HEARTBREAK & UNITY

By Meg Hasten, Director of Strategic Communication

As a country and in schools, we have seen our share of crises the last two years. I have worked at All Saints’ Episcopal School for a decade and the last two years have been harder than the rest combined. Navigating shutdowns, health uncertainties, mask mandates, social/political upheaval and crazy weather patterns has left all of us scarred and scared. And then, last month, an unthinkable loss brought us together.

My second grader’s teacher, Mrs. Morales, went home with the flu the Monday before Thanksgiving break. As parents, we heard she wasn’t progressing well so the meal trains commenced while students and parents continued on with Grandparents’ Day, Thanksgiving programs and all the normal activities. Our Senior Chaplain, Mother Jill Walters, called me Saturday morning – Mrs. Morales had passed away. She was 41, had taught at All Saints’ for 11 years, was a lead faculty member, and she left behind a husband, two young children, and a classroom of second graders who adored her.

Mother Jill, Mrs. Koppelberger and our Lower School administrative team made individual phone calls that Saturday to each Lower School faculty member and each of Mrs. Morales’ current second grade families. On Sunday, I was honored to sit in on a small group meeting to work through the broader communication plan and the plan for reentry after Thanksgiving Break. Three administrators, two counselors and three chaplains sitting in a room sounds like the start of a joke, but there was no punchline. Just Kleenex and a lot of concerns. Listening to the group move through planning for what’s best for her colleagues and what’s best for her students, I saw the strength of the Lord on that team to simultaneously grieve and function as leaders. And, amidst sadness, I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to be part of a community where so many cling to the only true Hope.

In the subsequent weeks, I saw these individuals fight through their own deep sadness, and stand tall for their colleagues and students. Our counselors and chaplains provided resources, support, check-ins, quiet rooms, and homilies that gave space for mourning. They coordinated therapy dogs and extra professionals to be on campus for the first few days back. Our administrators provided substitutes, alternative schedules and routine. Mrs. McCollough, STEAM and Project Based Learning Coordinator in the Exploratorium, volunteered to be the long term substitute for Mrs. Morales’ class. As she knows the students, families and teachers well, she has been one of the greatest blessings in what could have been an even worse scenario. Parents rallied around a GoFundMe and offered multitudes of thoughtful assistance for the family. Mother Jill provided gentle and impactful direct emotional support to Vanessa's family and led the liturgies at both the family and the School services. Despite a long season of disharmony, I saw a School community united in support for each other.

In my role in the Communication Office, I use carefully-crafted words to promote our mission and build trust; the last two years have been difficult and divisive, and finding the right words has been impossible. The last few months have been heartbreaking and unifying, and the words have been easy and true. In Dr. Bird’s message to the community about her death, he said Vanessa Morales was a comet. She really was bright, above reproach, a shining example, warm and too fleeting. She left behind people, yes. She also left behind a legacy of fierce care for others. And I know she would be so proud of how we are loving each other well in her absence, leaning on the One who holds every tear.

ABOUT MRS. MORALES

Vanessa taught Second Grade for 11 years at All Saints’, was known for her colorful pens, pressed white oxford shirts and love for the TCU Horned Frogs. She was named a Fort Worth Top Teacher in 2021, served as a grade level lead teacher, and provided a steady presence and genuine smile for the entire Lower School faculty. She had a way of lighting up every student, making sure each knew she was their biggest cheerleader, and she was brilliant at calming the fears of anxious parents with a hug and listening ear.

“She embodied the best elements of her profession and the hallmarks of a Saint: Curiosity, kindness, selflessness, loyalty, intellectual and spiritual empathy, treating others with dignity and humanity, loving her neighbor as herself.” - Dr. Tad Bird, Head of School

Vanessa’s greatest legacy is the love she so freely gave to her husband, Eddie; daughter, Annabelle; and son, Christian ’37.