RIP Our Precious Johana

Today, we said "goodbye" to a precious friend,Johana Rachel Reyes Cruz. And, to be very honest, it really hurt! I have experienced death, & tragedy in my family, but will admit that losing Johana touched a little part of my heart that I didn't know existed. I say these things openly,not to get you to feel sorry for me or pat me on the back for being her teacher. Instead, I say these things to let you know that whatever you are feeling, the hurt or the anger, it's normal, it's real, it's ok. I feel them too. We will never have all the answers,just each other.

Before I close this post, there are two special things that came out of this tragedy that I would like to share with you.

The first came out of a conversation with Johana's parents. I spent every moment possible close to Johana's side over the last few days out of love for both her & the steady stream of Chrysalis students coming to bid farewell. Her beautiful parents kept thanking me both for being there & for loving her like crazy at school. It was then that I truly realized that I received a beautiful gift from Johana & it is I who owes thanks. I shared with them some of the many things she taught me & thanked them for sharing her with me. I really believe that I will carry that gift with me for a lifetime.

The second thing comes from the card that we placed on the flower arrangement the seventh graders made for Johana. By the way students, it was so special to the parents that they asked to take it home instead of leave it. Realize this is quoted directly & refers to the different parts of the arrangement

"Each flower in this arrangement was lovingly placed by the hands of Johana's seventh grade classmates at Project Chrysalis Middle School.

The white roses represent the innocence of a beautiful young lady who left our world far too soon, but made it a much better place by simply being in our presence.

The blue memorial ribbon tells the feeling in our hearts as we say goodbye to a cherished friend.

The brightly colored butterflies stand for the brilliance and the happiness she shared with us in her short time in the home of the Mighty Monarchs.

The white dove is the universal symbol of peace. Along with the sorrow in our heart, we feel peace. That peace comes from the knowledge that she will live on in our hearts forever. She will be there to encourage us in times of challenge, guide us in times of trouble, believe in us with every accomplishment, and someday we will see that beautiful smile again."

This post is way past too long so I will close with a much shorter thought. As bad as this hurts & genuinely stinks, I would do it all over again for the privilege of having Johana in my life!

Write it out, seventh graders.