This morning, one of my students informed me Jonathan Pitre passed away last night.

He’s been a hero to many and although he didn’t get to live out his dream of seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska, his work may have paved the way for others to do so.

Needless to say, I put aside my lesson plan for the morning and we sat down to chat about it.

I shared my own experience about losing a classmate when I was their age.

I shared the pain I felt for students as chaplain when close people in their lives passed away.

Then I just sat back and listened.

Sometimes, that’s all that is needed.

When the clouds clear above my city, I will look to the night sky and think about the many lights shining down on us right now.