it's just wrong...

A child should not die....ever. There is something fiercely wrong with the world when a child is taken away from his/her parents. I heard the terrible news yesterday. Jean-Pierre, a former student of mine, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in grade 4, missed the remainder of that year, returned in grade 5, missed school on and off for the following 2 years and had his leg amputated during that time. He would be entering grade 8 this year. He was my student in grade 5 and he taught me a lot during those 4 months. He came back to school full of energy, ready to learn... wanting to share every experience he'd had and participated wholehearted in every conversation. He showed no sadness, no fear and no self-pity. For what he'd gone through up until that point, he would have been justified in feeling so. Instead, he put on a brave face and did what he had to do. Live. He was such a sweet, strong and courageous kid. He fought hard.... for those who knew him, he has touched their soul. I am blessed and honoured to have had the opportunity to have him as a student. As a parent, my heart breaks into pieces for Jean-Pierre's mom and dad. I hope they're at peace knowing Jean-Pierre is with the angels and that his pain and suffering are no longer. I cannot begin to comprehend what they must be feeling during this time of extreme loss and sadness. No parent should have to experience that.