Raleen’s Kids

Joni’s memory of Raleen

My eyes filled with tears and my heart broke wide open for her family when I read the post that Mrs. Cox had lost her struggle. Yes, at 50 years old she was still Mrs. Cox to me and I loved telling everyone she was my second grade teacher. Looking back, I am not so sure she appreciated me telling everyone how old she was.

When Doug asked me if I would like to say anything at her service. I was absolutely honored, at the same time, I have struggled to find the right words that really express how much she truly meant and still means to me.

It started out like another typical school year, but little did I know the substitute that walked in my second grade class would forever change my life and hundreds of little lives after mine. I really don’t remember what happened first, my father passing away 4 days after my 8^th birthday or Mrs Cox taking the full time position of our new teacher. What I do know, this beautiful guardian angel attended my father’s funeral, took me in under her wing and began her teaching career at Fairview. I remember many recesses inside grading papers, cleaning out storage spaces and helping Raleen. I always thought I was getting to help her, but what I came to realize, she was helping me deal with my grief in my own way. She was always there and knew what to say. She had that smile that would warm you heart, that orneriness that made you laugh, even when you didn’t want to and the best hugs ever! If you have ever had one of her hugs, you know what I mean. I remember every year getting so excited that a holiday or treat day was coming up, because it meant getting to go to her room to see her. The excitement started all over again when I found out my daughter would have her for 6^th grade. She retied the year my son would have had her for 6^th grade, but she was always checking on him to make sure he was doing ok. She always knew what her kids were up to and if they ever needed her, she did everything she could to be there for them. Rayleen had a passion for teaching and truly cared about her kids.

I remember visiting with Raleen the first time she came in to Starfish Project Foundation, which is an Olathe non-profit that my husband and I founded. She looked at me and said how proud she was of what we were doing and the person I have become. With a big smile on my face I told her, “I have you to thank and would not be the person I am today without you”. It is very important to me that her legacy continue on for many years to come. In honor of Raleen and her family, we have started a program called Raleen’s Kids. If she has ever touched your heart, we invite you to pay it forward with us on her behalf.

Raleen, you will forever have a big spot in my heart and I hope to continue to make you proud.

Forever your second grade student…Joni