A Final Sunset

NEA Today, Apr 2006 by White, Carolyn, Kopkowski, Cynthia

Oregon teacher Suzanne Garman realized a lifelong dream on the beaches of Hawaii.

Editor's Note: Before completing this story about Garman's special trip, we learned that she had passed away after three years with cancer. Although we do not usually feature deceased members, we wanted to share her story.

IT WAS ON THE MONDAYS that her students and coworkers returned from spring vacations that Garman's wanderlust would really kick in. The middle school teacher in West Linn, Oregon, listened and imagined as they described beach expanses edged by crystal waters and towering, swaying palm trees. She loved warm places and the ocean and always pressed the returning travelers for more details.

But in the spring of 2002, distant islands were pushed from Garman's mind. Doctors diagnosed her with ovarian cancer. She had to retire on disability and leave the classroom behind. But her colleagues and students at Rosemont Ridge Middle School didn't forget her role in their lives. They decided that Garman and her new fianc� needed to see the exotic islands of Hawaii firsthand.

For months, they raised money selling soda and raffle tickets (the winners shaved the sellers' heads), and they sponsored an all-night slumber party, a fishing trip, and a shopping excursion. When they were done, they had raised enough to finance a 10-day trip for Garman.

During the fund-raising, an inspired Garman put even more energy into managing and fighting her illness. She ate more healthfully, read more, and drew good friends even more into her life.

Upon receiving $4,000 for the Hawaii trip, Garman was overwhelmed. "I don't think she really could believe it for a while," says Dennis Kuklok, her husband. "To see how much her students and other teachers cared for her was so moving."

Like many other newlyweds who find themselves in Hawaii, Suzanne and Dennis swam, snorkeled, and sampled the local restaurants' offerings-food plucked right from the surrounding ocean and farms. "We were lucky," Kuklok says, his voice getting quieter, then silent. Within a few months of their return, Garman's health began to decline steadily. "We wouldn't have had any more time," he says. "We thought we'd have more."

Garman died last fall at age 53.

That gift for connecting with her students was a powerful force in Garman's life. Even after cancer forced her to leave the classroom, Garman was unable to ignore her calling as an educator. Delving into books on conflict resolution, she made plans to volunteer at middle schools and teach students about nonviolent communication.

"Real teachers can't change," Garman said in an interview last year. "If you are committed to meeting the needs of the kids, that energy comes from somewhere."

-CAROLYN WHITE AND CYNTHIA KOPKOWSKI