Saturday, March 20, 2010

Difficult News

I haven't posted for a while now, and I wanted to let people know why.  My younger sister passed away suddenly about five weeks ago.  She would have been 30 next Friday.  I'm back at work now, but it is difficult just to get through the days.  I love my job, but high stress work is not the best thing when going through something like this, and it's been hard just to get the minimum done.  This has also caused me to rethink my priorities and how I lead my life, where I spend my time and energy.  I do plan on continuing this blog, and I will start posting ideas and lesson materials again, but I don't know with what regularity right now.  Thank you all for your support and understanding.

27 comments:

Ricochet said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers. This is awful.

Compassionate Friends may offer you some solace.

Be kind to yourself.

There are no real worlds which will give you any comfort - and I know that.

Ricochet said...

That should say real words

KFouss said...

So sorry to hear that! Your family is in my prayers.

Jason Buell said...

My sincerest condolences. I live/work close by so if there's anything you need help with don't hesitate to ask.

druin said...

I'm sorry to hear this - I understand where you are coming from 100%

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

sam shah said...

I'm so sorry also. It's unimaginable to me, and my thoughts are with you.

Always,
Sam

Shireen Dadmehr said...

Oh that's so sad. I hope there are people and situations around to comfort you.

Ms. Cookie

Sue VanHattum said...

I am sending you love.

David Cox said...

I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jessica said...

Dan,
So sorry to hear about your sister. I cannot fathom what you are feeling. If you need any lesson resources to get you through, just ask. Take care of yourself and my thoughts are with you as your life is in transition.

Matt Townsley said...

Dan, you're in my prayers. In a really interesting set of events, I drove by DCP yesterday (visiting SJ/SF from Iowa) and didn't make the connection.

gadfly1974 said...

My younger brother would have been 30 this May if it weren't for the stroke. It sucks saying goodbye so suddenly to someone you love.

Anonymous said...

You have my deepest sympathy.

Jonathan

iTeach said...

I am so sorry. I can't pretend that words will bring you comfort, but know that you are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine trying to do your demanding job while dealing with your grief.

Christy said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sister. My prayers are with you and your family. My own daughter just turned 30 this past week, and I can not imagine my life without her in it. Hold on to happy memories- be kind to yourself- let others help you out- remember what is really important in this life.

Unknown said...

I understand the trial that your are experiencing, the last 2 years each saw a tragic deaths very close to me. The students can care, but they very often don't know how to care and their responses to their teachers loss is often very awkward.

Am praying that you will find strength to meet each day.

joanne0@gmail.com said...

I'm so sorry for you and your family.

My brother Peter died at 42: His heart stopped beating for no apparent reason. It was a huge shock -- both immediate and delayed. It reminded me that we don't know how long life will be. One result was that I quit my job and wrote a book about DCP.

Anonymous said...

Dan, I lost my sister and father six weeks apart in 2004. I know what you are going through. It is difficult sometimes to just get up in the mornings, much less teach! My sister was also a teacher, so I kept her in mind each day, remembering the stories her students told about her in their classes! It does eventually get easier, but it will always be with you.

Ricochet said...

Thinking of you and your family.

Dan Wekselgreene said...

Thank you everyone for your words and your support. It's much appreciated, and helpful.

Sarah Cannon said...

Dan, I'm late reading the post, but still wanted to say something. I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I hope that you are able to take time to sort through everything that you need to. *virtual hugs*

Meg said...

You and your family will be in my thoughts. I lost my sister at Christmas. Like Paul said, the students do care and sometimes their sweet awkward attempts to cheer you up are the most adorable things ever. I hope each day gets a little easier.

Jen Muehlbauer said...

Sorry to hear this. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Don't be afraid to use those sick days, though I'm sure you usually try not to. Your students will understand (you'd cut them the same slack for a death in their families).

LSquared32 said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dan,
I am so sorry to hear this news. The daily and cumulative stresses of teaching are difficult enough to handle, I cannot imagine tackling those as well as such personal distress at the same time. Particularly when you put so much of yourself into your work as it is.

I discovered your website about a month ago...and I cannot tell you how much it has helped me. I am a third year teacher in a high-needs school, and your work has not only saved me in a pinch, but also reinvigorated my creativity as a teacher. I don't know if it is any consolation, but I hope that you are aware of just how far-reaching and incredibly helpful your work has been.

Be kind to yourself and don't worry about this blog unless it brings you comfort. You have already helped more than you know, thank you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

School Papers said...

I'm sorry . Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.