scraphappy908
12-15-2008, 04:46 PM
As many of you know I work in a middle school. Over the weekend, an eighth grade student tragically took his life. His name was Dustin and he was only 13 years old. He was an excellent student, well liked, and and exceptional athlete on the wrestling and football teams.
His parents are completely devistated as well as our school community. Grief counselors have been present in the school all day to aid students and staff. There is no way to understand what this young man may have been going through or to reason why he chose to do such a thing. It has been an extremely difficult day and with the Holidays upon us it makes it even harder.
Please keep this family and our school community in your prayers. On a personal level, I knew this young man and never had a clue that he was ever troubled enough to consider such a tragic thing as this. I've only just allowed myself time to cry now that I am home. I wanted to be strong for the other students. Thank goodness this is the last week before Christmas break.
Amy
UPDATE
The visitation at the funeral home last night was a very emotional one. When I got there, I had to park almost two full blocks away since the parking lot was full. Dustin's parents were so overwhelmed by the number of people paying their respects. Hi mom looked like she hadn't slept in days. My heart just ached for her. I stayed about a half hour then went home and hugged my kids the rest of the night.
Today was the funeral. Some of the other middle schools in our district sent over teachers to cover for those who wanted to go. (I chose not to.) There were over 100 students who also went to the funeral. It just seems so sureal to us. Councelors will continue to be at the school until the end of the week. Christmas break can't come soon enough.
We are having a very quiet Christmas this year in the Spaulding household. My 15 yo dd is having all four wisdom teeth pulled on the 22nd. and my 11 yo ds is having five stubborn little baby teeth pulled on the 30th. Looks like puree'd dinners for awhile! Despite all that I am looking forward to laying around the house for two weeks.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and cyber hugs. The mean so very much to me. Bless you!
Amy
His parents are completely devistated as well as our school community. Grief counselors have been present in the school all day to aid students and staff. There is no way to understand what this young man may have been going through or to reason why he chose to do such a thing. It has been an extremely difficult day and with the Holidays upon us it makes it even harder.
Please keep this family and our school community in your prayers. On a personal level, I knew this young man and never had a clue that he was ever troubled enough to consider such a tragic thing as this. I've only just allowed myself time to cry now that I am home. I wanted to be strong for the other students. Thank goodness this is the last week before Christmas break.
Amy
UPDATE
The visitation at the funeral home last night was a very emotional one. When I got there, I had to park almost two full blocks away since the parking lot was full. Dustin's parents were so overwhelmed by the number of people paying their respects. Hi mom looked like she hadn't slept in days. My heart just ached for her. I stayed about a half hour then went home and hugged my kids the rest of the night.
Today was the funeral. Some of the other middle schools in our district sent over teachers to cover for those who wanted to go. (I chose not to.) There were over 100 students who also went to the funeral. It just seems so sureal to us. Councelors will continue to be at the school until the end of the week. Christmas break can't come soon enough.
We are having a very quiet Christmas this year in the Spaulding household. My 15 yo dd is having all four wisdom teeth pulled on the 22nd. and my 11 yo ds is having five stubborn little baby teeth pulled on the 30th. Looks like puree'd dinners for awhile! Despite all that I am looking forward to laying around the house for two weeks.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and cyber hugs. The mean so very much to me. Bless you!
Amy