mykids--I am so sorry to hear about the loss. I can only imagine what the parents are going through. A friend of mine lost her three-year old daughter due to complications from the flu last year--it's such a rough ride. Was this their only child? Our town (Bertha's school especially) has been hit VERY hard by two parent deaths just these past two weeks. Not that any time of year is good to die, but at this time especially it's so hard.

As far as the $200 goes--legally it's a no, but in the end you did the right thing. If anyone were to give you grief, they should be ashamed. Though we all joke about our inappropriate "cemetary" in front of our school (trees with memorial plaques on rocks in front--the majority are family members of employees :confused: so no one even knows who they are, yet our PTA fronts the money under the guise of school beautification), perhaps a tree with a nice garden around it and a bench designated the "child's name quiet spot" or something would be nice.

I'm am beyond relieved that you're actually allowed in the classroom--I know if something like that happened here (God forbid) our children wouldn't be so fortunate.

Last weekend my son's second grade lost a classmate to spinal menigits (sp?). It's been a long week of hugs and tears ( a couple of us moms took turns going in to just be there for the kids and "Hug Patrol" - what their teacher called us!)
So being on the board I asked what we can do and in two days we agreed to give the family $200 to help with expenses (the money takes care of rental of the "hall" for the memorial service).

I have been with the school longer than any other member and all week I have been asked what to do. I've been strong and kept conversation etc good but I am here to say I DON'T KNOW. I'm not the President but most visable of the board. I just want to take care of my son's broken heart....I'm not even sure if the $200 was such a great idea.

Honestly, I feel like a turtle and would love to crawl back in my shell until January 3rd.

Thanks for listening....services are Sunday, maybe we'll be better once we can say good bye. I hate good-byes, espically to little 8 year old boys that didn't get to ..................