Sad News

[Dinger]

Hello everyone. Some of you might remember a sick little boy I told you about last December. His name is Dante. I was told that he passed away early this morning, at his home. His loved ones were with him. He was put into hospice about a month ago. I did get to see him on Friday and Saturday. I was at a Mohican Language Teacher's Academy which was held in a community center, near Dante's home. On Friday, his uncle brought him over to visit with the teachers. I was told by a family member that he was told a couple of days before that I would be there, and he wanted to come over just to see me. I was so touched. I was told he loved me, and I loved him too. I love all of my students. Maybe we're not supposed to get too attached, but I can't help it. Dante was such a sweet and loving kid. The next day (Saturday) I went to his home to see him. I could tell he was doing a bit worse than the day before, but I was able to talk to him, and feed him a little bit. He was not anxious to eat his food, which had his medicine in it. I made a little movie of his year at school this year, and even when he visited my summer school Packermania. I always take pictures, and I took some video too. On Saturday, we showed him that little movie. He was watching it, but was going in and out. There's so much more. Maybe I will share that later on. That's pretty much all I can say for now.

Rest in peace my little friend. Mrs. M. loves you, as do all your teachers.


Here is the thread from December:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=219&topic_id=16807

[midnight]

1. Dinger thank you for being such a thoughtful teacher and

friend to this young student.

[femmocrat]

2. I'm so sorry, Dinger.

:hug:

[Catshrink]

3. Oh, Ding. I am so sorry!

:grouphug:

[Reader Rabbit]

4. My heart goes out to you and Dante.

I'm so sorry, Dinger.

:cry:

:hug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Oh damn

I'm so sorry, Dinger.

[LWolf]

6. I am so sorry.

:hug: :cry:

[YvonneCa]

7. Such sad news. You are in my...

...thoughts, Dinger.

[Dinger]

8. Thank You Everyone. It's Been A Tough Day

Besides my little buddy's passing (I called him my little buddy), I got a call this afternoon that my dad (78 years old) fell while out for his daily walk. We don't know why he fell, but whenever he goes, his neighbor watches for when her returns. He has had heart issues and recently had hip surgery. He lives alone, but I live close by. My sisters live in Milwaukee, and my brother lives in Colorado. He broke his left hand and nothing else, which is good news. He was able to answers correctly, and seems with it, so to speak. He fell pretty hard, and his brain kind of moved in his head, so he has a small bruise, but the doctors said that looks like it'll be ok. I called everyone that needed to be called, and my sister is coming up tomorrow (I live in northern Wisconsin). My cousin in COO of the hospital he's at, so I know he's getting excellent care. He was glad to see that the Brewers were on t.v., so I made sure it was on when I left. I'm home now. Gonna try and rest and hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day.

Oh, last week my best friend's husband passed away. He had a massive heart attack, and died at 48. Her first husband died 16 years ago, at 37 of a brain aneurysm. I still can't believe it.

I'm gonna be fine. It's the families of those I care about that need all the good vibes/thoughts/prayers they can get.

Thank you again everyone.:grouphug:

[knitter4democracy]

9. Hang in there.

Here's a hug from me: :hug:

My mom always said that you know when you're a good teacher when you're specifically asked to go to the funeral (happened many times during her 35 years of teaching), and she's also always said that you should get out of teaching when you stop crying.

[Starry Messenger]

10. (((hugs)))

Dinger. Thinking of you.

[Dinger]

11. Thank You Buddies

:loveya: