Jack has always had a love-disdain relationship with school, mostly disdain, except in first grade. The night of his first day of school that year, he couldn't sleep because he was giggling too much , from happiness. Something about his teacher, who had greeted the children that morning wearing a sash, pageant-style, that said "WELCOME BACK!!!!!!" in glittery letters. Also, no student was allowed to leave at the end of each day without a hug from her (voluntary, of course, but there were no first-graders who didn't want a hug from the sparkly, larger than life teacher). I started volunteering in the classroom, and was amused to see that Mrs. Rice had the students give each other daily shoulder rubs, and there was always dancing. Nearly every day, she would give her students little pep talks about how it doesn't matter how much money you have, how smart you are, how handsome or pretty. The only thing that matters is your heart, and it is your gifts that you have on the inside that will give you a beautiful life.

Mrs. Rice was the kind of teacher you would dream about for your children to have. She managed to always acknowledge each child's personal gifts, and encouraged the children to express these gifts to each other. It was a well-behaved class, not because the kids were afraid of punishment, but because no one wanted to disappoint Mrs. Rice. She truly made the world a better place, and I'm sure the lessons that she has lovingly taught to so many will continue to make the world a better place.


Andree Rice passed away this morning from breast cancer, and now, I believe the world is a little bit worse off without her in it.