I have just been given devastating news... one of the boys I have taught at my school has passed away today. He was just 15 years old. He was fit and heathy, a great sports man and a fantastic student; a very bright pupil who had the world at his feet.

I need to embrace this life that I have been given as this news just hammers home that it can be taken away as soon as it is given.

I know you guys understand...

So sorry for your loss Coops, and thank you for the reminder to embrace life

How did he pass away? I am thankful for life everyday and I am grateful for the opportunity to have this surgery to have a better quality of life.

sorry for such a terrible loss! god rest his soul in peace!! and give you strength.

Aw, Coops. I'm so sorry for you and for his family. Losing a child is a horrible, terrible thing. The only benefit I took from it is the same as what you're taking away from losing your student: the knowledge that we never know what will happen tomorrow, so we need to live today to the fullest.

I hope you can provide comfort to your grieving students.

~Cheri