(I am holding the phone-my good friend is on the opposite end.)

This has been the most unbelievable day of my life. I have a good friend and colleague that has been bravely battling breast cancer for five years. She has put up a valiant effort in her fight and remained a dedicated educator until the end – her students always came first. She passed away last night. Although we knew this was coming and I know in my heart, that she is no longer suffering and is in a better place, it still tears my heart out.

12 hours later the unthinkable thing has happened. My best friend and fellow educator died suddenly and unexpectedly. This is beyond words. I cannot even fathom what has happened.

In twelve hours, my close-knit building has lost two of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, and loyal educators you will ever meet. How do you put this into words?

 Below is a picture of my dear friend who has valiantly fought cancer for the past five years (she’s looking in the mirror). This was taken at Relay For Life, May, 2007.