[seeker1950]

I got a disturbing call this afternoon that two of my current students were in a 4-wheeler accident. Brothers, one 6th grade, the other 8th grader, and the older brother died, the younger now in a coma at Charleston Area Med. Ctr.

These boys were out of control and a constant problem for teachers. I was actually afraid of the boy who died, though he was very talented in Art, and one of the few I tried to advise about concentrating on his education, being gifted in Art, one morning grasping him by the shoulders and telling him so. The family is very dysfunctional, alcoholic, abusive father and downtrodden mother. I have had one piece of his art hanging on my wall all year since having him last fall...the only student whose work has hung like that. He is the only student in all my years of teaching that I actually paid to create art for me! I did so, seeing how remarkable his work was.
I am thinking I should frame and give this piece which has been hanging on my wall to the family, but not sure it would be appropriate. I don't know what is going to happen with the younger brother who is now in a coma.
Any suggestions about the piece of art will be appreciated.
Patty

[drunksunflower]

oh dear god

i am so sorry to hear that

4-wheeler accidents are ... they happen here a lot with kids (a lot of farms).

I think your thought of giving the art ... maybe is beautiful ... but maybe not yet? Maybe after some grieving is done first? They will be overwhelmed right now ...

kia kaha be strong

[seeker1950]

You are probably right, DSF...I can wait till next school year for this. I suspect the younger boy, who is in a coma, will be permanently disabled.
It was just on the local news, names withheld.
Patty

[drunksunflower]

i don't know what I would do, I really don't!

I just feel like you have something of value to them, but the way things are at present (acutely) maybe it would be better (if that is possible) to wait until the trauma has died down a little ...

I think it would be very strong of you to give it to them at some point when you feel they may be less overwhelmed by the rush of other people around them.

ONLY my opinion, others may have different views.

[seeker1950]

I think you are right about this, DSF.
We have an early faculty meeting in the morning before students arrive, and I will mention it there, but I think your objective opinion is correct!
Thanks so much!
Patty

[drunksunflower]

good luck and i can understand it must be totally awful to deal with.

xoxo

[sabby]

What a tragic story....I'm so sorry

For what it's worth, here is my idea for this childs artwork.

How about framing it, and donating it to the school to hang in a common area so that every student can see that regardless of their life situations, everyone has something to give to the world. It can be a reminder that even when someone has a difficult existence, there is still something beautiful within to be cherished.

Maybe in a few months, there could be a dedication ceremony in which the family is invited to. Like I said, this is just my own thought and it may not even be appropriate.

Hugssssssss
J

I agree with Sabau, if the parents want it perhaps they'll ask for it but I can imagine they probably already have a lot of his artwork. It seems to mean a lot to you. You can "keep" it by giving it to the school to hang in a common area like Sabau suggested. You really seem to appreciate his work.
((((((((Seeker))))))))))) I'm sorry you lost your student. What a tragedy.

[seeker1950]

Thanks to all of you for your kind and thoughtful replies.
We had ten crisis counselors at our school today, and the students were subdued and some genuinely sad and grieving.
Pickle, interesting that you should say that about the parents already having much of his art...Not the case at all!
These people are about hunting, drinking, four-wheeling and fighting. At the same time, our principal related how tragic it was for them at the hospital, the mother having to be hospitalized. I recall one student last 9 weeks commenting on the large quantity of guns in the house.
Still, I think they might appreciate something remarkable their son made in art class....though the suggestion that it be framed and hang in the school is a good one to consider also.
Another friend suggested that I might just keep it myself, since I appreciated something he had done which was unique to his nature, extremely redneck and rebellious.
I'll have to think on this.
I know I would really appreciate having something my own daughter created.
Patty

[bebop]

if this is the piece you had him do for you I would either keep it or donate it to the school. it really sounds like the family is very dysfunctional and probably would not appreciate it. I am very sorry for this family and you. it sounds like this kid had something to give to society one day. a very tragic loss indeed.

[sabby]

At this point, you don't need to make a decision right away. You can sit on it for as long as you want to until you can make the decision you feel best about. With everyone in shock right now, it's not a good time to make decisions.

Hugsssssssss
J