[lozza89]

It's no secret that I have been struggling a lot recently and been fighting to survive everything for so many years now, over 12 years now. But when I was 17 years old I started my VCE and met a wonderful amazing teacher who I was very lucky to have as my english teacher in both year 11 and year 12 - the last 2 years of high schhol.. talk about ending those years with a positive lol

Anyway I always struggled to talk to people and especially older people and she was old but with that came experience and a sense of caring and kindness and her wanting to help me but not because she had too.. just because she wanted to! I always found writing as being a good release for me as I have always found talking so hard and after the previous years writing and not even realising what I was writing about and then letting my teachers see it as it was part of my school work.. those past teachers never picked up on anything though, and my writing was explicit some times too this one though, Norma, she knew something wasn't right with me the minute she met me that first class in year 11. She saw me cry, she sat there and held me when I just needed a shoulder and someone to listen.. at one stage she even saw me having a complete mental break down which resulted in me having to take a whole week off school! Nothing was too much or too scary for her and she was just there you know?

She saved my life a few times and stopped me from committing suicide. She was just there always.

After I finished highschool I didn't really see her around but about a year ago I bumped into her - she had changed jobs and was now working part time at a job agency helping those with mental illnesses and other disabilities find work. I only saw her the one time though, we had apts to see each other again but unfortunately she was too sick to work even though she really needed the money and distraction.

We had a good talk and catch up though and I learnt that after I left high school she was transfered to the year 7-10 campus. She was bullied there, picked on by the kids, as a result she had to enter therapy and the world of psych meds to try and get by she had only just a few years before lost her husband and had no one. I wish I knew what was happening so I could have been there for her, just like she had been there for me. I hate myself for that.

Norma, the most amazing teacher, support, the kindest and most caring woman you could ever meet passed away yesterday. I am heartbroken. I hope she is out of pain now though, that she is now finally back with her loving husband and that she is out of pain.

Such a remarkable and inspiring woman should never have had to go through what she faced. Kids these days can be so cruel I mean seriously - bullying and threatening a teacher after she just lost her husband?! no one should ever have to go through that no matter who you are, or how old you are. Kids need to have respect and I don't know exactly how she died, whether or not it was her physical health.. but I hope to god that it was not suicide.

She deserved better, she deserved the best. She will be greatly missed and never be forgotten. R.I.P Norma

[kaliope]

i am so sorry that you no longer have this wonderful person in your life. it is rare that we have someone so special, so accepting, so caring to be there for us and help us in our time of greatest need. i am so happy that you were able to experience someone who accepted you unconditionally. you have someone to cherish and you will always have there memories with you and can remember her fondly and with love. never forget what se did for you,

i'm so sorry.

i can tell she meant a lot to you. you just need to read the first line even to know how much she meant.

a really horrible loss for you

hugs

[unaluna]

This is a beautiful tribute.

[lozza89]

Thanks everyone. Really struggling still with this news and I feel close to how I did when I lost Jackie and she was my whole world. Last few days been hiding away in my house with my 2 kittys but no matter how hard I try just can't sleep I'm at my parents place this afternoon and just want to drive back home or drink just to escape being away from the comfort and safety of my own place. I don't know.. seem to be pushing everyone away including a good close friend and my T. I tried to tell my T last night what happened but I couldn't and I just broke down in tears. It's just all too much right now and I just want I just need Jackie back..