I would say that this has been an exceptionally difficult year. For my blog readers, you are probably already aware of all the stress put on Josh and me from finishing up my master’s degree. But this year has also brought new life. Josh and I are preparing for our first child to be born in September. Several of our friends and family members have announced that they are pregnant as well. We are so joyous for this new life.
But this year has also had the death of three people close to the school at which I work. The first was a student of mine, Hugo. He died on January 27th suddenly from an epileptic seizure. His mother moved the two of them here from El Salvador early last year. He was in my Art and Crafts classes all year long (the only student the office ever allowed to do that). So, I saw him twice a day. I often saw him three times a day as well when I tutored him in math. He was a bright-eyed, joyful boy who could also be quite a handful. I always thought he’d be one of those boys who turned his life around and came back years later to visit. But, he died and I miss him.
Next was Christian. Christian found out that he had cancer last year and has been fighting the battle ever since. This year there came a point where he couldn’t come to school anymore. I did not know him very well, but many students at Hyde knew him well. He was the kind of kid who put others first and strived to be loving and supportive, despite his own bleak circumstances. When he was put on bedrest, I led a group of students to fold him a chain of 1,000 paper cranes as a sign of our hope and love for him. We spent our brunches for three weeks folding cranes. They were strung up on the ceiling above his bed and hopefully showed him encouragement and love in his final days. He died two weeks ago.
Sometime this past weekend we got news that a fellow teacher at Hyde died. Mr. Purdie taught 8th grade Language Arts. Known for his crazy antics and strange sense of humor, the students and staff did not take this well. We got news yesterday and had to read a letter to our students explaining his death. For my classes, which are 6-8th grade mixed, some students broke down instantly and others were confused because they did not speak English and did not know who Mr. Purdie was. It was an emotional, surreal day of listening, counseling, and trying to be emotionally stable enough to survive.
As I was reading the letter of Mr. Purdie’s passing to my students, my baby was moving and kicking inside of my belly. I felt his health, strength, and vibrance. The contrast between that and sharing the sad news of death with my students was overwhelming. I ended up having to get someone from the office to cover my class for a few minutes while I tried to pull it together.
I suppose this year has been a precious reminder of the beauty and sanctity of life. And the sense of wonder that any of us are actually breathing at all. It has also made me remember to draw tightly to those I love and to make my love known.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Hugo, Christian, and Alex.
Steph Lewis's Blog
Dear Ms. Lewis,
It’s been awhile, i’m not quite sure if you still remember me!
Your entry has really touched me, and I had no clue about these passings at Hyde Middle School. Your words have really moved me and my thoughts and prayers are with Hugo, Alex, and Christian’s family as well.
You must be going through a lot counseling students, while trying to control your own feelings. I’m sure you are doing great! I’ll be excited to come visit you when you come back with a baby!
Love one of your students from last year,
Justin Li
1,000 cranes. That’s so cool. What a powerful way for students to support one of their own.
Wow, that’s far too much for one school, let alone one community to have to go through.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Hyde Middle School.
Congratulations on your expectant arrival! I haven’t visited your blog in awhile so I was happy to hear about your happy news amongst the very sad news.
God Bless.
Kelly
Formerly of “According to Kelly”
Hi, Mrs. Lewis. I’m not quite sure you remember me in the midst of your hundreds of students over the past several years, but I found that you’re one of my most memorable teachers ever since graduating Hyde in 2005. Needless to say, you seem pretty much the same (whether that’s good or bad… I think it’s good) ever since then, except, well, pregnant. Speaking of which, congratulations!
I hope to see you again, someday.
Now the bad news… I’ve only come across your blog after searching for information on the deaths at Hyde. I hardly ever come out and say something sentimental on the internet, but I think I can make an exception this time. Unfortunately, using this tone with words to express remorse is unfamiliar to me, so I apologize if it seems stilted.
I knew about Mr. Purdie’s passing a few days before school let out, though I had no idea about the student deaths until I looked at the Wikipedia article (sadly). Mr. Purdie was my Language Arts teacher, so the feeling of loss is greatest for him (and the timing; I was looking forward to seeing him again when we, the Speech and Debate team at Cupertino, were planning to visit his class the last week of school), but I am saddened by Hyde lost two students as well.
Anyway, I want to minimize rambling coming from myself (so much for that), so I’ll finish this message: Good luck to bringing and keeping good fortune.
Sincerely,
Kellie Liang
Hi Mrs. Lewis. It has been years since I stepped into your classroom,let alone on any part of Hyde. Reading this entry of your blog has really touched me, and I feel deeply saddened even if I may not have known Hugo or Christian. I guess part of it is because I lost my friend in 6th grade too due to a seizure. And Mr. Purdie’s death came as a shock to everyone at Tino. I guess these tragic events happen just to make those of us alive realize how great a blessing life really is, and that we each need to preserve whatever time we have and make the best of it.
I am delighted to hear you are expecting a new life and I hope there is brightness ahead for all of us. May Hugo, Christian, and Alex rest in peace.
Christine S. (same grade as Kellie L above)
beautiful
Dear Ms. Lewis,
I am shocked at the fact Mr. Purdie died. I never ever imagined that was ever going to be something I would hear. I graduated from my senior year at Monta Vista, and I planned on going to meet all my teachers at Hyde who were such a great influence on me. But I didn’t even think of the possiblity that this could happen. Mr. Purdie always seemed so healthy, pray I ask how Mr. Purdie passed on?