Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Mrs. Hanson has shown so much love and light, even in the four short years I knew her during high school. Unfortunately, highschool was a very difficult time for me. Mrs. Hanson was a huge part of such a soothing balm by being present and able to allow me to feel seen and loved in her class. This created a grounding effect that brought me back to my childhood, and allowed me permission to be a kid again,. I remember her and Mrs. Sullivan at our softball games, doing stats and cheering us on. They were constantly making jokes together. They were even laughing while wrapped in blankets holding an umbrella during the cold rainy games..
I remember her joking around with Mr. Downey and Mr. Uriarte with their covert mission to steal our flour babies and make sure we weren’t leaving them in our lockers. I felt the cherished family vibes of her hallway shenanigans with Mr. Moran and Mrs. Sullivan when they were in the classroom across from her. .She was also a sweet and constant presence with us on all our field trips and the senior retreat.
. I felt safe and loved being around her, which made a big difference in my life then, and always. Mrs. Hanson was also the epitome of how to carry oneself. With her beautiful popped collared shirt, pearls, and earrings, she felt like a fresh breeze. She also carried herself with high standards and self respect, a swift sharpness in not taking anyone’s crap. She set great standards for those around her and led with love.
I remember writing this paper in her class, “God is like the wind,.. you can’t always see it but you can always feel that energy,..” And I think in her class and around her, that is what I felt,.. love in action.
I work at a high school now, providing sports medicine care, emergency care, and rehabilitation to student athletes. I focus on being myself and creating a nurturing environment where the kids feel safe enough to be themselves and know they are loved and cared for during their time here. I also channel my authenticity, my goofiness, and my sharpness of respect and high standards,.. but mostly love. Sometimes, I ask myself where this desire comes from to be there for these highschool kids, to be my silly authentic self leading with these values. And then I think of Mrs. Hanson and other teachers at Mother Seton and how much of a difference she made in my life. Simply by being herself and leading with love, she taught me what was important in life, what truly makes one rich. She will always be in my heart. I am sending so much healing and beautiful loving vibes your way to you and your family. Thank you for sharing her with us always.
