This morning as we were getting everyone ready for school the phone rang. It was Liam's school and they had some sad news. Mr. Ray, the facilities manager at Van Arsdale died suddenly over the weekend and they were calling to let everyone know. I didn't know Mr. Ray and if I met him I couldn't tell you, but apparently he was quite a character and someone the kids adored. (Liam said he took care of things in the cafeteria although I'm sure he did much more then that). I told Liam the news and he listened and processed the information and went back to playing, but I could hear him repeating it under his breath "Mr. Ray died." We then proceeded to get our breakfast and watch the grey storm clouds overhead. Then suddenly, out of the storm appeared a beautiful rainbow and it stretched far and wide to the west. It was a beautiful contrast to the dark skies and blowing rain and I somehow felt it was Mr. Ray's message to all of the kids who had just heard the news minutes before.
When I pulled up to the school to drop Liam off there were lots of sad, crying boys and girls. Two little boys in particular were just sobbing and the other kids looked up at me and said "Mr. Ray died." I told them that I knew and that I was very sorry. I asked them if there were good memories they had of Mr. Ray and immediately the kids brightened and said "He used to try and steal my Oreos at lunch!" or "He was always teasing me and making me laugh!" It gave me insight into what kind of a man Mr. Ray was. I asked the kids if they needed a hug to make them feel better and they said "yes" so I crouched down and hugged them. It broke my heart to see them so sad and my respect and admiration goes out to anyone who has the daily task of comforting hurting children--I am not sure I could ever be strong enough to do such a thing. It was all I could do not to burst into tears myself at the sight of their grief.
I think it is going to be a long hard day at Van Arsdale Elementary...
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