[RC] re: fall is here, another perspective-OT - Cindy Collins
Every day of every season is a precious gift. Yesterday, a very special little girl, who came into my classroom for less than a month, died from complications following a routine surgery. This little girl was a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. She and I were born in the same town, Hammond, Louisiana. What are the chances of that! An aunt took on custody and care of her after her transient, troubled mother was deeemd unfit. This little girl had been severely neglected and often abused in her short 12 years. She finally had a stable home and appropriate educational support. She had never been in regular classes or part of the mainstream of school life until she came to us. She had her very own lap top computer, as do all of our students, and she was so proud of it. She made videos of herself and now those are so precious to us and to her family. I was excited about winter coming because she was so excited to see the snow and wanted to learn to ski. I was hoping to get her involved in Special Olympics. Today we are in mourning here at Cody Middle School. I just cleaned out her desk and locker. I'm not looking for any platitues. I know them all, just need my time to mourn and the endurance ride community is part of my extended family. Rejoice in every season of life if you can.
