Gone, but Never to Be Forgotten

Our school has just suffered a painful blow. Sometime yesterday, we lost one of our best teachers to a battle with cancer.

Mme. Jolene was an awesome teacher. Along with doing the normal teacher duties, she really connected with her students. We talked to her and she talked back. She listened to us when we had something to say and she wasn't afraid to tell us what was on her mind. She treated us like equals, and we respected and loved her greatly, we still do.

Only the kids from grade 6 and up really knew her, and some classes were hit harder than others. This year's grade 9s were really close to her. During lunch, they would hang around and play guitar and sing, and she would join them. This stopped when she left school for treatment. But today, some of us gathered together to play just for her. And we all felt that she was there with us, watching and singing along. It was our own special tribute to her.

The grade 9s really took it hard. They were her homeroom class a few years ago and they've been supporting her ever since she was first diagnosed a few years ago. They really, really love her. I walked onto the bus this morning and it was eerily silent down back. Even the normally loud ones were quiet (except for the kids up front). There was a lot of crying over the course of the day.

This is the first time that I've ever really experienced grief. And fuck does it hurt. This was a dark morning, despite the shining sun. I never thought that something like this would happen to our school. I've never seen anything like this. A lot of us still can't really believe that she's really gone. It really hurts... especially for the ninth graders. Also in their class, is a boy who has cancer. It's a really dark time for them.

And worst of all, Mme. Jolene left behind two adorable little boys. The oldest is in preschool and is one of the sweetest little boys I know. I can't describe how horrible it is that they were both separated from their mother this soon, and that they won't get a chance to really know this wonderful woman.

There aren't very many people out there like Mme. Jolene, and we were nothing but lucky to have known her and we are all devastated to have lost her so soon.

I know that there'll be a LOT of luminaries for her at the relay.