Last Friday JO and I decided to head into the Square and watch Princess Bride at the Brattle. We ended up being pretty early so I decided to kill some time by reading the Life section of USA today. I clicked on the tab and was greeted by the news that one of the Farrelly brothers' children had died. I immediately panicked. I had had one of their children, Jesse, in 4th grade back in Duxbury. I quickly clicked on the link and found out that it was in fact Jesse Farrelly who had died. To say I was shocked was an understatement. The entire night all I could think of is how this amazing kid was gone.
Jesse definitely ranks in my top 10 favorite students of all time. I still tell Jesse stories to this day when I think of my past teaching experiences. I had taught Jesse for a good three months before I found out his father was Bobby Farrelly, the famous movie director. He had written his MCAS practice story about going to visit Gwenyth Paltrow on a movie set and I was complaining to a colleague about how exaggerated the story was. After my rant my colleague laughed hysterically as he tried to explain to to me that the story was in fact true. I had no idea. Jesse was so down to earth, so well adjusted. His mom would spend hours in the room each week volunteering her time to photocopy, hang up projects, etc.
My other favorite Jesse story is one I still tell my kids today in preparation for field trips. We had gone on a field trip and Jesse was assigned to my group. We were at the Harvard Natural History Museum and we were heading to a different wing of the museum. When we arrived at the next exhibit I realized Jesse wasn't with us anymore. I frantically ran back through the museum looking for him, the whole time imagining how I was going to be the top story on Entertainment Tonight because I lost Bobby Farrelly's son. Come to find out Jesse just wanted to be in a different group. I had to explain to him that you had to stay in your assigned groups.
Most of all though I remember how happy, friendly, and kind Jesse was. He was an amazing kid and a true joy to teach. He loved coming to school and he always worked his hardest. He also knew when you were a little stressed and would say just the right thing to make you laugh.
I don't know what changed for Jesse between 4th grade and now. I hope he is in peace now and I hope his family finds a way to move forward and remember all the great things about him. He truly was special and I am so lucky to have had the chance to be his teacher. Rest in peace Jesse Farrelly- you will be missed.
