Michele Lee Rausch

At the risk of these kids being completely horrified, I’m posting this video from 7 years ago. We had counselors come to my 7th hour that day to talk to them about the passing of their classmate, Mark. We cried for a while and then, we danced for the rest of class. Because, sometimes, you just have to dance.

I didn’t have a regular classroom. I understood that connection always had to come before instruction and, definitely before correction. Because of that, my kids learned but also I loved them all very much.

This specific freshman, 7th hour, English class of less than 30 students has lost three classmates in 7 years, two of whom passed within three weeks of each other last summer. It is one of the many heartbreaks of teaching— losing your kids.

BUT! Many of them, who I am still connected to, are doing great things now. A bunch of them graduated from college this year, some became parents, others are working fulfilling jobs, and I am proud of all of them.

I hope you are all still dancing. (Especially Mark, Amyah, and Caleb.) I love you all!

Journey of Joy

My dog Shiloh was my little bestie. She went with me everywhere. We traveled the country together. But her favorite place to be was my mom’s house. She loved her Meemo. Getting Shiloh to leave with me was a whole ordeal. But when I moved home to take care of my mom who had Alzheimer’s and, later, breast cancer, Shiloh was in heaven. She stayed glued to my mom’s side, sharing cookies and pizza and Chinese food (because that dog got whatever she wanted from my mom and, well… Alzheimer’s).

They died 11 months apart, almost to the day. I miss them constantly. I am sure, they are somewhere out there enjoying a snack and maybe a nap. Memories of them will always be one of my greatest joys.