This week (v. long)

[crabtree at ktc.com]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., triner918 at a... wrote:
*snip*
> I 
> just ached inside for them all.  They are in the second grade.  They 
> should only be concerned about their Accelerated Reader points and 
> not getting their card flipped in the classroom (part of a classroom 
> disciplinary system in many of the rooms) not war.   
>

I too am concerned about the children. Tuesday morning teachers in my 
school began passing word and rumors around to each other in whispers, 
trying not to let the students know what was going on.  We felt that 
there was no reason to alarm them before it was necessary for them to 
know.  Wednesday after they had seen the news, my fifth graders HAD to 
talk about it. We stayed as busy as possible to keep our minds from 
dwelling on it.  Since we are reading SS in class, I pulled up The 
Leaky Cauldron/HP Galleries on the computer and let them all take time 
investigating.  Yesterday we spent extra time reading SS. We have one 
chapter left to go now. They are so anxious to take their test and 
earn those Accelerated Reader points. 

*snip again*

> I am also very grateful for this group.  Reading all the messages of 
> support here (and on the KS list) has helped during this week.  
> 
> Trina

Today I went back to San Antonio to find the VF.  At B&N they told me 
that the news stand person was getting married today and that they 
weren't sure where the new ones might be, perhaps in the back 
somewhere. I told them I had driven two hours to get it and I didn't 
mind waiting while they looked.  They were really sweet about it and 
spent about 20 minutes looking before they reappeared with one copy 
instead of the two I had asked for.  They said they had found it 
stashed in the back.  I thanked them and proceeded to the register.  I 
was so happy until my daughter said that she hoped the new bride 
hadn't stashed it as a wedding present for her husband.  Yes, I felt a 
little twinge of guilt but only until I found page 300. I'm so happy! 
  

I just felt guilt and sadness for even saying I'm happy. I almost 
deleted that sentence with tears sliding down my cheeks. How can I 
feel happy when so many are so very sad? I understand grief. My first 
husband was killed in a car crash 25 years ago. I know we go on, and 
we even feel happiness again. Like Neil, I was in such shock that I 
didn't cry until the news clip was played about the changing of the 
guard. Now I cry at the drop of a hat. This group has been a great 
place to vent while reading everyone's posts.  

I will admit it; I WAS happy today. I felt a warm feeling in Kerrville 
where the Fire Department was out in the intersections in full uniform 
holding boots for people to drop in donations, where donation tables 
were set up at store entrances, and everywhere I looked people were 
wearing red, white, and blue ribbons and displaying "Old Glory." 
Except for Harry, Marcia and I would have stayed home.  Instead we 
also watched a couple of movies, The Glass House and Hardball, two 
great movies. We had a good day. We needed to get away from the TV for 
awhile. I am still praying for all of those who have lost loved ones. 
I hope you too can soon find something to be happy about. Like Harry 
said to Fred and George at the end of GOF, we are going to need 
something to laugh about.

Professor Phlash
CEO
Professor Phlash's
Flamboyant Floo Powder, Inc.