Life is Fragile

So so sad. What a beautiful, bright girl. And she is gone - just like that. How quickly it happened has me reeling and in a strange state that leaves me detached and practically unaware in one moment to the next moment where I have a sudden realization of loss and death's permanence. This is her (on the right) in a lean-to on the AT - she was one of the members of the first group I took on the AT - she is a freshman here. This year, she was a junior and I had been noticing how often she smiled at me, always saying hello. On Friday while she was volunteering as an office aid, I had the sweetest interaction with her. She had so much in front of her and it is so sad that she is gone forever. This morning we had an all-staff meeting and when I saw my colleague - the one whom I have known since I was a sophomore in high school - with tears in her eyes walking straight toward me I stood up and hugged her for a long time. She was in an accident in high school with her best friend and her best friend died in that accident. Last night when I heard the news about our student, she (my colleague) was one of the first people I thought of. And when I saw her this morning, I knew she was hurting. But she is tough and beautiful and was simply amazing with the kids today. I was envious of her ability to help them process. I was horrible at it - and I know that I am - so I did not fumble through it, I gave them quiet time. With her experience and compassion she was able to help the kids greatly. I am so thankful to have her as a classroom neighbor, thankful to learn from her. I am grateful to have known Dani and am so sorry for those she leaves behind. She is loved tremendously. I hope she felt that love while living.