Ogallala

Yesterday Danielle as I rolled into Ogallala. We had been planning a trip to Ogallala for a while now, but unfortunate circumstances ensured we came back this weekend. Although we have been back less than 24 hours, it has been an emotional time. We have had the complete and absolute joy to have spent quality time with our food friends the Josjor's. we had the privilege to join hundreds of others in celebration of Emma's life. I had the opportunity to comfort and be there for many of my old students. What I have realized in the past
24 hours is that I miss community. I am excited for all of this to happen in Omaha!

Meeting disappointment head on

As I prepare to go to bed, it hits me that tomorrow will be the first time the students of Ogallala High School will be together since the tragic loss of Emma. Although she graduated two years ago, many students know her through her brother. For those of you who have been involved in the fine arts, you know that there is a strong community feel, and Emma was part of my choral family back in Ogallala. Many members of the choirs sang next to Emma, many shared the stage with her in productions of "Once On This Island" and "Seussical."

Earlier today I had the opportunity to chat with the choir director at Ogallala, and I don't envy him at all. "What do I do? How should I approach the situation" were just a few of the questions he had for me. I don't feel like I had a good answer for him.  The best answer I could come up with is an answer that some educators may not agree with, but I told him "Ask the kids. They will be honest." I think as educators it is important for us to show this vulnerability. To admit that we don't have the answers. To show raw emotion. Regardless of how Mr. Work handles tomorrow...it will be hard!

As I begin my spring break tomorrow, my heart will be heavy thinking about my "family" in Ogallala. My prayer is that God will shower them with understanding and wisdom. Although it is hard to think of, we must celebrate what Emma has taught us....as that is what she would want. Reading about Emma the past few days, a recurring topic comes up...and that is her smile. My prayer is that we can reflect back on Emma with a smile. I also pray for Emma's family as they prepare for her funeral, and continue to reflect on the past few days. I ask that those of you who are of the praying type...join me! Lift up prayers of praise and prayers of understanding. Ultimately, Emma will want us to turn to God and praise him and glorify Him through this experience as well!

Continued Reflections

Not sure how to start this posts...so I'm just going to type. I apologize in advance if it jumps around, but I need to get my thoughts out. 

This morning as I was driving Danielle to Lincoln for a half marathon she was running, I received a facebook message from an Ogallala student who graduated two years ago. Wynston told me that he had lost my phone number, but needed to urgently get a hold of me. I replied back with my number and he called me IMMEDIATELY! The minute he called, I had a knot in my gut, and concern crept in. Long story short, he was calling to let me know that a classmate of his, Emma, was killed in a car wreck late last night. At the time he called me, very few people knew about the accident, but Wynston wanted me to hear it from somebody rather than through facebook. What a great kid to be that thoughtful in such a tough time. After getting off the phone, I told Danielle the news, only to have to send her off to run her "enjoyable" and "warm" 13.1 miles. This gave me plenty of times to reflect back on my time teaching Emma.

I can't even begin to explain Emma. Honestly....all I can see is her GIANT smile. I had Emma in choir for her 10-12 grade years, and she was always bubbly and chipper. During my time at Ogallala, I made it a point to constantly greet the students at the door to my classroom, and they were expected to give me a hi-five, handshake, or hug. There were days that I DIDN'T want to do this, either because the previous class did not go well or I simply didn't feel well. Even on the days I slacked in my greeting, Emma would NOT. She constantly greeted me with a smile, making sure to tell me good morning or good afternoon.

Not only did I have the pleasure of teaching Emma in choir, she was one student who I saw a lot of outside of the classroom. Both in church activities and involvement with our school musicals, I was blessed to be around such a beautiful, warm hearted young lady a lot. Emma was such a pleasure to work with in the musical because we could always count on her to be positive. Even amidst chaos and stress, I could look up from the pit and there Emma would be, simply standing there and smiling. 

When I asked Emma what she planned on doing after high school, I could only hope for one answer...elementary education. God had molded Emma to be a motivator and a person who provides hope to others. Although God called her home before she had the chance to teach children for a career, I truly believe that Emma has taught many already!

That being said, here are some things that I have learned from my time either with Emma or looking back with a full heart on the memories she has left:

1) Don't underestimate the power of one. Emma has the ability to change your attitude by simply walking in the room. It is amazing what a smile can do to a cold heart!

2) If you are a student reading this blog, or anybody who would be considered "young": you have the ability to affect others. Too many times I hear kids say that they are just kids. Even if Emma didn't intend to be a changing factor, the life she lived did and will.

3) This experience has reminded me how much I love my students, and how much I want to see them succeed. Although at times I may be perceived as a grumpy bald man...I want NOTHING MORE than for my students to find success and be safe!

4) I have the best job in the world. How many people can go to their job EVERY DAY to have their bucket filled to the brim. I get to see the future on a daily basis grow. I get to experience youth making mistakes and stupid decisions, only to experience victories and breakthroughs the next day...all while giving them the opportunity to see that in me.

5) Life is about relationships. Period!

6) Don't take people for granted. Let those in your life who you appreciate know it. Write a note, send a text, give a hug. It doesn't have to be big...but it has to be done.

Below is a video from Emma's senior year at Ogallala High School. Although the recording quality is not great, I know it will bring many great memories back for those who were there. This was a special group for myself, and I know that Emma helped to make this group that the best it could be. In memory:

The call...

This morning I received a phone call that I knew was inevitable in my teaching career. Today I was faced with the news of the death of one of my past students. Those who aren't teachers will never fully understand what this feels like. Those who aren't music teachers (possibly having the same student consecutive years) can't comprehend the experience either. Honestly, I don't know what else to say. I've typed the students name numerous times, only to delete it because it stirs up so many emotions! Once I have some time to reflect and compose myself I will share more. Pleas be praying for friends and family!