Rest in peace precious Kaden

The day was beautiful. The news was awash with remembrances of 9/11 and critical analysis of what should be done and what has been accomplished to protect our nation. My little class of 24 4th graders knew about the day, but their hearts were burdened by the inexplicable death of the 3 year old brother of one of their classmates. The silence in my classroom was deafening. The usual morning chatter as they turn in papers and begin writing their agendas was silenced by the heaviness of their hearts. Sitting on my little red kitchen stool, I prayed with them and asked them if they had any questions. They were insightful, caring, and wondering. Answering questions the best I could, I remembered another day in a classroom where I had to tell my class of 6th graders that Brian's father had died and how Brian was coping. On one hand, I talked about heaven, the hope we all have of seeing loved ones again, and quoting Psalms of comfort and courage.

God was with me and with my class. We spent some time writing a letter to our precious Bailey and her family. God was good. My tears were mostly in check so that I had lots of opportunities to give hugs, smooth pony tails, smooth forehead furrows, and pat backs. Teaching is such a diverse career. All in all, God was in control. He had taken a firm hand on my precious students. We finished most of our daily work and were able to walk out of Room 9 with a hug, high 5, or a handshake and a promise to continue praying. Thank you little people for loving Bailey, and not losing hope. Thank you for your dedicated dependence on an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. Your are amazing, little people, and I saw God doing a mighty work in room 9 today.