For Matthew
Many of you know I worked in a second grade classroom this past year as part of my requirements to get a California State Teaching Credential. I really enjoyed every moment of it, and one of the reasons it was so special were the vibrant 7 and 8 year olds I got to spend time with everyday.
There was one little boy, Matthew, who wasn’t exactly like all the others. He was battling leukemia, and ended up spending much more time out of our classroom receiving treatment than in it. Although I didn’t get to see him that much that year, the times I did I relished his smile and knew he was so strong to be fighting something so terrible at only 8 years old.
I just found out that Matthew lost his battle to cancer on Thursday. I can think of no more terrible thing than to lose a child at such a young age, especially a bright star like Matthew.
My incredible master teacher Katrina, whom I learned so much from this year, has recently decided to do the Nike Woman’s Half Marathon in his memory. It was in her classroom that I first met that little boy with such a sweet smile. Now you know I’m in no condition to run a Half Marathon, but I can help her, which is why I’m posting.
I hate it when people ask me for money, because I know I am stretched tight as it is not working full-time. But I also forgive people for asking if they aren’t pushy, and it’s for a good cause.
We both know that paying tribute to a little boy who lost his fight with cancer is a good cause. So please, if you have an extra few dollars you can spare, can you send it this way? Maybe give up your daily latte tomorrow and donate the $5? I promise not to ask about it again, and we would all be so grateful.
http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/KatrinaWatters
Thank you and much love…
Emma
Matthew’s Page:
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=matthewtsern
Xposted to Myspace