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SOMETIMES IT HURTS

Submitted by Jono on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 18:37.

steph2 (2) In 2001, fresh out of University, with a new haircut and a second-hand suit, I commenced teaching grade 3 at Pacific Hills Christian School. Thirty 8 and 9 year olds were entrusted to my care for a year. I loved that year. One of those wonderful students was Stephanie Evans. Every day she was cheery, smiley and polite. She was a hard worker. She always put in a good effort. I guess she was the sort of student teachers dream of having. She had an older brother, good at sport, good looking and also a friendly person. Both of her parents were involved in school life.steph

This year while casual teaching at PHCS, during playground duty, a high school girl jumped up and said, "Hello Mr Miller!" It was Steph. I think the first thing I said was, "Wow, I didn't recognise you with make up!" We had a brief conversation. It was a pleasure to reconnect with a past student.

Now I'm 10 000 miles away and I hear the tragic news of a life cut short. It hurts. I feel as if I'm writing this blog for myself.

But to the Evans family, I send you my love. To my former 3M students - thank you for everything you mean to me. Stand strong together now. Support each other, pray for each other. To fellow colleagues who taught Steph, I hurt with you.

I opened my Bible and God placed this verse upon my heart: Psalm 121:1-2 "I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Love Jono (AKA Mr Miller - and Jeff)

Keep Looking Up

hey Mr Miller My name is

Submitted by Declan Pucek (not verified) on Thu, 25/09/2008 - 19:03.

hey Mr Miller

My name is Declan i was in your 3M class
hope you have been well.
You were a great teacher, you made ever lesson fun!
Thanks for year 3 mate you made it amazing.
it's such a shock how Steph has gone to be with God,
such an amazing girl who myself and everyone had
great memories with. But for the life she had she was
always happy and lived life to the most.
I went to the memorial service for Steph today, it
was great to see so many people there to support
the Evans family and also to see remember Steph's
amazing life.

Declan Pucek

Hey Declan, wow - great to

Submitted by Jono on Fri, 26/09/2008 - 05:51.

Hey Declan,
wow - great to hear from you - even if it is tragic times that reconnect people.
glad you liked 3M - I liked it so much I stayed in grade 3 for three years in a row - lol
I'm glad you could be at Steph's funeral, I thought about it a lot today. Let's not forget to pray for the Evans family in the days ahead. And also for the Howe family too.
And Jeff would like to remind you "we want jelly doughnuts!"
Jono
Keep Looking Up

Spot on Mate, Thanks for

Submitted by Tim Groves (not verified) on Fri, 26/09/2008 - 21:56.

Spot on Mate,

Thanks for the blog and the photos of Stephanie. 6 years have flown and I could only remember her smile and her attitude to life. She was such a beautiful kid. May God bless those who mourn.

Tim Groves

I think it was I that gave

Submitted by Tim Groves (not verified) on Fri, 26/09/2008 - 21:58.

I think it was I that gave you that shave in the 4th picture at the top of your page. Nice one!

Grovesy good to hear from

Submitted by Jono on Wed, 01/10/2008 - 04:10.

Grovesy
good to hear from you - that was one good shave!!

it dosnt feel like steph has

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2009 - 17:51.

it dosnt feel like steph has gone...
it hasnt settled on me that she is gone :'(
you arrive at school and think you'll see steph...but you dont.
in january, mr evans was on t.v .
telling about drink driving....
i cant imagine what mr and mrs evans go through each and everyday.
they will never see her at her formals....
never seee her wedding :(
and than you wonder, why God takes people like that?
she was suck a lovely girl...!!?

its march now... and it sucks.

I'm with you. It was amazing

Submitted by Jono on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 02:31.

I'm with you. It was amazing to see Mr and Mrs Evans in January, and just even try to feel their pain.
it's not fair
and there are no magic words
you are right - it sucks

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