See more posts at Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life .
I am participating in writing a haiku-a-day in the month of December. Follow the hashtag #haikuforhope on Twitter to read and join in.
I had news of a tragic death by suicide this weekend. A former student. A creative soul. An enthusiastic friend who loved without condition. Why? No one knows. Not even the ones who were closest to him.
I wish there were some way I could remain a person in my students’ lives, someone they could call whenever they needed someone to talk to without judgement. They enter my heart when they are so young, 8, 9, 10 year-olds who know so very little about what lies ahead, but they are full of curiosity and longing. I love them when I have them, then I have to let them go. They continue to grow and change and become grown-ups. I may find them again on social media, but there are no guarantees. I have to trust that the world will be kind.
I don’t think the world was kind to Walt. He never fit in, conforming was not a part of who he was or who he could be. He wanted so much more than the world could give him. I really don’t know what could have gone through his head to make him choose death instead of life. I need to let go again. I have to trust that he is where he needs to be now, in the arms of an angel in heaven who can love him forever.
Reflections on the Teche 
I’m so sorry that your student couldn’t stay. What sadness we hold after the news. I’ve been wondering what the best way is to share the #haikuforhope. I was collecting them for a blog post on Friday. But, I think its better to share daily as a habit.
I’m following Mary Lee’s lead. She’s posting daily. I may not be able to keep it up, but for now, it’s working to keep me noticing and writing. Thanks.
Oof, how hard, how sad. Your words really resonated today. So hard to see loved ones suffer.
So tragic. Our world is not kind to those who are different. Fear rages
The world is unkind for those who are different. I’ll so sorry.
I’m sorry to read about your dear student, Margaret, and hear your grief. Blessings for him and his family.
Oh, Margaret, my heart aches. There are few rewards for being different and it often brings such pain. So much pain that they must leave.
Losing a student is heartbreaking, especially when it is a suicide. I am sorry.
“Tell me why he chose to leave” – Oh, Margaret. I am so sorry to hear this news about your student student. May you continue to trust and find hope as you think about Walt. So hard.
Empty arms await… There are just no words. This is beautiful in the midst of such sadness.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss and the unknowing. You say something really important in this peace – our society students, kids, and teachers, and adults need to learn to listen without judgement. We can do that by validating without agreeing or disagreeing to support each other.
The news of past students comes shiny with hope or sometimes dull with ache. May earth become a little for unlimited for the likes of Walt…
It is tragic when a person commits suicide.