Losing Linda

There have been very few days over the past many years at Carmel that have broken my heart, but today was one of them. Today I had to tell our students that Linda Fannon, our friend and beloved art teacher, had lost her battle with cancer. Linda died on Sunday at her home surrounded by her family. She had refused earlier that day to return to the hospital and so fulfilled her wish to pass from this life to the next at her home with the people who loved her most. So be it.
I was in my office at school when I returned Bill Fannon's call. After hearing his news I walked across the hall to Linda's room--the 9-B homeroom she loved. Her presence in that room is overwhelming and it is impossible to tell where her things stop and Carmel things begin. They are and will ever be intertwined. There is artwork everywhere--some from many years past. There is still the upside down bike and the beautiful photo of Emily. There is a picture of Wish with no hair and several of Linda and Bill. Everywhere there are remnants of what Linda loved--color, beauty, the quirky and eccentric,the silly and the lovely. All the things in the room are connected most of all with the people she loved over the years...most particularly her students.
Linda was a teacher par excellence. She was personally talented and could teach those who were not. Most importantly, she saw in every student potential and she provided a haven where that potential could blossom. How many teen conflicts were discussed over pastels and charcoal? How much good advice was given while the smell of paint permeated the room? How many of you learned that service was part of life while making PB & J's for Beans and Bread? How many times did I observe her class and know that our students were experiencing the best that Catholic schools--any school really--could offer?
Linda was always known for her generosity and her optimism. Especially during her illness she set such a high standard for courage that it became impossible for any of the rest of us to complain. She was at school every day that she could physically attend. She said often,"We can do this." I thought she meant that we could get through the day or the particular problem at hand. I wonder now if she had much bigger issues on her mind.
About two weeks ago I went into the faculty room and found Linda resting on the couch. She seemed so small and frail and tired. As I walked in , she stirred,turned and smiled and said, "I am so happy to be here." It was one of the last days she was with us.
I have thought all day long about losing Linda. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and in our community that cannot be filled. So, I have decided to refuse to lose her. I know by faith that Linda is at peace and suffers no more. I know, too, that it is now our turn to learn from Linda and to honor the person that she was. In her honor, I choose optimism. In her honor, I choose hope. In her honor, I will be courageous. In her honor, I will teach. I have decided never to lose Linda and I hope you decide that too.

Living Through the First Week of School

I know that for most people, the calendar year sets the pace of one's days. Other than the big holidays, one week is very much like another. The experience of all those involved in education, however, recognizes that New Year's Day is really in September when the new school year begins. The pace changes and accelerates for students, teachers, and parents. Everyone gets up earlier, feels and is busier, and tries to adjust to the responsibilities of the school year. It is often a tough transition!
I am happy to report that all of us at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel made it through our first week with good spirits and enthusiasm. We had fun! It was Welcome Week which is sponsored by Student Government. The week included the Opening of School Mass, a Clubs Presentation, Honors Assembly,PTSA Back to School Night, distribution of yearbooks, and an ice cream sundae social on Friday at lunch. Every activity was well planned and added to the excitement of the week.
At the Mass on Wednesday, Fr. Bob talked about living in "hope" and acting out of our faith. He talked about really believing in our own future and making good things happen for ourselves and our community. Several students spoke, too, about how important the support of the Carmel community has been for them as they faced some difficult decisions and situations. I am always amazed and touched by how articulate our students are and the maturity of their thinking. A community of people who care about each other is a joy in happy times and a real comfort in difficult ones.
The Honors Assembly was great too. So many students who earned honor status for last term last year got Honor Cards. Mr. Naunton also recognized scholar athletes who managed to play sports and earn honors. Many of you know how many hours of effort it takes to be on a team and the exhaustion that accompanies that commitment. I was elated to hear that more than half of our athletes are also on the Honor Roll.
When the yearbooks were distributed on Friday, there was plenty of commenting by returning graduates and current students. Even they could see how much they had grown up in a year! Mr. Bunn and his yearbook staff did a great job on the book and it is overflowing with great photos. It really is a keepsake.
So, this first week of school was overflowing with activities not to mention it was the first week of classes--and the start of homework-- for everyone. No wonder everyone was tired by Friday afternoon!
Our Student Government really did a great job of pulling the week together without disrupting the classes. I am very proud to say that our SGA has been recognized as a "Council of Excellence"--the only one in Maryland, I might add! This recognition comes from following the guidelines of the organization and going above and beyond in terms of leadership training, organizational planning, and character development. I am so proud of our young leaders!
Though this first week of school was exciting, I am hoping for a little more hum-drum next week. Some of us (me!) are still trying to get up early and not fall asleep before the evening news is over!