A CROSS for MOLLY


Last Wednesday Lucy, (a classroom teacher at Te Uku School) and I were in her classroom before the start of school. We looked up to see a large group of her students slowly and respectfully approaching us. 
One of the students was carrying a cross. It was beautifully painted cross with a white background, bright flowers, a star and a love heart. On the bar of the front of the cross was written ‘In Loving Memory of Molly Dog’ and on the back were the names of the students in her class. 
The cross was carefully handed to Lucy with young eyes watching in anticipation. With tears in her eyes and a breaking voice Lucy thanked them all for their kindness and caring at the passing of her beloved west highland terrier. The compassionate connection between teacher and students was palpable. 
Lucy shared with me this morning that Molly was a loyal, kind and mischievous member of their family. When Lucy was teaching in Auckland Molly gravitated to the tough boys. These same boys would read to her as they also recognised that Molly was patient and a bit special. One of Lucy’s daughters learnt how to walk by holding onto Molly’s tail! 
Fifteen year old Molly Dog is deeply missed by Lucy, her husband Kevin, daughters Emily and Molly and Maggie the dog. The agony of loss and the comfort of shared humanity was expressed beautifully during those few minutes in the classroom. 
Thanks Room 5 students.

Comments

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