›

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

In this Discussion

Working while sad

Cherry_PieCherry_Pie
edited October 2012
Most of you know that Andy died yesterday- he was hit by a car early in the morning and it seems that he died instantly. A nice man found him and texted me (my number was on Andy's collar) and he wrapped Andy in a towel for me when I was too distraught to do it myself. Mike, Jae, LT and her Bobby and I buried Andy in my front yard between a dogwood tree and a butterfly bush- a dusty spot where Andy would roll around.

Now I am at work and I am sad. What is worse than working while sad? I would rather work with a fever than a lump in my throat. This is the worst. I might have called in sick but it's parent/teacher conferences tonight- too hard to reschedule the six families that are slated to show up this evening.

This is going to be a long, hard day. :(

Comments

  • Loose_ThreadLoose_Thread
    Hang in there, Wanda. xoxoxo

    Only time can sooth that lump.
  • YoursTrulyYoursTruly
    I have been thinking about you all day and wondering about what it must be like to be at work right now. Driving into work I was thinking about you and Andy and just feeling so sad for you.

    I've thought a lot about how people go back to work after tragedy and how it must be so weird and impossible and yet you have to do it.

    You can do it. We love you!

  • LelandLeland
    Sharing your grief.

    You will make it through.
  • LelandLeland
    Take time to cry at lunch today.

    And if you have to cry in front of people, let it come and tell them why.

    It will be Ok.

    " "
    " "
    " "
    " "
    " "
    " "
  • kdawgkdawg
    I am so sorry.
  • UncleBoatShoes2011UncleBoatShoes2011
    Let's brainstorm ways to get through this day:
    Yell at students
    Eat your feelings
    Quickie with conveniently placed work boyfriend
    Show the children a movie (not Old Yeller)
    Puppet show (not sure what this one means, but sounds fun)
  • MirandaJulyMirandaJuly
    Really sorry to hear about this. It's such a horrible feeling to deal with. I agree with DrJ, allow it to be a part of your day, let people know what happened. I did this the last time I lost a pet, and it felt better than trying to conceal what had happened to me.
  • YoursTrulyYoursTruly
    Boat Shoes makes some great points.
    The puppet show could be about how much you hate being at work...

    you'll be home soon and can put on sweatpants and feel your feelings

  • swamp_knobbler_mahanswamp_knobbler_mahan
    Yeah, definitely take those crying breaks. Letting people know what happened is so helpful too. People will understand and be kind.
  • Loose_ThreadLoose_Thread
    Today is a horrible day.
  • the_owlsthe_owls
    I bet you could even tell your kids or the parents, people will understand.
    Teaching moment? Maybe too soon, for you and for them.

    Have a movie day, watch cartoons with kids!
    Ask them to tell you stories, the stories will be funny and awesome!
    Let them take a 2 hour recess.

    I'm so sorry for Andy, and how horrible it must feel. He has such a nice life with you, and you did a nice thing by burying him so specially.
    <3
  • joeyjoey
    I am so sorry!

    Like many people above said, the people around you will be able to relate to the sadness you are experiencing. Treat yourself kindly and tell people why and all the others will follow suit. We all get to have our special days, it can be happy days (your birthday, when no one is allowed to fight with you) or sad days of loss and mourning.

    If anything, this can bring you and your students closer.
  • Cherry_PieCherry_Pie
    I cannot hide a feeling so people at work are finding out fast. I told my students and then a million hands shot up to tell me about all the dead hamsters and fish and lizards and kitties that have saddened their own households, then round two where they told me about animals that had belonged to their parents but died before the kids were born. Part of me was like, "I don't care about your dumb dead lizard! It's not the same, Dummy!" But the other part understood that they were just trying to relate and show me that they understand sadness. Only one girl, Britta, raised her hand to ask questions about how I found out Andy was dead and what I did with his body. I like her more for asking. But yeah, telling the kids, "Now I might get teary today because I feel so sad. I know you will understand." And them nodding vigorously and with some degree of alarm.

    Ugg.

    Lots of sitting at my desk today and looking out at them while they work instead of actually helping them do stuff. Lots of shushing from afar. Not my best teaching day.

    Tonight though I will eat a burrito and watch the British TV show I like so much with my friend that I also like so much. That will help.

    No puppet shows yet but I like the concept. I did eat my feelings in the form of leftover Annie's mac and cheese. Found an interior design magazine from 1990 in the staff room and I read that instead of talking to the instructional assistants who were lunching in there.
  • UncleBoatShoes2011UncleBoatShoes2011
    Sounds like you are doing great, and by that I mean as good as you can.
    Keep on trucking!
  • flossy_log_ladyflossy_log_lady
    I am so sorry, W. I live just down the street, you know, if you need a place to walk to after you get home.
  • UncleBoatShoes2011UncleBoatShoes2011
    Why do you even have school, its Christopher Columbus' day!
  • Cherry_PieCherry_Pie
    A few of my students made nice cards for me at home and brought them in today- one boy got me flowers. Today felt sweet with the kids and I feel good at my job again. Still missing my critter though. Last night was lonely without him.

    Nine conferences tonight and then more TV and wine for me.

    #I'mgonnamakeit
Sign In or Register to comment.