy mom for crying in front of a lunchroom of adorable kiddos, but sometimes these emotions are just too tough to hold in. She said that she was so sad too, but she was going to do whatever she could to help out with Thade’s class. I have another dear friend who works at the school, and she said that she would keep an eye on Thade for me too. I left in tears, and headed home…

Thade had told me that many of the teachers had come by to spend time with the class during the morning, and the school counselor was there to help too. They were able to talk about it, and let all of their emotions out. Some kids were sad, some angry, some didn’t want to talk at all. These are difficult lessons to learn when you are only 7 or 8.

Wednesday went a little better. Thade still didn’t want to go, there was a mean kid on the playground, and he wanted his teacher back. He asked so many questions, and even at night it was difficult to put his mind at ease.

Here we are on Thursday, and Thade is still sad, but hanging in there. Luckily there is no school tomorrow, and my goodness do we need another break already. He walked in slowly this morning, and I know it is still so difficult to hold his head up and get back to it. 3:00 p.m. can’t come soon enough today.

Next week will be easier, and everyday the sadness is a little less. It still hurts though, and I know those little ones are just heartbroken…