In the Lou

As I’m packing my bags tonight to fly out for my aunt’s memorial service, I’m drawn to writing once more. This time, amidst my feelings of loss and shock, because I feel lucky. I am so lucky to have people in my life that are connected to me through friendship or shared purpose with what I am doing and are around to support me. I have received numerous messages from friends near and far about the situation.

What I really want to point out in this post is that several people who I have not heard from in some time or maybe ever reached out to me across time zones and continents to help completely fund my project at DonorsChoose. And while I will say it privately, I want everyone to hear me say thank you.

My intent in writing about my aunt’s gift was, in my own way, to memorialize her giving spirit and generosity. My friends have, through their actions, done so much more. I am really at a loss for words.

Today I understand what it feels like to be part of a statistic. As a teacher, I saw people turn my students into faceless numbers. They talk about them in a way that evokes no passion and calls to mind no important memories.

Today I understand what it feels like to be part of a statistic. Today, I became someone for whom the next statistic does now evoke passion and call to mind important memories:

On average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 39 minutes.

Today I understand what it feels like to be part of a statistic. Today, my aunt was killed by a drunk driver.

For those reading this, you may wonder why I’m choosing to talk about this here, on my blog. How does this personal matter truly extend into the realm of education matters?

Today, by chance, I checked on a proposal that’s pending expiration at DonorsChoose.org. When I visited the page, I found out that only one person had donated to the project: my aunt.

When my mom called me today with the news of what had happened, I was, of course, extremely shocked. But finding this reminder of my aunt’s good will and warm heart in the same day was for me the moment that I had to actualize she is gone.

I can’t thank her. I can’t email her. But I can miss her, and I can let everyone know that while the above is a statistic, today one of those people was a kind and wonderful woman who was snatched away from all of us way too suddenly and too soon.

Apparently, this interesting video from the folks at EDin08 has been available since January. Shame on me for not knowing about it.

Dear G…,

I wanted to write you to let you know how proud I am of all your hard work this year. You have shown that you have the ability to be an excellent student. Your hard work on projects during the year and your awesome grade on the end-of-year test are proof of your great potential.

I am confident that if you keep your head in the game, you are going to be able to find many successes in high school despite any challenges you may face. Additionally, I believe that you have what it takes to not only finish high school but go on to attend an excellent college.

Believe it or not, this stationary card is from my own high school graduation! I’d be happy to buy you your own set during your senior year of high school.

Yes, this is the text of a hand-written note I’m sending to G.

Yes, it really was my high school graduation stationary.

Yes, I hope he takes me up on the offer.