Eulogy x
It’s been a sad time for the children’s school this week as they suddenly lost a much loved, much devoted member of staff. For many of the children (mine included) it was their first real experience of the finality of death and there was a real sense of loss and grief. So we were incredibly touched when we saw this beautiful tribute attached anonymously to one of the trees on the Common that we pass on our way to school every day. It was there all week, through all the rain and storms till it was hanging by it’s cellotaped thread. I couldn’t bear to see it destroyed any more so yesterday I left a note in it’s place to say how much it had meant to all of us who’d seen it and that I was taking it into school to go in a special place in the book of condolence.
Walking back afterwards I saw a lady looking at my note and removing it – I just had a gut feeling. I asked her if it was her daughter who’d drawn the picture..and it was..she wanted to give the note to her daughter to show her how much joy her picture had given.
I had hated taking it down but meeting her felt like a little bit of fate, a little bit of magic..and a circle complete in the best way possible: A treasure is always a treasure.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
That was incredibly kind, its hard for children when they first experience the loss of a close aquaintance.
It feels a bit like blowing my own trumpet but I know there are people who’ve seen or know about the picture and I wanted them to know it had gone to a good home and not thrown away, particularly as the note didn’t stay up for very long xxxxx
That is such a lovely drawing. Very sweet. Very sad story x
It must be strengthening for the family to know the love she inspired xxx
Oh, this is so sad–it must be tough on all the kids. I’m glad you could save the tribute drawing and make sure it was preserved–good thinking.
Something so heartfelt, so unique..so special..it needed to be recognised.. xxx
Children are beautifully direct. They move so much more quickly than Adults and absorb like sponges. This piece of life is an ‘eye-opener’ for them and has immediate impact. Your little friend’s outpouring picture was her immediate response to learning about death and shows the beauty of childhood. The simplicity of saying what you feel, when you feel it.
I agree. I love the fact she wanted to represent her grief in such a way..it was just beautiful.. xxx
What a lovely story. How thoughtful of you to do that.
We so wanted to respect what she had done and leave it there forever, but I couldn’t bear to see it one day trampled on the floor..it needed preserving xxx
Experiencing loss is so hard when you’re young, it was a lovely thing that you did 🙂
It’s a beautiful expression of sadness and celebration of life at the same time. Bless the little creative being responsible, and the other creative being who rescued it XO
I must second Jackie’s comment, so perfect. Wishing you all peace and a gentle weekend. So sad yet handled with tenderness indeed. Sending love and hugs xxxx
So sad for the littles to lose a friend and partner. Hugs to you all.
What a sad but beautiful;story Kate, x
Oh the bittersweet symphony that’s life! It’s beautiful to see grief, just as happiness, bringing out the best in humanity…xxx
Beautiful and sad post- love being passed around through delicate notes . Gives hope in humanity. Thank you xo
Sorry for those close to that staff member, including the students. Such a terrible lesson to learn about life. It does seem just right, though, that you met the mother of the pupil who drew the tribute.