Vale Rhonda

last thursday evening one of percy's carers/teachers from her child care centre was tragically struck by two cars while walking home, and died. rhonda was a loud and lovely woman muched appreciated by her charges and their parents. sure, she had grumpy moments, don't we all, but she cared so much and was always the first to comfort upset kids, read stories and encourage all activities.
rhonda had no children of her own, tho with a number of nephews and nieces and all the children she looked after and taught at sdn i'm sure she's cared for more than most people ever will.

i wonder whether percy will miss her? i explained to her that rhonda would not be at day care today. i did say that she had died. i don't think percy has the foggiest idea that life ends and sometimes you'll never see a person again because they have died. i also don't think it necessary to sugar coat death to young people. she'll work it out eventually and we'll be nearby if she needs us for anything. she does still ask about a little girl that moved away back in august. perhaps she does remember people well and is curious why she doesn't seem them any more. is she also sad? i explained, as best as able, that abby had moved to perth, which is a place far too far away to visit from.

the rest of the centre staff certainly miss rhonda and grieve for her. i got a call from the centre manager asking if we could pick percy up again on friday morning as services would not be up to par that day. it was a very sombre feeling in the treetops room this morning too when percy and i arrived. i hope the day is going well.

vale rhonda, i know there is a dykes on bikes ride starring you going on somewhere right now.