Lat Friday, while my students were in having construction tech. in the shop, I saw a parent at the front doors. I let him in. He told me that his grandfather had died, and that he was there to pick up his kids. I brought him to the shop, and he went in to get his daughter and nephew.

After construction tech., my students were peppering me with questions about why the two students had to leave. I told them what had happened in a very matter-of-fact way. One of my students buried his face in his hands and started crying immediately. I asked the tutor escort (something like an EA) to hand out the kids' snack. I took the crying student into the hallway to talk to him.

After apologising, and giving my condolences, I gave him two options. He could either wait in the hall for awhile, and come into class when he was ready, or I could take him to the office, and we could call home. He wanted to go home. I took him down to the office and sat him down on a chair. He was still very upset, so I offered to call for him.

After a couple calls, I tracked down his dad at the "Kitchen" (our local restaurant). I explained the situation, and he told me that he was going to come by and get his son.

The man who died was 88-years-old. He had been fighting cancer for a few years. His funeral is this afternoon. The whole town will close down so that people can go.